At the fall High Point Market, which ran Oct. 16-20, buyers found a wider selection of available product with several full-line companies entering the category, along with casual specialists boasting in-stock product ready to ship.
Luxury furnishings maker Eicholtz officially entered the outdoor category this market with a line of aluminum dining and deep seating characterized by sleek modern silhouettes. The collection comes in two finishes, including a new proprietary Sunbrella finish designed to keep black furniture from getting hot in the sun. Balmy temperatures on the company’s outdoor patio allowed Eicholtz to show buyers how the finish works.
“It was 86 degrees out here, and you touch this and it’s warm, but it doesn’t scald your arms,” said Dallas George, managing director, Eicholtz.
Bellini Modern Living also entered the category this market, expanding their showroom to accommodate a large collection of outdoor dining and seating. Bellini Vice President of Sales and Marketing Frederik Winther said the collection was designed for both residential and contract use, with electro-powder-coated aluminum available in a rainbow of finish options.
Bellini’s outdoor line featured several innovative aspects, including a self-adjusting table that eliminates wobbling, as well as cushions designed to be waterproof and resistant to bacteria.
“The fabric we use is the European version of Sunbrella, and we Teflon coated the inside of the fabric,” said Winther. “That allows us to have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and it allows us to make cushions that are softer and a lot more comfortable.”
Even better? Winther said the entire collection will be in stock and ready to ship by the end of December, and pieces from their quick-ship program ship within a week of ordering.
With supply chain and logistical disruptions stretching lead times from weeks to months, that in-stock story became a big selling point for manufacturers this market. Couture Jardin, for instance, drew steady traffic this market not only to see their fashion-forward new product, but also because that product is actually in stock and ready to ship.
Nearby in InterHall, Jensen Outdoor was one of several outdoor companies making their High Point Market debut. The recently rebranded company brought their signature ipe furnishings, along with teak groups, which are new to the line
Also visiting High Point for the first time, HiTeak brought an array of new product, including six new dining table designs, ranging from a classic picnic-style table to an extension table that can accommodate larger groups.
“We have been expanding in the last few years particularly in dining chairs with mixed materials,” said Frances Atherton, business developer, HiTeak. “This market we have six new tables designed to complement our seating.”
Atherton said that though the company recently showed at Casual Market Chicago, they are looking to expand their reach and thought High Point Market would allow them to connect with buyers they might not see at other shows.
“We’re able to reach designers, full-line retailers and specialty boutique people who don’t come to Casual Market,” she said.
