Share this on
Diversification is buzzword as youth draws new action
Staff -- Kids Today, 6/30/2006 12:00:00 AM
HIGH POINT -- Diversification is the buzzword for furniture producers these days, and that trend is especially evident in youth. At both the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point in April and the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Assn. show in Orlando, Fla., in May, many exhibitors either jumped into the youth segment or expanded their existing youth programs as they hunt for increased market share. Manchester Furniture debuted its AJ Kids division in High Point with three collections from iconic designer Alexander Julian — Colours, Huston and Lucy. Though Manchester has done youth in the past, this marked Julian's first foray into the category. Nova Lighting debuted a few pieces of juvenile furniture at JPMA, including a table and chair set for kids, which will retail for about $399. "We're looking for ways to increase sales," said Alex Silva, a sales representative with Nova. "These pieces have a more contemporary look. We're offering a storage bench and stool, a revolving book rack and the table and chair set." Broyhill Furniture has offered youth for quite a while, but mostly as an extension of its best-selling adult collections. At the April market, it expanded its presence, introducing three youth-only groups as part of its new Broyhill Kids program. "The marketplace was the driving force behind our decision to venture into youth like this," said Mike McCollum, senior vice president of merchandising, bedroom and dining room for Broyhill. "Furniture is specializing and getting more focused in every category." Newco International, the parent company for Harmony Kids and Rock-A-Bye gliders, showed its new line of bedding at JPMA. Six groups were featured with a suggested retail price of $199 each. "Bedding was a natural progression for us," said Howard Napolske, president of Newco. "Our tag line is 'simply soft and friendly by Harmony Kids.' This bedding doesn't have any scratchy embellishments or fabrics; it's perfect for babies." Allied Aerofoam Products brought prototypes of its Kids Cushions line to JPMA. The beanbags and foam-filled cushions feature wireless T-Ink technology that, with the touch of a button, enables the user to listen to the radio or a self-provided iPod or rev up and run a remote-controlled car. Boys vs. girls Youth sources agree that girls' groups are hands-down the most frequently purchased collections. But this spring's markets also saw the debut of a number of new boys' and unisex groups. Beds, always among the signature pieces in youth groups, are available in myriad configurations, though lofts remain one of the top-selling models. Lea Inds. bowed three new youth groups in High Point, two of which are aimed at boys. And Earl Wang, vice president, product, said there are about 100 configurations available with the beds in Deer Run, from tri-bunks and bi-level full beds to twin-over-full lofts. Austin is one of Lea's new boys' groups, a brother collection to its popular Spring Garden group. These offerings are designed as "big boy/big girl" bedroom suites that children move up to after they've grown out of the cribs and toddler beds. Austin, in warm oak, features a low-loft bed, with a wide variety of storage pieces. Young America's only High Point debut this market also was a boys' group, Surfer's Chase. The group's features include raffia fronts and louvered details. The Young Author's bed was a standout piece, with lots of raffia detailing and a built-in reading light. Color story While dark finishes seem to sell better in general, color continues to make inroads in youth furniture. Powell's recent introductions include Sunday Funnies, a whimsical, cartoon-inspired 11-SKU collection that features colorful combinations of dandelion, blueberry, honeysuckle and tulip tones. Though intended for girls 6-10 years old, tweens who've previewed the line call it "funky." Powell kept young kids in mind as well with the debut of a smaller kids desk and chair set, perfect for preschoolers or kindergarteners, in a white or red painted finish. Furniture isn't the only category where color is in the spotlight. Accessories, the jewelry for today's rooms, often tell a strong color story all on their own. At High Point, Emess Design Group brought a hip touch to its CosmoGirl lighting line with green, gold and yellow flowers on lamp shades, while American Kids made a statement at JPMA with a monogrammed footstool in vibrant green and pink-red. Pink and blue still dominate the color palette, and always will, but browns, lime greens and oranges also are finding a home on new bedding, diaper bags, feeding products and other gear. Vintage as well as modern looks continue gaining popularity, and sources are serving the needs of urban consumers by bringing out more compact products that fold easily. When it comes to color, style and design, cottage furniture remains a top seller; almost every manufacturer debuted a cottage look in High Point. "Cottage seems to be most popular," said Joe Keveryn, vice president of SLF Select. "We sell more girls' groups also, and interestingly enough it's the grandparents who make most of the purchases." |
Share this on
Talkback
We would love your feedback!
Sponsored Links
Featured Company
-
FurnitureCore.com
FurnitureCore.com is a dynamic web application aimed at the furniture industry. Retailers and manufacturers alike will find our deep reserve of tools to be exactly what their furniture business needs.www.furniturecore.com... more
