Market matters

Cinde W. Ingram & Nicole Crews -- Casual Living, 11/3/2011 5:23:06 AM

The fall High Point Market, Oct. 22-27, was marked not only by a stellar showing of outdoor product and showroom expansions but also by a newly launched fundraising campaign that highlighted a different charitable cause each day of the show. Six Causes that Matter included City of Hope, Susan G. Komen, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, the National Furniture Bank and Open Door Ministries. We salute International Market Centers and the High Point Market for mixing the pleasure of positive impact with business.

"It was getting better but now it seems to be plateaued waiting on the economy and the political mess to get straightened out. Dealers are still doing business, but they are a little more hesitant. Orders are coming in at a decent pace. If there weren't so much uncertainty, I think it would be better. For the next season, if we have nice weather we can overcome both the economy and the election."
Dudley Flanders, president/CEO, Lloyd/Flanders

POLaRT makes its outdoor debut with molded plastic period furniture in a bold spectrum of brights.	The Sparta from Skyline Design debuts for the first time in all its vaulted glory.
The Aurora from The Rug Market America brings a brazen interpretation of pink and green to a glam outdoor floor covering.

"The people here are serious buyers. They know how the line fits into their category. We just need to see more of them."
Randy Meek, president, Oxford Garden

The teak Spiral from Seasonal living is shown in chic gray and paired with two-tone ceramic tables that serve up a punchbowl of color.	The indoor/outdoor rocking bed from Shiner International features one of the company’s in-house line of Latex mattresses.
The Kaleidoscope Collection from Elaine Smith is a mosaic of color and pairs with Sunbrella’s top-selling solids in Vellum, Palm, Wheat, Spice and Cocoa.

"The casual industry is still very cautious. We're in the midst of our early-buy commitment program. It's too early to tell about the season ahead."
Charles Hessler, executive VP, Barlow Tyrie

Pillows add color and an outdoor message without competing with the neutral fabrics of the WeatherMaster collection at the Lane Venture showroom.	Z-Line Designs’ outdoor furniture hits High Point for the first time with a power play of excellent design and fashion-forward styling.
Mix and match fabric stories meld for a sectional of distinction at Kannoa.

"Everybody's still cautious, but the ones who have pulled through are ready to buy and move forward. Pelican Reef is excited for 2012 and Pelican Reef is ready for 2012. The Panama Jack response has been phenomenal anywhere there is a coastline. We're ahead of the game, and we'll be introducing two more collections next year."
Allen Calzadilla, president, Pelican Reef