Updating Futon Frames
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Island's Nyatoh Wood Highlighted
Noting that Nyatoh hardwood is currently being featured by Crate & Barrel and Hammacher & Schlemmer, Island Futon President Ron O'Neil said value-seeking consumers are beginning to learn about the durability and earth-friendly aspects of Nyatoh hardwood.
"Our wood provides enduring lustrous beauty. Our futon retailers have a superior product and now with our new marketing program, they'll be very tough competitors in the retail arena," Mr. O'Neil said.
Island Futon Company is represented by the Glasser Group of Tampa, FL. Dennis Moody, the Glasser Group Senior Vice President said, "The futon industry can point with pride to Island as a leader in manufacturing and in retail marketing support. In my 25 years in the furniture industry, I rarely see this level of commitment to retailers. We are proud to represent a company that uses its resources to help its futon retailers maximize their sales and profits."
New From Island Futon Frame: Gallery Signs & Ad Support
Futon frame differentiation gets a strong push with the arrival of Island Futon's new Marketing Program that includes in-store point of sale signage and a comprehensive Retail Advertising Package. The new promotional materials emphasize Island Futon's top-selling futon frame designs, warranty protection, workmanship and finish, and the unique durability of Nyatoh wood the super-strong teak-like Pacific hardwood used exclusively by Island Futon. Copy points emphasize features and benefits exclusive to Island Futon frames.
Full color in-store signage includes two 18" x 42" Gallery Signs which attract consumers to the Island Futon gallery area, two 11" x 14" and two 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" easel-back table signs, as well as matching product hang tags for the company's futon frame and table lines.
Island's new advertising retail support package includes complete product photos, display advertisements, and logosheets. There are eight camera-ready "slicks" in the ad package. Russ Kramer Creative of Tampa, FL created Island Futon's ads and point of sale materials. Kramer commented: "We present Island's story with new and powerful retail sales tools. Consumers respond positively to fine craftsmanship, quality of materials and to Island's environmental sensitivity. It is not hyperbole to call these futon frames "The New Standard in Hardwood Futon
Zad Design & MFG. Purchases Manufacturing Warehouse Site
Zad Design & MFG., manufacturers and wholesalers of futon mattresses, softwood futon frames, and futon related softgoods for the past five years has recently purchased a manufacturing and warehouse site in Oxnard, California. Doubling its size from the previous site, Zad Design and Manufacturing has launched its first American made bi-fold and tri-fold hardwood futon frame lines, which were introduced at the Winter San Francisco Furniture and Design Show.
By using an innovative new mechanism in the lounger style, Zad Design's new line of hardwood futon frames will eliminate many of the problems that exist with earlier lounger style futon frames. Akim Azad, the company's president, believes the quality of frames produced at Zad Design can now be consistently improved by producing the futon frames on site.
Yesteryear Reveals Wicker Futon Group
Are you tired of me-too products? It seems that most of the futon frames on the market look very similar. Finally, some one has come up with something different. Yesteryear Wicker is introducing a wicker futon group. They are starting with one style, the Bar Harbor group, which closely resembles the classic 1920's style wicker furniture by that name. It uses the heavier materials that many people find appealing due to the extra strength as well as their good looks. They offer it in the traditional white, which is popular at the beach, near the water or in any sunny room. They also offer it in their unique antique brown-wash finish which gives it a more rugged, earthy and old-fashioned feel. Besides their futon frame they offer a wide assortment of matching pieces including the usual coffee table, end table and arm chair, and they also offer a chaise lounge, loveseat and a rocker.
Yesteryear first started importing and wholesaling wicker furniture in 1987. As their name connotes, they specialize in old-fashioned wicker designs. They offer porch groups, bedroom sets, dinettes, rockers, daybeds, as well as futon frames. Prior to starting the business, Don Walker, the owner and manager, collected antique wicker and noticed many clever designs not being used in modern wicker. So he incorporated them into his product or reproduced the items as close to the original design as possible.
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