Youth vendors pleased with traffic, orders in Las Vegas

Exhibitors showing their latest in juvenile and youth designs reported brisk business during last months's furniture market in Las Vegas, with many saying the show was among their busiest since the Las Vegas Market launched in 2005.

In the Vegas Kids section, manufacturers said response to their product introductions was positive, with many writing orders for both current and new accounts. Catherine Willey, national sales manager with Berg, said the company's Crib 'n Twin had drawn attention early during the market. The innovative crib, $1,099, has two drawers underneath and three on each end panel. It converts to a twin bed and a student desk with the purchase of a desktop surface and twin headboard.

Broyhill Home Furnishings introduced four youth groups: Cross Creek, Statements, Halsten and Attitudes. Linda Moretz, youth merchandising manager, said based on the orders she had seen, Halsten and Attitudes were the top sellers. Halsten is offered in two finishes — pine and a head-turning mint with a rubbed-through distressed look. The mint case goods have pine tops, allowing mix and match options. Moretz said the mint finish was particularly popular, especially the panel bed with an eyelet cane design. With the ongoing wave of product recalls in the juvenile because of lead and other concerns, many manufacturers stressed the safety and health features of their product. Khoury Furniture launched the 12-SKU Louisville collection, an ash group that is Smartwood certified by the Rainforest Alliance and uses water-based, non-toxic finishes, said Daniel Khoury, owner and CEO.

John Boyd, owner of John Boyd Designs, said that an increasing number of buyers and end customers want to know where product is made and the production standards. “We are made in the USA, and we are lead free,” Boyd said.