New River Casual Furniture, iGarden OK distribution deal

Will provide direct access for retailers

-- Casual Living, 11/14/2005 8:06:00 AM

New River Casual Furniture reached a mutually beneficial and collaborative agreement to acquire exclusive retail distribution channel and existing inventory of iGarden Dabol-manufactured products from DLH Nordisk, effective Nov. 1.

Inventory of the Brazilian cherry furniture collections is immediately available and shipping will shift from iGarden’s Greensboro, N.C. facility to New River’s Williamsburg, Va. distribution center. Already the sole supplier of these furniture collections, Dabol’s emphasis will continue to be quality, service and reliability. With synergistic effort and support from Dabol, New River and iGarden, plus their dealer commitments, the shift in distribution will make a seamless transition. “This collaborative agreement is great for the casual retailer because it not only broadens New River’s product mix available from New River, but gives them better branding potential and direct access to one source for in-store merchandising and increased-volume discounts,” said Michael Mettendorf, New River vice president of sales and marketing. “Without a doubt, New River Casual Furniture’s retail presence will grow significantly in the casual industry.” “This is also a great opportunity for iGarden and parent DLH Nordisk to focus on their other core furniture line from Tramontina,” said Jacob Boles of iGarden. “The same quality furniture that iGarden customers have come to expect will still be available to dealers through New River Casual Furniture. Our customer will continue to benefit by service-oriented relationships with both iGarden and New River.” Upon obtaining the iGarden agreement, New River Casual Furniture adds to their existing line an already well-received collection of deep seating including sofas, loveseats, cushioned lounge chairs, an extensive Adirondack collection with foldable and adjustable backs, plus multiple dining and conversation table collections. An extensive, high quality cushion program has been established through two very successful companies, Laurie Bell, LLC, located in Greensboro, N.C., and Sandra’s Cushions from Verona, N.C. New River and iGarden products are made from 100% genuine, natural Brazilian Cherry also called Jatoba. Products are available in oiled and natural finishes, or painted in white, black or green. Jatoba is 238% harder than teak and weathers with much the same characteristics. For more information about New River, please contact Deanne Flanders at 423-875-2816.