Although many Americans are downsizing and moving into the city, urbanites still are yearning for their own outdoor oasis. In the past, these urban dwellers were forced to squeeze oversized dining or lounge furniture and accessories onto a small balcony, rooftop terrace or patio. Now, however, casual furnishing manufacturers are beginning to cater to a more urban market. City dwellers have a host of furnishing and accessories options, such as portable grills, collapsible furnishings and smaller-scale accessories, opening up more opportunities for casual retailers to cash in.
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Go modular
Those with limited space will find that modular sets are most easy to manage. These suite sets can fit together in creative ways, saving room in tight spaces and still looking great when not in use. Chairs may stack and stools may push under the table.
Neutral colors are the best choices for big-ticket items such as seating and tables. Tan and gray will reign this year, with neutral trending toward cool taupes, charcoals and soft grays. These modular pieces and neutral colors make it easy to changes things around to create a brand new look each season.
Grilling on the go
"With state-of-the-art functionality, grills designed for mobility are growing in number and in options across the industry," reports Casual Living magazine. Charcoal or electric grills featuring large cooking surfaces that are easy to clean and light enough to carry will be most popular among your customers.
Fold it up
Simple to pack up and store in a closet or shed, folding furniture has been around for nearly 300 years, according to Casual Living. The most iconic piece of folding furniture is the director's chair. "It grew in popularity when the movie industry began, and there was a need for a portable seat," explains Bill Vanderminden, executive vice president of Telescope Casual, in the Casual Living article. "Portable chairs can become silent sale-makers, not taking up much space. They and other portable furnishings could be the best-kept secret in casual sales."
These days, folding chairs offer many more features than removal fabric backing. Some folding chairs can be adjusted to multiple back positions, which improve comfort and can be used as a chaise when paired with an ottoman.
Tables get in on the folding action too. You can find a range of tables, from cocktail to dining and gathering heights, reports Casual Living.
Multipurpose matters
When space is at a premium, furniture that can perform numerous tasks is a must. Casual furniture that serves multiple functions include storage in tables and seating, picnic tables that double as conference tables, benches that can be used for casual entertaining and dining, and islands that can be used indoors and out.
Search for products
Whether you are looking to break into the urban-dweller category, or just searching for the trendiest items to add to your product mix, you will find it at the 2011 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, which will be held Sept. 12-15. Get a sneak peek of the newest products that will be available at the show by browsing the Casual Market Online Product Locator.
Those with limited space will find that modular sets are most easy to manage. These suite sets can fit together in creative ways, saving room in tight spaces and still looking great when not in use. Chairs may stack and stools may push under the table.
Neutral colors are the best choices for big-ticket items such as seating and tables. Tan and gray will reign this year, with neutral trending toward cool taupes, charcoals and soft grays. These modular pieces and neutral colors make it easy to changes things around to create a brand new look each season.
Grilling on the go
"With state-of-the-art functionality, grills designed for mobility are growing in number and in options across the industry," reports Casual Living magazine. Charcoal or electric grills featuring large cooking surfaces that are easy to clean and light enough to carry will be most popular among your customers.
Fold it up
Simple to pack up and store in a closet or shed, folding furniture has been around for nearly 300 years, according to Casual Living. The most iconic piece of folding furniture is the director's chair. "It grew in popularity when the movie industry began, and there was a need for a portable seat," explains Bill Vanderminden, executive vice president of Telescope Casual, in the Casual Living article. "Portable chairs can become silent sale-makers, not taking up much space. They and other portable furnishings could be the best-kept secret in casual sales."
These days, folding chairs offer many more features than removal fabric backing. Some folding chairs can be adjusted to multiple back positions, which improve comfort and can be used as a chaise when paired with an ottoman.
Tables get in on the folding action too. You can find a range of tables, from cocktail to dining and gathering heights, reports Casual Living.
Multipurpose matters
When space is at a premium, furniture that can perform numerous tasks is a must. Casual furniture that serves multiple functions include storage in tables and seating, picnic tables that double as conference tables, benches that can be used for casual entertaining and dining, and islands that can be used indoors and out.
Search for products
Whether you are looking to break into the urban-dweller category, or just searching for the trendiest items to add to your product mix, you will find it at the 2011 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, which will be held Sept. 12-15. Get a sneak peek of the newest products that will be available at the show by browsing the Casual Market Online Product Locator.
