Casual Living

Transforming American Patio & Fireplace
It might seem like a long way from the courtroom to the outdoor room, but Darlene Lewis said the transition was one of the best decisions she's ever made. Darlene and Les Lewis purchased American Patio & Fireplace in Gainesville, Fla., in 1995, two years after it opened with an inventory of PVC patio furniture.

Trends 2005
CFR awards top vendors
CFR provides health checkup for retailers
Patio Culture in Atlanta
Not So Hot
Creating Outdoor Rooms
Rebecca's Garden grows

Departments Product introductions Casually Speaking Prepare for seasonal changes CFR Guest Column Hearth inserts add sales for casual furniture retailers Cool Displays in Atlanta More! Editorial Sources Casual Living Editorial Sources Garden News Garden business remains strong as wave of new product introduced News NAMCO merges with Branch Brook Co. Pride expands factory Woodard launches new Web site Outdoor Living Expo cancels 2005 market Fire Stone debuts Outdoor Great Room UpCountry Home and Garden gets dressed up for outdoors Hanamint receives award from Georgia Backyard Brown Jordan amends credit structure, renews with Leisure Garden 2005 Backyard Living Expo opens exhibit space sales People on the Move People on the Move Retail News NRF forecasts 3.5% growth in 2005 retail sales