June 25, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

The Garden Media Group recently sent over a brief synopsis of its 2009 trend report and I thought I'd share ... the full report will be available in September. Visit gardenmediagroup for more information.

From blueberries to houseplants, grow it yourself (or GIY) is the new mantra for both seasoned gardeners and beginners as folks turn back to the future to simplify their lives while gardening for the greener good.

Fueled by rising prices in gasoline, milk, bread and produce, combined with an eco-culture to do something good for the environment, the trend toward GIY is exploding.

“Gardening is back!” said Susan McCoy, president of the Garden Media Group. “Everyone, particularly young people, is planting vegetables, herbs, perennials and shrubs – anything they can grow themselves with ent...Read More

June 13, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

As we approach a busy time for the casual industry (premarket is right around the corner, just in case you need to be reminded), I thought it would be fitting to review some current trends from within not only our industry, but the fashion, home accents and interior furnishings worlds as well.

OUTDOOR

Deep Seating Thick, plush cushions are key to this trend as designers fashion outdoor sofas, loveseats, club chairs and ottomans after their indoor counterparts. Modular pieces and sectionals are highlighted in this category while woven/wicker materials and teak are the top materials.

Vertical Living As more townhouses and condominiums are constructed, so too are furniture sets that can fit in smaller spaces. From bistro sets that include a smaller mosaic ...Read More

May 27, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

What did you do this past Memorial Day weekend? If you are like many, odds are you spent your days off of work right at home, perhaps even canceling a vacation due to the boggling gas prices that keep inching higher and higher … and higher.

AAA reported Americans planned to drive less over the weekend than they did in 2007 – for the first time since 2002. Today, I had to fill up my tank and, as I did so, had to take a big gulp of air in order to avoid a panic attack right there at the pump. Here in Greensboro, N.C., our regular gas prices are hovering around $3.80. News reports from CNN and Fox to local newspapers all are saying the prices are resulting in changing lifestyles, from carpooling to trading in SUVs for ...Read More

March 14, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

It’s that time of year again when many of you, if you haven’t already, are sprucing up your stores and getting ready for the warmer temperatures and customers to come in searching for brand new outdoor furniture and accessories.

It’s also that time of year when you should take a few minutes and photograph your stores for Casual Living’s annual Merchandising Awards. Each spring, Cinde and I, along with other furniture industry veterans, sit down and study your stores through those photographs. It’s a great chance for you to be awarded for your hard work and creativity.

Retailers are awarded in the following categories: Best Overall Merchandising, Best Use of Accessories, Bes...Read More

March 3, 2008 | Link This | Email this | Comments (0)

As news broke earlier this year that Fortunoff, another well-known, established specialty retailer in our industry was again facing challenges, this time filing Chapter 11 and subsequently being bought by Lord & Taylor parent company NRDC Equity, a hearty, collective sigh could be heard in the furnishings industry. 

It’s times like this the reality of the marketplace is again at the forefront of our minds. In the days that followed the news, I was putting together the Spring issue of Garden Decor and contacted many manufacturers who had exhibited at the winter trade shows. I wanted to know how they thought traffic was – was business good? Were orders being written? 

The overwhelmingly positive outlook, even when some expressed frustration at a slow start to 2008, was telling. It feels comforting to know that even in tough ...Read More