Agio to debut at High Point Market

Invites traditional furniture retailers into outdoor category

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 2/27/2012 9:35:00 AM

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HIGH POINT, N.C. — For the first time, Agio International will exhibit a selection of outdoor furniture collections at the spring High Point Market.
Agio officials credit traditional furniture retailers who have recognized the benefit of adding outdoor collections to their product mix as the motivation behind the manufacturer's entry into the High Point marketplace.
"We are coming to High Point for the first time because we know there are indoor retailers who are ready to go into the outdoor casual category," said Bob Gaylord, president of Agio.
"They're creating an entirely new category within their stores," Gaylord said. "If an indoor retailer is ready to make the jump into outdoor, we want to be there to discuss the opportunity with them."
Agio's presence will be evident throughout the market. An 1,800-sq.-ft. temporary showroom (#1512) has been leased at Showplace as well as a display outside in the garden area between Showplace and the International Home Furnishings Center. Finally, Agio will provide outdoor sets for attendees at hospitality events at "Sunset on 3" on the Showplace's third-floor balcony.
Agio representatives feel strongly that showing at High Point will give the brand even greater penetration into the market of traditional furniture retailers.
"As the furniture stores continue to embrace the outdoor furniture category as a viable part of their mix, it now makes sense for us to exhibit at High Point," said Andy Sokol, Agio VP, sales/furniture stores. "We want to give the furniture store buyers easy access to our company and High Point provides us with a wonderful place to introduce ourselves and our line."
While visitors to Agio's showrooms and exhibits at High Point will serve as a formal introduction to the brand and allow buyers to visualize what its outdoor furniture department may look like, Gaylord plans to remind visitors that what they'll see is just a taste of the manufacturer's entire catalog.
"We recognize most of these retailers don't currently attend our Chicago markets," Gaylord said. "However, indoor retailers who are really serious about entering the outdoor category really need to attend the Casual Outdoor Market in September."
The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market in Chicago each fall includes approximately 60 permanent showrooms and more than 300 temporary exhibitors and represents the entire industry.
Agio owns and manufactures products under the Agio, Patio Embers, Disney Resort Collections, Agio Select Brand and Agio Reserve brands, in addition to its international brands. For more information, visit www.Agio-usa.com.