Casually Speaking
Cinde W. Ingram: Casually Speaking
Hi, this is Cinde W. Ingram and I'm the Editor in Chief of Casual Living and Garden Decor. Each week I hope to use this blog space to stay in touch with our readers. I want to know what you think about new products, markets, the retail climate and, most of all, Casual Living. Let me know what's going on. Check out my latest below.
Summertime
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 ca... Read More
Comments (0)Outdoor Entertaining Trend Growing
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... Read More
Comments (0)Show Off Your Store
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... Read More
Comments (4)March Madness heats up
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... Read More
Comments (1)License to sell
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 prod... Read More
Comments (0)Making online connections
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 for... Read More
Comments (1)Sharing success
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 bef... Read More
Comments (0)Homage to Art
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 Furnish... Read More
Comments (2)Buy broad, not deep
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 h... Read More
Comments (3)Color, crossovers stimulate High Point Market
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... Read More
Comments (1)Selling dreams
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... Read More
Comments (0)It’s Showtime!
As the weather cools and autumn makes its seasonal entrance, the casual furniture industry will gather again Monday through Thursday at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. New casual furniture showrooms have been added on the Mart’s 15th floor since the July casual furniture premarket. Other permanent showrooms on floors 16 and 17 have been expanded to show more outdoor furnishings. More manufacturer... Read More
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