NEW YORK — Textile maker LebaTex has announced a new faux leather line that includes more than 100 colors and textures. The range is composed of polyurethane, vinyl and silicone fabrics that can be used in both indoor and outdoor commercial and residential settings. All 101 faux leathers have undergone rigorous testing of 100K–500K double rubs…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Andmore again partners with Future Snoops (formerly known as Fashion Snoops) for a consumer-focused autumn/winter trend seminar and trend gallery at the upcoming High Point Market. “Future Snoops’ expertise in trend curation and forward-thinking design aligns perfectly with Andmore’s mission to provide a comprehensive, engaging and inspiring experience for buyers,” said Jon Pertchik,…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — WithIt (Women in the Home Furnishings Industry), the professional organization dedicated to supporting and mentoring women in the home and furnishings industry, announced the launch of its new Internship Initiative, as well as the keynote speaker for its summer conference. WithIt’s Internship Initiative aims to bridge the gap between students seeking valuable industry…
BERLIN, Ohio — Outdoor furniture manufacturer Berlin Gardens has acquired Windward Design Group Inc., a family-owned outdoor furniture company based in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. This strategic acquisition will enable Berlin Gardens to expand its product offerings and enhance its market presence in the outdoor furniture industry. “We are thrilled to welcome Windward into the Berlin Gardens…
The casual industry, like so many across the United States, has been on a roller-coaster ride of uncertainty since President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs last week on imported goods from a wide swath of the globe. Global stock markets responded with the largest decline since the Covid-19 market crash in 2020. And yesterday, Trump…
Former manufacturer’s rep Robert (Bob) Lee Swan died on March 27 in Sarasota, Florida. He was 88. After serving in the United States Marine Corp. from 1956 to 1958, Swan went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi in 1970. Swan was a rep for Telescope Casual Furniture…
When a brand like Sunbrella sees continued strength in the outdoor category, that’s usually a good sign. Suzie Roberts, vice president and general manager of furnishings, says that while so much of the world is changing, the desire to create distinctive and inviting outdoor living spaces remains strong among both consumers and designers. “We are…
NEW YORK — Meridian Furniture is expanding its growing portfolio of outdoor offerings with new seating collections and concrete table options making their debut at the spring High Point Market. “With renewed interest in the brutalist architecture movement, more designers than ever appreciate the durable functionality and indoor-outdoor qualities of concrete tables,” said Michael Rosilio,…
BURLINGTON, N.C. — Performance fabric maker Trivantage has introduced two distinct offerings to the Batyline sling fabric collection by Serge Ferrari. Batyline Elios and Batyline Eden are designed for fabricating long-lasting sling chairs and outdoor furniture, having dimensional stability, outstanding strength and durability in any climate. Both collections are made from a blend of PVC,…
MIAMI — Tuuci is unveiling four new designs — the Canyon Crue collection, Meritage dining table, Lulu day lounge and the Ocean Master MAX Bolero parasol — at Salone del Mobile in Milan this week. The Canyon Crue collection features a sculptural look with an X-frame, punctuated with a signature crown bolt and stainless-steel cuffs, while the Meritage dining table boasts hand-finished…
In recent days, I’ve heard a number of my industry colleagues speak in favor of tariffs. Whether it’s in the interest of fairness or of a resurgence in manufacturing that hearkens back to days past, it’s been argued that maybe there’s a logic to all of this. I beg to differ. First, a historical perspective.…
A few years ago, tech company GTRSuite expanded beyond its original mission of helping retailers “capture customer intention” with store locators that manufacturers can put on their website to direct customers shopping online to their nearest brick-and-mortar retailer. It developed the Lead Prediction Engine, a geo-location tool that allows retailers and manufacturers to see where…
For Patrick Connor, co-owner of Backyard Living in Ridgewood, New Jersey, the biggest challenge has been customers who want it. Right now. “Really, as an independent retailer, we struggle to keep enough stock to quick-fill orders,” he said. “We recently upsized our warehouse, and we are opening a second retail location, both of which will…
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Over the coming year, more than half (59%) of consumers plan to buy outdoor furniture or accessories. That’s according to the International Casual Furnishings Association’s annual 2025 Outdoor Living Trend Report. The research, conducted independently by Wakefield Research, revealed that 77% of consumers do not spend as much time outside at…
In the furniture industry, licensing partnerships can be a powerful tool for brands. We’ve all seen the Rooms To Go ads featuring stars such as Cindy Crawford, Sofia Vergara and Julianne Hough, and partnerships with celebrities, fashion brands and even institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art have proven lucrative for furniture and home…
NEW YORK — Performance fabric and leather alternative maker Ultrafabrics has collaborated with Pantone to create an exclusive color palette inspired by the color expert’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse. The Simple Pleasures palette features seven distinct colors that reflect everyday joys — the feeling of receiving freshly picked flowers, a warm cappuccino or…
We all admire someone in the casual industry: the sales associate who goes above and beyond, the brand killing it on social media, the design project that blew us away. Honor those outdoor standouts by nominating them for Casual News Now’s Casual Industry Awards. Presented in partnership with the International Casual Furnishings Association and Andmore,…
When Matt Pisani, the newly named vice president of sales for Telescope Casual, married into the Telescope family, he says he was the only person who didn’t think he’d end up working for the company. Before joining the casual industry, Pisani worked as a mortgage lender for several years and started at Telescope as the…
For landscape designer Steve Schumacher, who founded Boston Landscape Co. in 1991, the beauty in the outdoors can be found in carrying out the wishes of the client. “I enjoy creating beautiful and functional outdoor environments tailored to clients’ needs,” says Schumacher. He says that since the firm’s founding, the biggest challenges are in managing…
Founding editor Jennifer Bringle is returning to the role of editor-in-chief of Casual News Now. She most recently was a columnist for the publication. In 2020, Bringle helped found Casual News Now with publisher Rick Harrison. After stepping away from the publication for a few years, she returned as a columnist earlier this year. “I…
Andmore, presenter of premier physical markets and design centers that connect buyers and sellers of wholesale furnishings, gifts and apparel, has named Scott Eckman as president, effective April 7. Eckman is a deeply respected industry leader who brings significant cross-functional experience in physical and digital marketplaces across the industries that Andmore serves, the company said…
After a year as director of programs and member engagement for the International Casual Furnishings Association, Siri Scott has been promoted to executive director of the organization. In her new position, Scott will step into the role held by Jackie Hirschhaut, who had held that position for the past 10 years. Moving forward, Hirschhaut will…
Elaine Smith recently named Sara Smarr as its new head of sales, and Casual News Now caught up with the industry veteran to learn more about her vision for the company in her new role. Smarr has 25 years of experience in the luxury home furnishings industry, working with companies like Janus et Cie, Baker…
Sometimes, you find what you are looking for almost by accident. What Larry and Erma Pettis were looking for was a way to supplement their teacher’s salaries during the summer. What they found, in the business classifieds, was an ad for a Fox Inground Pool dealership. Never mind that they knew next to nothing about…
Imagine.io announced its recognition as the Top E-commerce 3D Product Visualization Platform for 2025 by Retail Tech Insights. “It is an incredible honor to be named the Top E-commerce 3D Product Visualization Platform for 2025 by Retail Tech Insights,” says Preet Singh, founder and CEO. “The award is a testament to our collective team’s relentless…
To celebrate 20 years of innovation, growth and industry leadership, American Fire Glass has rebranded to American Fire Products. This milestone honors two decades of success and signals the company’s evolution from a fire glass pioneer into a comprehensive manufacturer/distributor of fire pit burners, electronic ignition systems and fire pit accessories. “Fire glass was where…
Beloved casual industry veteran Victoria Echols died unexpectedly on March 13 after a brief illness. She was 48. After earning a degree in interior design from Brooks College in California, Echols had a 20-plus-year career in the casual industry, starting as a product designer with Minson, followed by a nearly nine-year stint as manager of…
The casual industry is a close-knit community full of creative retailers, innovative manufacturers and dedicated team players who pour their hearts into their work each day. To celebrate those who stand out and set an example of how to successfully navigate the outdoor industry today, Casual News Now will present its first-ever Casual Industry Awards…
Casual News Now received an email from Sunset West that was sent to its dealers detailing price updates. The statement is: When contacted about this notice, Sunset West explained to Casual News Now that price increases are only applied to certain products and this is not a general increase on all products. Aliena Squire, vice…
Last fall, Tuuci made a significant move into a new category, launching its first furniture line at the BDNY show. The collection includes four groups and marks a major moment for the brand as it expands its reach in the casual marketplace. Lindsay Kissel, senior vice president of product management and design, says the company…
NEW YORK — Textile maker LebaTex has announced a new faux leather line that includes more than 100 colors and textures. The range is composed of polyurethane, vinyl and silicone fabrics that can be used in both indoor and outdoor commercial and residential settings. All 101 faux leathers have undergone rigorous testing of 100K–500K double rubs…
