SIS Futon Covers Shows 70's Retro Line at Spring Shows

SIS Futon Covers will be introducing a groovy new line of 70's inspired fabrics at the Futon Expo in Phonix this May. Flash back to that avacado & gold kitchen and powder blue leisure suits the colors and patterns of the 70's are the hippest new look! First seen in popular culture, the retro look is now coming into home furnishings. "Cutting edge futon retailers were asking us for this look and we saw it as a terrific new area to develop" said Katharine Gotham of SIS Futon Covers.

Also, super soft, snuggly and durable, Polarfleece has been one of the most sought after apparel fabrics. Now it's a great look for your futon to wear also! SIS Futon Covers is offering genuine Polarfleece, specifically engineered for the home, for futon covers and coordinating pillows. SIS Futon Covers' president Shari Hammer recognized that the qualities of Polarfleece were ideal for futon cover usage. "Polarfleece offers wonderful surface softness, a non-pil construction, the ease of machine washability and a sporty, outdoor look. It's a perfect match for futon covers!" said Hammer.

Futon Place- Growing on Customer Satisfaction

The excitement hasn't stopped at Futon Place. Building on the success of an aggressive pine and hardwood futon frame program, the Santa Barbara futon manufacturer has introduced a new line of futon cover and pillow sets. Owner Nick Nara calls the response at the San Francisco show "explosive," and reports that they have had to double the size of their factory to keep up with orders.

Last year, Nara guided his company over the million dollar sales mark with a customer service philosophy that set new standards in the futon industry. "We continue to ship most orders in 48 hours, but I would love to improve on that." says Nara. That kind of drive is not lost on retailers. Ray Menasco of Sit N' Sleep, in Salt Lake City says, "We switched to Futon Place a few years ago for the lower prices. We stay with them because they have the best customer service in the industry-bar none!"

Nara projects that Futon Place will continue to see rapid growth throughout '97 and well into '98 as a result of the expanding cover and pillow set line. "I am certain," says Nara, "that our formula of quality products, discount prices, and the best service in the futon industry will keep our new cover and pillow set program on a very fast growth track."

Omni Promotes Nancy Colby
On February 1, 1997, Omni Softgoods promoted Nancy Colby to Head of Sales, replacing Gary Kreisel, who left Omni at that time. Colby started at Omni in the sales department in 1992, taking customers' orders and handling any customer service questions and concerns. Since then, she's worked on a variety of projects and special accounts. Colby's background is in customer service, sales, and marketing. "I look forward to being a part of this rapidly growing, exciting industry," says Colby. Omni Softgoods is one of the top futon cover and accessory manufacturers in the futon industry.
In other news Omni Softgoods continues to expand their custom workshop. "While maintaining our standard futon cover and accessory line, we still have the system in place to manufacture almost any softgood item that can be 'fabricated' from cloth," said Nancy Colby, Omni's Head of Sales. "Our dealers can give us a call if their customer has a very specific fabric they want to use, or a special size cushion or a cover. We will be happy to work with them to make those items," she said.
Some unique projects Omni has produced recently include bedroom items, such as novelty bed-sized pillow covers, bed toppers, day bed covers, decorator pillows, duvets, and jumbo size bolsters. Other items include specialty cushion and cover combinations for: benches, boats, campers, gliders, horse trailers, pianos, recreational buses, window seats, and yoga mats. Omni also makes other household items such as window treatments, buckwheat hull pillows in standard or special sizes, collage futon covers, ottoman covers, napkins, shower curtains, slip covers, table cloths, and table runners. 

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