We hope customers are spending some of their money in your stores as they spend more time at home in summer. Here's what our Research Director Dana French has to say about how the trend may improve your business:

“This summer, ‘Staycations’ are the hot new rage,” according to Susie Coelho, host of HGTV’s Outer Spaces. www.casualliving.com/article/CA6666252.html Coelho goes on to say, “Many consumers are opting to vacation at home, earmarking those savings for home improvement projects.”

Recent figures from the National Retail Federation’s “Independence Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey” show that 44.5% of Americans will change their usual Fourth of July activities this year due to higher gas prices. And, onl...Read More

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The casual season is upon us. Wish it were more beautiful on the economic side.
What I'm hearing is outdoors living areas continue to attract attention from folks who are tired of the gloom and doom indoors. Are your customers responding like that?
Where do you see opportunities to emerge from this downturn in a strong position? Are you changing your distribution mix or categories your business carries? 
We know there are changes going on all around us. What are you doing to capitalize on them?
You can respond by blogging or via e-mail at cwingram@reedbusiness.com. Whether you're a retailer, manufacturer, supplier or other casual industry player, I'd like to hear your view.       

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While consumers are watching their wallets closely, many are finding increased value in entertaining outdoors at home. Some are even investing in products to help bring friends and neighbors together to share drinks, activities and burgers (or other grilled foods) in a relaxed atmosphere at home.  
The NPD Group's market research recently reported the Outdoor Entertaining Trend continues to grow in spite of the ongoing economic slump (see related article on our Home Page.)
Nearly half of the consumers who said they entertain outdoors at home also bought related product in the past year. That's good news for our industry.
This week's High Point Market, which reflected weakness in the overall economy and home furnishings industry, also showed some bright ...Read More

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Thursday is the deadline for you to submit photos of your store to be considered for one of our annual Merchandising Awards.
Don't let it slip past.
We've received a few photos from retailers to compete in our new first-time entry category, and a few from those who entered previously. 
Have you sent yours?
If you're a sales rep who visits stores regularly, have you encouraged the best ones to send in a few photos?
Now is the time to send your photos to CLedit@reedbusiness.com
Hope to see you in the winner's circle.  

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At last week's HPB Expo in Reno, Nev., Team Grill launched its line of barbecue grills branded with logos and colors of popular college sports teams. It took six years to develop, but had perfect timing for its introduction, given the ongoing NCAA tournament.

Carolina blue, featured on two grills at the entrance to Team Grill's booth, is one of the most successful licensed colors and was expected to be a popular choice for loyal sports fans, Team Grill principals said.

Because my parents met and married while they were students at the University of North Carol...Read More

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Quality licensed design brings added value to independent retailers.

That's the view of one experienced licensing director, who eagerly awaits the results of a research survey now in the field.

Have you taken the time to share your view of licensed product and its value or lack of value to your business? Were you ever burned by paying too much for a brand name that was linked to poorly made product?

Although the deadline to respond passed last Friday, our research staff tells me they will accept replies through the end of March for the online survey at www.researchtodayonline.com/data/CLLicensing09.htm Or, if you perfer to receive it as a two-page fax, Research Specialist Judi Fulbright will send it to those who ask her by e-mail at jfulbright@reedbusiness.com.

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Casual Living’s eWeekly newsletter gained nearly 450 subscribers from the end of January through mid-February. (Click here to sign up for our free eletter.)

For those of you who signed up in quick response to my latest column, “Adapt to Survive,” I appreciate your willingness to try something new. As the online leaders in this market niche, we are working to pull others in the casual industry forward with us in this ever-changing global economy. We know there will be companies that won’t survive the downturn, and we want the survivors to have access to all the new tools and information they need.

By engaging the casual furniture, grill and spa industries, we are posting more content online, including our exclusive research data. Those who are hungry for ...Read More

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How's your business these days? We need you to share your story.
Given today's challenging economy, what is your business doing differently this year?
What are you planning to do? Have you downsized your workforce or taken a new approach to bill collections? Maybe you’ve added a promotional line to attract customers, who are spending more time searching the Internet and narrowing their choices before they ever enter your store. Or perhaps you’re adding a design center to attract the affluent shopper who may be disillusioned and put off by seeing huge discounts on premium-priced brands.
We want to hear about any strategies that are working for your retail, manufacturing or design business during these changing times. An out-of-the-box strategy that works for your location may be just what’s needed in other regions.
We all need t...Read More

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In the spirit of holiday cheer, Pacific Casual CEO Dale Boles asked me to pass along to the casual industry his thoughts on Art Thompson’s recent retirement from his long-time leadership role at Laneventure.

For those who are new to the industry, Boles’ experience includes serving as a past president and 30-year board member of the industry organization, now called the International Casual Furnishings Association. What follows is Dale’s message:

“As Art Thompson moves from the front lines to the more peaceful side of life and retires, one couldn't help but to notice the impeccable timing of his recent personal decision to let it go and to move onward to the next chapter in life. Good call, Art!
 
I wanted to take the time to offer a warm and ende...Read More

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Given growing concerns about credit, inventory levels and Wall Street, retailers and manufacturers face challenges ahead.

Furniture analyst Jerry Epperson predicts an uptick in business, starting in the second half of 2009 and continuing with significant improvements in 2010. Casual furniture represents roughly 10% of the overall furniture industry, but the segment for outdoor and covered areas has not been hit as hard by the stalled housing industry. Still, year-long economic conditions and the slowdown in spending are squeezing businesses.
 
Meanwhile, buyers are making decisions about which lines to buy and how much to stock. Changes in buying patterns became a theme that repeated as I talked with vendors at the recent High Point Market. Some told me they see the casual furniture industry’s tr...Read More

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Retail buyers and designers shopped the High Point Market with determination in the midst of high inventory levels from a year-long stalled economycombined with volatile currency and stock market reports.

“We haven’t had many lookers; it’s been buyers,” said Rebecca Price, Uwharrie Chair. “Most of the ones who come to our showroom are very familiar with us. They know we can drop-ship and deliver in three to four weeks.”

Other casual furniture manufacturers with quick-ship programs also reported success despite an economic climate that is scaring buyers away from committing to large volume orders.

Acacia Home & Garden CEO/President Alex Te expects more deman...Read More

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What do you think about the casual furnishings industry being in the business of selling romance, promise and possibilities?

If you saw Furniture/Today Editor in Chief Ray Allegrezza's column last week (click here), you know that was his impression when he returned to the Casual Market in Chicago after being away for some time. He described it as "refreshing and gratifying to revisit this segment of the home furnishings market."

Ray shared comments from Art Thompson, a visionary who has led Laneventure since its inception in 1989 and is handing its reins over to Gary McCray. You may know Gary as another industry leader who looks beyond seeing tables, chairs, umbrellas ...Read More

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