Industry Updates part 2

Fu-Chest™ Features New Futon Styling and Finish

Annapolis, MD — The latest addition to the Fu-Chest™ line, the Chantilly, will be displayed at the October High Point Market in Plaza Suites, Spaces 2-300. The Chantilly Fu-Chest is a space-saving futon bed hidden in an attractive cabinet. It features a sophisticated, natural white distressed finish, diagonal wainscoting and generous beaded molding on faux doors and drawers.

"The Chantilly Fu-Chest has a great finish and look for resort properties,” said Jane Arason, CEO of Arason Enterprises, Inc. “I think it will do very well at the beach where people always need to sleep an extra person."

The Chantilly is available in twin and full sizes. Suggested retail is $379 for a twin and $439 for a full, and wholesale pricing is $189 and $219 respectively.

Other styles in the Fu-Chest line include:

The Mission style, with traditional lines, is available in either a medium oak or a dark oak finish;

The Cosmopolitan Style, with a contemporary look, is available in either a natural birch or a dark mahogany on birch finish;

The Williamsburg, featuring classic styling and fluted columns, is available in a red mahogany.

Suggested retail price for the Fu-Chest ranges from $299 to $439, depending on style and size. Container and 100-piece prices are also available for the Fu-Chest. Futon mattress is sold separately.

The Fu-Chest is imported from China. All styles are available in twin or full.

August Lotz Awarded Consumers Digest Premium Best Buy

August Lotz, Inc., has been awarded the Consumers Digest Best Buy Rating as presented in the September/October 2004 edition of the publication. August Lotz received this award in Best Buy’s Premium category, indicating that the product is of superior quality. Consumers Digest touted August Lotz’ products as “superbly constructed premium futon frames.” This designation was awarded after thorough review and analysis of competing products. On average, a Consumers Digest Best Buy is awarded to fewer than 3 percent of the competing models in any given product category.

“This is an exclamation point to our commitment to innovation and consumer value,” said National Sales Manager Kevin Whatley. “Most importantly, this will benefit our futon retailers as they address their customers’ expectations and questions. The Consumers Digest Best Buy Rating differentiates Lotz in the marketplace while providing the consumer an understandable and recognized comfort level as they make their purchase.”

The August Lotz name has been associated with fine wood furniture and wood products since 1897. Lotz is a leading manufacturer and importer of futon mattresses, futon frames and accessory furniture. Lotz operates nationally from Boyd, Wisconsin.

Burlington Futon Company Observes 20th Anniversary

Burlington, VT – At first it was a few futons to friends at the University of Vermont. Immediately, it became regular trips to Boston for truckloads of futons, and then the trial and error of making futons by hand. Over 20 years, Burlington Futon Company has evolved from futon manufacturing to include a retail showroom for futons and furniture, a fabric store called Burlington Fabric Company, a cover production and order fulfillment department and a wholesale sales and service operation selling futons and futon covers to retailers nationwide and beyond.

Today, Burlington Futon Company thrives as a fully integrated company. New fashion-forward fabric introductions, a steady development of futon covers and accessories and continuing values in promotional covers characterize the wholesale offerings every year. Consider their attentive customer service and a commitment to quick lead time and it explains the company’s prominence in the futon industry.

Specifically, it is attention to the futon cover that drives the wholesale department. Mark Binkhorst, President of Burlington Futon Company, explains it this way: “While the frame and futon are equally integral to the total package, it is the futon cover that completes the perceived value. Merchandising is everything. We are relentless when it comes to dressing up our own store, and we stress constant change with our wholesale accounts...people make a habit of coming back if they know they are going to see a new show…and invariably people buy what they see.”

Accordingly, in observation of the 20th anniversary, Burlington Futon Company has launched a merchandising promotion this fall for its wholesale customers that provides both an incentive to display new futon covers and a boost to the sales of new fabric introductions.

Then Is Now: Burlington Introduces Mix And Match Retro Futon Prints

Burlington, VT – The Fall Collection from Burlington Futon Company includes a large assortment of modern prints and embossed solids perfectly suited for the retro trend in furniture and today’s lifestyles. Mix and match the coordinating colors and patterns and create a fashion-forward look in your showroom guaranteed to catch your customers’ attention.

“We’ve watched the trends, waited for the manufacturers, and now, finally, can make available a mix and match group of colorful and modern retro patterns futon covers,” said Mark Binkhorst, company president. “The fabric itself features the strength and durability of microfiber with machine-wash care instructions. These fabrics combine in-style designs and colors with an easy-care and high performing fabric. We’re thrilled to add these fabrics to our Special
Order Program.”

Leggett & Platt Announces Personnel Changes

Leggett & Platt, Carthage, Missouri, has announced management changes in its Consumer Products Unit. Currently the CPU is comprised of The Fashion Bed Group and Steel Bedding Support Products, Coated Fabrics and L&P and Orthomatic Adjustable Sleep Systems.

Terry Bowen, most recently president of the Consumer Products Unit, has plans to leave the company to pursue other life challenges. He is participating in transitioning the CPU divisions to the following reporting groups to ensure consistency, take advantage of product synergies and continue to strengthen ties between each product group and its customers. L&P partners working in each of the consumer product groups will remain the same.

Ron Ainsworth, President of The Fashion Bed Group and Steel Bedding Support Products, will report to Dennis Park, who has been promoted to Vice President, L&P, President of the newly formed Home Furniture and Consumer Products Group.

Robert Weber, President of L&P’s Coated Fabrics Division, will report to Jerry Greene, President of Hanes Companies.

Michael Newman, President of the L&P Adjustable Bed Division, and Adam Weinman, President of Orthomatic, will report to Paul Hauser, Vice President L&P, President, Bedding Group.

Leggett & Platt is a diversified manufacturer that conceives, designs and produces a broad variety of engineered components and products. The company has been headquartered in Carthage since its founding 121 years ago in 1883. Leggett’s web site address is www.leggett.com.

Cottonbelle Expands Sunbrella InDOOR Outdoor futon cover Line

Cottonbelle’s expanded line of indoor / outdoor fabrics now includes new Sunbrella brush fringe bullion and tassels. With the trend toward indoor and outdoor living spaces coming closer together, trims and fabrics that are fade, water, soil- and mildew-resistant have become very popular. New trim boards are being introduced to help customers and retailers personalize their pillows. A separate Sunbrella fabric swatch book will make sales and selections even easier.

FL