THE 29TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CASUAL FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES MARKET SHOWCASES NEWEST PRODUCTS AND TRENDS IN INDUSTRY
Fresh, New Products on Display from hundreds of companies in America’s Largest Collection of Casual Furniture
CHICAGO (September 17, 2007) – The 29th Annual International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market returns to Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, displaying the latest trends and hottest new products in the indoor and outdoor casual furnishings industry and featuring the return of the Exterior Design Showcase, the popular outdoor garden design series which debuted in 2006.
The only show in the United States dedicated to the indoor and outdoor casual furniture industry that is exclusively endorsed by Summer & Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association (SCFMA) and the Casual Furniture Retailers Association (CFR), will feature exhibitors from around the world showcasing their latest innovative new products and lines, not available to consumers until spring 2008. In all, nearly 300 exhibitors will feature their newest products in a wide variety of categories. The following is a summary:
Wrought Iron/Aluminum:
• Agio International introduces the Key Biscayne Bar and Deep Seating Collection which brings a contemporary feel to a very non-traditional woven all-weather wicker. The tailored cushions, sleek design and aluminum frame creates a look of modern luxury.
• Alfresco Home debuts the Chat Group with Fire Pit Table which was designed by Arezzo Girotavolo. This unique configuration combines wrought-iron spring lounge chairs with a marble mosaic fire pit with a copper insert that is available in 48 different fabrics.
• The Joop Bar Stool and Table Set by American Trading Company is a square, backless bar stool set and matching table. The set is made of aluminum and wicker weaving.
• The Brown Jordan Day Lily Sectional, a graceful cast-seating collection featuring artful floral castings on a tubular aluminum frame, is a modern addition to a timeless classic. Day Lily has been re-proportioned and re-cast to meet today’s interest in larger-scale design, and expanded to feature a multitude of modular seating options. In addition, the Campaign Grande Double, a massive chaise featuring fully cast arms and cast complements on the chaise’s cardinal points, has an optional four-poster upper frame that supports a fabric canopy and curtains for added privacy.
• Domila introduces the Egg Chair, an all-weather chair, which is made of resin, extruded powder-coated tubular aluminum.
• Heaven by EMU is an airy silhouette of chairs, armchairs, tables and flower-boxes that stage the privileges of open-air life with refinement.
• Faulkner Furniture/Coast Distribution System debuts the Executive Folding Lounge Chair which is the only folding recliner on the market that uses memory foam padding. The one-inch of high density memory foam is covered in black leather for maximum comfort and style.
• The Hidalgo Collection by Foremost Group embraces a new technology that adds texture to the wooded extrusions. The collection has a very warm, organic feel that mimics tree bark. Foremost Group also introduces two more collections, the Stratford Collection, which has the unique appearance of real wood on a frame that is suited for contemporary or traditional environment; and the Valencia Collection which has a unique contemporary blend of casting on a traditional frame. All three collections are made of tubular aluminum.
• The Charme Sidechair by JANUS et Cie is a stylized side chair featuring a sleek, cast aluminum frame and quilted leather seat.
• Koverton Classics features three new aluminum-based products. Escape Dining Collection features estate furniture with a modern twist; the Escape Deep Seating Collection shows off a bold and fluid stance highlighted by strong lines and gracious proportions; and the Mondone Collection is a sleek and modern sling seating chair that creates an airy feeling in an open space.
• LaFuma USA’s R’Light Chair is a multi-position, folding recliner that has an aluminum frame, removable canvas suspended by elastic laces, solid wood armrests and a padded headrest.
• The Romansa Arm Chair by Lattice & Curio is perfect for indoor or outdoor use with its all-weather resin wicker and aluminum frame and is durable, sleek and elegant enough to dine on.
• Meadowcraft debuts two new products: The Charleston Rocker, made of wrought iron tubing and embossed metal, is classic in its design and feel. It is available in seven finishes and 140 fabric designs; and the Athens Deep Seating Sofa features a beautiful new intricate detailing leg design that was created by using a process called hydro-forming.
• The Cay Sal Sling Dining Collection by Palm Springs Rattan & Garden Classics is an all-aluminum frame dining set with a multi-step bronze finish that has comfortable lumbar support. In addition, the Empire Counter Height Bar Table, with its all aluminum frame and polyethylene verigated vinyl weave is comfortable and durable and can be combined with matching bar stools and dining chairs.
• Introducing three new aluminum and all-weather wicker products is Pelican Reef. The Molokai Collection, the Mandalay Dining Collection and Mandalay Pub Collection are all woven on a rust-resistant powder-coated aluminum frame with HDPE fiber. The Dining collection comes standard with umbrella holes and the barstools in the Pub collection are stackable.
• Summer Classics debuts the Coral Bay Chair, which is executed in burnished leather PVC woven over a bamboo aluminum frame and is finished in a hand-applied pecan finish. Summer Classics also introduces three new deep seating dining collections. The Park Series is hand woven with 4mm resin over a welded aluminum frame with teak legs and a black walnut N-dura resin; the Plaza Series features pure square welded aluminum alloy and is woven in black walnut N-dura resin; and the Westport Series is executed in cast aluminum featuring a double x design with channeled edges that flow along the arms and back. Finally, Summer Classics presents two new deep seating collections: the Palm Series features lightweight chairs that stack with shutter backs that offer comfort and style and are available in both pecan and antique ebony finishes; and the Somerset Series includes a tubular and cast aluminum frame with deep seating stack-ability for easy storage and is available in an ancient earth finish.
• Suncoast Aluminum Furniture Inc. features The San Marco Sling that has a disappearing sling rail incorporated within the arm of the chair. It also features lumbar support and a waterfall front edge for comfort.
• Three new products make up Telescope Casual Furniture’s new line. The Momentum Sling Arm Chair has a modern clean look and is constructed with a series of miter cuts to give a sleek look to the extruded tubular aluminum frame; the Cape May Sling Adjustable Back Swivel Glider has an adjustable back and clean lines, and is easy to change the position of the chair back simply by lifting the arm and moving it forward or back; and the Festival Cast Arm Chair, a sand cast aluminum chair, has a woven pattern on the seat and back and stacks densely and continuously when not in use so storage is never a problem.
• Tommy Bahama unveils the Paradise Gates Club Chair, which combines the elegant Louis XIII styled frame structure, a scrolled armrest supported by the “turned” columns, the opulence of a gold crest set within an ornate cast back and front apron, and the comfort of deep seating proportions.
• Winston Furniture’s Montclaire Ultimate High Back Dining Chair, is primarily comprised of tubular extrusions with the addition of a very detailed arm casting and a thin profile sling extrusion that adds airiness to the profile of this design. In addition, the Bella Spring Base Lounge Rocker has a traditional design that incorporates webbed aluminum extrusions, wedged tubular aluminum (for the front legs) and sand cast as well as die cast aluminum components. It is oversized for comfort and finished with tailored, form fitted cushions.
• The Reston Collection by Woodard, LLC features a solid metal back with embossed rivets which is complemented with a scalloped arm treatment and a solid iron stock. The Deauville Dining Chair, designed by Shaun Sweeney, has a solid wrought iron frame, scalloped back, distressed arms, and a soft mesh seat for ultimate comfort.
• The Veracruz Collection by Woodard Landgrave has a Spanish regal look with an ornate back, fluted legs and cast arms.
Wicker:
• Ceylon Dining by Agio International, a beautiful and durable deep-seating collection, has coordinating bar and dining pieces that create a truly show-stopping outdoor living space and add more square footage to living spaces.
• American Trading Company introduces its new Joop Bar Stool & Table Set which has square backless bar stools that fit comfortably and stylishly under the matching wicker table.
• Three new designs are part of Anacara’s new line of wicker products. The Flair, made from Bordeaux resin wicker is a contemporary, deep seating piece that is contoured and scaled for comfort; the Somerset Dining Collection, which is available in an antique chestnut finish, comes in either a 54” or 60” table with deep seat dining and accent chairs; and the Saratoga Dining Collection, which comes in a white or charcoal finish, is a 54” round dining table that comfortably seats four.
• Brown Jordan’s Zephyr Lounge Chair features an open weave construction that simultaneously exposes and camouflages the chair’s structural elements. Narrow flat resin is tightly woven over the arm rests and seating surfaces, while a contrasting thin round resin is fastened around the chair’s outer frame.
• The Cirrus Armchair by JANUS et Cie, is inspired by the sleek functional lines of sail boats and is made of a highly durable material that is impervious to the elements.
• Koverton Classics features two new products: the Luxe Collection, constructed of aluminum and all-weather wicker, which is inspired by high-end island furnishings and contains extremely comfortable deep-seating pieces; and the Sail Lounge Collection is a comfortable lounge chair that will fit into any social seating area with its gracious curves and all-weather wicker.
• The Hemingway Collection Recliner by Laneventure Furniture has a masculine look but its clean lines and comfort soften its feel and adds beauty to any outdoor space. The WeatherMaster Swivel Glider Lounge Chair, which comes with WeatherMaster patented cushions, is made from natural wicker, and the Swivel Glider provides the comfort and motion of a porch swing but also that additional chair to pull up to a stationary set.
• Lattice & Curio debuts two new products: the Milan Sofa and the Peter Sun Lounger are made of all-weather wicker, suitable for all year round, and has a sleek design.
• Three new products are part of Lloyd/Flanders new line: The Oxford Lounge Chair has a deep club-style seat that gives a sense of aristocracy while providing continual comfort. It is available in 17 custom finishes and 250 fabrics; the Sedona Sectional, which is designed to emulate the rolling landscape of Sedona, offers a soft contemporary style, using free form crescent shapes for numerous configurations; and the Oxford End Table, with its soft lines and square/round corners make the end table pleasing in any setting. Its random woven weave is available in 17custom finishes.
• Outback Chair Company debuts four new products as part of its Urban Balance Collection. The Expanse is an inspired reinterpretation of the traditional porch swing; the Curve is a hanging chair with a gently contoured seat and back; the Cove is a floating alcove that brings comfort to a new level; and the Wave is a luxurious hammock that yields to each person who relaxes on it. All the items in the collection are woven in all-weather resin rattan and presented in a dark-chocolate color.
• The Port Lucaya Server by Palm Springs Rattan & Garden Classics is an oval server with leather-bound joints giving this wicker server its form and strength.
• The Atlantis Chaise Lounge by Pelican Reef is an all-weather adjustable chaise lounge that is woven on a rust-resistant aluminum frame with HDPE fiber.
• Skyline Design debuts four new aluminum, all-weather wicker products. The Camel Chaise Lounge, the Brando Deep Seating Collection, and the Marriot Stackable Dining Collection are all woven on a rust-resistant powder coated aluminum frames with ViroFiber. The Camel Chaise Lounge has a unique adjustable leg rest and the Brando and Marriot collections offer cushions that are fade-proof and stain-resistant. Finally the Pacific Cube Rack Storage Unit has a pull-out bottom drawer that allows for easy storage for towels or any other items.
• The Royal Palm by Suncoast Aluminum Furniture Inc. features a unique blend of woven vinyl that incorporates many weave details.
• Telescope Casual introduces the St. Lucia Wicker Arm Chair, a deep seat wicker chair with two different wicker weaves that are a classy combination of hand woven resin and powder-coated aluminum.
• The Ocean Gaze Daybed by Tommy Bahama is the most versatile daybed with four-framed posts modeled after an ancient Chinese bed. The posts can be removed and the tier portions of the platform spliced and re-configured to accommodate any situation from more private to more social.
• Woodard, LLC’s Domino Collection is an all-season wicker collection with wide arms on a deep seating curved arm, giving the dining chair a Parsons look and feel.
Wood/Stone:
• Nouveau Gathering Group by Agio International includes an elegant marble tabletop, sling swivel seating and durable all-weather fabric. Higher than traditional dining groups, but lower than most standard bar heights, Nouveau Gathering Group gives consumers a new and comfortable view of their outdoor room.
• Ancient Mosaics Studios presents the Vittoria Dining Table, a dramatic dining table that features hand-selected Italian marble with a contrasting inlay marble border.
• The Williamsburg Strapwork Leaf Urn by Campania International provides just the right decoration on this new cast stone leaf urn.
• Cape Cod Beach Chair Company’s newest resort caliber chair, the Surfside Recliner has a balou wood frame and sunbrella seat, and is perfect for the beach, boat or patio.
• The EON Adirondack Collection by EON Outdoor Living is fashioned from a highly-engineered polymer that provides the luxurious look and feel of wood, without the hassles of annual maintenance. In addition, EON’s Deck & Balcony Tiles can transform any backyard or balcony into an elegant living space within minutes and is an alternative to purchasing a new deck.
• Rusteaka, Tuscano and Bellasera by Global Surroundings, LLC are collections with large scale proportions truly unique in deep seating teak furniture.
• GroovyStuff introduces its new Badlands Root Bench handcrafted from the root system of a teak tree. It has a matching side chair and coffee table and will compliment any indoor and outdoor area.
• The Sunset Collection by Jensen Jarrah is a contemporary, clean collection that has contoured, backless seats with ample Jarrah support and comfort.
• The Algarve Teak Dining Collection by Kinglsey-Bate includes a dining armchair, side chair and either a 52” or 60” round dining table. The Chelsea Teak Deep Seating Collection includes a sofa, settee, lounge chair and ottoman.
• Laneventure debuts Leeds Castle which brings the feeling of the Kent countryside to life by hosting English garden charm with gracious styles.
• Featuring a one of a kind frangipani carving under the arms of each side, old world artisanship and contemporary California styling, the Limited Edition Lounge Chair by Maku Furnishings comes with a certificate of authenticity for each of the only 250 pieces made.
• New Creative Enterprises line of mahogany wood furniture includes the Mahognay Bench, the Mahognay Chair, and the Mahogany Side Table; each with a cast metal songbird insert inspired by the National Geographic Field Guide to Birds of North America.
• The Weathered Adirondack Chairs by New River Casual Furniture are offered in a new weathered, hand-painted finish, featuring white, black or wine colors, ensuring that each piece is unique; the Charleston Deep Seating Collection is versatile and available in an oiled finish, painted finish or the new custom applied Reve finish which offers superior weather protection and produces a deep, rich finish.
• Palm Springs Rattan & Garden Classics introduces three new products; the Havana Chat Dining Set, which can seat eight comfortably on its 7ft. table, is comprised of wood and wicker with an interchangeable leg height for dining or conversation; the Bali Counter Height Bar Set is an all-weather set that is impervious to bugs and does not need to be painted; and the Maui Curved Bar Set has a crushed bamboo top and Abaca wicker accents.
• The Adirondack Style Furniture by Port Henry Outdoor Classics offers comfort and style in any outdoor area.
• Prairie Leisure Design’s Engraved Garden Bench is a cedar garden bench with an engraved design on the back valence.
• Summer Classics introduces two new products: the Ocean Grande Bar is made from high quality Burmese teak with mortise and tenon construction and features a distinctive slatted black design. The Carmel Lounge Chair is interwoven with N-dura resin wicker over Burmese teak which provides excellent comfort and a very unique look.
• The Gibranta Outdoor Coffee set with Gel Fuel Fire Pit by Unique Arts LLC is a versatile outdoor coffee set constructed of wood.
• Universal Imports LLC presents Stone Tabletops that are made from granite and are available in a variety of colors and styles.
• The Sutherland Cushion Collection by Woodard, LLC has a louvered back which provides a sophisticated West Indies feel. Sutherland frames are complemented by a plush cushioning treatment, in both dining and deep seating.
Stainless Steel:
• The Mercury Chair by Barlow Tyrie is a contemporary stainless steel stacking chair with a textilene seat, back and arms that have a teakwood inlay.
• Brown Jordan’s Monaco Sectional is woven of dark anthracite and translucent luna-extruded resin over a tubular aluminum frame and fastened to an exposed stainless steel base, resulting in a refreshing mix of artistry, traditional handweaving and the technology of a modern industrial metal.
• Kinglsey-Bate debuts the Tiburon Bar Chair, which is a bar chair that is made of sleek stainless steel and is available in orange, black, or cream colors.
• The Aluminum Zero Gravity Recliner by LaFuma USA combines high style with premium comfort by integrating an elastic band suspension system, a steel base, wood arm rests, and lace-free removable seat fabric.
Indoor/Outdoor Accessories:
• Budge Industries, LLC debuts Design Expressions, fashion-oriented protective covers for patio furniture, grills and other outdoor accessories.
• Cool Heat, Inc. introduces The Patio Palm, the world’s first outdoor climate control system. It combines a cooling master system with a 40,000 BTU heater in a unique palm tree design and is available with a cocktail table as the Casual Cocktail and a dining table as the Bistro Palm.
• The Outdoor Decorative Pillows by ESP are a collection of designer outdoor pillows that are all water, fade, stain and mildew resistant.
• Clay Fiber Products by Home & Garden Imports, Ltd. are nature garden pottery, statuary and accessories that are made of natural clay and glass fibers.
• Hunter Fan Company introduces four new lines of products: the Hunter Exteriors Ceiling Fans are beautifully crafted ceiling fans made especially for outdoor rooms and gazebos; the Hunter Exteriors Patio and Portable Fans are a collection of fans that blend rugged outdoor dependability with fashion-enriched serenity; the Hunter Exteriors Lighting adds romance to backyard living with a complete line of stylish and seductive outdoor lighting options; and finally the Hunter Exteriors Fountains are designed to complement landscape creations large and small and evoke rejuvenation and tranquility and are available in numerous styles including Cordoba, Athena, Chantrerelle, Fontana, Meadow, Gotham and Augustan.
• Aura AS1200 Infrared Patio Heater by Inforesight Consumer Products Inc. is a powerful mounted infrared patio heater that utilizes the latest technology.
• Seven new products are part of Innopower Inc.’s new line of outdoor accessories. The Bombay Wind Sculpture is an elegant wind ring that allows movement with the slightest breeze while the stand remains stationary; the Tuscany Patio Heater has a highly polished square aluminum alloy canopy. The San Lucas Fireside Table is an outdoor décor piece that functions as a firebowl and an occasional table; the Vicenza Outdoor Candle has multi-wick candles that sit in a stone-cast planter; the Corinth Patio Torch is a decorative burner that comes with a rain cover and enhances the beauty of the Corinth torches flame; the Cairo Fire Torch, which is fueled by propane, produces a windproof flame atop a beautifully embellished burner; and the Candlelight Alcove Fire Fountain combines the tranquility of water and fire and is available in 12 natural slate tiles.
• New Creative Enterprises debuts two new products in the Orb Birdhouse and the Orb Birdfeeder. Both products come in various colors to add life to a garden and are made of ceramic and metal.
• The “Green…Without Envy” Collection by Outdoor Inspirations by Kittrich is an arts and crafts inspired collection that includes citronella candles, candle lanterns, serving trays, tablecloths, placemats, tablecloth weights, outdoor rugs and other outdoor accessories.
• Shady Lady Lighting’s Atmosphere Tree Floor Lamp consists of hanging lanterns that are composed of outdoor wicker and covered in three powder-coated wire spheres that contain a waterproof fixture that can hold up to a 100-watt light.
• A new collection of Outdoor Lighting by Summer Classics is available featuring six uniquely styled table tamps and two floor lamps. Each lamp is available in three shade designs and numerous fabrics. Summer Classics also introduces Pet Beds, a line of cushioned beds filled with Dacron polyester fiber that are available in two sizes and 116 colors.
• Sundance Spas debuts the Chelsee Hot Tub which provides the perfect destination for backyard entertaining with seating for up to seven adults, 35 hydrotherapy jets, an AquaSheer waterfall and an optional SunSurround stereo.
• Five new Asian-inspired products make-up Woodstock Chimes line of outdoor accessories. The Meditation Bells are two polished brass bells connected by a red cord that create soothing sounds and overtones to clear the mind during meditation; the Magic Buddha Mirror catches rays of sunlight that can be redirected onto a flat surface where a “magic” reflection of Buddha will appear; the Temple Bowl Gong is an antiquated brass bowl in matte finish which sits atop a red and gold pillow and when it is struck rings a chiming sound; the Temple Block creates a rich tone when struck, helping to empty one’s mind while maintaining awareness during meditation; and finally, the Zen Table Gong, which stands a little more than one-foot tall, hangs from a steel frame finished in antique copper.
• Patio Living Concepts presents the Palm Series Weatherproof Shade Lamps which are made from an all-resin construction with a palm motif base with a teak sunbrella shade.
• Brasilia Weekender Adirondack Line by Simply Decks & Stuff Inc. offers comfort and style in any outdoor area.
• Solid Gold Enterprises presents the Grill Galley, a portable, textured faux-stone bar, food and beverage prep center that is designed to compliment a freestanding grill.
Fabric/Upholstery:
• Couristan Inc. presents three new 100% powerloomed Courtron polypropylene outdoor rugs. Five Seasons is available in varying motifs ranging from graphic stripes to geometric shapes and is highly durable, comfortable, all-weathered look; Recife’s Paisley Scroll offers a fresh look in three elegant color combinations and has a large-scale paisley pattern that spans the entire surface; and Recife Veranda features a delicate, symmetrical vine pattern on its flatwoven surface and is available in five color combinations.
• EcoLife by Green Hides are 100% biodegradable and are the ultimate eco-friendly leather products.
Umbrellas & Umbrella Accessories
• The Umbrella Pole Protector by Backyard & Beach Products is a silicone sleeve that guards the pole from corrosion, rust, alkaline and other elements.
• Bungalow by E-Z UP introduces two new products: The Bungalow Retreat, which has rolling side panels that create privacy, is the only upscale pavilion that is completely portable; the Bungalow Beach Club is completely portable and sets up in minutes. This pavilion can create a spacious poolside changing room or a secluded shaded area over an individual chaise.
• FiberBuilt Umbrellas’ South Beach Umbrella Canopy is made from marine grade fabric and features an extra large vent design and double-stitched seams for superior wind resistance.
• The Poker Side Post Umbrella by Scolaro USA consists of four 11.5 x 11.5 feet umbrella canopies attached to only one side post maximizing shaded area to over 500 sq. ft. without having multiple posts.
• The UA Sing 2U by Wanda Technology Inc is an umbrella accessory that fits most market umbrellas and cantilevers. It is battery operated and includes dual band audio with iPod/MP3 capabilities. In addition, Wanda Technology Inc. adds two other similar products. The Milano Sing 2U is an Octagon-shaped umbrella with a built-in lighting system and the Prim0 Sing 2U is a 9’ market umbrella with a built-in lighting system, removable control panel and a battery kit for easy maintenance. All three have a dual band audio system with iPod/MP3 capabilities.
Miscellaneous:
• Evosus Inc. introduces its new Business Management Software which will help streamline retail operations, reduce costs, increase productivity and boost sales and revenue by integrating inventory control, accounting, marketing and POS.
• Innovative Composites Incorporated debuts the Thermoplastic Composite Table Core, a revolutionary table core that utilizes patented technology consisting of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic materials. It is also impervious to all climate conditions.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Maura Bruton
Director of Public Relations
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
(312) 527.7555
mbruton@mmart.com
Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each yet.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West mar Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Federal Center Southwest in Washington D.C.
Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.
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