Harlee Opens New York Showroom and Warehouse

Harlee International of Corona, CA has opened a showroom in New York City, and is part of their new warehouse location at 735 Lorimer Street in Brooklyn. “We (Harlee) will be able to serve the East Coast more efficiently through this facility,” said company president Steve Leichter, who added, “It will also allow our dealers to see new futon frame designs at this showroom.” This move has been prompted by the demand for the new Generation II frame designs and bedroom pieces. The new warehouse combined with their Fall River, Massachusetts warehouse will allow Harlee to service all their East Coast dealers more efficiently.

Great Lakes Futon Goes west

Japhy Ryder, President of Great Lakes Futon of Milwaukee, WI and Great Lakes Futon West of Flagstaff, AZ reports that both futon stores are enjoying steady sales growth and “the best location in town.”
Ryder, one of the industry’s pioneers in the U.S.(1979), opened his Third Ward location alongside the Milwaukee River in 1988, before the area was considered “fashionable.” The Historic Third Ward now boasts a concentration of art galleries, theater groups, restaurants, micro breweries, loft condos and the Riverwalk.
With a view of the San Francisco Peaks and Route 66, Ryder’s Flagstaff store is also housed in a rustic, historic building with red stone walls, glossy plank floors and pressed tin ceilings.
“I’m so lucky!” said Ryder. “Both stores are so beautiful, both locations so culturally rich and interesting, and we have the greatest, most enjoyable customers!”
In order to spend time in each location, Ryder is looking for an experienced manager for the Milwaukee store.

August Lotz Ready For Season and High Point Market

As the frenzied “futon season” continues, August Lotz reports record sales on all facets of their futon frame and mattress lines. “Even though our sales were ahead of projections going into the ‘98 season, no one could have been able to forecast the sales explosion we’ve seen since this year’s Futon Expo,” said company President Mark Schlichter. “Luckily we keep an inventory large enough to keep up with our quick ship program, so even during the peak portions of the season we’ve been able to maintain our 48 hour turnaround time with minimal delays.” Among the big sellers this year are the “Convertible Sofa Sleeper” line, with hidden seat decks and invisible hardware; the wood/metal line, with sinuous seat springs and poly-deck on the futon frame; and the promotional items which bring the retail price of an August Lotz made futon frame down into the $299 range.
In keeping up with the demand for their product, August Lotz is anticipating the opening of a West Coast distribution facility by fall. Shipments leaving the Wisconsin based company reach most central and eastern points in two to four days, but West Coast shipments can take five to seven days to arrive at the customer’s door. By having a distribution center serving California, Oregon, and Washington, an even larger number of August Lotz customers can enjoy expedited shipping times.
University Furniture & Futons in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada has been ordering August Lotz products for distribution in western and central Canada. “Despite the depressed rate of exchange, retailers in the Canadian market have been clamoring to sell the product line,” Schlichter said.
Both August Lotz and Cotton Belle, a prominent industry futon cover company, will again be showing their wares together at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC. Located in showroom #218 of the Center Point building.

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