Futon Industry Updates 2
 

Bourne International to Exhibit at WMC in July

Bourne International has announced that they will be displaying at the Las Vegas World Futon Market Center in July. Their showroom space will be in the temporary exhibitors’ facility next to the new phase one building.

Bourne will exhibit several of their bedroom groupings in teak and pine. Futon sofa beds in oak and teak with all their accessory pieces will also be shown.

Bourne will also be introducing their Pacific Kids Collection. This collection features trundle beds, bunk beds and all the accompanying items.

 

Custom Workroom from CottonBelle Grows Niche Market

“CottonBelle's talented crew has built a business by exceeding customer expectations in the futon and furniture soft goods market,” said CottonBelle president Mary Lou Rath.

One customer recently summed it up in a note after she received her CottonBelle futon cover and needed more decorating work: “I realize I could give this job to a nearby upholsterer, but honestly, I have had so much trouble finding people who produce quality work like yours that I am inclined to pay extra for your expertise and care.”

“Custom work was our big growth area in 2004,” Rath said, “and we have expanded our business with designers and design-driven stores.” Small futon-furniture, specialty and other furniture stores that offer services and products that help integrate the futon into room settings insure add-on sales and repeat business. Popular items in CottonBelle’s workroom include custom cushions and futons, window treatments from valances to Roman shades and Sunbrella items such as shower curtains and tablecloths. Soft goods can be customized from CottonBelle’s extensive open line of distinctive fabrics or from fabrics that are provided.

Custom work is one way to develop a niche market, offset the forces of globalization and sameness and help eager customers become more involved in the design and comfort of their homes. For quality workmanship, honest pricing and a bottom line boost, call CottonBelle.
 

SIS futon Covers: Details, Details, Details

SIS Covers’ self-piped “Premium Suede” futon covers have proven so popular that SIS has extended the construction to its equally popular denim covers. “Denim Indigo” will now include self-piping on all futon covers and pillows - and will still be marked at a Grade B price. Solid-colored textured fabrics continue to dominate the furniture and futon business, so with the added detail of piping, these covers are the best value around.

SIS has also introduced a new bedding collection that combines multiple patterns and textures with interesting details. The eclectic bed sets provide character and personality for any room. The ensembles are put together and organized so that ordering is simple–a customer can choose any or all of the items to complete a set.

To complement the new bedding, SIS has teamed with Carriage House Furniture to provide upholstered and slip-covered bed frames in any SIS fabric. “This partnership with Carriage House adds a compelling dimension to our line,” said SIS president Shari Hammer. Carriage House produces a line of “traditional look” futon sofa sleepers that maintain the look of a traditional couch with the comfort and versatility of a futon sofabed.

 

Pacific Manufacturing Growing this Spring

Here they grow again! Over the years, Pacific Manufacturing & Distributing has consistently expanded and moved into larger and larger warehouses. This time, Pacific decided to construct its own warehouse designed specifically to handle the needs of its distribution operation.

In March 2005, construction was completed and Pacific Manufacturing & Distributing moved into their new warehouse and office facility. Pacific explains that much of its expansion has been spurred by the strong growth it has experienced in its Platform Bed program and Memory Foam mattress and Reflex Futon line. All three of these products have seen unprecedented sales increases over the past year.

Another exciting development this spring was the introduction of the Dark Chocolate finish in both the platform bed line and five futon frame arm styles. This warm finish is very rich in character and is in response to recent trends and consumer demand. “The dealer interest in this finish is very impressive,” said Joe Lujan of Pacific.

After more than 30 years in the futon business, Pacific Manufacturing & Distributing continues to service its customers’ needs and enjoys the challenges that growth brings. See their ad in this issue for new address and phone numbers. Their email has remained the same: info@pacificmfg.com.
 

Three Times the Charm at High Point

Cotton Works Ind., Midwest Imports Inc. and Wolf Corp. have partnered together in opening a new showroom in High Point, N.C. The new showroom will be displaying Cottage Futon frames by Midwest with Wolf’s futon mattresses and Cotton Work’s line of covers. The showroom will open in time for the Spring High Point Furniture Market and will be on display year round. The showroom address is: 167 S. Main Street, Radio Building, Room 408.

FL