Archive for 2011
Talkin' About Trends .. Want to know where 2012 is headed?...
In the most recent issue of Garden Center Magazine, Yale Youngblood, publisher/editor and Sarah Martinez, managing editor share thoughts on trends for 2012 in an article "Talkin' About Trends".
It is a super article for garden centers and folks supplying to the garden center marketplace; but, the article also has a great deal of insight for all in the outdoor industry.
From commentary on the continuing challenges in outdoor to suggestions for selling to GenX vs. Boomers.
One trend of note and interest for the outdoor living segment points to the "Garden Center-PLUS" concept and creating reasons for shoppers to visit more than only for semi annual planting seasons.
"The "plus" is limited only to the retailer's imagination. This added-value element makes the business especially compelling to a new breed of consumers. And the "plus" factor almost always includes merchandise that compels customers to keep coming back." SM (i.e., outdoor living products. LR)
Check it out!
http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/garden1211-gardening-trends-2012.aspx
Very Happy and prosperous 2012 to all!
It is a super article for garden centers and folks supplying to the garden center marketplace; but, the article also has a great deal of insight for all in the outdoor industry.
From commentary on the continuing challenges in outdoor to suggestions for selling to GenX vs. Boomers.
One trend of note and interest for the outdoor living segment points to the "Garden Center-PLUS" concept and creating reasons for shoppers to visit more than only for semi annual planting seasons.
"The "plus" is limited only to the retailer's imagination. This added-value element makes the business especially compelling to a new breed of consumers. And the "plus" factor almost always includes merchandise that compels customers to keep coming back." SM (i.e., outdoor living products. LR)
Check it out!
http://www.gardencentermagazine.com/garden1211-gardening-trends-2012.aspx
Very Happy and prosperous 2012 to all!
Casual Living seeking photography for Heat and Fire Feature.
| Coming in February: Heat and Fire Feature |
| Casual Living is seeking photography of new products that display the ambience of fire and/or the function of heat for outdoor living areas to consider for an Outdoor Style feature in our February issue. The deadline to submit images is Jan. 13. Along with each high-resolution image (300 dpi or higher being at least 3x4 inches in size and saved in .jpg or .tiff format), please include a 20-30 word description of the product along with your company contact information. Email submissions to cledit@casualliving.com or visit the following link to submit online: |
Inaugural Casual Living Industry Conference Sponsored In Part by Pride Family Brands Slated for February 22nd-24th in Sarasota, FL
Pride Family Brands, designer and manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum outdoor furnishings, announces its participation as a sponsor of the inaugural Casual Living industry conference. Designed to educate and motivate the outdoor living segment, the conference will take place in Sarasota, Florida from February 22nd through the 24th.
Entitled ”The Sky’s The Limit: Maximizing Opportunities in the Casual Market,” the conference will include social and educational functions designed specifically for retailers, designers, representatives and manufacturers within the outdoor industry.
“We are proud to be a part of making this ground-breaking conference possible,” said Steve Lowsky, president, Pride Family Brands. “With the growth and changes happening in the outdoor category, this conference will provide the perfect format for all levels of the industry to connect and learn from speakers and each other as we all look to energize for the upcoming outdoor season.”
The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) also is a sponsor of the event along with additional manufacturers. “The benefits of any organization is the networking and educational opportunities,” said Rory Rehmert, vice president, sales and marketing for Pride Family Brands and chairman for the ICFA. “With this conference, all of these functions will be addressed making it a must-attend event for anyone, whether a veteran of the outdoor category or someone branching into outdoor.”
Seminars topics have been selected to target key opportunities in the outdoor category. “While the camaraderie is great, there is the extra added value of the professional speakers that are brought in,” said Bruce Aronson, owner, The Pool and Patio Center and ICFA member, Metairie, La. “I don’t know how they do it; but the organizers always seem to find speakers that talk about areas of immediate concern.”
The event’s agenda includes keynote speaker and performance coach Bob Davies. Davies, the author of The Sky is Not the Limit – You Are, is a former college football coach and is the author of three books and several audio albums and DVDs. Sphere Trending founder and CEO Maxine Lauer will tackle the topics of life stages and the changing consumer. Jim Jensen of Pew Research will be on hand to break down web statistics and Gallery Furniture’s own Robert Williams will discuss taking technology to the next level. Financial analyst Jerry Epperson of Mann, Armistead & Epperson, Ltd. will give his take on the casual category and Dr. Andrew Dent, vice president of library and materials research, Material ConneXion, will present the latest in materials germane to outdoor.
Retailer and supplier panels will examine critical issues facing the outdoor industry today, discuss category growth and share success stories. Golf, spa services and a neighboring retail store tour and an awards dinner honoring supplier and retailer of the year round out the event.
For more information about “The Sky’s the Limit” Casual Living Conference, visit http://tinyurl.com/7dend55 or Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.
Expansion Announced by POLY-WOOD, Inc. For Lumber Division To Include Green Initiatives
Poly-Wood, Inc., leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance, eco-friendly casual outdoor furniture, announces the expansion of its Lumber Division. Founded in 1990 for the recycling of plastics into lumber, marketed under the brand name, POLYWOODTM, the division has undergone an expansion of its Indiana-based extrusion facilities and overall production capacity including heightened sustainability efforts.
“Our goal in the expansion of Poly-Wood’s Lumber Division is to better serve our current markets as well as increase our ability to explore additional segments and opportunities for plastic lumber,” said Tim Pletcher, Sales for Poly-Wood, Inc. – Lumber Division. “However, throughout the construction expansion of our facilities as well as with the added production capacity, Poly-Wood continues to be committed to responsible manufacturing and positively impacting the environment.”
Poly-Wood’s Lumber Division currently is the leading provider of recycled plastic lumber for the outdoor furnishings and accessories industry. Other applications and sales avenues include manufacturers of durable and sustainable products for farming, marine, golf, landscaping, industrial and general construction. The expanded capacity of the production facilities is in response to the ongoing growth of the industry as additional product categories create demand for plastic lumber and related extruded products.
POLYWOODTM lumber is created from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with UV-inhibited pigment systems and offers infinite recyclability. “POLYWOODTM can be reground and melted into new products infinitely when the current product reaches the end of its usable life,” said Pletcher. The HDPE primary raw material is derived from post-consumer bottle waste, such as milk and detergent bottles or other HDPE post-industrial materials.
“Within our manufacturing process, we have incorporated practices that are unique to our operation,” said Pletcher. “One aspect is in our water usage during manufacturing as we have created a continuous loop of cooling water that eliminates the need for continuously pulling fresh ground water that ends up in drains.” Additional green aspects of the extrusion plant include no-waste trail across the entire production flow including regrinding and reuse of plastic scrap.
For more information about POLYWOODTM or Poly-Wood, Inc and its plastic lumber outdoor furnishings and accessories, visit www.polywoodlumber.com
Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics Expands Island Way Accessory Line to Generate
Quality wicker and rattan manufacturer, Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics announces the expansion of its indoor/outdoor decorative accessory line being marketed under the brand, Island Way Living®. The expansion includes the addition of dozens of new product items and categories for the Largo, Fla. based company.
Lighting, table top, wall art, and decorative and embroidered pillows are among the items being added to the expanded Island Way Living® line. Within the lighting category, expanded SKUs include table top and floor models in traditional and tropical motifs in response to retailer demand nationwide. Also, many outdoor styles of lighting will be added in the next 12 months. Merchandising options including a pillow tower that holds up to 24 decorative pillows are also available to retailers from Palm Springs Rattan for the Island Way line.
"The expansion of the Island Way line of decorative accessories is in response to the tremendous demand we experienced during the recent High Point market,” said Tami Newton, Sales Manager of Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics. “Retailers today see accessories as a way to add to the bottom line without dedicating major showroom space. In fact, with an analogous accessory line, retailers can realize greater furnishings sales due to the coordinated and overall finished looks that can be created.” Newton also relates how retailers are utilizing accessories for promotional events and branding opportunities. ”Something as simple as embroidered pillows for a locale or a development can be a big draw and nice add-on,” said Newton. “Any retail entity not taking advantage of the sales and promotional potential of accessories is truly missing the boat.”
Lighting, table top, wall art, and decorative and embroidered pillows are among the items being added to the expanded Island Way Living® line. Within the lighting category, expanded SKUs include table top and floor models in traditional and tropical motifs in response to retailer demand nationwide. Also, many outdoor styles of lighting will be added in the next 12 months. Merchandising options including a pillow tower that holds up to 24 decorative pillows are also available to retailers from Palm Springs Rattan for the Island Way line. For more information about Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics and the Island Way line of resort accessories, visit www.palmspringsrattan.com or contact Tami Newton at sales@palmspringsrattan.com.
Designs by World Renowned Designer, Julia Wong to Debut From The Rug Market America At World Market Center, Las Vegas
International fashion and home furnishings designer, Julia Wong has partnered with The Rug Market America in a collection of rugs incorporating her globally inspired and graphically interpretive style. The Julia Wong Designs Collection will debut in The Rug Market’s showroom in Las Vegas at the World Market Center January 30 – February 3.
Culver City, CA – November 30, 2011 -- The Rug Market America, contemporary interior and exterior rug designer and manufacturer, will debut its Julia Wong Designs Collection at the upcoming Las Vegas Market, January 30th through February 3rd. The collection from Julia Wong will include rug designs capturing the designer’s clean yet aesthetic style. "We are excited to debut this collection of Julia’s original designs,” said Mike Shabtai, founder and owner of The Rug Market America. “Julia is recognized within the international design community for her effortless creative sense and impeccable taste. As a premier source for contemporary designs, The Rug Market is perfectly position for this design partnering.”
A singular style and international flair are but a part of what distinguishes the product lines and interior/exterior aesthetic of the graduate of the London School of Fashion and former design assistant to John Galliano. Extensive travels and an understanding of different cultures are reflected in all products of the designer’s signature product line which was launched in 2001.
For The Rug Market’s Julia Wong Designs Collection, each design is crafted to not only showcase artistic elements, but also incorporate rich colorations and textures. “We always give an edge to our design, including elements of surprise from unexpected color palettes that work well together to different scales of patterns,” said Wong. The collection includes design motifs from contemporary to traditional; elegant linear to outdoor natural.Designs by Wong have previously been marketed by The Rug Market America when she was tapped to design its introductory Walt Disney Signature rug collection based on themes from the entertainment giant’s animation art, movie and parks.
The Rug Market America will be exhibiting at the World Market Center in Las Vegas, NV – Suite B-306. For more information about The Rug Market America and its lines of interior and exterior rugs, contact: info@therugmarket.com or visit www.therugmarket.com.
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ABOUT The Rug Market America
The Rug Market is an innovative designer and manufacturer of quality interior and exterior rugs. In 1986, The Rug Market entered the home accessories market with its first line of decorative handmade rugs. Owned by Mike Shabtai, the company's success has been a result of providing designer, fashion-forward looks at affordable mid-range pricing. The Rug Market is represented nationwide.
ABOUT Julia Wong Designs
Bridging the worlds of high fashion and residential/commercial design is at the center of Julia Wong Designs the signature home furnishing line launched in 2001 from international designer, Julia Wong. www.juliawongdesigns.com
POLY-WOOD, Inc. Announces Promotion of Chad Yordy to Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Poly-Wood, Inc., leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance, eco-friendly casual outdoor furniture, is proud to announce the recent promotion of Chad Yordy to vice president, sales and marketing. Mr. Yordy initially joined Poly-Wood in 2006 as director of sales for the contract division of the Syracuse, Indiana based manufacturer.
“Over the past five years, Chad has been instrumental in expanding the sales and marketing efforts of Poly-Wood,” said Doug Rassi, president, Poly-Wood, Inc. “With the tremendous growth potential of the outdoor industry, we are looking forward to Chad driving our initiatives to not only build upon our leadership position, but also to facilitate avenues for growth opportunity .”
In his new position, Yordy, who will continue to be responsible for the expansion of sales and distribution channels, also will coordinate the company’s growth strategies. As vice president of sales and marketing, Yordy will focus on future markets, product segments, business opportunities and acquisitions as well as the new product development efforts for all divisions of Poly-Wood, Inc.
Poly-Wood, Inc., in addition to its casual furniture manufacturing operation, is also an industry leader in the manufacturing and marketing of plastic lumber to multiple industries from landscaping to farming. Poly-Wood, Inc. also recently acquired the Image Group, a leading design and advertising firm serving northeastern Indiana.
“Our growth in the coming years will focus on the convergence of technology and marketing initiatives,” said Yordy. “I am looking forward to leading our efforts to implement unified sales and technology strategies and to the growth that can result.”
Chad, his wife, Jennifer and their two daughters, Justine and Kyla reside in Goshen, Ind.
For more information about Poly-Wood, Inc and its plastic lumber outdoor furnishing lines, visit www.polywoodinc.com.
POLY-WOOD, Inc. Acquires the Image Group and Expands Services and Focus
Poly-Wood, Inc., developer and manufacturer of high-performance, eco-friendly casual outdoor furniture, has recently acquired Syracuse, Indiana-based creative house, the Image Group. Under the new ownership, the Image Group will expand its capabilities and creative focus to better serve current and future creative clientele.The Image Group, which has provided graphic creation and production services since 1969, will expand its services to include client focused graphic design and advertising including web development and media placement while refocusing production capabilities. “Our goal is to build upon the wealth of creative expertise within the Image Group and further expand its focus to a full service agency providing quality work to not only the region, but the state as well,” said Chad Yordy, recently named vice president of sales and marketing for the Image Group.
Through refocusing efforts, the Image Group will continue to offer professional design and content creation from corporate identity materials to multi-media advertising. Expanded services will include print and electronic graphic design, web development and media planning and placement.
“With the greater emphasis on expanding the Image Group as a full service advertising agency, we have named a well-respected printing firm, Lithotone, Inc. of Elkhart Indiana as our print production partner,” said Doug Hertel, the Image Group’s recently named director of marketing. “We look to this partnering to further benefit our client base as Lithotone offers expanded press capabilities and print-focused expertise.” The acquisition and realignment is expected to position the Image Group as the one of the area’s largest design and advertising firms. The capabilities, partnerships, expertise and media and print buying potential will be at a level not previously available in the region.
Additionally, with the acquisition by Poly-Wood, Inc, one of the areas’ foremost manufacturing entities, the Image Group will have the solid backing for expansion and growth. Immediate upgrades to hardware and software are planned to boost the capabilities of the Image Group.
“We look for a seamless transition for the clientele of the Image Group,” said Hertel. “As the creative services grow, we also look to expand our staff of creative as well as account supervisory personnel.” The six member creative staff of the Image Group will continue to be located at 927 West Brooklyn Street in Syracuse.
For more information about the Image Group and its creative, advertising and marketing services, visit www.imagegroupinc.com
Trends and Truths of the State of the Casual Furnishings Industry Published Within the 2011 Universe Study Sponsored by Pride Family Brands
Identifying the size, growth, and distribution of the casual outdoor industry, the 2011 Universe Survey, sponsored by Pride Family Brands, indicated a positive retail outlook for numerous segments of the market. Hollywood, Fla. (November 9, 2011) – Indicating welcome positive growth, the results of the 2011 Universe Survey for the outdoor marketplace have recently been released. Published by Casual Living magazine through an ongoing sponsorship by Pride Family Brands, the Universe Survey reflected that the outdoor marketplace is estimated to reach 6.7 billion in sales for 2011. This figure is up 1% overall from 2010.
"Retail sales for all outdoor furniture products totaled an estimated $3.75 billion last year, a 1.4% increase from 2009,” said Dana French, Director of Research for Sandow Media. “Casual Living magazine is predicting outdoor furniture sales to grow slowly through the end of 2011, another 0.7% to $3.78 billion. Outdoor furniture comprises about 5% of the $80 billion-plus residential U.S. furniture and mattress market."
This exclusive category-specific research for the outdoor living segment has been made available through an association with designer and manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum casual furniture, Pride Family Brands since 2008. "Pride Family Brands is committed to establishing itself as a true partner with our retail base not only during the sale; but also in providing valuable insight into the industry as a whole,” said Steve Lowsky, president, Pride Family Brands.
The Universe Survey research is based on numerous data sources including import figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce and Bureau of Economic Analysis as well as consumer surveys and conversations and unpublished reports from casual retailers, vendors and industry analysts. The complete research results were published in the November issue of Casual Living magazine.
For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.
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POLY-WOOD, Inc. Names Hertel and Tusing To Corporate Management Team
Leading manufacturer of high-performance, eco-friendly casual outdoor furniture with plastic lumber adds to its corporate management team with the addition of Doug Hertel as marketing manager and Rebecca Tusing as director of administration.
marketing manager and Becky Tusing as its director of administration. The expansion of the management team is a result of significant growth being experienced by the Syracuse, Indiana based manufacturer. Doug Hertel was named as Poly-Wood’s marketing manager, effective August 2011. In this position, Doug is responsible for all marketing functions for the manufacturer including creation and coordination of advertising, publicity, product photography, marketing materials, trade shows, new product research and budgeting activities for the marketing department.
“With Doug’s years of experience, he is a valuable addition to our marketing team,” said Chad Yordy, director, sales and marketing, Poly-Wood, Inc. “As marketing manager, Doug will focus on further promoting the Poly-Wood brand and our premium position within the casual industry.”
Doug brings to his position over 18 years of marketing and advertising experience. Prior to joining Poly-Wood, Hertel was the owner of an Indiana-based advertising and design agency. Doug reports to and assists Poly-Wood’s director, sales and marketing. “I am charged with placing continued importance on innovation and out of the box thinking,” said Hertel. “This emphasis is applied not only to our product line; but also to the manner in which they are presented, displayed and marketed.”
As the recently named, director of administration, Rebecca Tusing also is a new member of Poly-Wood’s corporate management team. Reporting to the president of Poly-Wood, Inc, Doug Rassi, Tusing joined the manufacturer in June of this year. In the director of administration position, Tusing oversees all activities and personnel within the company’s accounting, human resources, reception, customer service and warranty, information technology, and inventory management departments.
“My goal in this new position is to create an infrastructure in which we align people and processes to create a firm base on which to grow the company,” said Tusing. “Poly-Wood is an exciting company with a lot of growth potential of which I am happy to be a part.” A graduate of Indiana University, Tusing is a licensed CPA with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and public accounting.
“The additions of Becky and Doug will increase our ability to better serve our customers and capitalize on the growth that is being experienced,” said Poly-Wood’s president, Doug Rassi. “We
evaluated a lot of applicants for these important positions and are happy to have individuals of the caliber of Becky and Doug to help in driving Poly-Wood, to the next level.”
Doug Hertel resides in Granger, Ind. with his wife and their 3.5 children. Residents of Syracuse, Ind., Tusing and her husband have two grown children.
For more information about Poly-Wood, Inc and its plastic lumber outdoor furnishing lines, visit www.polywoodinc.com.
Pride Family Brands Debuts Latest Additions to Resident Lifestyle Expert Video Series
Pride Family Brands announces the debut of the latest installments in its Resident Life Expert Video Series captured directly from the recent International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market. Filmed on location from Pride Family Brands' showroom on the 17th floor of Chicago's Merchandise Mart, numerous retailers and industry professionals shared their individual insight and impressions on the casual furnishings industry.
"The goal of our video series is to draw attention to not only Pride Family Brands' product lines and processes; but also to the casual furnishing industry and the importance of the relationship we enjoy with our retail partners," said Jamie Lowsky, C.E.O., Pride Family Brands.
Hosted by Pride Family Brands' Resident Life Style Expert, Jamie Sorcher, a total of eight videos were created and now are available for viewing on the Pride Family Brands website - www.pridefamilybrands.com, social sites including Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pride.brands as well as additional internet venues.
Industry individuals profiled in conversations with Sorcher for the latest videos included David Swers, Glen Raven, Glen Raven, NC; Paul Otochits, Carl's Patio, Boca Raton, FL; Mike Ratigan, Sundown Ski and Patio, Lake Grove, NY; Lee Recchia, American Casual Living, Atlanta, GA; Lynn Opdyke, Opdyke's, Bayhead, NJ; Carter Fowler, The Patio Shop/The Furniture Shoppe, Chattanooga, TN and Connie Lineberry, vice president, Sandow Media.
Also included in the series is a video featuring Sorcher introducing two of Pride Family Brands' latest collections, Cannes and Lucerne, which were show favorites with market goers.
A conversation with Pride's recently named president, Steve Lowsky, focused on the company's designation as the Manufacturing Leadership Award recipient for Cast Aluminum Products. "With the use of these videos, we are able to focus on our company's attention to detail that extends to being responsive to our retailers," said Steve Lowsky. "Those efforts were acknowledged with the recent award as well as throughout the video series."
For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.
Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics Announces Unprecedented Roster of Introductions And An Expanded Showroom To Be Unveiled During High Point Market
Quality wicker and rattan manufacturer, Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics will open the fall 2011 High Point Market with an unprecedented number of new introductions and an expanded show floor. Palm Springs Rattan's booth space at #1539 Showplace will encompass an additional 700 square feet and will include an expanded cast aluminum collection now with action seating, an extensive offering of embroidered outdoor pillows with a retail-friendly merchandising tower, new designs in three all-weather wicker collections, a full complement of indoor/outdoor accessories in Palm Springs' Island Way accessory line and even more ground-breaking news for their umbrella line.
"This is going to be an exciting market due to not only the expanded space; but also the immense number of new introductions we will debut for our retail partners and prospective retailers," said Tami Newton, Sales Manager of Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics. "Each market, we strive to engage and respond to each segment of our retail base with new products and promotions; at this market we are confident our introductions will provide something new for everyone."
"This is going to be an exciting market due to not only the expanded space; but also the immense number of new introductions we will debut for our retail partners and prospective retailers," said Tami Newton, Sales Manager of Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics. "Each market, we strive to engage and respond to each segment of our retail base with new products and promotions; at this market we are confident our introductions will provide something new for everyone." Palm Springs' cast aluminum collection, Savannah will expand with the addition of action seating. The new introductions will focus on the growing popularity of motion furnishings.
In the all-weather wicker segment, new designs have been added to the Kokomo, Bay Breeze and Cape Hatteras lines. Kokomo will now include dining, counter and bar bistro sets with a double leg under-weave on all back legs allowing pieces to withstand heavy weight and stress. Palm Springs also has responded to the need for storage and stack-ability with the three heights of Kokomo bistro style dining. For the Bay Breeze collection, an open, lighter look weave will be introduced while the latest additions to the Cape Hatteras Collection will now boast a more robust wicker motif.
In response to retailer requests, additional embroidered pillow designs will be introduced as well as an eye-catching pillow tower display unit. A merchandising and product package will debut for customers interested in capturing the add-on sales potential of the expanding pillow line.
One of the lines to see the greatest explosion in SKUs is Palm Springs' Island Way accessory line. In High Point, the collection of indoor/outdoor decor items will debut not only additions to the popular topple-proof heavy resin lamps; but also tableware and a full complement of decorative accessories.
For Palm Spring's umbrella line, an all new UV protection rating will be introduced at the market. The line's umbrellas will now boast a seal signifying a 50+UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). Through a certification process by the Australian government, the rating equates to 98% or a near total blockage of damaging UV rays. The company's umbrellas also are the recipient of an excellent rating for UVA and UVB blocking.
For more information about Palm Springs Rattan and Garden Classics, visit www.palmspringsrattan.com or contact Tami Newton at sales@palmspringsrattan.com.
Posted: 17 Oct 2011 12:21 PM PDT
Coronado Collection for Sunset West By Marcia Blake
I’ve recently designed two furniture collections in collaboration with Sunset West USA in San Diego, California. These two furniture collections are inspired by the coastal towns of California, these locations are characterized by their seductive tranquility and exclusive old time charm. Using the individual beach towns as my personal muse, I’ve created collections that exemplify what it means to have a personal retreat from it all.
Carmel Collection for Sunset West by Marcia Blake
These innovative collections bring about the essence and character of each town, while simultaneously providing elegance and a sense of style uniquely its own. In style, form, comfort and functionality, both collections are visually striking while well crafted. To experience each collection is to understand what is meant by understated elegance and refined tranquility.
Come see these two new collections along with me. I will be in High Point at the end of this week and into next week showing these collections, so stop by Showplace, Space #1638 to see the Coronado and Carmel Collections for Sunset West.
Looking forward to seeing you all there….
Pride Family Brands Promotes Steve Lowsky To President of The Luxury Aluminum Casual Furnishings Manufacturer
Pride Family Brands' CEO, Jamie Lowsky announces the promotion of Steve Lowsky to the post of President for the Ft. Lauderdale, FL-based premier luxury aluminum casual furnishings manufacturer. Pride Family Brands announced today the promotion of Steve Lowsky to President of the award-winning designer and manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum outdoor furnishings. The announcement comes as the company begins its thirty-fifth year as a leader in the casual furnishings industry.
"Steve has been an integral part of our business since it was founded in 1977," said Jamie Lowsky, CEO, of Pride Family Brands. "For the past 20 years, Steve has been a valuable member of Pride's management team. With his leadership, we have been able to position ourselves in the forefront of the casual industry."
As President, Steve Lowsky will continue to oversee all financial, marketing and production fulfillment activities for the Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. based company. Lowsky previously held the position of Executive Vice President. "The promotion is a natural progression for Steve and the company," said Jamie Lowsky. "His promotion to President is an integral part of our move to the next level of management and leadership succession within our management team."
Lowsky is a graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in finance. He resides in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children.
For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.
Pride Family Brands Expands Production Shifts and Work Force To Meet Demand for Luxury Fire Pits Introduced at Casual Market
As Pride Family Brands begins shipment of its exclusive line of Castelle luxury fire pits, the company has been required to expand its work force and add production shifts to meet demand. The introduction of the fire pits, which was at the urging of its retail network, has exceeded Pride Family Brands' expectations and resulted from the products' quality, design and value.(Hollywood, FL) - October 5, 2011 – Pride Family Brands announced today that has begun shipments of its recently introduced luxury cast aluminum fire pits due to the enthusiastic reception of the items. Debuting at the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market, the fire pits were exceedingly well received and have required the luxury casual furniture manufacturer to increase its work force and production shifts to meet shipment demand.
"Our new fire pit designs have received a tremendous response and the demand has been unbelievable," said Steve Lowsky, President of Pride Family Brands. "We had to add an extra shift exclusively for fire pit production." The addition of the fire pit designs to Pride's line up of luxury outdoor furnishings was driven by requests from the company's network of specialty retailers.
"Retailers have continued to show us that the quality, the design, and most importantly, the price point of the Castelle Fire Pits are right on target," said Lowsky. "We are pleased to get this type of retailer feedback as it is a very important component in our product development process."
Each fire pit, designed to coordinate with the Castelle line of cast aluminum furniture, is available in two styles including a 50" round model and a 36" x 54" rectangular model. Both styles include a base featuring Pride's signature hand woven aluminum detailing. In combination with six of Pride Family Brands' most popular cast top designs and the signature hand applied decorative finishing; extensive possibilities are available for the fire pits to coordinate with outdoor living spaces.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla based Pride Family Brands designs and manufactures luxury cast aluminum outdoor furnishings. The company holds over 50 design patents and is the recipient of multiple design excellence awards and the 2011 Manufacturer Leadership Award for luxury Cast Aluminum furniture. For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla based Pride Family Brands designs and manufactures luxury cast aluminum outdoor furnishings. The company holds over 50 design patents and is the recipient of multiple design excellence awards and the 2011 Manufacturer Leadership Award for luxury Cast Aluminum furniture. For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact 954-735-9800.
Opportunity to Promote Outdoor Entertainment or Eco-Outdoor Products! Deadline Monday!
| Coming in November: Call for new products |
 Casual Living is seeking photos and caption information to be considered for inclusion in our November issue. You are invited to submit high-resolution photos by Monday, Oct. 3, if your company: + Will exhibit at the International Pool/Spa/Patio Expo in Las Vegas + Manufactures product for outdoor entertaining + Manufactures outdoor furnishings that are "green" or eco-friendly Along with each photo, please include a 20-30 word product description, your company's name and contact information. Forms are available here: http://www.researchtodayonline.com/data/CLInviteNov11.htm. They can also be accessed by clicking on the Edit Invites tab on our website. There is no charge, but please follow these important guidelines. We need high-quality digital images for publication. Digital images must have a resolution of 300 dpi or higher, be at least 3x4 inches in size and saved in .jpg or .tif format. Send images and descriptions to the editorial staff at cledit@casualliving.com. CD submissions also can be mailed to Casual Living at 7025 Albert Pick Rd., Suite 200, Greensboro, NC 27409. |
Pride Family Brands Awarded Manufacturing Leadership Award for Luxury Cast Aluminum Products for 2011 by Casual Furnishings Industry
At the 2011 International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market, Pride Family Brands, designer and manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum furniture, was awarded the Manufacturing Leadership Award for the Luxury Cast Aluminum Category. As a result of voting by the retail membership of the International Casual Furnishings Association, Pride Family Brands was recognized for excellence in design, quality of manufactured goods, merchandising, customer service, ethics/trade relations and communications. The distinguished award was conferred on members of Pride Family Brands' management by the Association's Executive Director, Joe Logan at a ceremony held at the Chicago Institute of Art.
Designed to acknowledge excellence in manufacturing within the casual industry, The Manufacturing Leadership Award is based on criteria encompassing the entire association between the manufacturer and the retailers.
"We are honored to have received this prestigious award," said Steve Lowsky, President of Pride Family Brands, designer and manufacturer of luxury cast aluminum casual furniture. "Our entire organization was instrumental in our obtaining this award. Each and every department's commitment to superior designs, manufacturing, and service resulted in our being acknowledged in this way."
The award was on display within Pride Family Brands' showroom during the Casual Furniture Market. For more information about Pride Family Brands and their distinguished lines of casual furniture visit www.pridefamilybrands.com or contact
954-735-9800.
The Rug Market America Debuts Expanded Catalog In Time for High Point Market Promotion
The Rug Market America announces the launch of its latest full product catalog in time for the 2011 Fall High Point Furniture Market. The catalog, with over 150 pages, boasts images of the company's extensive designer rug line including over 500 patterns from eight collection types. The catalog launch is in association with The Rug Market America's celebration of its 26th anniversary year.
Page layouts within the catalog include groupings in color-ways to assist retailers in merchandising in-store displays. Pantone numbers for colors within rug designs are included for easy reference by designers, retailers and their consumers. Complete selections highlight the extensive Resort, outdoor rug, collections as well as the Walt Disney Signature collections with graphics illustrating the sources of inspiration for the rugs found in Disney animation and theme park attractions.
"In response to our customers, we have created marketing materials that highlight our integrity of design and quality of construction while maintaining an attractive and moderate price structure," said Shabtai. A separate bound catalog is available for The Rug Market Kids collection of youth and family designs. Catalogs and pricing information are available by contacting a Rug Market America independent sales representative or The Rug Market America's new corporate offices in Culver City, Cal. at 310-841-0111. All items in The Rug Market America's catalog ship within 30 days or less.
For more information about The Rug Market America and its lines of interior and exterior rugs, contact: info@therugmarket.com or visit www.therugmarket.com.
Trends from the 2011 Outdoor Furnishings and Accessories Market
Outdoor Rules! The best and boldest in outdoor living products gathered earlier this month for the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.
The casual industry, which saw positive growth this year, was alive with positive and innovative vibes. Buyers were shopping and manufacturers did not disappoint as evidenced by introductions exhibiting continued investment in design and innovation for which the industry has excelled.
Multiple award winning, luxury aluminum furniture manufacturer, Pride Family Brands exhibited five new collections and show-stopping fire pit designs. The collections included a bold contemporary tropically designed collection, Cannes that brought a fresh look to an aluminum rattan-like motif.
Building upon the popularity of wrought aluminum collections, Lucerne, Milazzo and Centurion again had the showroom buzzing. The "weathervane" finish beautifully complemented the classy fabric selections by the Pride design team. The gathering trend was answered with Castelle Fire Pits, available in round or rectangular. Each design incorporated cast aluminum tops to match Pride's furnishing collections as well as the full array of hand painted over powder coat finishes.
A sampling of additional trending items of interest on display around the Mart...
- In addition to the Fire Pits from Pride, casual manufacturers turned on the head with designer fire tables from Seasonal Living to Black and Stone firetables
- Modern Elegance was on display in numerous showrooms and booths including Seasonal Living with Scandanavian inspired Sky - scoop style seating to ceramic accessories and Steve n James new deep seating and dining sets
- Slender seating was a trend in abundance - available in all constructions including wood designs from Oxford Garden and wicker and fabric designs from Upcountry Gardens.
- Licensing options continue to offer interest including such names as Panama Jack from Pelican Reef to Trek from Poly-wood
- Unique fabric furnishings from Lee's Uncovered upholstered outdoor furnishings to Seasonal Living's Nest collection of recycled fabric seating.
- Modern modular outdoor of interest included all weather yacht vinyl upholstered seating - from chaise lounge to rounds from Angie Thornbury designs by LaFete.
- A classic design element was introduced by MasterPiece Patio in its Stainglass designs incorporated into patio table tops. Custom designs are possible in the triple paned construction.
The casual industry, which saw positive growth this year, was alive with positive and innovative vibes. Buyers were shopping and manufacturers did not disappoint as evidenced by introductions exhibiting continued investment in design and innovation for which the industry has excelled.
Multiple award winning, luxury aluminum furniture manufacturer, Pride Family Brands exhibited five new collections and show-stopping fire pit designs. The collections included a bold contemporary tropically designed collection, Cannes that brought a fresh look to an aluminum rattan-like motif.
A sampling of additional trending items of interest on display around the Mart...
- In addition to the Fire Pits from Pride, casual manufacturers turned on the head with designer fire tables from Seasonal Living to Black and Stone firetables
- Modern Elegance was on display in numerous showrooms and booths including Seasonal Living with Scandanavian inspired Sky - scoop style seating to ceramic accessories and Steve n James new deep seating and dining sets
- Slender seating was a trend in abundance - available in all constructions including wood designs from Oxford Garden and wicker and fabric designs from Upcountry Gardens.
- Licensing options continue to offer interest including such names as Panama Jack from Pelican Reef to Trek from Poly-wood
- Unique fabric furnishings from Lee's Uncovered upholstered outdoor furnishings to Seasonal Living's Nest collection of recycled fabric seating.
- Modern modular outdoor of interest included all weather yacht vinyl upholstered seating - from chaise lounge to rounds from Angie Thornbury designs by LaFete.
- A classic design element was introduced by MasterPiece Patio in its Stainglass designs incorporated into patio table tops. Custom designs are possible in the triple paned construction.
