Klaussner introduces youth

Asheboro, N.C.— After mastering almost every other category of furniture, Klaussner has joined the growing ranks of youth bedroom producers with the introduction of Homeworks, which includes five groups designed to take kids from childhood to college and beyond.

Darren York, vice president of merchandising for Klaussner International, said the project was a year and a half in development. "It's not just something we threw out and tried," York said. "We're really getting into the category."

The new youth groups include Mocoa, a transitional cherry collection with metal accents from the best-selling adult bedroom group; Prima, a contemporary collection in a medium cherry finish; Colorworks, with changeable panels in shades of green apple, purple, white and rose; Passages, a warm oak group that emphasizes storage; and Sassy, a Victorian girls' white group.

The Mocoa collection is produced in China, while the other four are being made in Vietnam and can be mixed in one container, York said. The groups will be shipping in February.

Twin beds in the Homeworks collection will retail between $299 and $499, while bunks will retail at $599 and dressers are priced at $499. Each collection has between three and four beds, and trundles are available with every group.

York said a lot of thought went into the designs, and the pieces are designed to provide long-term appeal to last into the young adult years.

"(Homeworks) is geared toward teens and tweens, kids that are developing their own identity and seeking their own creative style," he said. "They don't consider themselves children, and they want to furnish their rooms with a more adult look."

The youth category rounds out Klaussner's offerings, which also include upholstery, adult bedroom, dining room, occasional tables, entertainment and accents.

York said Klaussner plans to show two to three more youth groups at April's market, and the company is also looking at the possibility of producing some kids upholstered pieces.

Klaussner's Homeworks collection includes five youth groups designed to provide long-term appeal.