Yesteryear Wicker Changes Name — Says Wicker Futon Business is Growing

Yesteryear Wicker is changing its name to Spice Islands Wicker, Don Walker, reports that, “This was necessary to reflect the reality that we have been importing and wholesaling contemporary as well as old fashioned wicker styles for some time now. “I put it off for as long as I could,” he said. He added, “This change has nothing to do with our sale of futon frames. However, business in that area is still very strong and getting stronger with the introduction of our latest model, the Casablanca, which features a woven front skirt. It is still early but so far this item shows all the signs of a winner.”

Yesteryear has been carrying several wicker futons for about 4 years now, but this is a small part of their overall business. They import a wide variety of items and sell to several niche markets as well as the general market for wicker furniture.

At Home Debuts Trade Winds Rattan

At Home Furnishings announces the introduction of its new Trade Winds Collection of rattan futon frames, tables, and occasional pieces. The Washington, DC based supplier has made innovative use of rattan in several forms. Rattan peel, in varying widths, can be woven into interesting patterns, which, in turn, can be placed virtually anywhere on a futon frame. The long, cylindrical shaped rattan core, when heated, can be bent to permanently accommodate a variety of futon arm designs.

These new designs of beautiful shapes and textures bring a truly fresh look to futon furnishings. Along with the new solid hardwood models.

August Lotz Announces Explosive New Programs

August Lotz has unveiled several new and exciting developments which are sure to please futon store owners. When asked what prompted them, company President, Mark Schlichter stated, “The concept of listening to our futon retailers is nothing new to August Lotz. We staunchly believe our customers’ issues are our issues. With that in mind, we began to work on four key areas.”

First, August Lotz announced this week that their retailers will be able to buy this year’s models at last year’s prices as there will be no price increases for 2002! Schlichter stated he wanted to underscore the commitment August Lotz demonstrates to its futon buyers.

Second, they announced the front loading mechanism will be available on all models made from Northern White Ash and Hard Rock Maple.

“Many of our futon retailers have been asking that all models have the option of being a front loader. Not only did we do this, but we found that some models will actually experience a price decrease,” Schlichter stated.

This will be achieved by manufacturing a new, universal futon frame design named The 2002. From now on there will be one frame for Northern White Ash, and one for Hard Rock Maple. Additionally, futon frames and arms will come in separate boxes, with a front loader kit available for all futon frames except the pine and log models. As an added benefit, all models will now be available in queen size. Schlichter noted that these changes do not affect the convertible line.

Thirdly, August Lotz is increasing its sphere of influence to include a new line of front loading oak imports. Schlichter said this is the strongest oak import program ever offered, and has features and benefits previously unavailable. He also said it will be approached with the typical August Lotz imperative of only accepting the highest quality. When asked about this new venture, Schlichter explained:

“A futon retailer who has this new line will have a significant advantage over a competitor who does not. Now our futon store owner can receive an excellent value with front loading, oak futon frames, starting under $150 with a number of features previously reserved for higher end futon frames. Our imports are only solid oak. We decided to look at a step above the entry level range and discovered we could offer proven styles at competitive price points which are designed to offer a higher level of quality than one would typically expect from an import. After all, we are known throughout the futon industry to have a rigorous quality control program, and we will be using exactly the same method on our import line. We will stand behind their quality. The advantages for our futon retailers are they will have great point of purchase programs, and can now purchase futon frames at a wider range of price points from one source and be assured of August Lotz quality.”

Fourthly, August Lotz will be offering new and aggressively priced promotional full size futon mattresses starting at just $39.50, with even further discounts for truckload quantities. These new mattresses will come in a black tick and be available for order at the Futon Association International show in Chicago.

Knockdown Frameworks, Inc. Changes Name To KD Frames

Knockdown Frameworks, Inc. of Athens, Georgia is shortening its name to “KD Frames”. Owner and founder (and everything else), Alan Bowden explains, “When our logo printing plate at our box manufacturer wore out, I decided that it was a good time for a change and I had the new plate made with the new logo,” he said.

Founded in 1987, KD Frames has consistently raised the standards of the ready-to-finish futon furniture segment. “I have a great group of loyal customers, many of whom have been selling my futon frames for years. I am looking forward to showing in my eighth consecutive Futon Expo and seeing many of my customers and friends.”

KD Frames is also showing a new pullout style lounger built into the seat section of the Carolina Loveseat and the Twin Chair. “I’ll have to put much time and effort into developing a product to meet the markets demand for this type of futon frame. Finding the right combination of sturdiness, ease of operation, and price has been quite a challenge.”

Sensual suede BIG at CottonBelle

Furniture Today’s 2002 Retail Planning Guide picked faux (synthetic) suedes as this year’s hottest upholstery fabric. And with good reason: faux suedes and leathers are kid tough but sensual and beautiful to the touch. Besides their classic good looks, these fabrics are long-wearing, easy to clean and affordable.

Faux suede is estimated to make up 30 to 40 percent of the upholstery market in Europe. “Our washable, sueded faux leather collection was our most successful program last year, and we expect even higher sales this year,” says CottonBelle co-owner Mary Lou Rath.

CottonBelle’s faux leather collection is a sueded microfiber with a leather grain that comes in 13 colors at a category “B” price. Futon retailers from coast to coast love this collection. Dave Miley, owner of Futon Source in Indianapolis, says it is his best-selling program. He stocks both full and pillow covers.

Leslee Evans, owner of Creative Futons in San Diego, stocks all sizes and says she still can’t keep them on the shelf. To meet the demand, CottonBelle is expanding its 2002 leather and suede program with new colors such as off-white and chestnut. Higher-end suedes will have a heavier drape and more luxurious hand and new faux leathers with non-suede looks will be added in traditional leather colors.

“Futon retailers looking for a way to successfully merchandise our new fabrics and accessories should consider CottonBelle’s Display and Decorating Kiosk,” Rath says. “The solid-maple kiosk can stylishly display all of our suede and leather colors along with self-piped pillows and our new coordinating accent pillows in contemporary, kilim, retro or Arts and Crafts styles.

SIS Futon Covers Hopes To Build An Award Winning Display

The hammers are pounding, the bricks being laid, and the scaffolding going up in preparation for the new SIS Futon Covers booth at the Chicago Futon and Specialty Sleep Expo. Planners hope to design another award-worthy visual display to showcase the new products SIS covers will showing. The company will be cutting the ribbon on its spring line of fabrics in an urban atmosphere.

Groundbreaking new designs include everything from bold prints in shocking colors to arts and crafts that compliment the architectural style of futon frames. SIS Futon Covers will also debut additions to the extremely successful “A” line. Don’t miss the excitement and energy in space #447 at The Futon and Specialty Sleep Expo!