When most people think about companies embracing American manufacturing, challenges like tariffs, shipping delays and global instability come to mind as reasons why. But for Polywood, it’s a different story. Brady Maller, Polywood’s CEO, tells Casual News Now that inventory management is one of the most important pillars of Polywood’s business. “A long time ago,…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — WithIt’s “Future of Home” Fall Education Breakfast, presented by Myriad Software, will examine how digital discovery, online and in-store shopping, personalization, brand engagement and emerging technology are reshaping the consumer journey. WithIt, the women’s leadership development network for the home and furnishings industry, will host the breakfast during High Point Market…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Andmore showrooms will open a day early for the fall High Point Market, officially welcoming buyers on Friday, Oct. 16. More than 1,100 permanent showrooms, including temporaries in Interhall, Salon and Suites at Market Square, will now have a six-day buying window. “This leasing activity reflects real conviction from our exhibitor…
WALLINGFORD, Conn. — Outdoor kitchen maker Danver has debuted its Ascento collection, designed in collaboration with architect, designer and Danver creative director Daniel Germani. The Ascento features 4-inch radius curved corners, and angled pull-ledge at the top of each door and integrated handles for a clean, streamlined profile and a contemporary aesthetic. Full-height drawer panels…
NEWTON, N.C. — Lane Venture will debut a significantly expanded presence at High Point Market along with parent company Bassett with an additional 44,000 square feet of showroom space. Guests enter on the first floor of the IHFC Main showroom, where a light-filled grand staircase rises to a hospitality area and the new showroom. An…
BALDWIN PARK, Calif. — Treasure Garden has named Nieman Outdoor Concepts, which is led by Eric and Jonah Nieman, as its independent Sales Representatives of the Year for 2026. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in sales performance, territory development and growth across new customer categories. “The Niemans certainly earned the recognition this year,” said Christy…
Brad Schweig of Sunnyland Outdoor Living has been working to create a group of established, noncompeting independent casual retailers to share ideas, challenges and limited financial information to benefit their businesses. Schweig said he hopes the group can hold its first meeting in February 2027. “I’ve liked the performance group idea for a long time,…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point Market Authority has announced the full lineup for its Center Stage and Market-at-Market shopping experience. Celebrating the official opening day of fall market, Saturday evening’s performances begin at 7 p.m. with Circus EVO, an international circus production company known for its high-flying acts, followed by Rhythm Arcade, an…
Alabama-based outdoor furniture maker Meadowcraft has halted production as of Sept. 30. Parent company Wadley Holdings LLC sent out a notice saying that it “will cease production of its Meadowcraft furniture brand,” and that “the company is seeking strategic alternatives for the brand.” Wadley Holdings, which was a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Sales & Marketing…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Andmore said it confirmed a new round of permanent showroom leases and temporary exhibitor signings ahead of the fall High Point Market, slated for Oct. 17-21. Temporary space in Andmore-owned Interhall, Salon and Suites at Market Square also will open a day earlier on Oct. 16. Six brands are opening permanent…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — WithIt will host three events during the fall High Point Market. The organization’s market schedule includes its Education Breakfast, a networking event at Interlude Home and the annual WithIt Student Mentoring Day. “High Point Market is an important gathering place for our industry, and we want WithIt’s programming to create opportunities…
When Armen Living acquired Uwharrie Chair Co. at the end of 2025, it reemphasized its commitment to the casual category. At the time, Kevin Kevonian, owner, president and CEO of Armen Living, said this acquisition would “unlock limitless possibilities in design and add significant fuel to the future growth of their company by providing new…
During Casual Market Atlanta, I got the chance to talk about one of my favorite topics — design trends — during a seminar and tour presented in partnership with the International Casual Furnishings Association and Andmore. We had a great discussion followed by a tour through the temporary booths on the seventh floor of AmericasMart…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The International Society of Furniture Designers has announced the 2026 Pinnacle Awards finalists, with several outdoor designs part of the 107 contenders across 32 categories. The 2026 winners will be announced and honored at a gala during fall High Point Market on Oct. 19, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., in the IHFC 11th…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point Market Authority has announced the interior designer lineup for its Instagram takeover during fall market, Oct. 17-21. The lineup includes: Oct. 17: Sarah Ann Morales @interiorelementsny, Monika Nessbach @designbar Oct. 18: Robin and Regina Reaves @randrinteriordesign, Laetitia Laurent @laurenellinteriors Oct. 19: Anissa Zajac @housesevendesign, Rona Graf @graceblu Oct.…
ATLANTA — Jensen Outdoor Furniture has been named the 2026 Manufacturer of the Year by the International Casual Furnishings Association. The award was presented at the ICFA Awards Gala in Atlanta, recognizing excellence in leadership, innovation, business performance, industry involvement and commitment to customers throughout the outdoor furnishings industry. “This is an extraordinary honor for our company,” said Bryan…
ATLANTA — OW Lee has named Charlie Smith as its sales rep of the year for 2026. Smith was honored at the company’s sales meeting during Casual Market Atlanta in September. “What stands out most about Charlie is his consistency,” said Brenda Pereyda, sales manager for OW Lee. “He shows up, puts in the work,…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Concrete outdoor furnishings maker Edge34 will bring two new finishes to its sculptural pieces at the upcoming fall High Point Market. The new colors — Ombre Grey and Fuego — will be available on the company’s full planter collection, including the new Sonoma medium, Sonoma large and Vintage Vessel planters. Finishes…
At the fall edition of Casual Market Atlanta, foot traffic was noticeably slower, but many exhibitors still reported a strong show thanks to the quality of buyer appointments. “I know traffic feels lighter than July, but my calendar is really robust,” said Mark Osborne, vice president of sales at MamaGreen. “Because if they’re here, they’re…
On Aug. 22, new U.S. Section 338 tariffs of up to 50% took effect on a wide range of Canadian goods. Three days later, Canada announced it would match those tariffs dollar for dollar on U.S.-origin goods, effective Sept. 8. For home furnishings brands shipping into Canada, that translates directly into higher landed costs —…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point Market Authority’s Diversity Advocacy Alliance has announced its annual award honorees, who will be celebrated at a ceremony during fall market at 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at Congdon Yards. The event will be emceed by interior designer and HGTV personality Michel Smith Boyd. Beginning at 5:45 p.m., three…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — WithIt has appointed Cheryl Dobbins Hege to the role of director of advancement and marketing, tasked with strengthening industry partnerships and sponsorships, growing membership and engagement, and expanding the organization’s visibility and reach. Dobbins Hege brings more than 15 years of home furnishings industry experience spanning partnership development, sponsorships, marketing, public…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The International Textile Alliance has announced its executive committee and board of directors for the 2026-27 term. Leading the executive committee as president is Elise Gabrielson, vice president of marketing for Crypton. Joining her are Anderson Gibbons, chief revenue officer for STI as vice president, and Andy Pacuk, sales consultant for…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Outdoor furnishings maker Edge34 will host Nicole Baxter, an international neuroaesthetics authority and NeuroDesign Academy faculty member, to its High Point Market showroom at 4 p.m. Oct. 17 for a talk on “Mapping the Nervous System of a Project.” The interactive workshop is designed to help designers better understand how they,…
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The National Kitchen & Bath Association, the trade association for the kitchen and bath industry, in partnership with Cosentino Group, has announced a redesigned Design Hub at Broad Hall, debuting at the fall High Point Market. NKBA has partnered with High Point, North Carolina-based interior design firm Barbour Spangle to introduce a…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The Vacation Rental Design Summit will make its Atlanta debut next year during the July edition of Casual Market Atlanta. The team behind the summit has partnered with Andmore to bring the event to Atlanta after a successful collaboration with Las Vegas Market earlier this year. The summit originated in High…
ATLANTA — During this week’s Casual Market Atlanta, Casual News Now sat down with Andmore President and Chief Operating Officer Greg Avitabile to talk business, growth and why the outdoor industry is such an important facet of its overall market strategy. CNN: Where does Casual Market Atlanta stand today? GA: It has really grown year…
As outdoor living becomes a more permanent part of how people design homes, hotels and gathering spaces, the “right fit” may matter as much as the right look. That’s one reason that special orders have been a huge part of the casual industry for the past couple of decades. Made-to-order furnishings can reduce the compromises…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Sunset West parent company Hooker Furnishings announced a full schedule of High Point Market events created for interior design professionals. From practical tools and expert insights to fresh perspectives and meaningful conversations, the series of educational events will take place during fall High Point Market, Oct. 17-21, in the Designers Theater,…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — The High Point Market Authority has announced the programming lineup for The Point at fall market, slated for Oct. 17-20. Oct. 17 9:30-11 a.m. Hot Spot ToursLed by seasoned market veterans and 2026 Style Spotters, each curated tour features two to three preselected showroom stops. Ideal for new buyers and seasoned market…
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When most people think about companies embracing American manufacturing, challenges like tariffs, shipping delays and global instability come to mind as reasons why. But for Polywood, it’s a different story. Brady Maller, Polywood’s CEO, tells Casual News Now that inventory management is one of the most important pillars of Polywood’s business. “A long time ago,…
