Casual furniture sources expand at High Point

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 8/20/2010 3:19:42 AM

THE NUMBER of casual furniture manufacturers will grow at the next High Point Market. In addition to new exhibitors, long-time players are taking larger, higher profile positions.
     Laneventure plans to move its International Home Furnishings Center showroom to the first floor of the building's Main Wing. It will become a neighbor of fellow casual major Brown Jordan, which is remodeling its first-floor Main space. The company will do a "high six-figure" remodel, the IHFC said.
     Summer Classics plans to exhibit in High Point for the first time at the Oct. 16-21 market. The 25-year-old Montevallo, Ala.-based manufacturer will show a diverse line of products including handwrought and cast aluminum, weather-resistant wicker, outdoor fabrics, decorative accessories and imported indoor furniture in IHFC space W-168.
     Caluco, based in San Fernando, Calif., also will appear for the first time in High Point at the PCH Showroom. Founded in 2003, Caluco designs and manufactures 17 lines of high-end aluminum, teak and all-weather wicker.
     Universal Furniture PT, one of Indonesia's largest casual furniture sources, plans to expand its High Point displays in IHFC space H-534.
     "More furniture stores and designers shop High Point, so it's only logical for more casual producers to show in the IHFC to tap that channel," said Tom Mitchell, IHFC president and CEO.
     Brown Jordan is making improvements to its showroom in space M-111. "We view High Point as critical to our marketing strategy, so we are committed to being there in a dynamic way," said Steve Elton, vice president of sales and brand opportunity. "It is the only show where all the major furniture store buyers attend."
     In addition to Laneventure and Brown Jordan, exhibitors Barlow Tyrie, Uwharrie Chair, Janus et Cie and Veneman Collections are also on the first floor of Main Wing. In InterHall, also on the IHFC's first floor, buyers will find Gloster Furniture, Kannoa, Kingsley-Bate, Selamat Designs, Artesia and Ancient Mosaic Studios. Whitecraft and Acacia Home & Garden are on the third floor of the Wrenn Wing, while Fishtales and Mainly Baskets are in Pavilions on Main 3.