If It's Canadian Pine, That Futon is Fine!

It used to be that pine futon frames sold only to students and the financially challenged. "Not any more," according to Mitch Wapen of Lofa Sales International in Montreal. "Since we went mainstream in our styling four years ago, the change, and the results, have been dramatic," he said.

1993 was the year that Wapen hooked up with Atelier de Bois J.A. Viens of Chambly, Quebec. Atelier de Bois had been supplying the local Quebec market with basic pine and hardwood futon frames but was looking to expand into the U.S. and Wapen, an American living in Montreal, had a U.S. customer base from his days of owning his own factory, but was now searching for someone to produce the styles, stains, and sizes that he knew his customers wanted in pine.

"Quebec pine is different," says Wapen. "The trees grow in the northern part of the province, very near the tree line. Because of the cold, the tree is smaller and thinner, and the wood that we buy is denser, meaning stronger, and features a handsome grain and much smaller knots than the common white pine that most people associate with futon frames. With Quebec pine, we were able to design futon frames every bit as good-looking as their hardwood cousins and, at a significantly lower cost. Barrel bolt construction allowed us to knock down the futon frame for shipping and little tricks like using a metal ball-bearing roller to reduce friction in the groove and extending the seat section leg to the ground combine to make these futon frames both durable and easy to operate."

Lofa Sales acts as the marketing department for the factory and, as such, has developed a line of eight bi-fold models, complete with coffee and end tables, plus an ottoman. "Every year," claims Wapen, "we introduce two or three new models and each one comes in six sizes and seven finishes. Our goal is to offer an alternative to both domestic hardwood and import futon frames with the quality construction and fast turnaround times of North American producers combined with the competitive price advantages of the imports."

"When a customer looks at the styling, construction, and gorgeous finishing of our products, they don't seem to mind that it's pine. I'm a firm believer that if it looks good, feels good, and is priced right it'll sell." "And," Wapen concludes, "that's what my customers want, futon frames that sell."

Atlantic Frame - A Banner Year

After a banner year in 1996, Atlantic Frame announces that 1997 has started out strong with the introduction of several new futon frame styles and the introduction of a whole new category, Bunk Beds. "We unveiled the 'Orlando' futon frame and the 'Spindle Arch' bunk bed at the Mid-Atlantic Furniture Market in Edison, NJ," said Mark Valone, company President, "and they were both an immediate success. Sales were strong and reorders have been forthcoming."

In addition to the new futon frame styles, the company has added additional finishes to some of their established lines. The Nantucket is now not only available in a "light mahogany" finish, it is now also available in a "redstone" finish, the hardwood Yukon futon frame is now available in a "light mahogany" and a "natural" finish.

Both finished and unfinished pine continue to be a strong category with the recent addition of the "Pioneer" and the "Tahoe" futon frames. Besides the two new arm styles two more stain options for the pine line have been added; Dark Walnut and Honey Pine. "All in all, more styles and more finishes means a better choice for the futon store owner," said Valone.

"We are currently preparing for the Spring High Point show, where we will be debuting three more futon frame styles all in a wall hugger format; the "Post-Mission", the "Spindle-Mission" and the "Santa Rosa". Also at High Point, we will be introducing a new style 3 position pine body" he said.

To those buyers going to High Point, Valone urges that they make their way to Suite 7C of the C&D Building. "Besides the bunk bed, we will be showing 20 different futon styles at all price points with some incredible show specials," said Valone.

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