With style, design, and color still of paramount interest, outdoor fabric preferences vary by demographics, with environmental concerns ranking higher every year.
20
Hearth Retailer – Family Fires
By Maura Keller
Amanda’s Fireplaces has grown in popularity because of the company’s unique ability to offer a variety of scratch-and-dent units. 30
Outdoor Grilling – Smokin’ Second Career
By Kimberly Rodgers
Staying focused on customers is Colorado BBQ Outfitters’ recipe for success. 34
Showroom Showcase – Renewed Focus
By Sharon Sanders
With a new name and new location, All Seasons Living is delivering upscale products and service to its Michigan customers.
38
As I See It – Luxury Legacy
By Sharon Sanders
OW Lee is a fourth-generation, family-owned business known for the comfort and quality of its outdoor furniture. 42
My Turn – Weaving Perfection
By Dana Robinson
Tempotest’s Capstone collection delivers luxury-oriented products with texture and dimension. 44
Product Innovation – A Name to Know
By Maura Keller
British Fires has invested a tremendous amount of effort in building a brand that exudes quality and state-of-the-art engineering. 46
Corporate Profile – Making Waves
By Larry Thomas
Universal Furniture enters the outdoor living arena with a vast array of collections that embody style and durability.
48
Insight – Piece of Paradise
By Cherise Forno
Bonfire Outdoor prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering affordable, top-quality outdoor kitchen products backed by superior warranties.
52
Insight – Terrific Textiles
By Dana Robinson
For 60 years, STI has successfully adapted to the changing times and demands of the industry.
54
Last Word – Electric Evolution
By Kimberly Rodgers
RPG Brands is transforming electric fireplaces through next-generation technology.
60
LUMINEX ™ LCD ELECTRIC FIREPLACE: REALISM MEETS SUSTAINABILTY
Elevate your product offering with an unprecedented immersive experience. Napoleon’s Luminex ™ uses the industry’s best LCD display technology to create realism unseen in electric fireplaces. The lifelike flames, visual light options, crackling sounds from built-in speakers, versatile installation configurations and smart-control capabilities make it desirable to any homeowner. Captivate your customers today with the Luminex
Upgrade your showroom today! Contact us now to learn more and place your order: hearthsupport@napoleon.com.
Trends
Since 2008, Fixr.com has been providing consumers, homebuilders, remodelers, and designers with resources and research that addresses industry trends regarding home improvement projects. Fixr.com recently published its 2024 Outdoor Living Trends Report. The information contained within this report was obtained through surveys with top architects, construction experts, and design industry influencers. The top takeaway is that while four years have passed since the start of the pandemic, outdoor living spaces that rose to prominence during the pandemic are still alive and well. Here are some of the trends that were reported in the fixr.com 2024 Outdoor Living Trends Report.
Top Outdoor Living Trends in 2024
•78% – indoor-outdoor coherent design
•48% – multifunctional spaces
•35% – easy maintenance and long-lasting furniture
•30% – more plants and greenery
•24% – sustainability
•20% – indoor design elements (runs and comfortable sofas)
•13% – Zen Style
Indoor-Outdoor Coherent Design: The trend where spaces flow seamlessly into one another has taken a step further with homeowners wanting the transition to be even smoother with interior and exterior design flowing uninterrupted.
Multifunctional Spaces: Nearly half of experts agree that the backyard has to be flexible for various gatherings and activities yearround. From hosting a big cookout for all the family to sitting next to a fire pit with a good book, people want extensions of their interior multiuse spaces outdoors.
Easy Maintenance and Long-Lasting
Furniture: People want furniture that is going to withstand the elements. More than a third of pros believe low-maintenance and long-lasting furniture is the most popular outdoor living trend in 2024.
Plants and Greenery: Often overlooked in outdoor trends is landscaping. Eco-friendly features like pollinator-attracting plants, edible perennials, and low-water landscaping are very
popular in certain markets. Natureinspired interior design is extremely sought-after this year.
Sustainability: Sustainability continues to be a growing trend in outdoor living spaces. These trends reflect a shift toward creating outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful and functional, but also sustainable, technologically advanced, and tailored to meet the diverse needs and preferences of homeowners.
Indoor Design Elements: Items such as comfortable sofas or rugs are making their way onto patios, along with traditional interior decorative textiles like cushions and blankets. This greatly helps keep a coherent flow of design from the interior spaces to the exterior.
Zen Style: People seek peace and tranquility in their homes, and while nature-inspired interior design remains on-trend, nothing beats the real thing. In a stressful world, the outdoor living area has become even more than a place to invite guests and have fun; it’s become a homeowner’s sanctuary.
In terms of the top five trending outdoor living features, outdoor kitchens top the list at 73%. Fire pit/fire features follow at 58%, with outdoor work-from-home spaces at 16%, and pizza ovens at 11%. Even more encouraging for
our industry, 70% of industry experts say that having an updated and usable outdoor living space has a big impact on home value, with 30% saying that it has some impact. In addition, 72% of experts say that homeowners are willing to spend around a quarter of their yearly home remodeling budget on upgrading their outdoor living space.
One of the most useful takeaways from the fixr.com 2024 Outdoor Living Trends Report is the valuable information and insight that it gives specialty retailers to share with homeowners and designers. The most successful specialty retailers in our industry make it a point to inform, educate, and advise homeowners and designers on the overall benefits and value of investing in an outdoor living space as opposed to just selling patio and outdoor living furniture and accessories.
MUST READS
With an emphasis on understanding its customer base, Colorado BBQ Outfitters has greatly expanded its footprint in the grill and outdoor kitchen market.
Smokin’ Second Career, p. 34
While the name and location may be new, what’s not new is how this specialty retailer continues to deliver upscale products and service to its Michigan customers. Renewed Focus, p. 38
With its European and Italian flair, Tempotest outdoor fabrics are breathing color and unique designs into each of its fabric offerings. Weaving Perfection, p. 44
By constantly pushing the envelope on technology and product design, RPG Brands is energizing the electric fireplace sector. Electric Evolution, p. 60
Tony Ramos
FSC®-Certified golden-blonde teak accents pair with a magnificently mid-century bronze-hued woven frame in the all-new Inception collection.
Inspired by indoor designs from the mid-century greats, and designed by the legendary John Caldwell, Inception elevates any outdoor space with a contrastingly comfortable flair for air.
RICHARD FRINIER
MOMENT OF RECOGNITION
WHEN I WAS ASKED TO WRITE A GUEST EDITORIAL FOR PATIO & HEARTH PRODUCTS REPORT, I IMMEDIATELY SAID, “YES!” Then, I wondered, “What will I say to specialty retailers that they don’t already know?” Sure, I could write about new designs, but I wanted to do something different.
Post pandemic, we have learned a lot about the world, the country, regions, states, and cities, in a way we, perhaps, may not have known, learned, or understood before. On the other side, we can look back and see just how much all of us relied on our own homes and our own strengths to overcome the crisis.
While we were all at home, we quickly identified the many things we wanted to do with our homes, from editing and deep cleaning them to painting, refreshing, and remodeling to make them more suitable for working and learning from home. A lot of people took a much more serious look at their outdoor spaces.
From what I could observe, it was the specialty retailers in our industry who were on the front lines of what has been called the “Live-WorkLearn-Play” way of living we have all come to know. And it was the specialty retailers who were out in their communities helping others by taking people to the doctor or picking up prescriptions, delivering food and masks, with some of you organizing and running food, clothing, and provision banks.
Living, working, learning, and play-
ing at home, and looking out for our neighbors and being charitable is here to stay. This is not a trend. It is a way of living, and people will continue to think about and evolve the use of their indoor/outdoor living spaces post pandemic.
I can tell you that trends are really all over the place. Meaning, there is a trend for extremely bold colors and patterns, and another for soft pastels and calming base cloths. There is a call for neutrals with texture and a strong desire to offer furniture, textile, accessory, and lighting designs that are eco-conscious, environmentally aware, and made of materials with recycled content. You already know that many people prefer to buy individual pieces of furniture, and mix and match them in their outdoor spaces more like they planned, furnished, and arranged the inside of their homes.
We all know that people are learning more about the health benefits of being outside not only to get their Vitamin D in the sun, but to kick off their shoes and sink their feet in to the sand and soil, or stand atop grass or other ground surfaces. Why? Because we are learning that the earth’s energy and frequency is capable of connecting with our own personal energy and frequencies when we stand, sit, or walk with bare feet in direct contact with natural elements outside for 30 to 60 minutes a day. It is said to balance our own internal frequencies to that of the earth’s, which can energize and heal us. This is one reason many people enjoy gardening and getting their hands in the soil. It is known as “Grounding.” I highly recommend. Aside from what I have managed to ramble on about above, this is what I really want to share with all of you. Without specialty retailers, there would be no casual furniture industry. The very idea that all of you would not be in this business is counterintuitive to what we all work so hard to be a part of each day.
I applaud every one of YOU for
your vision, passion, drive, energy, knowledge, expertise, hard work, endurance, and ability to run a local business or multiple locations where people know YOU and trust YOU and come to YOU for what’s new. They look to YOU for guidance on what to buy and where, and how to place it and how to best use it in their homes. They come to YOU because you took so much time to learn and invest in what is new and understand what is best for your region—a following that YOU have worked so hard to build, nurture, and sustain.
They come to YOU because you are creating not just a place for them to stop by to check out some outdoor furniture, they come to YOU because you are their go-to. They know YOU are the expert and YOU are going to give them an amazing experience from the moment they park their car to the moment they walk in. They are coming to see what YOU have curated for them, fall in love with, and buy for their homes to enjoy with their family and friends for years to come. They are coming to see and be with YOU in a place and space YOU have created for them to visit, experience, and become inspired.
There is no way that I can tell YOU how to do what you do best, but I can tell you that I am grateful that you do, and I could not be happier for your successes. I honor the sacrifices you make to do what you do for your businesses, your employees, your communities, and your families, friends, and colleagues.
This industry wouldn’t be much without you. It certainly would not be as much fun. I could have just said, “Thank you,” but I wanted to tell you why I am grateful. May each and every one of you continue to love and enjoy what you do and remember to take some time to ground and recharge yourselves. No matter the challenges the world is placing before us, we are so lucky to be a part of this industry. I thank you for all you do to make it so.
Richard Frinier is Principal + Managing Partner of Richard Frinier Design Studios.
PUBLISHER
Tony Ramos
tramos@peninsula-media.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Cherise Forno cheriseforno@gmail.com
ART DIRECTOR
Cassandra Estes cassestes1968@gmail.com
COPY EDITOR
John Nalley
CONTRIBUTORS
Maura Keller
Dana Robinson
Kimberly Rodgers
Laurie Rudd
Sharon Sanders
Larry Thomas
Greg Thompson
CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Whitney Carrier
BUSINESS MANAGER
Susan Razetto
CEO & PRESIDENT
Tony Ramos
CORPORATE OFFICE
Peninsula Media
21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 500 Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 792-7448 (310) 792-7449/Fax
www.patioandhearthproductsreport.com
Tony Ramos
Peninsula Media 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 500 Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 792-7448 (310) 792-7449/Fax (310) 968-3962/Cell tramos@peninsula-media.com
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The Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Acadia Collection is a return to the forms of Craftsman furniture, defined by strong vertical lines that lend a subtle sense of grandeur. Decorative details emulate traditional woodworking joinery. This all-weather collection was inspired by pieces at Martha Stewart’s residence in Maine, a bucolic beauty built in the 1920s.
“For over 30 years, it’s been my brand’s intention to inspire homeowners with unique, high-quality products that are beautifully designed and American-made. POLYWOOD outdoor furniture is all of the above.”
— MARTHA STEWART
INDUSTRY NEWS
Murcano Launches in North American Outdoor Furnishings Market
American Eco-Living has announced the launch of its outdoor furnishings brand, Murcano, which entered the North American casual market this summer with new collections ideal for online and independent store programs. The products debuted in a new 5,700-square-foot showroom at Casual Market Atlanta, Building 1, Showroom 6C6.
Based in China, with its North American headquarters in Dallas, American Eco-Living brings more than 30 years of outdoor furnishings manufacturing and design experience, and a 517,000-square-foot production facility in China.
American Eco-Living has expanded its production capabilities with a facility in Indonesia, as well as an operation in Vietnam. The company also opened a distribution center in South Carolina, which allows them to cut lead times and better serve customers.
“The location in South Carolina is a central hub for freight due to its easy access to multiple major interstates and highways, as well as its robust rail and inland port capacities,” says Jasmina Grbic, director of North America global sourcing.
The Outdoor GreatRoom Company Celebrates 20 Years
The Outdoor GreatRoom Company, a leader in outdoor fire features and innovative outdoor living products, announces its 20th anniversary.
Founded in 2004 by visionary entrepreneur Dan Shimek, the company has grown from a startup with all imported products to an outdoor fire manufacturer known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and unparalleled customer service.
Shimek’s vision was simple yet profound: To create outdoor living spaces that bring people together, fostering warmth, relaxation, and connection amid the beauty of nature. From the beginning, Shimek instilled a culture of excellence and innovation that continues to drive the company today.
“We started with a simple idea: To enhance outdoor living experiences through bringing family and friends together around fire,” says Joey Shimek, vice president of sales. “I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in the past two decades, and it’s a testament to the dedication and passion of our team, as well as the support of our valued trade partners.”
Over the years, the company has solidified its position as the industry’s leading expert in outdoor fire features, continuously pushing the boundaries of design and functionality. From elegant fire pits and
Murcano’s line includes a full range of outdoor seating, dining, and accent pieces in teak, aluminum, acacia, and premium high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with woven, sling, and cushioned options. Seating options include the Cassara Chat Set in solid Grade A teak with plush weather-resistant olefin fabric cushions and rope-weave back, and the eco-friendly Eastlake chat set in premium HDPE with a two-toned gray and hand-brushed teak finish and weather-resistant olefin fabric cushions.
In dining, the Riverdale seven-piece dining set features solid teak with a rope weave on chairbacks and weather-resistant olefin cushions, and the Modena three-piece bar set in powder-coated aluminum boasts rope-weave barstools that are UV-resistant.
Murcano’s assortment hits a range of price points, with factory-direct pricing designed to enhance retailer margins.
“Our assortment reflects our 30-plus years of global outdoor furniture experience,” says John Ridgeway,
CEO, North America. “Planning involved a depth of market data and consumer research, along with the art of choosing the right designs and styles, without overreaching into a vast array of colors or looks that would bog the program down. We focused not only on the consumer and their tastes, but how our products would align with the retailer to meet their objectives in sales, increased revenues per sale, profitability, quality, and dependability. Based on our early partnerships, we have delivered in all areas.”
Visit www.american-ecoliving.com or contact John Ridgeway at (224) 440-2861 or johnr@aecoliving.com.
The TravelQ 285 Redefines Portable Grilling
At a campsite, cottage, or tailgate party, the TravelQ has brought Napoleon’s standard of quality and consistency to portable grilling. The TravelQ 285 portable propane gas grill expands the options for the griller-on-the-go. Compact for easy transport and storage, it is packed with Napoleon’s industry-leading features that let you cook on your portable grill the same way you would on your backyard grill, including two stainless-steel burners; instant, fail-safe ignition; and the durable porcelainized cast iron cooking grids in Napoleon’s iconic WAVE design. It is also backed by Napoleon’s 10-year warranty.
The 285-square-inch cooking surface can comfortably accommodate the grilling of 17 large hamburgers. The two individually controlled burners push 12,000 BTU with a windproof design that helps keep the heat in, giving this little barbecue the power for perfect searing. Cleaning up and storing are a breeze, thanks to the removable grease tray, collapsible legs, and a compact design for effortless transportation.
Additional accessories, like a 10’ pizza stone, add to the versatility of the TravelQ 285, giving you even more menu options for your road-trip menu.
For more information or to locate a dealer, visit www.napoleon.com.
fire tables to complementary outdoor furniture, the company’s product portfolio reflects a commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
In 2021, The Outdoor GreatRoom Company entered an exciting new chapter in its journey, becoming part of the Hearth & Home Technologies family. This strategic acquisition has allowed the company to leverage the expertise and resources of a world-class manufacturer, further enhancing its ability to deliver exceptional products and experiences.
“Our partnership with Hearth & Home Technologies has opened up new possibilities for
growth and innovation,” says Renee Schmitz, vice president of business development. “Together, we are poised to lead outdoor fire features into the future, setting new standards of excellence and craftsmanship.”
Schmitz adds, “As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team members, loyal trade partners, and valued customers. Your support and commitment have been instrumental in our success, and we look forward to continuing this journey together for many years to come.”
For more information, visit www.outdoorrooms.com.
The American Eco-Living Murcano Cassara Chat Set is made of Grade A teak with a rope-weave back.
Napoleon’s TRAVELQ 285 makes it easy to grill high-quality food anywhere.
MADE
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OUR BIGGEST FIREPLACE YET
53,000 BTU
With up to 70% Turn-down
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Create the perfect look for any room
FLUSH FINISHING OPTIONS
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ICFA Announces 2024
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients
The International Casual Furnishings Association honored two longtime outdoor furniture industry leaders with its most prestigious recognition, the Lifetime Achievement Award, at the ICFA Awards Gala during Casual Market Atlanta in July.
Happy Land, former sales manager for several casual furniture manufacturers and now a member of the retail staff of Custom Outdoor Furniture in Garden City, South Carolina; and Joseph Ziolkowski, respected executive director of the Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association in the mid-80s, each received the distinction.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was created in 2002 to distinguish industry executives whose ideas have advanced the growth of the casual furniture industry and whose actions and accomplishments have served as role models or inspiration for others. Acknowledged by their peers, the honorees’ achievements must have stood the test of time.
Happy Land: When Land considered switching her banking and tax collection career to sell Pawleys Island
Hammocks, she was cautioned against leaving her secure future. Ready for a change, she ignored the naysayers and began a prestigious 40-plus-year career in the casual furnishings industry.
“I never looked back,” she says. “Ahead, I found unlimited opportunities for personal and professional growth, world travel, building deep relationships, and using my influence to affect significant advancements through IFCA board leadership.”
She joined Pawleys in 1982 and, a few years later, the company was named Manufacturer of the Year. Observing the influence of the Summer & Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association Board of Directors on uniting and improving the industry, Land became the first woman to take a leadership role and worked with her Lifetime Award co-winner, Joseph “Joe Z.” Ziolkowski, SCFMA executive director.
“He is one of the many industry giants from whom I learned so much and admire tremendously to this day. The board members’ support and encouragement were invaluable to my growth and learning experience, and have compelled me to provide the same to those younger than me.”
After serving on the SCFMA/ICFA boards periodically throughout the next four decades, Land’s status evolved from representing a manufacturing company to becoming an independent sales representative. As a seasoned sales trainer and enthusiastic mentor, she offers simple advice.
“Be real, be honest, be sincere,” she says. “A sale is much more than a number on a paper for which you claim credit. It’s important to establish a personal relationship with your customer. You must sell yourself without being aggressive if you are to earn their trust. It is equally important that you know what you’re talking about. Learn your product from the inside out.
Sattler/Outdura Adds Key Account Manager
Outdura, a division of The Sattler Group, Austria, announces the addition of Christy Peterson as key account manager for the Casual Furniture Division.
In her new role, reporting directly to Uli Tombuelt, CEO, she will focus on representing the Outdura brand at the retail level and their suppliers, therefore building brand awareness to enhance Outdura’s image and create long-term value to the organization while closely working with the sales team and CEO.
Peterson comes to Outdura with over 17 years of experience in the casual furniture industry. She started at Woodard in marketing and product development, then moved to Pacific Casual,
where she gained valuable experience working with mass retailers. Following this role, she spent eight years at Sunvilla working with the specialty and club channels.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Christy to our team,” Tombuelt said in a statement.
“The addition of Christy to the group demonstrates Sattler’s commitment to strengthen the Outdura brand in the casual industry and Sattler in the U.S. We are pleased to have her on our team.”
Peterson is looking forward to her new role. “I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Outdura team,” she says. “ I look forward to collaborating with this talented group and am eager to work toward our shared goals.”
Sattler AG, headquartered in Graz Austria, is a fifth-generation, family-owned company with 145 years of history in the solution-dyed acrylic fabric market. Outdura is headquartered in Hudson, North Carolina.
Peterson can be reached at christy.peterson@sattler.com.
Customers respect your knowledge, and it gives them confidence in buying what you’re selling.”
Land doesn’t expect to retire anytime soon. “I will work as long as I can and still enjoy it!”
Joseph Ziolkowski: After more than six decades of championing self-regulation of safety codes for the home furnishings industry, there isn’t much that surprises Ziolkowski, known best by his nickname Joe Z. However, learning that he would be honored with a 2024 ICFA Lifetime Achievement Award was entirely unexpected.
“At 87 years old, I certainly have built a long lifetime of memories,” he says. “From my start at Burlington Industries, through my leadership positions at the National Association of Furniture Manufacturers (NAFM), the Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association (SCFMA), the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA), and my ‘post-retirement’ as executive director of the Upholstered Furniture Action Council (UFAC), I’m grateful for all the opportunities to work with outstanding people to promote change that advanced our industry and saved lives. I enjoy that reward every day.”
The first step in Joe Z.’s professional career was a job with Burlington Industries, which he started in 1961. He joined the NAFM in 1978, and his diplomatic skills helped guide a merger with the SCFMA to create the organization that is now the AFMA.
As executive director of the SCFMA, Ziolkowski expanded the industry awards program by moving from one retail Apollo Award to separating the Single-Store and Multi-Store honors, and broadening the number of categories in the Design Excellence competition. Among the issues impacting the SCFMA at the time was the desire among some members to relocate the biannual market from the Merchandise Mart in Chicago to Atlanta.
“The Board of Directors met in Atlanta in the early ’90s to discuss the move, and unanimously decided to stay in Chicago. Almost 30 years later, the ICFA held the inaugural Casual Market Atlanta in July 2023 at AmericasMart,” Joe Z. says.
Also under his leadership, the SCFMA Board of Directors inducted its first female member—Happy Land—and introduced a broad range of industry supplier members to the AFMA organization.
His most demanding project was convincing manufacturers of indoor and outdoor home furnishings to adopt the safety standards developed by the UFAC, of which he was an active member.
Participation in the fire safety program became widespread, largely thanks to his hard work and persuasion skills.
Joe Z. retired from the AFMA in 2000, continuing his career for another 15 years as the executive director of the UFAC. He kept adding to his legacy of promoting safety, self-determination, and collaboration while protecting the home furnishing industry’s positions and interests. He still regularly meets with his successor.
He is happy to offer advice and technological
Christy Peterson
Happy Land
Joe Ziolkowski
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INDUSTRY NEWS
knowledge. His suggestions for those seeking a successful career are, “Never say anything bad about anyone. Talking about people says more about you than them. Always be nice. Don’t get excited if you disagree; don’t let the discussion get heavy or start an argument.”
Joseph Davis Becomes President of Glen Raven Material Solutions Group
Glen Raven Inc., a global leader in performance fabrics, announced that Joseph Davis, a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience in consumer products, sales, and supply chain, will be the next president of Glen Raven Material Solutions Group. Davis, who recently served as president and general manager of Jacuzzi Luxury Bath, succeeds Dave Swers,
who is retiring after 35 years at Glen Raven.
“Joey’s extensive experience in business strategy, business model design, supply chain, and sales leadership will serve him well as the next president of our Material Solutions Group,” says Glen Raven CEO Leib Oehmig. “His career has been defined by creating a customer experience that is second to none, and most recently, Joey oversaw major transformation of a company business model, resulting in new growth platforms that continue to deliver significant results.
“We are eager to add Joey’s perspective, skills, and experiences to our collective team at Glen Raven,” Oehmig adds.
Prior to joining Glen Raven, Davis led Jacuzzi
Luxury Bath for nearly 11 years. He also served in roles at Stanley Black & Decker Inc. and Price Pfister.
“I am very humbled to join Glen Raven Material Solutions and play a part in elevating some of the most iconic performance fabric brands the world over,” Davis says. “I consider myself a custodian in this role and am honored to serve, help expand our brands, and make our customers’ lives better. I can’t wait to see what we do together.”
Davis will oversee go-to-market strategies and manufacturing operations for Glen Raven Material Solutions Group’s furnishings, shade & marine, and protective business units, as well as its European business and Asia operations. This includes Sunbrella, the flagship brand of Glen Raven; Dickson, a French-based brand; GlenGuard, a global leader in high-performance protective fabrics; and Glen Raven Asia, a state-of-the-art manufacturing center established to serve a global consumer base.
Swers, who joined Glen Raven in 1989, was instrumental in establishing the leadership position of Sunbrella fabrics within the casual furniture industry. He also led Sunbrella into new applications and channels, encouraged Glen Raven to create differentiation in indoor furniture by leveraging the Sunbrella performance story, and was pivotal in Glen Raven’s efforts to globalize Sunbrella in the furniture and marine markets.
Swers was named president of Glen Raven Material Solutions Group (formerly Custom Fabrics) in 2013 and was also a driving force for the creation of the Glen Raven Consumer Solutions Group.
“Throughout his career, Dave has led with integrity and a vision for the future,” Oehmig says. “I will miss his wise counsel and am grateful that he dedicated more than three decades of his career to Glen Raven. I also appreciate Dave’s willingness to have worked alongside Joey to ensure a seamless transition prior to beginning his much-deserved retirement.”
Casual Market Atlanta Prepares for 4-Day Fall Edition
Building on the growth of casual and outdoor sourcing at AmericasMart Atlanta, Casual Market Atlanta extends the market experience to its Fall edition, debuting a new fourday format with 70+ permanent showrooms and 50+ temporary exhibitors plus a full slate of hallmark events and education, Sept. 16-19, at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Demand for a second sourcing opportunity is palpable, and the addition of a full, four-day September buying event not only answers industry needs but also offers buyers and suppliers an unparalleled market experience twice a year,” says Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE President. “Expansion of both exhibits and events in September provides an opportunity for July market attendees to continue buying into the fall and serves the needs of retailers who may be too busy during the summer months to attend market.”
Beginning in September, the Fall edition of Casual Market Atlanta will include both temporary exhibitors and permanent showrooms. Beyond exhibits, the fourday market will be augmented by a lineup of popular Casual Market and ICFA events.
The fall buying event will showcase 120+ casual furni-
Joseph Davis
CADENCE
Our new Cadence collection is crafted with sleek extruded and cast aluminum. Flowing lines seamlessly merge with repeated elements, creating a captivating rhythm. The wood impression finish options for the base structure ground the design in warmth. Elevate your outdoor space with this timeless blend of style and durability. Visit us at the Fall Casual Market Atlanta BLDG 1 | FLOOR 4 | SHOWROOM B9
SPOTLIGHT
Threads of Beauty
With style, design, and color still of paramount interest, outdoor fabric preferences vary by demographics, with environmental concerns ranking higher every year. BY GREG THOMPSON
As extensions of the home, outdoor spaces are largely seen as sanctuaries to relax and revive. Monica Thornton, director of design at Phifer Inc., states that fabric design should reflect this mindset.
For dealers hoping to capitalize on the vibe, Thornton notes that, “Transitional styling is perhaps the most important design style today, because it combines traditional and modern elements to create timeless spaces that appeal to a wide range of preferences.”
“We’re seeing consumers gravitate toward warmth, both in color and in tactile quality,” says Sarah Dooley, senior business director of outdoor furnishings at Sunbrella. “After years of cool grays and sharp whites dominating homes, consumers are now looking for elevated neutrals like warm
beiges and soft filtered hues to make spaces feel more inviting.”
Preferences vary by demographic, with environmental concerns ranking higher every year. “We are seeing a growing interest from Gen Z’ers and Millennials looking for performance and alternatives to leather and PVC,” says Kimberly Peoples, sales director, residential, Ultrafabrics. “This group does their research, and are interested in sustainability and certifications such as Indoor Advantage Gold, which promotes low/no VOCs [volatile organic compounds].”
“We are hearing from installers and partners that sustainability is the top concern for clients,” says Laurent Pellequer, furniture and marine manager, North America, Serge Ferrari Group. “In addition to having products that are sustainably made and constructed from environmentally friendly materials, clients want durable products
that they know will not need to be replaced frequently. A product that can be used for a long period of time is as important as one made from repurposed or organic materials.”
The 10 manufacturers in this issue’s spotlight bring a dazzling array of designs with the latest advancements in performance, durability, and sustainability. Most of these fabrics will readily survive all seasons for years to come.
PHIFER INC.
New stock fabric introductions from Phifer Inc. (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) are heavily influenced by the consumer’s desire to connect to nature and each other. Featuring key color trends that shift toward a moderately warm color palette, Phifer is favoring outdoor neutrals and natural hues such as green, apricot, and indigo.
“Organic texture and subtle classic patterns are
also gaining momentum as we see more patterns being incorporated in the interior home,” says Monica Thornton, director of design. “Phifer’s 34 new stock additions focus on today’s key color and pattern shifts and provide countless fabric options for creating a unique outdoor space.”
The Phifertex Plus line has maintained its popularity, thanks to a full selection of colors from dependable neutrals to vibrant colors. “It is also a classic, simple weave with subtle textures,” Thornton adds. “The line is multifunctional for all types of applications including slings, cushions, and umbrellas.”
When Phifer introduces new fabric collections, it aims for performance, durability, and resistance to environmental conditions. New materials go through rigorous testing at the in-house lab to ensure that finished fabrics perform well in outdoor environments. Whether using its Xenon testing equipment or putting the fabrics in the outdoor weathering area, testers try to cover all aspects of how a fabric will perform.
“The two most important attributes we consider
when introducing new lines are performance and aesthetics,” Thornton explains. “First, we ensure that the fabrics meet or exceed industry standards and are fit for outdoor use. Secondly, our design team focuses on the visual appeal of a fabric in terms of color, pattern, weave, texture, and design. We make sure that fabrics align with our own design trends as well as market trends.”
ULTRAFABRICS
The newest and bestselling introduction at Ultrafabrics (Tarrytown, New York) is the Coast Collection. According to Kimberly Peoples, sales director, residential, the collection is popular due to its “buttery soft hand and extensive color offering.”
The Brisa Frontier remains a “legacy” bestseller, thanks to proprietary breathable technology and the rustic beauty it delivers when upholstered. Both offer a well-rounded mix of performance and protection.
Based on the continued success of Coast, officials at Ultrafabrics decided to expand their Pumice collection this summer with eight fresh hues. It amounts to a comprehensive palette of 16 SKUs
MIDDLE: New collection from InsideOut Performance Fabrics using new polyester yarn
BOTTOM: BIJOU by BLISS from Citel Performance Fabrics
with colors such as Summer Melon and Blue Ice, both trending favorites.
Ultrafabrics was the first to offer a PVC alternative in 100% polycarbonate polyurethane for outdoor use. “Combined with our incredibly strong Repreve recycled polyester/Ecovero rayon substrate, the layers of our products come together in our proprietary process we refer to as Takumi Technology,” Peoples says. “The end result delivers a high performance product that protects against active use and exposure to the elements such as moisture, sunlight, and mildew.”
TOP: Patio set in Coast by Ultrafabrics
With environmentally friendly fabrics ever more important, all Ultrafabrics outdoor materials are PFAS-free with the entire product portfolio destined to be PFAS-free by the end of 2024. “We are also free of FR, PVC, and formaldehyde,” Peoples says. “We have recently transitioned all our blended polyester/rayon backcloth construction to include 65% Repreve recycled polyester/35% Ecovero rayon. This mix of transparency in the recycled and renewable content has received a response from the marketplace.”
TWITCHELL TECHNICAL PRODUCTS
Following fabric trends can be tricky, but Gena Webb, vice president of R&D and products at
Twitchell Technical Products (Dothan, Alabama), keeps a close eye on the latest styles. In 2024, she’s convinced that, “The transition of the neutral color scheme from shades of gray to calming tones of tan and white will have the greatest influence. Our trend boards showcase a variety of hues that beautifully complement this shift.”
Residential and contract demand for outdoor fabrics and outdoor furniture has changed over the past 12 months, with Webb seeing a surge in
demand of approximately 12% to 15%. To satisfy this demand, Webb notes that, “Our latest offerings include a range of diverse patterns, from lush tropical leaves to authentic fiber textures, intricate geometrics, and tactile solids.”
Among other recent introductions, Periwinkle stands out as a top seller, thanks to a “lively aura” and “splendid purplish-blue hue.” Webb adds, “Deep Twilight reigns supreme with its majestic shade of blue. The exquisite white hot and the
TOP LEFT: Batyline Elios from Serge Ferrari Group
TOP RIGHT: Soltis Proof W88 from Serge Ferrari Group
MIDDLE: 2024 Phifertex Stockline Additions from Phifer Inc.
BOTTOM: Outdoor Living Collections by Ultrafabrics
sumptuous Luxe Curry have also garnered significant popularity. Choosing the perfect color is the key to capturing your consumers’ attention and loyalty.”
Performance and color are the two most important attributes in any Twitchell fabric, but Webb points out that Twitchell does not manufacture any products that contain any of the following:
• PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), its salts, or related substance(s);
• PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonate), its salts, or related substance(s); or
• PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or related substance(s).
Competition is fierce, but Webb encourages dealers to investigate fabric makers from many angles, including operations. “We have bolstered our stock inventory levels,” she says, “and recently constructed a warehouse spanning 70,000 square feet to accommodate these levels.”
OUTDURA BY SATTLER
Outdura by Sattler (Hudson, N.C., and Graz, Austria) has long been known for its textures, and recent designs—Berber, Fisher, and Encore—capitalize on this legacy with warmer color palettes such as deep blues and oceanic aquas. According to Ulrich Tombuelt, CEO, these designs enhance the lineup of jacquards that “add interest to our line using multicolor yarns to create interesting patterns and shapes.”
Sattler’s “Solid” collection ranges from primary colors to neutrals and covers basic needs at a starting price point, making this collection of 44 fabrics the company’s all-time bestseller. “However, our boucle yarns added to designs such as Rumor, Avila, Chic, Cavo, Surface, and Loft make these a staple in most everyone’s fabric book assortments combined with industry-best abrasion resistance, in most cases exceeding the stringent
contract and hospitality standard,” Tombuelt says.
High-end consumers love using white or light-colored body fabrics, and Outdura’s range of white and warm-toned colors cater to this segment. “Getting and maintaining our 100% solution-dyed acrylics to brilliant whites makes us the top choice,” Tombuelt says. “Outdura uses 100% solution-dyed acrylic yarns, 100% of the time. We also have a proprietary way of spinning the yarns that prevent pilling and abrasion. Our 10-year warranty is a testament to how strongly we support using Outdura for outdoor furniture and umbrellas, as well as being soft and pliable, so perfect for indoor use.”
Practical innovations are paired with trend reports, employing experts in design movements. “We also look for efficiencies in production,” Tombuelt adds. “We ask, ‘What will make this fabric seamless to produce, therefore providing the best service when demand is high?’ These two elements are a fine balance and definitely takes a team of experts to make it happen.”
SUNBRELLA
The Sunbrella (Burlington, North Carolina) stock upholstery collection is expanding with 25 new patterns that will be on display this summer at Casual Market. The collection is designed to be easily layered with existing styles within Sunbrella’s broader offerings.
Standout new patterns include: Play, a textural chambray body cloth available in 13 refined colors; Expressive, a classic bar stripe with a textural, tonal twist; and Beaming, a bold, color-blocked stripe that fuses complementary yet contrasting colors for a modern look and feel.
Rather than relying on a topcoat for weather protection, Sunbrella performance is engineered at the fiber level. “Our proprietary Color to the Core technology permeates each yarn with UV-stable pigments, resulting in fabrics that retain the same look, soft feel, and performance even after continual usage, sun exposure, and cleaning,” says Sarah Dooley, senior business director of outdoor furnishings.
After nearly a decade of research, Sunbrella has fully transitioned all fabric production to non-PFAS solutions as of 2023. “We’ve also kept a focus on developing fabrics made with recycled
content, offering more than 100 different fabrics made from recycled materials that maintain the same superior Sunbrella performance,” Dooley says. “Sunbrella fabrics are built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacement, and when textiles do reach the end of their long life cycle, they can be repurposed through Recycle My Sunbrella, the brand’s recycling program that has diverted nearly 1 million
pounds of fabric from landfills.”
It all amounts to a lot of activity for the company, which is continuing its $250 million capacity expansion plan, initiated in the wake of the pandemic to better serve customers. Dooley notes that the plan has led to significantly improved fabric lead times, “with stock fabric readily available for shipping and made-to-order fabrics shipping within six to seven weeks.”
TOP: Aqua and Docker (Aqua SolutionDyed Acrylics) from Sunbelievable
MIDDLE: BDH Greens (Inkling Celadon, Aja Capri, and Kitsungi Ozone) from Swavelle Group
BOTTOM: Deep Twilight, Voyage, and Curry from Twitchell Technical Products
WOVEN FOR EVERY MOMENT
When life takes place outside, it’s all about those special moments spent with your loved ones.
Because we pay attention to every little detail, you can count on Outdura fabrics to be ready for whatever life has in store: easy to clean, beautifully resilient and incomparably comfortable.
CITEL PERFORMANCE FABRICS
Citel Performance Fabrics, makers of the BLISS brand (Barcelona, Spain), continues to build momentum with proprietary BLISS performance fabrics. Made of premium, 100% solution-dyed acrylic, performance features include resistance to fading, stains, water, and mildew. Long-lasting BLISS fabrics also withstand the harshest of atmospheric conditions.
“New fabric introductions need to be user-friendly for the manufacturer in terms of layout, direction, color, options, and price point,” says Natalie Scott, director. “Additionally, it is important for new fabric introductions to be salable and appealing to the consumer when shopping the retail floor. We have North American warehouses in Miami and High Point, North Carolina, for greater convenience.”
Company officials have crafted a specific mission to protect the environment. “We have eliminated PFAS in our fabrics,” Scott says. “Additionally, we implement the highest standards in water purification to minimize our consumption during manufacturing. The durability, dimensional stability, and fade resistance of our fabrics make them a sustainable choice, thus contributing to environmental preservation for future generations.”
As the number of fabric suppliers in the outdoor market segment continues to grow, the term “performance” becomes blurred. To properly define the term, Scott explains that, “True performance attributes and overall product education at the retail level is the most important part of the selling process. Understanding and conveying the performance benefits by brand will position specialty retailers for success.”
SERGE FERRARI GROUP
Serge Ferrari Group (Deerfield Beach, Florida) has a new range of waterproof products. One is Soltis Proof W88, an ideal fabric for outdoor awnings, pergolas, and canopies that combines full waterproofing and UV protection with a thin, lightweight design. Also in the furniture collection, designers added a waterproof version of the popular Batyline Eden and Batyline Elios.
Batyline Elios, Batyline Eden, and Batyline Duo collections have maintained considerable momentum, thanks to the cleanability and
TOP: Encore (Reef) from Outdura by Sattler
MIDDLE: Rockland and Trig (Blueberry Solution-Dyed Polyesters) from Sunbelievable
BOTTOM: BDH Terracotta (Inkling Fruit Punch, Atoll Persimmon, Bexley Melon, Crestwood Fruit Punch, and Morada Coral) from Swavelle Group
durability of these furniture fabrics. The high-performance nature of the products adds up to big-seller status for specialty retailers, especially in the outdoor furniture market.
“Serge Ferrari Group’s trademark Précontraint Technology ensures product longevity by applying a coating along both the warp and weft throughout the manufacturing process,” says Laurent Pellequer, furniture and marine manager, North America. “The materials using Précontraint technology thus acquire unique properties in terms of resistance, dimensional stability, and lightweight—eliminating deformation due to load and offering a longer useful life.”
No Serge Ferrari furniture products contain PFAS chemicals and non-PFAS solutions have already been included in solar protection ranges. One hundred percent recycled polyester yarns and 100% recycled polymers are incorporated into all Soltis Loop ranges.
On the aesthetic side, Pellequer says, “We closely follow the fashion industry, where subtle pastel colors continue to be on trend.” Finally, when it comes to dealer purchasing decisions, he adds: “Serge Ferrari products offer the best ROI on fabric. Fabric is usually a small portion of the cost of a finished product and jeopardizing the quality of a product by opting for a less expensive fabric is a big risk to take.”
SUNBELIEVABLE BY Z-WOVENS
Sunbelievable by Z-Wovens (High Point, North Carolina) specializes in soft, curly boucles and velvety chenilles, while rustic textures add a layered look that is comforting and cozy. “It’s simultaneously unrefined yet sophisticated,” says Bea Spires, vice president of design. “The overall appeal is refreshing, allowing eclectic style combinations.”
Jungle Botanical Greens, Beyond the Sea Blues, Calming Aquas, and Warm Earthy Brown tones figure prominently this season, accompanied by the Forever Range of Neutrals. “Vibrant Lobster and Lollipop Reds add some punch,” Spires says, “balanced by budding soft pastels of Mint, Beach Glass, and Rain. It’s a designer’s continuous journey.”
Still, there are certain “enduring classics” that customers seem to gravitate toward year after year. Spires believes these recurrent favorites maintain popularity due to, “a beautiful variety of hues, and our textiles are enhanced with our own innovative novelty yarns, and inspiring color blends.”
All Sunbelievable outdoor fabrics are made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic or polyester, both engineered specifically for outdoor applications to protect against sunlight and atmospheric conditions, and to provide maximum color retention.
“Additionally, both our acrylic and polyester are mold and mildew resistant,” Spires says. “We don’t rely on performance alone to sell our products. We believe in color, beautiful designs, and luxurious textures. For us, beauty comes first—then we apply the necessary processes to make it a performance fabric.”
Fabrics recently developed using solution-dyed polyester are particularly exciting these days, with Spires revealing that they are “among the softest, most supple upholstery fabrics we’ve ever produced. Using an exceptionally fine polyester warp actually allows us to design patterns with exquisite detail in a myriad of colors.”
SWAVELLE GROUP
If Barbara Rogers, director of marketing and communications at Swavelle Group (New York, N.Y.) had to name an “it” color for 2024, she would choose green—while also pointing to “important” nature colors such as blue, aqua, clay, and yellow.
“Sophisticated botanicals, bold stripes, midscale geometrics, and ikats are all trending,” Rogers says. “Designers like to layer decorative fabrics with varying scales to create an eclectic, cozy look.”
Striving to be on-trend but never trendy, designers at Swavelle (makers of the Bella Dura brand) are showcasing curated selections of timeless bestsellers, in addition to new trend-forward offerings. Examples include: a two-tone bouclé texture; Folksy, an all-over
chenille skin; Atoll, a contemporary interpretation of a coral-inspired pattern; and Animal Magnetism.
“Another introduction called Kitsungi is a heathered, hand-drawn diamond pattern that features an irregular strié of our heathered boucle married with an assortment of novelty yarns,” Rogers says. “Pattern Inkling, a small-scale pattern reminiscent of the handwoven reeded markings, features a broken stripe of boucle, with heathered and solid yarns in a playful layout.”
Bestsellers continue to be casual coastal stripes, in addition to memorable multi-tropical patterns and textures. Patterns called Kepler, Bay, and Weekender feature Swavelle’s slub warp crossed with a slub weft yarn for an organic/irregular feel.
“Multicolored tropical patterns such as Tiki Time, Royal Palm, and Tropique remain popular,” Rogers adds. “Pattern Rustica is also a great organic texture that is timeless. Each pattern uses an assortment of different weaves to illustrate the shading and layers of tropical flora and fauna.”
INSIDEOUT PERFORMANCE FABRICS
Heavily textured plains using novelty yarns and special weave details are among the new offerings at InsideOut Performance Fabrics (Valdese, North Carolina). The new introductions lean more traditional and fit in with InsideOut’s goal of making new yarns a priority.
“Recently, we’ve added a larger plush chenille and a novelty boucle we’re calling our Kaleidoscope Yarn, consisting of three different-sized yarns and colors,” says Lee Childers, design director. “This season, we are excited to introduce a larger polyester yarn that resembles a thick cotton yarn that is giving us another tool to create drier, chunkier constructions.”
In the realm of the tried and true, Childers notes that, “Plains always seem to be on top, specifically our Rollo pattern. It’s a faux linen look achieved by weaving slub yarn across a slub warp. Linen looks are classic and timeless, and they have the capability to be dressed up or down. When you add the performance attribute to this look, it’s a no-brainer for use inside the home or out.”
InsideOut Performance Fabrics are constructed primarily using olefin and high energy dyed polyester. This combination of fibers provides the high level of durability needed to withstand outdoor elements and the light fastness to resist fading. “We are always pushing ourselves to come up with new and innovative constructions that have never been done before,” Childers says. “We also pay attention to trends while making sure to round out each collection so it feels complete when being introduced as a whole.”
The trend toward environmentally conscious products is one that never really applied to InsideOut Performance Fabrics, primarily because their products have never contained PFAS chemicals. “In the development phases of InsideOut, it was important to us to make an eco-friendly product that did not contain PFAS chemicals,” Childers says. “We are proud to have stood by that decision since the beginning. InsideOut is also Greenguard Gold Certified.”
TOP LEFT: BOHO by BLISS from Citel Performance Fabrics
TOP RIGHT: Crew (Peach) from Outdura by Sattler
MIDDLE LEFT: Sundberg from InsideOut Performance Fabrics
MIDDLE RIGHT: Phifertex Rochester Suede, Cane Matte Bone, Madras Tweed Caramel, and Cane Matte Biscotti from Phifer Inc.
BOTTOM LEFT: Luxe Black, Low Tide, and White Hot from Twitchell Technical Products
BOTTOM RIGHT: New patterns from the Sunbrella stock upholstery collection, including Beaming and Expressive
FamilyFires
Amanda’s Fireplace has grown in popularity because of the company’s unique ability to offer a variety of scratch-and-dent units at a discount.
BY MAURA KELLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK LASH
The family business. It has long been a staple in the American economy. According to the Small Business Administration, about 80% to 90% of all U.S. businesses are family owned or controlled. Ranging in size from small “mom and pop” shops to Fortune 500 entities, family businesses generate about half of the country’s gross national product (GNP) and half of the total wages paid.
For Amanda Melino, principal and CEO of Amanda’s Fireplace and BAC Fireside Group, having your name on the door means something, especially when continuing the family legacy in the fireplace industry that her parents established more than 50 years ago.
“Amanda’s Fireplace LLC was founded by my mother and father, Robert and Barbara Cohen, in 1988 in Hudson, New York.
TOP: The multigenerational family efforts to make Amanda’s Fireplace and BAC Fireside Group leading players in the hearth industry is paying off.
BOTTOM: Amanda’s Fireplace is conveniently adjacent to BAC Fireside Group’s wholesale distribution business in Hudson, N.Y.
I am the second-generation CEO and proud woman business owner after I purchased it from them over 15 years ago,” Melino says. “The retail store opened adjacent to our already established wholesale distribution business, BAC Fireside Group, also started by my parents over 50 years ago that my brother and I had since purchased as well.”
Melino’s brother also owned and operated a manufacturing business that provided private label pellet stoves made by Enviro until his passing in 2020, further illustrating that the hearth industry has played an integral part of the Cohen/Melino family for decades.
In fact, what began as a small enterprise operating out of her parent’s garage has grown to over 120,000 square feet of retail, office, and warehouse space. Amanda’s Fireplace grew in recognition and popularity because of the company’s unique ability
to offer a large variety of scratch-and-dent units at a discount that have been returned or damaged from the distribution business. Currently, Amanda’s Fireplace boasts over 5,000 square feet of showroom models as well as over 5,000 square feet of scratchand-dent products.
Having such a long-standing history in the industry means that Melino and her parents have seen the industry evolve from a predominantly wood and coal stove business in the 1970s to offering a variety of different fuels including gas, pellet, and electric. Both Amanda’s Fireplace and the BAC Fireside Group have evolved as consumers’ interests have changed.
“My father’s first sale was a Better’N Bens woodstove; however, that manufacturer has since gone out of business,” Melino says. “At Amanda’s Fireplace, we offer wood, gas, and pellet stoves and fireplaces, as
TOP: Amanda’s Fireplace features a wealth of interactive hearth displays and consultation areas to help customers design the ideal hearth solutions.
BOTTOM: The showroom boasts over 5,000 square feet of showroom space, as well as an additional 5,000 square feet of scratch-anddent products.
well as the electric stoves and fireplaces that are gaining in popularity as well.”
EVER EVOLVING
In response to the ever evolving and strict EPA regulations regarding woodstove emissions, a few manufacturers that Amanda’s Fireplace carries no longer offer the wood category. In addition, New York has recently been pushing gas bans, so once again, Melino and her team are forced to adapt and increase the company’s product offerings to include more electric units in anticipation of the increases in electrification.
“As a retail store, we need to be up to date on regulations so we can be sure to offer the best and safest products to our consumers,” Melino says.
“We are noticing customers being forced to reconsider the product category they choose depending on impending legislation.”
Despite the industry trend away from wood products, Amanda’s Fireplace still sells predominantly in the wood and wood pellet category. The company carries leading brands such as Vermont Castings, HearthStone, Enviro, Empire, Pacific Energy, the locally owned and operated Hudson River Stove Works, and IHP.
“As customers have started to shy away from gas products, we have reevaluated some of our product offerings and built a new electric wall
HEARTH RETAILER
showcasing Dimplex, SimpliFire, Empire, and Napoleon,” Melino says.
And as Amanda’s father has reminded her throughout the years, the EPA has been making the sales of woodstoves increasingly strict; however, the manufacturers that Melino has chosen to carry have readily adapted and continue to offer beautiful and extremely efficient wood products to help keep the planet thriving
says. “We recognize that customers seek products that align with their needs without breaking the bank.”
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Amanda’s Fireplace is seeing an increasing interest in electric fireplaces and efficient woodburning stoves.
SMOKIN’ SECOND CAREER
Staying focused on customers is this Colorado retailer’s recipe for success.
BY KIMBERLY RODGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KHAYMAN LOPEZ
Dan MacDonald, owner and founder of Colorado BBQ Outfitters in Colorado Springs, always knew he wanted to open his own business. After leaving a 30-year career in corporate America, he was able to make that happen. “I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do.”
He attended a U.S. Small Business Administration workshop where the leader picked his brain asking him what he liked to do with his time.
After saying he liked to barbecue and smoke meat outdoors, MacDonald was then asked where he purchased his supplies. “I told him the internet because I can’t find what I wanted or needed locally. That’s when the lightbulb went off and I realized I needed to open a barbecue supply store because this is my passion. Twelve years ago on April 4, 2012, was our opening day.”
Colorado BBQ Outfitters focuses its business on meeting the needs of the backyard barbecue aficionado with an emphasis on smoking food—a cooking method that MacDonald enjoys most and what he
TOP: Colorado BBQ Outfitters focuses on everything related to smoking, including cooking classes.
BOTTOM: Dan MacDonald
has been doing for the majority of his life. “I’ve been barbecuing since I was 8 years old,” he says. At the time, his family lived in Alaska and his mom loved salmon but she only liked it smoked.
“My dad had a little smoker in our backyard, and I helped him cook, which was my introduction to barbecuing and smoking food.” His dad was also a big-game hunter and fisherman, and taught his son how to cook and smoke a variety of wild game, including moose, elk, and bear. “You name it and it went on the smoker.”
ALL ABOUT THE SMOKE
Consequently, with his vast experience and love of smoking food, MacDonald focuses his store’s product selection on charcoal, wood, and pellet grills and smokers, along with a huge variety of accessories. “It’s a niche market, but smoking food is what I like to do, and I haven’t cooked on a gas grill myself in about 15 years. I just really like the flavor of wood fire.”
MacDonald acknowledges that while gas grills are still king in his area, wood pellet grill sales have rapidly grown over the last 10 years, making a dent in the gas market. He wouldn’t be surprised, he adds, if pellet surpasses gas as the market leader in the next 20 years. “Their versatility is amazing, and I tell everyone you can cook any food on the planet on a wood pellet grill. You simply can’t do that on gas.”
He notes that after the latest generation of wood pellet grills came out, they truly changed the outdoor
cooking world. With Wi-Fi capability and the ability to control a pellet grill by a mobile device, younger people are drawn to the array of advanced innovation available in the market today. “It’s the technology younger generations grew up with, so it’s what they like,” MacDonald says.
He carries several brands of smokers and grills, including Horizon Smokers, Camp Chef, Louisiana Grills, Pit Boss Grills, Green Mountain Grills, Big Green Egg, and Primo. The Camp Chef line does very well for the store. “They have a patented ash dump allowing for a very easy cleanup for the grill as well as Wi-Fi ability.” The store also carries a large variety of sauces, rubs, barbecue accessories, chips,
chunks, logs, and pellets from Lumber Jack. These items are very important because they represent a big portion of sales. “Sauces, rubs, accessories, and especially pellets are my bread and butter.”
EDUCATION IS KEY
Sales of accessories definitely increase after people attend one of the many cooking classes MacDonald offers at his store. The class schedule covers a variety of topics such as cold smoking, how to make jerky at home, and holiday cooking. Classes are taught by MacDonald, who has never had any formal culinary training. Everything he has learned has been through 50 years of trial and error. “I have barbecued thou-
TOP: A wide variety of accessories are available.
BOTTOM: The store was established in 2012.
OUTDOOR GRILLING
sands of times and learned what works best for me. There are a hundred ways to do barbecue, and I tell students in my cooking classes that the only right way to do barbecue is if it tastes good.”
The classes are popular and fill up quickly. Although there previously was a charge, they are now free. MacDonald would rather fill up all the seats so people have the opportunity to experience his cooking demos, and taste the food made with the various rubs and sauces he carries in the store. As a result, he sometimes has more sales after a class than he will the entire day. “From a business standpoint, it just makes sense.” As a small-business owner running on a budget, the classes are also a great way to market the store.
In his previous career, MacDonald was a corporate trainer and is not bashful to speak to crowds and enjoys educating people on his passion for grilling. “We keep our classes fun and lighthearted, and I
especially enjoy having the opportunity to increase awareness about barbecue to younger generations. I don’t want to see outdoor cooking fade away.”
MacDonald likes to keep his showroom floor simple and has made most of the display shelves
himself or purchased them secondhand. This keeps overhead low and allows him to keep prices down. He primarily runs the store himself with the help of a couple of employees. As a small-business owner, he decided about 10 years ago to create a private Facebook page for brick-and-mortar barbecue supply owners as a place to provide support to each other.
What started as a group of three people has ballooned to hundreds with store owners from all over the world now members of the page. “We bounce ideas off each other, share tips, and can talk confidentially about manufacturers and products.” He adds, “It’s truly been a godsend as a small-business owner because it’s not just me but 500 other people helping me run my store.”
Since its creation, the private page has been inundated with requests from vendors to join, but MacDonald has kept membership strictly for barbecue store owners. He wants to keep the page a sanctuary where members can complain, compliment, and share experiences. “Retail is tough, there is no crystal ball to figure out consumer behavior, so 500 brains are better than one.” He adds he has always been big on using every resource he can without spending a lot of money. As such, he has written articles for publications and also hosted a radio show on a variety of barbecue topics to help him spread the word about his store as well as continue to educate people.
MacDonald’s formula to maintaining a successful business is straightforward: Educating the customer, setting them up with the best grill for their needs, and teaching them how to cook delicious, flavorful, and healthy meals for themselves and their families. “The more people I can get interested in the genre, the more sales I will have.”
First and foremost, MacDonald’s goal is to sell product to stay in business. “Beyond that, I’m here to educate and provide a service. I like talking to people and interacting with everyone. Even if people come into the store and don’t buy anything, I simply enjoy speaking with them, and they will often come back to make a purchase.”
An assortment of charcoal, wood, and pellet grills and smokers are on the showroom floor.
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Renewed FOCUS
With a new name and new location, All Seasons Living is delivering upscale products and service to its Michigan customers.
BY SHARON SANDERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN GILROY
Change brings growth and opportunity— just ask Jodi Boer, general manager of All Seasons Living (Hudsonville, Michigan). After over three decades in business, the popular outdoor living store has new owners, management, and a fresh outlook. “We have debuted the next generation of the business that caters to today’s market and consumers,” Boer says.
In Fall 2022, Boer took the reins of the store with big plans for the future. “It is a totally new industry for me, but I feel like I was made for it because I have a passion for people, design, and solid business experience,” she explains. Starting day one, Boer got a crash course in everything outdoor living from the previous
owners. “I have been able to gain some invaluable insight from the ones who lived and breathed it every day for 35 years. They took good care of it, and we plan to do the same.”
Boer spent many hours with the store’s sales reps, attended trade shows, and joined the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA). “I am a big believer in the value of networking,” she says. After attending her first conference earlier this year, she came away with a deeper understanding of the industry and its players. “I was able to meet other retailers, sales reps, and manufacturers from across the country to hear their points of view, expectations, and struggles. It causes you to have more empathy for them when you hear their perspective—it is an equalizer.”
NEW LOOK, NEW LOCATION
The first order of business was to rebrand the store, starting with a name change to All Seasons Living to appeal to a broader clientele. The store’s website
TOP: A local favorite for over 35 years, All Seasons Living gets a fresh, new image.
BOTTOM: Jodi Boer
(www.liveallseasons.com) also received a makeover. “It was important to us to develop a site that visually reflects our luxury image, yet is interactive. It’s a place clients and potential clients can see what our store has to offer. It includes a gallery of all our vendors with links to their
furniture catalogs so people can browse for products on their own time before they come in. With one click, clients can even contact us to schedule design consultations.”
As part of the rebrand, the store was relocated to Hudsonville (15 miles away from the previous location in Grand
Rapids), doubling the size of the showroom. The expansive space has an upscale feel that’s airy and open with lots of light. “It’s impressive when customers walk through the front door,” Boer says.
The showroom floor is an immersive experience featuring furniture and products from some of the most
respected brands in the industry, including Berlin Gardens, Castelle, Galtech, Jaipur Living, Kettler, Kingsley Bate, Lane Venture, Ratana, Seaside Casual, Surya, and Tropitone. It’s the most important part of the store’s sales strategy, so Boer is thoughtful about every product that goes out on the floor.
The store does quite a bit of business with indoor spaces—four seasons rooms and basements—as well. “People come here to experience luxury outdoor furniture. They can feel the softness of the fabrics, sink into plush cushions, and see how well it’s made for themselves—that is our best sales tool.”
The beautiful showroom has opened up many opportunities for growth. A main focus is reaching out to new customer segments. Now that the store is located closer to the local lake, it is attracting new customers. “Many people with lakeshore homes are discovering All Seasons Living for the first time, even though we were only 20 minutes down the road before. We have customers with multiple homes, and we’re drop shipping to Florida, Arizona,
TOP: The new All Seasons showroom is bright and airy.
BOTTOM: Much of the store’s merchandise has a clean coastal vibe.
Pennsylvania—you name it. We will take care of customers no matter where they are located.”
Boer is proactively seeking to expand relationships with local designers—not only interior designers, but architectural, landscape, and deck designers, as well. “We’ve created a trade partner program that rewards designers with a cash rebate when they come in or send their clients to our showroom,” she says. The store is set up perfectly to host networking events to introduce them to the rewards program and the latest outdoor living products.
She is also branching out to partner with up-andcoming commercial properties including apartments, condos, and golf courses in the community. Several of the All Seasons Living owners are in the commercial real estate business, so leads for potential sales opportunities are plentiful. “There is so much untapped business in our market. It’s exciting to start building new relationships for the future.”
CUSTOMERS FIRST
The excitement of the transformed All Seasons Living has been energizing. The new sales team is thrilled to be a part of the venture.
“We love our customers. They always come in happy because they are thinking about making memories at their lake houses, the parties they are going to throw or the family gatherings they are going to host—we are honored to work alongside them to make their dreams
a reality,” says Boer, adding that the goal is to help customers realize everything they purchase is an investment. “Sure, they can spend a fraction of the cost somewhere else, but they will have to start over in a few years because the cheap stuff has fallen apart. They don’t have to learn that lesson because the quality furniture we carry will last and look like new for decades.”
About half of the store’s business is special orders, but for those customers who don’t plan ahead—everything on the showroom floor is available for purchase. Customers can walk in, see something they like, and have it delivered within a few days. “The peak season is short, so we want to make sure that no one leaves empty-handed.”
When something is sold, the store doesn’t typically carry back stock of the same item—it is replaced with something else from its on-site warehouse. “There are a few popular pieces that we always have on hand, but we are constantly refreshing the showroom to keep it dynamic. It’s no fun to go into the store and see the
same things time after time. We flip the showroom around at least once a month, putting furniture in different spots or merchandising it in a different way—it keeps things fresh and interesting.”
All Seasons Living has undergone many positive changes over the past two years, and the one thing that will always be the same is the way it treats customers. “Service is in our DNA. It has always been our priority, and is especially important with the pressing competition from the internet,” Boer says. “We care, so personal attention begins at the sale and lasts a lifetime. We have a wonderful customer base that recommends us to their friends and families—their word of mouth is powerful. West Michigan has the most amazing people who have made All Seasons Living what it is today.”
Customization is a major selling point.
Timeless Outdoor Living
People are intrinsically drawn to experience fresh air and natural settings. To be in true harmony with the outdoors is to respect its existence and its changing behaviours. We feel inspired to precisely design elegant and functional furnishings that live side-by-side with the elements.
LUXURY LEGACY
OW Lee is a fourth-generation, family-owned business known for the comfort and quality of its outdoor furniture. BY SHARON SANDERS
OW LEE (COMFORT, TEXAS) IS BRINGING A FRESH PERSPECTIVE
TO THE MARKETPLACE. A respected leader in outdoor comfort, the popular luxury brand is known for crafting outdoor furniture that appeals to discerning specialty retail customers who love open air living. Patio & Hearth Products Report met with Leisa Rogers McCollister, vice president of marketing, to get a glimpse into how OW Lee is gaining momentum in 2024.
Who is OW Lee?
McCollister: OW Lee is a leading manufacturer of fine wrought iron and wrought aluminum outdoor furniture and fire pits. My great grandfather, Oddist Winfred Lee, started the business in Pasadena, California, over 75 years ago, and we have been supporting specialty outdoor furniture retailers since the 1970s.
We’re a fourth-generation, familyowned business known for the comfort and quality of our furniture. I think the fact that we are still owned
and operated by family— headed up by Terri Lee Rogers (my mom) and Chris Goff (my uncle), as well as my brother, cousins, and aunt—gives us an edge. It’s more than a job for us, as we all work together to move the ship forward and carry on the company’s legacy.
Can you share the latest company news?
McCollister: We relocated our manufacturing facility to Comfort, Texas, in 2021, which was big news for a California bornand-bred company. We had outgrown our existing location and were attracted to the middle of the country because we plan to grow our business on the East Coast. We also wanted to move somewhere that was more business friendly. One of the big pluses of the move was that it caused us to analyze every part of our business under a microscope. We were able to dig in and find places where we could improve.
new ideas and continuous product improvement.
What OW Lee products have been consistent favorites with consumers over the years?
Now, three years later, we are settled in our new 400,000-square-foot facility and doing business more efficiently. Since the move, our company culture changed for the better because we have a more collaborative environment that’s focused on generating
McCollister: Our most iconic collection, Monterra, is an across-theboard favorite. The comfort level is simply unmatched in the marketplace. It leans more traditional with unique hand-forged wrought iron details that elevate its luxury feel. Monterra’s standout design feature is its pillowy, oversized cushioning that is highlighted by unique pocket-style cushion arms for all-encompassing comfort. It has a plush high back and ample seat to accommodate any body type. Monterra is available in nine finishes and over 100 available fabric options
from Sunbrella and Outdura—to fit any style.
Many of our retailers say it is their go-to collection that they steer shoppers to sit in when they are browsing on the showroom floor. If they can get customers to relax while they shop in a Monterra deep seating piece, it’s often what they end up buying.
What OW Lee products are getting the most buzz for 2024?
McCollister: Our new Aris Max seating brings the comfort level of Monterra to a modern style. It is an addition to our top-selling Aris Max collection that has mid-century modern design with straight lines and angles that are popular with consumers today, both indoors and outdoors. Many of
continued on page 88
TOP: Monterra Deep Seating
RIGHT: Leisa Rogers-McCollister
BOTTOM: Aris Max
Great Products, Great Service
RH Peterson is powering sales at specialty stores.
FINDING A TRULY EXCELLENT GRILL AND PROPERLY DISPLAYING IT ON THE SHOW FLOOR IS ALWAYS A GOOD START, but great brands also need to be widely available with efficient distribution. Quality and availability came together for Sam Hickey at Creekstone Outdoor Living in Spring, Texas, back in 2011 when Hickey began carrying FireMagic from RH Peterson.
A distributor in nearby Houston kept plenty of inventory on hand, so Hickey did not need to start with a large up-front investment. “FireMagic’s customer service is top notch and they have always stood behind their product,” Hickey says. “There have been very few issues, and they have always handled them in a timely manner and kept our customers happy.”
RH Peterson cultivates effective display programs and various specials at trade shows to help dealers with the company’s new and more popular products. Part of the popularity comes from RH Peterson’s made-in-the-USA philosophy. “That’s a big selling feature for FireMagic and RH Peterson products,” Hickey says. “They continue to refresh their designs and stay at the forefront of the industry in terms of quality and design. We have one local distributor that does a good job at keeping stock on hand and available for quick order fulfillment.”
One of the biggest selling points with FireMagic is the ability to provide a la carte options like the rotisserie backburner, charcoal insert, analog or digital temp gauges, viewing window, and more. It adds up to a competitive advantage over other premium grill lines that only provide the “fully loaded” versions.
The bestselling grill at Creekstone Outdoor Living is “far and away” the FireMagic a660i-7ean. As an oversized 30-inch model that comes with three burners and a cook surface larger than competing brands’ 36-inch versions, it fits a great mid-range price point that makes it an easy sell. The viewing window options are popular upgrades that are frequently added to a sale as long as they are properly shown on the floor.
“We have a nice 16-foot outdoor kitchen display in the showroom with all FireMagic doors/drawers, warming drawer, refrigerator, dropped power burner, and a Diamond Echelon 790 with a viewing window,” Hickey says. “Additionally, we show our bestselling a660i-7ean—
no rotisserie with analog temp gauge. We use social media and Google to promote our products throughout. We also do some regionalized and specialized print advertisements that are focused on our demographic.”
Kevin Sparks, owner of the The Mad Hatter in Alpharetta, Georgia, began selling the RH Peterson brand more than 20 years ago, including RealFyre gas logs and FireMagic grills. “We chose RH Peterson for the unparalleled beauty and quality of their products and their outstanding customer service,” Sparks says. “We were committed to offering the best products available to our customers, and after thorough research, we knew RH Peterson was the right choice.”
RH Peterson gas logs and burner selections provide an incredibly realistic look, almost indistinguishable from a real wood-burning fireplace, and the FireMagic grills are the finest on the market. All products are made in the USA and come with the best warranty in the industry, allowing customers to make purchases with confidence.
“RH Peterson’s support has been invaluable, offering generous display credits, catalogs, co-op pro-
grams, and incentives for our sales staff,” Sparks says. “We currently sell over 600 sets of gas logs per year. Our top seller for gas logs is the G-45 burner with Charred Oak or Charred American Oak. However, we have seen a significant increase in sales of the G-31 burners and logs in recent years.
“Additionally, FireMagic built-in grills and components are highly popular,” Sparks says. “The quality of these grills, with their industryleading burners and designs, makes it clear to customers that this could be the last grill they ever need to buy. RH Peterson has played a crucial role in our success over the past two decades, and we look forward to continuing this successful partnership for many more years to come.”
Sam Hickey Kevin Sparks
Weaving Perfection
Tempotest’s Capstone Collection delivers luxury-oriented products with texture and dimension.
ONCE UPON A TIME, NOT MUCH THOUGHT WAS GIVEN
TO OUTDOOR SPACES.
The look of patios and pool decks came in a distant second as designers seemed to put more energy into creating indoor spaces that reflected either a modern or traditional aesthetic. But interest in expanding the comforts of the indoors beyond the climate-controlled walls of homes and businesses has grown exponentially. This trend has given rise to an industry that continues to create beautiful, durable materials that can elevate the look of any space—whether it basks in the sunshine or stays protected by four walls.
Pará’s Tempotest Home Capstone Collection, which can be used for indoor and outdoor applications, has proven to be the homeowners’ and designers’ best tool for creating a luxurious and timeless indoor or outdoor space.
“The Pará Industrial Group has thrived over the last three generations by crafting premium, high-performance textiles for various applications, such as sun protection, marine, and home furnishings,” says Zac Bryant, director of Tempotest Home Fabrics. “It was established in Italy in 1921 by the Parravicini family, and the organization is renowned for its commitment to excellence.”
He notes that Pará is completely vertically integrated, allowing for meticulous oversight of each applicable production process—from spinning and weaving, to printing and dyeing, through coating and finishing—all within its various facilities. Tempotest Performance Fabrics are the perfect embodiment of this commitment to excellence and are the crown jewel of their fabric offerings, he says.
Headquartered in Sovico, just outside the global fashion hub of Milan, Pará operates across six production facilities throughout Northern Italy. Each year, the company produces enough solution-dyed acrylic yarn to span the distance between the earth and the moon 173 times, weaving nearly 22 million square yards of fabric, which is enough fabric to cover 3,363 football fields, Bryant says. “Even more impressive, the company’s innovative robotic warehouse facility stocks over 100,000 rolls of fabric available for global distribution within 24 hours.”
The Miami Corporation is the exclusive distributor of Tempotest Performance Fabrics in the U.S. and has been a trusted industry partner since 1923. With vast inventory levels, the Miami Corporation provides unparalleled service, including same-day shipping on all in-stock orders and customized cut yardage solutions.
BY DANA ROBINSON
MIDDLE:
BOTTOM: White Sands Capstone Fabrics
The company recently introduced the Tempotest Home Capstone Collection, which is “a testament to the brand’s commitment to elevated design and exceptional quality,” Bryant says. “This collection is crafted in the foothills of northern Italy, where the long
tradition of textile manufacturing ensures the highest levels of artistry and attention to detail, using an industry-first long-staple solution-dyed acrylic fiber,” he says. These special fibers result in fabrics with the remarkably soft hand of cotton or linen fabrics typically reserved for interior use, but with performance characteristics designed to withstand even the harshest environments.
“The Capstone collection was our answer to manufacturers, designers, and customers who were desiring more luxury-oriented products
TOP: Caviar Capstone Fabrics
Emerald Capstone Fabrics
A Name To Know
British Fires has invested a tremendous amount of effort in building a brand that exudes quality and state-of-the-art engineering.
BY MAURA KELLER
WE ALL KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF BRANDING IN TODAY’S WORLD.
Like branding, creating a distinctive name plays a key role in establishing your corporate or product brand. In fact, a name is a condensation of your brand message—it evokes a personality about your company or product and establishes a visual, emotional, and cultural image in the minds of your audience. A name also must be memorable and relevant.
For British Fires, a manufacturer of electric fireplaces and media walls in Christchurch, Dorset, England, and a subsidiary of Focal Point Fires Limited, the British Fires name had to be approved by the U.K. government after it was evident the company is “preeminent” in the field of electric fireplaces and had to be verified by two independent sources.
“The British Fires brand name is synonymous with quality and safety across the fireplace sector,” says Michael Athay, group managing director at Focal Point Fires. “Other leading, well-established brands, such as British Airways and British Gas among others, all have a first-class reputation both nationally and internationally for both safety and quality.” After extensive market research, it was identified and decided that an extensive range of products under the British Fires brand name could be designed, developed, and made available internationally.
Ivor Mitchell and Alan Pryke originally established Focal Point Fires in 1983 with the goal to manufacture gas and electric fireplaces that exude innovation and
state-of-the-art technology. To meet the needs of the electric fires segment, the British Fires team researched, designed, engineered, tested, and certified a range of first-class products to comply with various international standards, including, but not limited to CSA, to evidence the quality associated with the brand.
As Athay explains, the vision for British Fires was to make the brand internationally recognized and associated with a first-class, leading range of products, unrivaled in their design and engineering, while also offering overall realism in its unique flame effect, real wooden logs, and overall attention to detail.
“Both electric fires as a fuel and in particular, the electric fireplace media wall, has very quickly evolved and continue to evolve at a rapid pace, not just in the U.K., but also, very much throughout Europe and now the U.S., Canada, and other parts of the world,” Athay says. “This is the single biggest transformation to the living room that we have seen in decades.”
If you envision the traditional British-style fireplace that has been in place for the last three or four decades, it was designed to offer 16” wide x 22” high openings, that was uniquely British. As such, many gas fire manufacturers sought various product designs all to allow for the small British-style fireplace openings.
“The transformation to much larger electric fireplace designs allows the products designed to be installed across multiple platforms throughout many demographic and geographic areas including, but not limited to the U.K., but also EU markets and other countries throughout the world,” Athay says. “This benefits all those involved and in particular, the retailers who have the opportunity to increase their revenue and turnover due to the higher transactional value of these products.”
MAKING AN IMPACT
As interest in electric fires and media walls continues to grow across the globe, the British Fires team has thoroughly researched and designed products that speak to today’s consumer trends.
Currently, the company’s bestselling range of fireplaces includes the New Forest Electric range, which are available in 48”, 64” or 75” linear models. This fireplace design appeals to the consumer interest in sleek linear designs that allow users to create desirable fireplace media walls in their living area that align the fireplaces with today’s TV sizes to create a well-defined space.
“More and more customers are moving away from fossil-fuel products such as gas fires and also
continued on page 89
TOP: Electric fire media walls are taking the hearth industry by storm. British Fires focuses on developing leading-edge contemporary designs to appeal to today’s consumer.
BOTTOM: Making a hearth the focal point of a space is the backbone of British Fires’ hearth designs.
New Forest 63"
New Forest 75"
New Forest 48"
The New Forest Series of Electric Fireplaces 48" 63" 75"
MakingWAVES
Universal Furniture enters the outdoor living arena with a vast array of collections that embody style and durability. BY LARRY THOMAS
BUOYED BY THE SUCCESS OF ITS COASTAL LIVING OUTDOOR FURNITURE LINE
throughout its network of traditional furniture stores and interior designers, Universal Furniture is keeping its foot firmly on the accelerator as it eyes similar achievements in the specialty store world.
It wasn’t a decision the company took lightly, but with the pandemic-induced supply chain woes finally in the rearview mirror, the well-known indoor furniture resource decided it was time to make a larger splash outdoors. “Since our Coastal Living outdoor collection is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, it’s a really good choice for specialty retailers,” says Kayla Miller, director of marketing.
So it should come as no surprise that the compa-
ny is making its first-ever showing at this month’s Casual Market Atlanta—in a high-visibility temporary exhibit space next to the escalator on the eighth floor. “We decided to exhibit at the Casual Market to broaden our reach,” Miller says. “We feel like we’ll engage with a more diverse retail audience … that’s specific to the outdoor market.”
She notes that the vast majority of casual furniture specialty stores don’t shop the High Point Market— where Universal has a stand-alone showroom building adjacent to the Hamilton-Wrenn design district—so Casual Market is easily the best way to reach this new retail audience. “We’re really excited to introduce our line to them and get their reaction,” Miller says. “And we are in stock on most of the line and ready to ship.”
The line, which targets upper-middle price points,
LEFT: Lounge chairs from the San Clemente Collection blend aluminum and all-weather wicker with teak accents.
TOP RIGHT: A round table that seats four is the centerpiece of the San Clemente dining group.
BOTTOM RIGHT: A rope design highlights the high-back Hatteras dining/lounge chair.
currently has more than 100 SKUs, and she says no product launches are planned specifically for the Casual Market since it will be the first time most buyers have seen the lineup. “Everything we are bringing to the Casual Market is new to the specialty retailers we’re going to be seeing there,” Miller says.
STUNNING SARATOGA
One point of emphasis will be the Saratoga Collection, which launched at the High Point Market in April. Constructed with solid teak and cast aluminum, and accented with cast concrete details, the new collection blends Adirondack styling with timeless design. Plus, the teak has a warm weathered finish that requires less maintenance than more traditional
continued on page 89
Piece of Paradise
Bonfire Outdoor prioritizes customer satisfaction by offering affordable, top-quality outdoor kitchen products backed by superior warranties. BY CHERISE FORNO
SINCE ITS DEBUT 10 YEARS AGO,THE BONFIRE OUTDOOR PRODUCTION CORP. (ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA) HAS EXPANDED from California to Canada and Mexico. By focusing on maintaining top-quality standards without a high price point, Bonfire Outdoor prioritizes making grills and outdoor kitchens accessible to people so they can elevate their backyards, leading to increased time spent with family and friends. “Our model is to bring family and friends together—that’s our goal,” says Nestor Arias, sales manager.
As a company, Bonfire Outdoor is continually designing new products and looking for ways to satisfy their dealers and customers. Products released this year include a Double Door/Single Drawer Combo and a Large Trash Can. These products have a sleek, modern design, are constructed from food-grade 304 stainless steel, and utilize a soft-closing mechanism for added elegance and convenience.
“We are always developing and advancing new products,” Arias says. “We have developed a lot of products this year, and there’s a lot of exciting products in the development stages for 2025.”
The grill that has stood the test of time is Bonfire Outdoor’s four-burner grill that features premium 304 stainless steel construction, cast stainless burners, and a limited lifetime warranty. It is available in built-in and cart versions for natural gas or liquid propane. A rotisserie kit and grill cover are also included. “Our flagship product has always been and always will be our four-burn-
er stainless steel grill, which has been our driving force,” Arias says. “It’s the most popular size, and it’s convenient for people.”
The three-burner grill is also popular for people who are cooking smaller amounts and want a grill that takes up less space. “It’s great for beginners and people who are starting out.”
The Whistler 500 five-burner grill offers a large cooking area for people looking to entertain for larger gatherings. “If you’re cooking for a lot of people, the five-burner is the perfect option,” Arias says.
Bonfire Outdoor’s cooking plate is another product that is in high demand for the convenience and versatility it offers. “Our number one accessory is our cooking plate,” he says. “People like it, and they love to use the grill and cooking plate at the same time.”
STANDING OUT
One way the company stands out, Arias notes, is that their products are made with top-quality components with high-end features, while managing to keep prices reasonable. “Our products are top-of-the-line without top-of-the-line prices,” he says.
The level of service Bonfire offers is also superior. From customer service, quality control, and the warranties that back their products, Bonfire prides itself on its unparalleled customer support. “We have excellent and unmatched customer service,” Arias says. “Our warranties are way above the industry’s standards.”
Depending on the product or type of part, Bonfire Outdoor warranties range from one year for electronic components, three years for warming racks, and lifetime warranties for cast and stainless steel parts such as cooking grates and steel housing. “We’ll replace warrantied items for the customer, no questions asked,” Arias says.
To better serve its customers, Bonfire is opening new warehouses to improve shipping times and rates, and facilitate the continued
TOP LEFT: Double door/single drawer combo
TOP RIGHT: Bonfire Outdoor offers a variety of grills and accessories to create a complete outdoor kitchen.
growth it has seen as a company over the last decade. “We’re always trying to come up with ideas to help our customers and our dealers,” Arias says. “We’re in the
process of opening two new warehouses—one on the East Coast, which should be opening within the next month. Our second warehouse will be in the central U.S. These warehouses will make it quicker and easier to get products to other parts of the country.”
As a young company, Bonfire Outdoor has experienced a lot of growth in a short time, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they aren’t slowing down any time soon. “We are small but mighty,” Arias says. “We’re still growing. People love grilling and bringing family and friends together, and we enjoy helping with that.”
As people continue to want to spend more time at home, a trend that accelerated during COVID, they continue to invest in their outdoor space and increasingly get interested in grilling. “People are grilling more, with different types of food, and people get creative,” Arias says.
For example, there are many ways for people to incor-
TOP LEFT: Briquettes
TOP RIGHT: Double Trash Can
BOTTOM: Lifetime warranties for cast and stainless steel parts are provided for Bonfire Outdoor products.
porate a cooking plate, such as cooking potatoes and other veggies underneath a chicken being cooked rotisserie style, allowing all the oils from the chicken to get on the potatoes and add flavor. As people get more experienced with cooking outside, Arias notices people wanting to invest in outdoor kitchens instead of simply a grill.
“Our customers are more likely to buy not just the grill, but everything with all the accessories—the drawers, side burners, cooking plate—to make a complete outdoor kitchen,” he says. “People love to design these beautiful outdoor kitchens that are a piece of art.”
The LED lights in Whistler grills further enhance these designs with their captivating blue lighting and ambiance. “A lot of homeowners enjoy bringing friends over and grilling and showing off their patio furniture, their grills, and that little piece of heaven that’s their backyard,” Arias says.
Bonfire Outdoor wants to continue to uphold its motto by helping to bring family and friends together around their beautiful grills, accessories, and outdoor kitchens. “Our goals for the next year are to continue to grow and expand,” Arias says. “We are developing new products and ideas for the upcoming year, so stay tuned.”
TerrificTEXTILES
For 60 years, STI has successfully adapted to the changing times and demands of the industry.
BY DANA ROBINSON
FABRIC SELECTION, WHETHER IT’S FOR AN INDOOR OR OUTDOOR SPACE, CAN TRULY
pull together the look of a well-designed area. For the last six decades, Specialty Textiles Inc. Fabrics (STI Fabrics) has been working to help its customers create spaces that are not only beautiful but are furnished with durable, highquality fabrics. It’s this desire to create high-quality textiles for its discerning customers that has always been the driving force behind the organization.
The family-owned business launched in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, in 1964. Firmly entrenched in the upholstery market, the organization eventually branched into the mass transportation sector in the 1980s and 1990s. During this period, STI showcased its versatility by producing high-quality fabrics for various modes of transportation, including planes, trains, buses, and cruise ships. “From its beginnings … the company has been dedicated to selecting the most ideal fibers for the market,” says Victoria Echols, director of Revolution Outdoor. “Always with a forwardlooking approach and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers.”
Over the years, STI’s business model has been marked by its ability to move and shift with the changing times and demands of the industry. The transition from a cotton yarn system to synthetics at the turn of the millennium marked a significant evolution in response to market demands and the opportunities presented by synthetic materials.
In 2005, faced with the challenge of competing with Chinese microfiber fabrics, STI made a strategic investment in jacquard weaving equipment and welcomed fabric designer Glen Read to lead the development of a new line of accent fabrics. This initiative expanded STI’s range, enriching its collection of solids and textures through significant investments in technology, talent, and specialty yarns.
While the company has evolved with new equipment, manufacturing methods, and designers, Echols notes that textured fabrics have been a pop-
ular staple (and are continuing to gain recognition and praise) with its customers over the years. “This success is attributed to their unique feel, and the strong value they provide, fulfilling our clients’ desire for something different,” Echols says. “This popularity underscores our ability to meet market demands for distinctive, high-quality products.”
A NEW STANDARD
Continuing with that tradition of innovation, STI set a new standard in the fabrics industry by launching stain-resistant Revolution Performance Fabrics in 2014. The choice to create the fabrics was “driven by the goal of creating a high-performance fabric without PFAS chemicals,” Echols says. “Other performance fabric brands use these chemicals (also known as PFOA and PFOS) to achieve a certain level of cleanability, but they are not good for your home or the environment. STI discontinued the use of toxic chemicals in 2000.”
Revolution fabrics are made of polypropylene and are inherently stainresistant; therefore, there is no need to apply PFC chemicals to help them stay clean. Echols notes that Revolution has become one of the most in-demand performance fabrics in the home furnishings industry—particularly in the outdoor market. “Our journey from indoor to outdoor spaces reflects our adaptability, innovation, and commitment to sustainability.”
STI has continued its tradition of pro-
viding must-have textiles to the home furnishings industry by launching the Pasadena Collection this year. “It’s a groundbreaking approach to outdoor design,” Echols says. “This collection brings indoor elegance to outdoor spaces, featuring 16 patterns across 45 SKUs, with durability supported by a five-year warranty against loss of strength, color, abrasion, and pilling. These fabrics are a testament to lasting quality and beauty.”
Designers can choose from spa-inspired palettes to vibrant navy and contemporary neutrals within pattern collections like Tarzan, Sicily, and Sebastian as well as solids collections like Nude Beach, Santos, and Brightside.
60 YEARS AND COUNTING
This year also marks STI’s 60th anniversary. “It’s an impressive milestone,” Echols says. “[We’re] marking 60 years of continuous innovation and adaptation in the textile industry.” To celebrate the occasion, STI sponsored The City of Kings Mountain’s Fireworks show on July 4. The local event was attended by many of the company’s staff—some of whom have been with the organization for more than 40 years. The anniversary also marks 60 years of creating and supporting Americanmade manufacturing jobs. A majority of textile manufacturing companies diverted their operations overseas in the early 2000s, but STI has stayed in continuous operation in Kings Mountain.
LEFT: Latitude Collection by POLYWOOD, designed by Shayla Copas, with Brightside in Chalk fabric
RIGHT: Brightside in Beige fabric adorns this outdoor collection.
Beyond its contributions to the textile industry, STI Fabrics is deeply committed to supporting local communities and fostering sustainable practices. This dedication was recognized with the prestigious Governor’s Award last year, celebrating STI’s Work Release Program’s exceptional contribution to facilitating inmates’ reentry into the local community.
Another testament to this commitment is STI’s partnership with The Green Chair Project in Raleigh. Over the past year, STI has donated substantial fabric resources to this collaboration, supporting The Green Chair Project’s mission to furnish homes for North Carolinians who are overcoming homelessness, crisis, or disaster. This initiative
reflects STI’s long-standing belief in the power of community collaboration and shared responsibility, leveraging resources to create opportunities and empower individuals within communities.
STI is also empowering customers worldwide with the tools they need to create beautiful living spaces. The company serves both local and international
markets with a growing presence from coast to coast and globally. “Our designers trust us as a local supplier, and our reach has expanded significantly, catering to clients who require shipping to various global locations,” Echols says.
But textile trends have begun to emerge no matter where the inventory is shipping. Echols has observed a fascinating color palette preference shift from gray to lighter earth tones and beige with an increasing demand for deep, elegant greens. “This change is influenced by trends in the indoor furniture market, allowing us to introduce these colors into our outdoor fabric lines,” she says.
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You can focus on what you do best. We take care of the rest to keep your customers happy.
MADE IN USA
A&L Furniture is built with quality materials and expert craftsmanship.
With Revolution Performance Fabrics’ commitment to sustainability and performance, the company has partnered with POLYWOOD. “Much like our own fabrics, which are crafted from upcycled fibers to offer unparalleled durability and stain resistance, POLYWOOD furniture is constructed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE)—a robust, ecofriendly material derived from recycled consumer plastics like milk jugs and detergent bottles,” Echols says.
This shared ethos of environmental responsibility and high-quality performance is showcased in the Shayla Copas designed “Latitude” collection from the PW Designers series. “Each piece elegantly combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, and offers stylish, sustainable outdoor furniture,” Echols says.
With its sights firmly set on another 60 years in business, STI Fabrics is looking ahead by embracing a “back to basics” philosophy, aligning with a strategic shift toward mass-market products that capture the essence of what customers value most: high-quality, straightforward woven fabrics that don’t sacrifice aesthetic appeal, Echols notes.
This approach is a nod to the fundamental qualities that define exceptional textiles—durability, functionality, and design. “It’s about focusing on the essentials that matter most to customers and their end-users,” she says.
“In this vein, STI is excited to introduce the Revolution Base cloths collection, competitively priced and readily available at its distribution centers in North Carolina and Mississippi.”
Growth and expansion, particularly in its outdoor fabric lines, are also on the horizon for Revolution Fabrics. Echols notes that the company is exploring new markets and product lines to meet emerging needs, including performance outdoor fabrics for umbrellas and other applications.
CELEBRATING 35YEARS OF INNOVATION
We are celebrating 35 years of partnership with boutique hearth retailers and extend our sincere gratitude to over 1,000 dealers for their steadfast support and trust in our brands.
Renaissance Fireplaces are EPA Qualified and feature airtight guillotine doors with built-in firescreens. Our luxury wood-burning fireplaces offer massive fires, clean styling and zero clearance installations making them clear design choices.
Rumford 1500
Uptown 600
Linear
Rumford 1000
Electric Revolution
RPG Brands is transforming electric fireplaces through next-generation technology.
BY KIMBERLY RODGERS
KRIS RICHARDSON, PRESIDENT AT RPG BRANDS (PHOENIX, ARIZONA),
has been around fireplaces his entire life. His parents, Don and Debbie Richardson, founded Arizona Fireplaces in 1980, one of the largest privately-owned fireplace retailers in the Western United States. “This is why I developed a soft spot and really more of a passion for the fireplace industry,” he says. “I am more obsessed with fireplaces than 99.9% of most people.”
In particular, he has a special focus on electric fireplaces, which have always been thought of in the fireplace industry as a less desirable option. Richardson has been out to change that mindset. “The view has been that electric is not as good as gas, so my strategy has always been to make our electric fireplaces look as realistic and as functional as possible when comparing the two options,” he says. “And through our technologies, we have been able to come very close with even more room for improvement.”
Richardson has been revolutionizing the electric fireplace industry for 15 years, pioneering the introduction of the first modern linear electric fireplace in North America through the RPG subsidiary, Modern Flames. “Although there were linear gas models available, no one in the industry was selling linear electric fireplaces, so there was a real need.”
Richardson saw an opportunity and developed the first model, which was initially sold through Arizona Fireplaces. Momentum built store by store and state by state, and now a wide variety of Modern Flames fireplaces can be found in approximately 1,300 retail locations throughout North America with a growing presence in Australia and Europe.
REVOLUTIONIZING THE INDUSTRY
Today, Modern Flames continues to change and revolutionize the electric fireplace industry with its newest Orion Series. These virtual electric fireplaces with LCD screens feature the company’s proprietary Heliovision Flame technology. Notably, Modern Flames is the first company to develop, engineer, and bring this innovative advancement to the marketplace. “This new technology has completely changed the industry, and I am very proud of that,” Richardson says. “I believe we have successfully created the next generation of electric fireplace innovation that is now the industry standard.”
All companies, he believes, will need to develop similar technology to remain competitive in the segment. He encourages other companies to create their own technologies to keep the market healthy. “With innovation brings new ideas, a larger market, and at the end of the day, a more successful industry.”
Modern Flames launched the Orion Series over two years ago with a head start over other manufacturers. Orion opens a lot of other doors in elec-
tric fireplaces and serves as a platform to offer more flame options, colors, features, and benefits. Indeed, the advanced Heliovision Flame technology creates real-looking, multidimensional flames not previously seen in electric fireplaces.
Available in slim, traditional, and multi-side models and in a variety of sizes, Orion Series fireplaces also feature high viewing areas, three flame patterns in six flame colors, adjustable flame speed, ambient crackling sound, multicolor ember bed, and mood-setting downlighting. Depending on the model, heat output ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 BTU. Wi-Fi enabled, the fireplace can be controlled by a Modern Flames App through any smart device, by a remote, built-in touch controls, and Alexa or Google voice assistant devices.
In addition to Orion, Modern Flames offers a full lineup of products to fill almost every need for the consumer. All are strong sellers with a good, better, best pricing strategy proving to be very successful for the company. The Orion, however, has taken over as a top draw since it offers the only available technology of its kind on the
TOP: Advanced Heliovision Technology in the Orion series with TruWood Premier Logs creates realistic, multidimensional flames not previously seen in electric fireplaces.
BOTTOM: Landscape Pro Multi in 56” continued on page 87
Atlanta Delivers
BY CHERISE FORNO PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY RAMOS
FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, CASUAL MARKET ATLANTA
DELIVERED ENTHUSI-
ASTIC CROWDS at AmericasMart from July 15-18. A combination of specialty retailers, designers, and hospitality buyers visited with each other and viewed collections and products from manufacturers of patio, outdoor furniture, and outdoor living products. The show also included the annual ICFA Awards Gala at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Here is the list of winners and recognized leaders in our industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees, Happy Land and Joe Ziolkowski; Manufacturer of the Year, Castelle; Sales Representative of the Year, Joe Crandall; Unsung Hero Award, Terry DeMeuse; Dudley K. Flanders Leadership Award, Patrick Troy; Apollo Award Single-Store, Bucks Country Gardens; and Apollo Award MultiStore, Kolo Collection.
The exhibitors pictured here are some of the industry’s strongest ambassadors. Hats off to everyone for making this year’s Casual Market a success.
NorthCape Bill Wenzel and Tom Murray
Jensen Outdoor Eric Parsons
The Outdoor GreatRoom Co. Team Outdoor GreatRoom Co.
Gensun
From left: Laurie Liu, Gray Dobbins, Lisa Liu, and Sherry Cai
Castelle Rory Rehmert
Bernhardt Exteriors
From left: Matt Wiley, Steve Pilgrim, Alex Bernhardt, and Heather Eidenmiller
Patio Renaissance
From left: Jason Chen, Albert Lord, and Mark Gorr
Kingsley Bate Clay Kingsley
ICFA
From left: Michele Morris, Jackie Hirschhaut, and Siri Boyd
Sunbelievable
Team Sunbelievable
POLYWOOD Megan Pierson and Lindsay Schleis OW Lee Terri Rogers and Leisa McCollister Rogers
Universal Furniture Team Universal Furniture
Berlin Gardens Team Berlin Gardens
Lloyd Flanders
From left: Bryan Echols, Nathan Linsmeier, Jess Flanders, and Warren Juliano
C.R. Plastic Products
Team C.R. Plastic Products
MoDe Patio Living Douglas Defouw
Pasticallo Mike Friedrichsen
Outdoor Interiors
From left: Tessa Rasmussen, Samantha Scott Page, Kristin Cimaglio, and Tim Cimaglio
Outdura Team Outdura
Ratana
From left: Godfrey Leung, David Leung, and Steven Ngai
EMU Americas Dan Cordova and Maddy Ragusin
Tempotest Team Tempotest
Telescope Casual Team Telescope Casual
Sunbrella
From left: Tom Notaro, Joseph Davis, and Greg Voorhis
Tempo Patio Norman Shapiro
Woodard
From left: Perry Solomon, James Goff, and Belinda Lavender
Treasure Garden Margaret Chang and Benjamin Ma
Plank & Hide
Team Plank & Hide
WHAT’S NEW
San Miguel Collection
The Patio Renaissance San Miguel collection features a touch of European styling integrated into the rustic woven bucket and married with a touch of Scandinavia with polymer slat arm caps and tabletops. San Miguel uses all-weather materials such as all-aluminum frames and allweather wicker captured within the frame design as well as marine grade polymer slats. San Miguel is available as a complete collection offering deep seating and dining in a variety of table sizes. Contact: (909) 980-6698 or www.patiorenaissance.com
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FUZION Electric Stove
Transform any home where every corner radiates comfort and style. That’s the promise of the FUZION electric stove from Forge & Flame— a fusion of timeless charm and modern convenience. From customizable flames to mesmerizing ember colors and a panoramic three-sided viewing experience like no other, the FUZION elevates any living space. Operating at 100% efficiency with zero emissions, it stands out as the sustainable choice for a more inviting home.
Contact: forgenflame.co/becomeadealer.
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Wildfire Showroom Display
Wildfire Outdoor Living offers premium island showroom displays that showcase the power and style of its top-of-the-line grills and griddles. This all-in-one display seamlessly showcases a 36” Ranch Pro Grill, a 15” Ranch Pro Griddle, and a spacious 30” x 24” door/ drawer combo, giving customers a glimpse of their dream outdoor kitchen. Contact: (602) 344-4840
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Hamptons
Channeling the essence of New York’s opulent coastal retreat, the Hamptons collection embodies a lifestyle of luxury and leisure. Clean lines and distinctive textural elements define this collection, marrying traditional aluminum frames with a contemporary Durastrap herringbone weave. The result is an outdoor setting that exudes sophistication, inviting guests into a refined ambiance that seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings. Contact: (866) 919-1881 or www.ratana.com
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6 Hot Products To Sell Now
P2 Fireplace
The next generation of the Portrait Series is here with the all-new P2 gas fireplace. Compact in design, the P2 provides energy-efficient, radiant heat, and the latest gas fireplace technology. Take advantage of the optional Valor HeatShift System to keep surrounding walls, artwork, and TVs cool. The P2 includes the Valor 10 remote system, giving you access to the optional Wi-Fi remote app. With versatile options and the ability to install as an insert or a zero-clearance fireplace, the opportunities are endless. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.valorfireplaces.com
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Fisher Midnight
This fabric from Outdura has a wonderful texture with sophistication in the smallest detail. Tones of blue and white create a textured surface, paired with the best fiber for outdoor applications—solutiondyed acrylic. It also prevents fading and is easy to clean. As a body cloth or accent pillow, Fisher Midnight upgrades your outdoor furniture. Contact: (866) 688-3872 or usa.sattler.com
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LOOK NO FURTHER FOR MAXIMUM STYLE, COMFORT, QUALITY & SERVICE CASUAL MARKET ATLANTA AMERICASMART
JULY 15-18, 2024 BUILDING 1 2ND FLOOR SHOWROOM 2-E14
JULY 28-AUG 1, 2024 BUILDING A SHOWROOM A124
PRODUCTS
CROSSRAY EXTREME
Introducing the CROSSRAY EXTREME Electric BBQ, a culinary game changer that combines innovation, versatility, and style. Boasting unparalleled high-intensity electric infrared element technology, this grill delivers a sizzling cooking experience that surpasses gas BBQs. It’s perfect for all types of cooking—grilling, roasting large meats, low and slow. With CROSSRAY, embrace a sustainable lifestyle without compromising on taste or performance. Contact: www.crossraybbq.com.
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Napa Dining Collection
Rediscover alfresco dining with the Napa Dining Collection by C.R. Plastic Products. The Napa Collection boasts clean lines and modern elegance and is made from up to 100% recycled plastic. Napa Chairs are available in dining, pub, and counter height. Contact: www.crpproducts.com.
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Lina G 36-28
Experience the traditional-shaped, modern German design of the Lina G 36-28. A large frameless glass front and elevated hearth offer a generous, unobstructed viewing window to the fire. Rooted in classic fireplace style, the flame-from-log aesthetic and glowing LED ember bed perfectly parallel a true wood fire. Family-run and privately held, Camina & Schmid invests to deliver high quality, masterfully engineered fireplaces that are beautiful to experience. Contact: www.camina-schmid.com.
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New Forest 75”
The New Forest 75” is the newest addition to British Fires’ series of electric fireplaces. Designed with the trend-setter in mind—the 75”-wide fire will be the spotlight of large rooms and open-planned settings. It arrives with Signature Logs, patented Air Curtain Technology, and award-winning LED flame effects, which can be used without heating for pennies a day. Install it as fully inset, LH or RH cornered, or three-sided. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.britishfires.ca.
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Built-in Griddle
Bonfire Outdoor’s Built-in Griddle — Model #CBBGD (LP or NG) — has 30,000 BTU and a cooking area that is 450 square inches.
Measuring 30 7/16” W x 29 5/32” D x 13 17/32” H, Bonfire’s Builtin Griddle has the right amount of power and cooking space to be a popular choice for customers. Contact: www.bonfireoutdoor.com.
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Timeless Elegance with Intricate Patterns
Richly textured geometric designs offer both striking style and enduring durability. Twitchell’s timeless and refined neutrals seamlessly complement modern aesthetics, whether paired with prints or solid colors. TEXTILENE, the pioneering all-weather fabric, is scientifically engineered to retain its vibrant hues, resist mildew, and endure the rigors of daily use. Contact: (800) 633-7550 or www.twitchellcorp.com.
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The UE29 Electric Fireplace Insert
The UE29 is the first electric fireplace insert from Uptown Luxury Electric Fireplaces. Its shallow install depth and included surround panel allows it to be easily installed in an existing hearth. Add the exclusive Western Timber “Real” log set to create an authentic-looking burn. Contact: www.uptownfireplaces.com.
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Lina G 30-24
The Lina G 30-24 fireplace is the small footprint offering of Camina & Schmid’s boutique range. Its compact size offers a generously filled firebox, and the flame aesthetic featuring a glowing LED ember bed equals the look of a true wood fire. The focus remains on delivering the perfect fire experience at the highest engineered level. Camina & Schmid has achieved a beautiful flame aesthetic while perfectly pairing function and safety. Try out the online flame simulator to create your custom fire and color combination. Contact: www.camina-schmid.com.
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Charleston High Back Deep Seating Collection
Introducing the new Charleston High-Back Deep Seating Collection by C.R. Plastic Products—the perfect blend of elegance and durability. This high-back furniture line features sophisticated design and luxurious style and is crafted from recycled materials. Contact: www.crpproducts.com.
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Tempotest Home Capstone Collection
Louisiana Grills Founders Legacy 1200
The Founders Series Legacy 1200 by Louisiana Grills is designed to raise the standard of your backyard culinary experience. This wood pellet grill blends an upscale design with advanced features. Utilizing the Louisiana Grills patented Pressurized Cooking System, the Founders Series features a best-in-class rear exhaust output to evenly circulate heat and smoke for consistently flawless results. It’s also outfitted with a 180° to 600°F temperature range, 8-in-1 cooking versatility, and Flame Broiler lever. Contact: (877) 303-3134 or www.dansons.com.
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Wildwood Benches from A&L Furniture
Wildwood Benches (#8212L-#8218L) are a rustic and charming addition inside or outside. Add one to the porch for extra seating or in an entryway as a functional piece of art. Handcrafted from rustic live edge locust and available in a variety of sizes and stain colors, these pieces will enhance your space for many years. The Blue Mountain Live Edge Locust Collection also includes chairs, swings, and decorative items. Contact: (814) 349-8203 or www.alsalesinfo.com.
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The Tempotest Home Capstone Collection is a testament to the brand’s commitment to elevated elegant design and exceptional quality. The collection is crafted in Italy, where the long tradition of textile manufacturing ensures the highest levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The fabrics are woven by knowledgeable artisans, paying close attention to every detail, from yarn selection to weaving technique. Contact: (972) 5123534 or www.tempotestusa.com.
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Terramare is characterized by its attractive shapes and large dimensions allowing for a cozy and personal setting both indoors and outdoors. The die-cast aluminum connections combined with the original and innovative pairing of an aluminum frame with eco leather back and armrests creates a stylish and vintage look. Consisting of an armchair, loveseat, sofa and various low tables Terramare is a complete range for dining and lounging. 70 years of manufacturing experience in outdoor furniture. “Made in Italy” at its best.
Discover the pinnacle of outdoor ambiance with the RB73 Outdoor Fireplace & Wood Burning Stove Collection, meticulously handcrafted in the Netherlands. Tailored for businesses seeking to offer unparalleled luxury, these CorTen steel fireplaces ensure durability and a unique aesthetic with a natural rusting process. From the compact Piquia to the grand Quaruba XXL, this collection elevates any space, promising your clients an exclusive, smoke-free outdoor experience. Contact: (630) 241-0506 or email sales@fandcdistributors.com.
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Elara Electric
If you have the space and want an electric fireplace suite that makes a statement, then the Elara is for you. With a viewable opening of 39” wide and 13 1/2” high, the wall-mounted version is a bold architectural accent with plug-and-play ease. If you want to simply set it on the floor, you can use the metal legs for a minimalistic look or the matching base for more of a showpiece. Contact: (781) 324-8383 or www.europeanhome.com.
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Modular Tuscino Collection
NorthCape’s Modular Tuscino collection is a game changer in Ultra Fabric’s breathable simulated leather designed to handle the outdoor elements. This collection has a premium look and awesome comfort. Shown in Rustic Lasso and made in the USA. Contact: www.northcape.com.
Beach Umbrellas
FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions manufactures beach umbrellas designed for residential use as well as for commercial concessionaires. The bottom half of the two-piece pole comes with a pointed tip to easily stake your claim to your patch of shade. The white fiberglass ribs are designed to flex in the wind. The pole is made of sturdy natural ash with rust-resistant hardware, and the vented canopy features marine grade acrylic in a variety of valance styles. Carry bag is optional. Contact: (866) 667-8668 or www.fiberbuiltumbrellas.com.
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The Halo Linear Gas Fire Pit
The clean, modern appearance of the 60” long Halo Linear Fire Pit fits perfectly with most outdoor furniture sets. With the same glowing LED ring from the round fire pits, this new linear version is sure to make your patio the hit of the neighborhood. Contact: www.urbanafireplaces.com.
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All-New Ultimate StovePipe
The all-fuel, double wall chimney connector system from the Duravent Group is designed to provide better insulation and heat retention. Allows flue to warm up quickly to establish a strong draft and reduces moisture to minimize creosote buildup and minimize maintenance. Contact: (800) 835-4429 or www.duravent.com.
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Catalytic-free
pacificenergy.net
townandcountryfireplaces.com
Phifertex Plus Lansing
Phifer’s Lansing pattern is a classic, subtle herringbone that exudes timeless appeal through its menswear-inspired design. With its vintage styling, Phifertex Plus Lansing outdoor sling furniture fabric adds an air of formality and nostalgia to any outdoor space. Infused with Microban antimicrobial protection, this fabric is easy to maintain and clean, and designed to withstand the elements. Available in three colorways: Brindle, Denim, and Wintermoss. Contact: (800) 221-5497 or www.phifer.com.
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Renaissance Cooking Systems
“Made in America” is what your customers deserve in their grill. The new American Renaissance Grills are made of high-quality materials, packed with features, and yet still offer great value for your customers (and a terrific margin for you). Contact: www.rcsgasgrills.com.
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Ergofocus Gas
The Ergofocus remains one of Focus’ bestsellers and has been constantly in production, maintaining its status as a modern classic. Now Focus has created the Ergofocus Gas. They have achieved a real technological milestone by allowing gas to flow through a plate in the ceiling and then down through an insulated conduit into the fireplace, while still allowing the hearth to swivel 100 degrees. Contact: (781) 324-8383 or www.europeanhome.com.
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HEATSTRIP
Indulge in year-round outdoor comfort with HEATSTRIP Outdoor Heaters. Renowned for their sleek design, exceptional performance, and energy efficiency, HEATSTRIP sets a new standard in outdoor heating solutions. Crafted with a perfect blend of style and functionality, HEATSTRIP heaters ensure outdoor spaces are enjoyable in any weather, with a diverse range available to suit all outdoor spaces. Contact: www.heatstrip.com.
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5 Burners Built-in
Measuring 42 12/32” W x 27 5/32” D x 24 13/16” H, Bonfire Outdoor’s 5 Burners Built-in Grill has a cooking area of 760 square inches and 87,000 BTU. The grill includes metal knobs, a smoker box, and heat dividers. Customers can give their grill a cooking boost with many Bonfire Outdoor accessories, but the most popular one is the Cooking Plate, which is made of 4mm-thick 304 stainless steel. Available for three, four, or five burners, this product can be used with CBF and CBB products. Contact: www.bonfireoutdoor.com.
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Cabanas
FiberBuilt’s generously proportioned cabanas are designed to fit two chaise lounges and lots of beach gear, while providing privacy and comfortable shade. An optional mesh panel is available for extra wind management, and a mounting bracket attaches to the aluminum frame hubs to anchor into the sand. The clamshell-shaped cabana measures 80” w x 67” d x 67” h and is covered in marine grade, solution-dyed acrylic. Contact: (866) 667-8668 or www.fiberbuiltumbrellas.com.
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Louisiana Grills Founders Series 4-Burner Griddle
The Louisiana Grills Founders Series 4-Burner Griddle is outfitted with 753 square inches of rust-free, non-stick ceramic cooking surface for an unrivaled outdoor cooking experience. The ceramic cooktop is ready to use straight out of the box and is easy to clean. Simply wipe it down after each use. Plus, the ceramic cooking surface also protects the griddle against scratches and rust. Contact: (877) 303-3134 or www.dansons.com.
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Introducing DIKAPT WindKing Anti-Downdraft Cap
New from the Duravent Group: Available in 5” to 8” diameters, DIKAPT’s omni-directional venturi design moves rain and wind out of the cap to ensure the normal flow of hot gases. The proven design is ideal for use in harsh climates and all weather conditions. Now UL Approved on Class A Chimneys to UL 103HT for use with Selkirk Ultra-Temp, Selkirk SuperPro, and AmeriVent TLC chimneys. Contact: (800) 8354429 or www.duravent.com.
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Heat & Glo Supreme Gas Insert
A beautiful, efficient gas fire has never been easier to install. The Supreme gas insert from Heat & Glo takes away customers’ stress and mess when it comes to starting a fire. Direct vent technology and IntelliFire Touch make it efficient and easy to control, while decorative interior panels, fronts, and realistic Birch logs add to its classic appeal. Available in 25, 30, and 35-inch widths to fit inside a range of existing fireboxes. Contact: www.heatnglo.com.
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It all starts with Inception
FSC-Certified goldenblonde teak accents pair with a magnificently midcentury bronze-hued woven frame in the brandnew Inception collection from Jensen Outdoor. Inspired by the indoor designs of the mid-century greats and designed by the legendary John Caldwell, Inception elevates any outdoor space with a contrastingly comfortable flair. Contact: (800) 403-0403 or www.jensenoutdoor.com.
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Tall Linear Vector – See-Through Models
The Napoleon Tall Linear Vector Series is now available with a seethrough design, offered for both the standard and Luminous Logs models. These groundbreaking gas fireplaces redefine realism with full-height flames, using fewer BTUs and less gas consumption. Enjoy efficiency and exceptional performance while mesmerizing flames are visible from both sides. Available in single-sided and the new seethrough models, the Tall Linear Vector series expands installation possibilities, appealing to a broader audience and boosting your sales. Contact: (866) 820-8686 or www.napoleon.com.
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Luxury Outdoor Fabrics by Revolution
Enhance your outdoor living area with the exceptional quality of Revolution fabrics, crafted to elevate any space with superior performance. With an extensive selection of colors, patterns, and textures, Revolution Outdoor brings your design visions to life while adding strength and style to any setting. Featured on outdoor furniture by Berlin Gardens, these fabrics offer enduring color, stain resistance, and exceptional cleanability, standing up to all the elements. Because life happens. Contact: www.revolutionfabrics.com.
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NorthCape’s Ultra Fabric Arm Wrap
NorthCape’s simple Ultra Fabric arm wrap adds style and comfort. Ultra Fabrics simulated leather products are made for outdoor use and have an incredible look, texture, and feel. Shown in Rustic Lasso and made in the USA. Contact: www.northcape.com.
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Hello Velo
Surpass every expectation with the unmatched comfort of Velo, handwoven by the expert craftsmen at Jensen Outdoor. Serving sunsets with a handwoven twist, Velo envelops you in comfort with style. Pair your camel-color weave with your choice of any Sunbrella or Ultraleather performance fabrics offered in Jensen’s all-new fabric book for the 2025 season. Contact: (800) 403-0403 or www.jensenoutdoor.com.
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ICC Chimney –EXCELDirect Power Vent
EXCELDirect Power Vent is the essential solution to pressurized direct-vent systems. Ideal for directvent appliances with a power termination or an inline fan. It is listed to a higher temperature rating than other brands and has the tightest seals on the market. No taping of joints or sealants is required, and it arrives clean without lubricant on the gaskets. Just fast, easy, and clean assembly. Contact: (450) 565-6336 or www.icc-rsf.com.
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Grand Canyon Fire Table
This summer, your customers are craving the ultimate outdoor retreat. Capture their attention with the stunning Grand Canyon Gas Fire Tables, featured by the Property Brothers on HGTV’s “Celebrity IOU.” The fire tables are available in multiple sizes and colors to complement any backyard. They are a must-have for your summer inventory! Contact: www.grandcanyongaslogs.com.
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Terramare
The Terramare Collection is characterized by its attractive shapes and large dimensions that allow for a cozy and personal setting both indoors and outdoors. The die-cast aluminum connections, combined with the original and innovative pairing of an aluminum frame with eco leather back and armrests, creates a stylish and vintage look. Consisting of an armchair, loveseat, sofa, and various low tables, Terramare offers a complete range for dining and lounging. Contact: us.info@emuliving.com or (800) 726-0368.
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Escape Collection
Create your own tranquil sanctuary with the Escape collection by Lloyd Flanders. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the collection combines elegance, comfort, and durability to enhance your outdoor living space. Escape features a striking spruce green knitted fabric woven in a honeycomb pattern that adds a touch of nature-inspired beauty to your outdoor oasis. The all-aluminum frame with a matte charcoal frame offers exceptional strength with a touch of simple elegance. Contact: (800) 526-9894 or www.lloydflanders.com.
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Seaside Moon from Outdura
The smallest waves of the swells, the gentle shimmer of the sand in the glistening sunlight, and the vacation that is just around the corner. Seaside Moon from Outdura embodies all of this. It is a fine stripe design, woven from high-quality solution-dyed acrylic for the highest demands. Just one of the many designs from the “Coast2Coast” design line. Contact: (866) 688-3872 or usa.sattler.com.
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Fire Garden® is your consumer’s premier destination for exceptional outdoor gas fire features. With over forty years of dedication to the craft, we are committed to delivering the finest quality outdoor products that seamlessly blend science and artistry. Our Fire Pit Burners, Complete Fire Pits, Fireplaces, and Gas Torches are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, utilizing the highest quality materials that undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability and longevity. Each product is a testament to our unwavering pursuit of excellence, setting the standard for superior performance and stunning aesthetics.
Linear Fire Pit Burners
San Miguel Collection
The Patio Renaissance San Miguel collection features a touch of rustic European styling integrated into the rustic woven bucket and married with a touch of Scandinavia with the Polymer slat arm caps and tabletops. San Miguel uses a variety of all-weather materials such as all-aluminum frames and all-weather wicker captured within the frame design as well as marine grade polymer slats. San Miguel is available as a complete collection offering deep seating as well as dining in a variety of table sizes. Contact: (909) 980-6698 or www.patiorenaissance.com.
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New Wildwoods Finish by Gensun
The new Wildwoods finish brings the look of nature to any of Gensun’s collections. Wildwoods is a matte finish that will pull more toward green or blue, depending on the fabric and accessories of choice.
Available on all products except umbrellas. Contact: (866) 964-4468 or www.gensuncasual.com.
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New Digital Fire Magic Pizza Oven
The Fire Magic Pizza Oven isn’t just for artisan-style pizza. You can bake, broil, and more with thermostatic control up to 750°F. Truly a complete outdoor oven, the built-in Pizza Oven boasts a ceramic glass viewing window in an easy access door to the pizza stone or baking rack. Now featuring an integrated black glass digital control panel that allows remote control from a smartphone, the new Pizza Oven complements the look of the new Echelon grills and cooking accessories. The unit may also be installed in a portable cart. Contact: (800) 332-3973 or www.firemagicgrills.com.
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Uptown Coastal Grey Linear Gas Fire Pit Table
Gather around the Uptown Coastal Grey fire table with a two-tiered, durable wood-like table design. Made with low-maintenance sustainable lumber, aluminum construction, and natural grey Supercast burner surround to elevate the stunning 12” x 42” Crystal Fire Plus burner, the Uptown is built to last and will warm up your outdoor space for years to come. Contact: (866) 303-4028 or www.outdoorrooms.com.
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Reimagined Sunbrella Classics
With a wide array of soft solids, elevated stripes, and timeless jacquards, the Sunbrella stock upholstery collection offers inspiring design with premium performance. Recently on display during the Casual Market, the collection expands with over 25 new patterns, including: Charmer, a new textured body cloth; Expressive, a classic bar stripe with a textural, tonal twist; and Beaming, a bold color-blocked stripe fusing together complementary yet contrasting colors. Contact: www.sunbrella.com.
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PRODUCTS
Cactus
Cactus is a strong plant able to resist adversity by regenerating itself in different forms. An additional module and various complements can be added to the base module made of steel and expanded metal: the jolly leaf, available in two colors, and the fruits. Contact: us.info@emuliving.com or (800) 726-0368.
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Sunbelievable by Z-Wovens
Luxury you can see and feel from Sunbelievable by Z-Wovens. With gorgeous patterns, colors, and velvety soft textures that suit both indoor and outdoor living spaces, these premium fabrics offer the promise of 100% acrylic performance, the highest standard in the industry today. Plus, all Sunbelievable products are PFAS-free to be earth friendly. Pictured is Seagull and Speedboat, both in Spring. Contact: www.sunbelievable.com.
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Gas Logs
Discover the beauty of Regency’s brand-new line of Gas Logs. Crafted with individually cast and hand-painted Oak, Driftwood, and Birch logs, these gas logs are meant to conveniently transform your existing open fireplace into a stunning and controllable source of heat. Designed to suit any household, Regency Gas Logs come available in a full range of sizes, venting options, and ignition systems to ensure a flawless fit. Contact: (604) 946-5155 or www.regency-fire.com.
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Bazza Cushion
Introducing the Bazza Cushion by Telescope Casual for 2025. Merging the popular Bazza Sling design with new innovations, it boasts a durable full-aluminum frame and an elegant, exposed back. Stylish and comfortable, Bazza Cushion offers customization with nine powder-coat colors, 17 arm accent colors, and a variety of cushion fabrics, making it a versatile choice for any outdoor space. Contact: (518) 642-1100 or www.telescopecasual.com.
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Pursuit Collection
Designed by Peter Homestead, the Pursuit Collection by Lloyd Flanders embodies a casual, relaxed attitude. Created to have a wide, bold stance, its low profile belies its ergonomic comfort. The powder-coated all-aluminum, fully welded frame has a faux-wood finish that achieves the warm look of natural teak without additional maintenance. Contact: (800) 526-9894 or www.lloydflanders.com.
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Le Griddle
The world’s best griddle just got better— made in the USA. The great strength of Le Griddle lies in its exclusive and patented Dual Plate System cooking plate. Thanks to this exclusive system on all griddles, the temperature is evenly controlled. In combination with the completely antibacterial 304 stainless steel cooking surface and the composite cast iron subsurface, the Dual Plate System cooking plate offers many advantages, making it the best professional griddle. Contact: www.legriddleus.com.
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Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Acadia Chaise Lounge
Rest and relaxation, elevated. The Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Acadia Chaise Lounge is your own personal paradise, with an adjustable backrest to sit upright, read reclined, or nap flat. Defined by strong vertical lines and decorative details emulating traditional woodworking joinery, this all-weather collection was inspired by the traditional Craftsman furniture at Martha’s historic carriage house in Maine. Sustainably made in the U.S. with a 20-year lumber warranty. Contact: (855) 935-5550 or www.polywood.com.
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RB73 Wood Storage Collection
Refine any outdoor setting with the RB73 Wood Storage Collection, epitomizing luxury and utility. This collection, featuring the elegantly designed Sheddak, merges form with function, providing stylish wood storage solutions that complement any outdoor fireplace. Crafted for durability and ease, these pieces are a testament to impeccable taste and practicality. Embrace sophistication that serves with the RB73 Wood Storage Collection. Contact: (630) 241-0506 or email sales@fandcdistributors.com. Circle
Chat Table by Fire Garden
Create a warm, entertaining space with the fully assembled 44” Chat Table. Crafted with precision, it features pulse ignition, safety shutoff, and an easy access hi/lo flame control valve. The all-weather powder-coated finish allows versatile placement, and the optional Glass Wind Guard offers extra protection. The heavy-duty easy glide drawer is designed to accommodate a 5-gallon propane tank for convenient access and hidden storage. Contact: (800) 654-1177 or www.travisproducts.com.
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Saratoga Collection
Universal’s Saratoga collection features outdoor seating, lounging, and dining furniture in a modern Adirondack-inspired style, characterized by its angled seat back and classic wide planking. Crafted from solid teak (with a warm weathered-teak finish) and cast aluminum with concrete accents, it’s available in more than 500 indoor/outdoor fabrics, including Sunbrella and InsideOut. Customers also may opt for COM. Contact: www.universalfurniture.com.
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Phifertex Wicker Weaves Caratao
Phifer’s Caratao pattern was inspired by nature and traditional grass cloth designs. This weave mimics natural fibers and handwoven imperfections through its subtle variations. With a nod to global styling, Phifertex Wicker Weaves Caratao outdoor sling furniture fabric brings a touch of tranquility to any outdoor space. Made from vinylcoated polyester, this slingable fabric is durable and stain resistant. Available in two colorways: Blueprint and Harbor. Contact: (800) 2215497 or www.phifer.com.
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New Lucerne Collection by Gensun
Elegant curves combined with detailed cast embellishments create an exquisite transitional design. Gensun’s new Lucerne collection is available in sling, padded sling or woven seating, which provides comfort and easy outdoor care. Relaxing outdoors doesn’t get better than this. Contact: (866) 964-4468 or www.gensuncasual.com.
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Tempotest Performance Fabrics
For over 100 years, Tempotest has been the embodiment of style and innovation in performance fabrics. From vibrant colors and patterns to subtle hues and luxurious textures, Tempotest Performance Fabrics offer a wide variety of 100% solutiondyed acrylic fabrics to choose from to fill your design needs, from performance fabrics to be used indoors to vibrant fabrics to accent your exterior spaces. Contact: www.tempotestusa.com.
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POLYWOOD Chippendale Porch Rocking Chair
Inspired by 18th-century furniture, Chippendale’s subtle sophistication shines through its stunning latticework design. From the newly expanded collection, the porch-perfect rocker puts elegant style front and center. You’ll love it now, you’ll love it for life: This outdoor chair is built with heavyduty materials that take seasonal elements and everyday living in stride. Sustainably made in the U.S., with a 20-year lumber warranty. Contact: (855) 935-5550 or www.polywood.com.
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EXPO: November 12-14
EDUCATION: November 9-14
Dallas, Texas | Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center +
DIVE IN & Deck Out!
Deck Expo is your industry show – the ultimate decking and outdoor living event. The event co-locates with the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™
Together, PSP/Deck Expo is lining up an exciting experience for the industry. This November in Dallas, there is a lot for decking professionals to take advantage of. You will discover new education formats and programming, revamped show features, and more ways to help you move your business forward.
Expect these highlights:
• Networking
• NADRA education
•
•
• Education sessions for deck professionals throughout the week Register at DECKEXPO.COM
SPECIAL PRICING AVAILABLE FOR NADRA MEMBERS
FREE EXPO PASS for Patio & Hearth Products Report Readers Use Promo Code PatioHearthEXPO
2025 Leeward MGP Supreme Cushion
Introducing the 2025 Leeward MGP Supreme Cushion by Telescope Casual. Building on a decade of comfort, this new design features a high back for enhanced support. Now available with Rustic Polymer Arm Accents, the Leeward Cushion Collection continues to lead in style and comfort, making it the perfect addition to any outdoor space. Contact: (518) 642-1100 or www.telescopecasual.com.
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4035 Traditional Fireplace
TruWood Premier Timber Log Sets
Modern Flames Electric Fireplaces is redefining the electric fireplace experience yet again. TruWood Premier Timber log sets are real wood logs with authentic bark and charred split. Handcrafted in Phoenix, each log is meticulously selected for its quality and character, ensuring a perfect fit for Modern Flames Electric Fireplaces. Upgrade your fireplace today and experience the unmatched realism of TruWood Premier Timber logs. Contact: www.modernflames.com/truwoodpremiertimber.
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This timeless fireplace by Fire Garden brings the charm of a traditional indoor hearth to the great outdoors, creating a cozy ambiance for gatherings with family and friends. The 4035 is the perfect addition to your outdoor entertainment space, allowing you to bask in warmth and comfort year-round. Contact: (800) 654-1177 or www.travisproducts.com.
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HighPerforming Sunbrella Designs
Since 1961, Sunbrella has been synonymous with performance and style in outdoor spaces. With a broad portfolio featuring thousands of upholstery fabric styles designed to mix and match, Sunbrella fabrics are woven to create extraordinary outdoor escapes that hold up to everything under the sun, all while maintaining lasting color, comfort and cleanability. Contact: www.sunbrella.com.
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American Fyre Designs Contempo LP Select Firetable
Featuring a low-profile chat height, the rectangular-shaped Contempo LP Select Fire Table houses a 60,000 BTU linear burner, manual flamesensing controls, and a convenient storage drawer for a horizontal-style propane tank. As with all American Fyre Designs products, the Contempo LP Select firetable is crafted from durable glass fiber-reinforced concrete and is available in several finish options. Contact: (800) 332-3973 or www.americanfyredesigns.com.
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Elegant Electric Fireplaces
Introducing Elegant Electric Fireplaces, featuring the Traditional 24 Insert and Traditional 35 Fireplace. Designed with a traditional form factor, these models retain the classic fireplace aspect ratio while incorporating state-of-the-art electric fireplace technology. From the creators of the revolutionary clean-face fireplace, these units offer high-resolution fire options, a glowing ember bed, and a premium log set for an authentic look. With versatile installation options, efficient heating via a built-in blower and 1200W heater, and seamless integration, Elegant Electric Fireplaces provides superior performance and timeless appeal. Available Fall 2024. Contact: www.elegantelectricfireplaces.com.
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Bramshaw Electric Stove
The Bramshaw LED electric stove is a contemporary square design with panoramic side-viewing windows. Installation can be freestanding or wall mounted. Available with either the sleek pedestal base or log base, which allows space for placing logs inside to complete the authentic look. Operate the stove with a remote or use the control panel, which is discreetly placed behind the door. It can be operated with or without heating for year-round, inexpensive use. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.britishfires.ca.
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Seattle See-Through 50
Elevate your interior with the Seattle See-Through 50 Fireplace, Regency’s latest addition to the City Series line of designer gas fireplaces. With its double-sided design for dual room enjoyment, the Seattle See-Through 50 elegantly divides spaces while providing a mesmerizing 50” view of the flames from both sides. Available in both direct vent and power vented models, this zero-clearance fireplace can be installed in any space, becoming a stunning focal point with maximum design flexibility in mind. Contact: (604) 946-5155 or www.regency-fire.com.
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Cabo San Lucas
Discover unparalleled comfort and style with the new Cabo San Lucas swivel recliner by Ratana. It is inspired by the location’s beautiful beaches and carefree lifestyle. Each piece in this series is designed for ultimate comfort, featuring internal reticulated foam padding. The hand-brushed finish evokes the feeling of silky sandy beaches, adding a touch of luxury to your outdoor space. The Cabo San Lucas collection features a range of options including deep-seating, dining sets, swivel rockers, and a swivel recliner. Elevate your outdoor experience with Ratana’s stylish and comfortable designs. Contact: (866) 919-1881 or www.ratana.com.
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Sunbelievable SDP
Presenting Sunbelievable SDP, solution-dyed polyester fabrics that offer beauty, performance, and exceptional value. These sophisticated, PFASfree fabrics boast the highest level of durability, stain resistance, and cleanability, plus they are mold and mildew resistant. Using a finer polyester warp allows for more subtle, intricate patterns, textures, and unique colors that look beautiful, feel luxuriously soft, and perform beautifully together. Competitive pricing and a strong manufacturing team, with the capacity to efficiently fulfill orders, adds tremendous value. Pictured: SunGold collection. Contact: www.sunbelievable.com.
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The Timberland Chair from A&L Furniture
The Timberland Chair (#8180L) creates a cozy retreat on your porch for reading a book or watching the sunrise. Add an extra chair and invite your neighbor for coffee and conversation. Handcrafted from rustic live edge locust and available in a variety of stain colors, these pieces will enhance your outdoor space for many years. The Blue Mountain Live Edge Locust Collection also includes benches, swings, and decorative items. Contact: (814) 349-8203 or www.alsalesinfo.com.
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South Beach Bar Table and Chairs
Modern and bright, the South Beach Bar Table and Bar Chairs bring a sleek style to outdoor spaces. Made of powdercoated aluminum in a chalk-white finish and gray cast concrete, it’s designed to handle the rigors of outdoor environments. Seating features comfortable, barrel backs and deep, reticulated foam cushions, available in more than 500 fabrics or COM. Cast concrete tables are supported with aluminum bases. A statement for contemporary courtyards and patios. Contact: www.universalfurniture.com.
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Luminex LCD Electric Fireplace
The Napoleon Luminex uses advanced LCD technology for unmatched realism, featuring lifelike flames and crackling sounds for a truly immersive experience. Available in three-, two-, and one-sided configurations, it offers versatile installation options to suit any home. Smart technology enables ultimate control via smartphone or voice commands through compatible smart home systems. Combining authenticity and sustainability, the Luminex meets consumer demand for eco-friendly, realistic fireplaces, making it an essential addition to your product lineup. Contact: (866) 820-8686 or www.napoleon.com.
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GE4
Whether you are upgrading an existing space or starting a new build, the Valor GE4 electric fireplace is the perfect solution. The GE4 offers a large viewing area with Valor-designed birch, driftwood, and splitwood log sets. It’s a flexible alternative to gas or wood but only requires a simple plug-in installation to start heating your space. The GE4 can also be hard-wired if required. Fire up the heater with onboard engine controls, the remote, or the C&J Smart App to control lighting, flame effects, and additional features. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.valorfireplaces.com.
High-Performance Outdoor Fabrics by Revolution
Revolution fabrics enhance any outdoor space with superior performance, from outdoor lounge furniture to throw pillows. Featuring a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, Revolution Outdoor brings creative visions to life, and adds strength and style to any space. Showcased on outdoor furniture by Lloyd Flanders, these fabrics deliver enduring color and cleanability, standing up to everything under the sun without harmful PFAS chemicals. Because life happens. Contact: www.revolutionfabrics.com.
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Do-ItYourself Crystal Fire Plus Gas Burner Kits
Each DIY kit includes everything you need for building the perfect fire pit. Add brick pavers or other construction materials to make it your own! The kits feature a Crystal Fire Plus burner insert, two vent blocks, control panel, and clear tempered glass gems. Pick your size and enjoy a beautiful fire and great flame for years to come. Contact: (866) 303-4028 or www.outdoorrooms.com.
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Immersed in the Hues of the Moment
Bathe your outdoor space in the latest colors with Twitchell’s innovative fabric, meticulously designed for enduring UV stability and infused with long-lasting antimicrobial properties. This fabric, built for aesthetic appeal and weather resilience, is perfect for slings, shade sails, umbrellas, and awnings. The Outdoor Fabric Collection showcases intricate, textured patterns masterfully woven on dobby and jacquard looms, promising to elevate your outdoor décor. Contact: (800) 633-7550 or www.twitchellcorp.com.
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LE2 Wood Stoves
Coming this fall, the newly certified Vista LE2, Neo 1.6
LE2, and Alderlea T4 LE2 wood
stoves are now eligible for the U.S. tax credit. Designed for small to medium spaces, these models boast an impressive 1.8g/hr emissions rate and 76% HHV efficiency. Featuring advanced combustion management and catalytic-free technology, they offer unmatched performance, efficiency, and modern design, making them the perfect eco-conscious heating solutions for any home. Contact: www.pacificenergy.net.
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ture and outdoor accessory brands on Floors 2-6 of Building 1. Notable permanent showrooms include: Agio, Brown Jordan Brands, Gensun, Lloyd Flanders, OW Lee, POLYWOOD, Summer Classics, Sunset West, Telescope Casual, Treasure Garden, Vanguard, and Woodard Brands. Notable temporary exhibits include: Bernhardt Furniture Co., Century, CO9 Design, Erwin and Sons, Direct Imports, FiberBuilt Umbrellas and Cushions, Lafuma America, Pelican Reef/Panama Jack Outdoor, The Hammock Source, Universal Furniture, and Windward Design Group.
New offerings for the September edition are ICFA’s pre-market Retail Roundtables and Think Tank and Individual Excellence and Design Excellence Awards. The Market’s popular Braves & Brews after-hours baseball event and at-market educational Panel Discussion return. Daily buyer amenities and market activations will round out the market experience.
For a full list of exhibitors and to register, visit www.casualmarketatlanta.com.
LAST WORD
market today, Richardson says.
Armen Living Names
Shauna Snyder as Director of Product Development
Contemporary lifestyle brand Armen Living named Shauna Snyder as its new director of product development as the company continues to expand.
“I couldn’t be more excited with the growth of our company and to announce the news that Shauna has joined our team,” says Kevin Kevonian, president. “Shauna brings considerable expertise to her role as the director of product develop-
Modern Flames continues to aggressively develop this technology, work hard, and innovate to stay ahead of the competition, Richardson says. All products are designed and engineered in Arizona, which allows the company to move very quickly on any market changes as well as maintain control over its future, he adds. “We have an incredibly strong and very talented team of over 10 engineers here in Phoenix who are literally working every day on the next innovation in the industry.”
Set to launch by the end of the year are over 10 new and exciting features to the Orion Series, which will transform the industry once again. “We’re excited to introduce our TruWood Premier Timber log sets, developed in collaboration with Bespoke Fireplaces from England, the first company to use real wood in electric fireplaces. Their innovative approach has allowed us to bring exceptional realism to our products,” Richardson says. These real wood logs, featuring natural bark and a charred split, are handcrafted and carefully selected to perfectly complement Modern Flames’ lifelike flames, offering the most authentic fireplace experience on the market.
These new introductions will be in addition to the company’s highly anticipated Orion Clear. The seethrough virtual electric fireplace is another first of its kind that has already been showcased at both the International Builders’ Show and HPBExpo in 2024.
In the residential market, there may be no typical consumer for electric fireplaces, Richardson says. In general, he believes, consumers truly love the look, features,
ment, and it fills me with immense pride that we continue to grow and thrive in an ever-changing industry. It is a testament to our company as we forge our path and bring a fresh outlook to our lifestyle brand and to our product assortment.”
Snyder will report to Kevonian and will lead the brand’s product development division. Snyder’s deep understanding and knowledge of the home furnishings and accessories industries includes product design and development for furniture, home accessories, and textiles. She also excels at global sourcing. Coupled with her proficiency in visual merchandising, she has seen unparalleled success in showroom and retail merchandising, which consistently elevates a brand presence and increases sales performance.
With a proven track record in driving strategic merchandising initiatives, Snyder’s experience spans e-commerce, assortment strategy, sales forecasting, and her ability to detect emerging trends.
“I am so excited to join the team at Armen Living and to help them grow their business,” Snyder says. “It combines my abilities to design and develop
and efficiency of electric fireplaces from Modern Flames. “As long as our products look sophisticated and cool, people will buy it.” He adds that the company is not trying to fool anybody that their fireplaces are gas, and they are not necessarily going after gas customers to convert them to electric.
Rather, the company is building its own market and customer base. “We focus on the features and benefits we offer, and make sure people are proud to have our products in their homes. Our fireplaces definitely stand on their own.” He adds, “Residential consumers don’t seem to be worried about whether a fireplace is electric or gas, especially if it is in another room of the house, like a bedroom or outdoor space.” In fact, all of the company’s products recently received certification for use outdoors, which represents another substantial market segment.
For homeowners who would have preferred a gas fireplace but due to government or HOA regulations are required to purchase electric, Modern Flames has
original products across each of their product categories with the goal to deliver even more cutting-edge designs to the marketplace over the coming months. I look forward to continuing Armen Living’s decades of success in the home furnishings industry and meeting their customers at upcoming summer shows.”
Armen Living launched hundreds of new introductions at summer markets, with a heavy focus on new outdoor bar, dining, and lounge collections during the Casual Market Atlanta, and they can next be seen in their new permanent showroom B1 6-A2 at AmericasMart on Sept. 16-19.
Armen Living will also launch new indoor and outdoor collections in their newly remodeled 10,000-square-foot showroom at Las Vegas Market from July 28-Aug. 1 within World Market Center, Bldg B, 7th floor, Space B759. Armen Living will also have an exhibit at the upcoming Ace Hardware Fall Convention in Las Vegas on Aug. 8-11. For sales representative opportunities, reach out to National Sales Manager Reb Nicholson at reb@armenliving.com.
the solution. “With our new technologies, the Orion Series is very realistic to gas, making the transition a lot easier for these customers,” Richardson says.
The electric fireplace segment is a billion-dollar industry with the market expecting even more robust increases in the future. Electric has been the fastestgrowing market within the fireplace industry that Richardson has experienced. He believes more people know about the benefits of electric in large part due to innovation in the electric market and the latest technology from Modern Flames. “I continue to hear from our customers how our new technology has changed the industry in a very positive way.”
ABOUT RPG BRANDS
Modern Flames celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and is one of the brands in the RPG Brands family. Other brands include Grand Canyon Gas Logs and Wildfire Outdoor Living. The company was recently recognized as one of the most admired companies in Arizona as well as one of the best places to work in Phoenix.
“It’s amazing how the time flew by. Our company culture is to put our heads down and work hard while having some fun along the way.” While he appreciates the recognition of the awards, he says, “I am most proud of the people and the culture we have created here.”
Richardson likes to think RPG Brands is an easy company to work with. “We think of our customers as true partners and know the only way we are successful is if they are successful.”
Shauna Snyder
TruWood Premier Logs
RPG BRANDS continued from page 60
our customers have been asking for modern with comfort, so we are giving it to them with our new swivel rocker lounge, love seat, and sofa. It is retailing very well so far early in the season.
How is the company partnering with retailers to help them grow their businesses?
McCollister: Outdoor living is a seasonal business, so short lead times are our priority. We don’t want customers to miss the window of opportunity to enjoy summertime outdoor living. When OW Lee relocated to Texas, we hired and trained a whole new workforce on our manufacturing floor. It has been a process, but we are back up to our 4-6 week delivery times once again. We will always work hard to keep that promise
MY
TURN TEMPOTEST continued from page 44
that had texture and dimension,” Bryant says. “By merchandising these designs into a collection of fabrics and colors as part of a cut-yardage program, it allows a wide range of our customers to access this level of premium fabrics without having to work with the minimum yardage usually associated with custom production runs.”
PLENTY OF OPTIONS
There are seven patterns that make up this collection. The solid patterns include a variety of textures: Prado, a linen-look; Maggio, a textured twill; Cervati, a chevron weave; and Giovarello, a heavily textured solid weave. There are also accompanying accent patterns: Solaro, a subtle sketch stripe; Nerone, a small diamond textured pattern; and Velino, a small subtle houndstooth pattern. Seven colorways are offered on each pattern as well. The color ranges are white sands, dove, reverie, blanco, caviar, peacoat, and emerald. The subtle patterns and overall color palettes curated for the collection were deliberately selected to appeal to both indoor and outdoor applications equally.
While the Capstone Collection is one of Pará’s most recent innovations, the organization continues to do well with its Foundations Collection. As part of an overall realignment in its merchandising strategy, Tempotest Home Fabrics launched the Foundations Collection, showcasing an exclusive range of Italian Performance Fabrics that are perfect for a variety of applications.
The collection is focused on both flat and textured solids along with stripe patterns, encompassing the
because we know it’s one of the many reasons customers choose to purchase OW Lee products.
What do you see as the company’s biggest opportunity and challenge going forward?
McCollister: Our customers like that our products are produced in the USA—this is our opportunity and our challenge. It’s an opportunity because we are able to produce small quantities that are made to order for our dealers. Our challenge is that we always have to be thoughtful about how we make our products because labor and materials are more expensive domestically than overseas. We need to continue to find efficient ways to make our quality, comfortable products at a competitive price.
What emerging trends do you see in outdoor furniture?
McCollister: I am seeing a growing interest in mixed materials (teak with aluminum, woven with teak) and deliberate pairing of different product types and lines, as opposed to purchasing furniture by collection. It creates a more eclectic look similar to indoor furniture
styling. There is also a trend toward a softening of the sleek modern aesthetic. People are mixing in natural elements to soften and add warmth while still keeping a clean silhouette.
In your opinion, what does the future hold for the outdoor furniture industry?
McCollister: We are lucky to be in the heart of such a fun and growing part of the larger furniture industry. If we can all stay special and relevant, I think the future is bright. Big box outdoor furniture is becoming more sophisticated every season, so it’s getting harder for specialty retailers to differentiate by style alone. They can’t afford to assume that consumers understand the value of making a separate trip to a specialty retail store. It has to be a priority to communicate everything that is special about their products and service (marketing and on the sales floor) so consumers can make informed choices.
What does the future hold for OW Lee?
McCollister: Our move to Texas has been hard, but also good in so many ways. There is a lot of bright young talent at OW Lee who are overflowing with ideas, understand today’s consumers, and are excited to be a part of the outdoor living industry. Couple that with our company’s years of experience and furnituremaking expertise, and I believe we have what it takes to move our company into the future.
industry’s widest array of colors. The success of this collection is due to the refocused attention to the basics, boasting the highest quality and offered in an updated and intuitive format. It was designed to revolutionize the foundation of how Pará fabrics are shopped and used by their customers, clients, and partners, Bryant says.
He adds that the tastes and buying habits of those many customers, clients, and partners has shifted recently to a warmer palette, away from colder grays. “Currently, simplicity and texture are seeing more interest than bold and vibrant patterns,” he says. “I think in some ways the outdoor market tends to follow indoor trends by a season or so, and I think that gray has dominated both markets for so long, at least the past 8-10 years, that we’re seeing a pretty abrupt correction back to warmer beige, cream, and sand colors as basics for building color stories.”
He notes that the trend of bringing the outdoor natural elements into your living space has been an influence as well as beige and cream colors that often evoke natural materials, such as sand, stone, or clay. These hues can create a sense of warmth and connection. Warmer colors are also often perceived as being more inviting and comforting. And that trend has held steady no matter where the customers are located. Pará products are distributed in over 100 countries.
FABULOUS FUTURE
Although Tempotest has continued to grow over the last several decades, the minds behind the brand are not content to rest on the company’s past success. They see the Capstone Collection not only as a product line that will meet the needs of its customers and clients, but as a vehicle to move them toward a path of growth—broadening their footprint across the industry.
“The new Capstone Collection is the first stocking cut-yardage program targeting the luxury fabric market for Tempotest Home fabrics,” Bryant says. “This underserved market offers many opportunities for expansion and growth.”
Tempotest Home fabrics will continue to offer merchandised collections that are concise and created with the end user, who is working with Tempotest Home fabrics to create their projects, designs, and personal style, in mind. “The next collection will be aimed at the heart of that market,” Bryant says. “There’s much more to come!”
Monterra Sectional
Cervati Capstone Fabric in Blanco
solid fuel/wood-burning stoves,” Athay says. “Today’s customers are becoming ever more conscious of the environment from a sustainability perspective.”
In addition to an extensive R&D product process, British Fires has also invested a tremendous amount of effort in building a brand name that exudes quality and state-of-the-art engineering. According to Athay, the British Fires brand name is immediately perceived and recognized by customers as a mark of quality and safety. The team’s attention to detail in product design is a key component of the customer’s purchasing decision process.
“From extensive research, we know that the style and design of the fireplace is the number one factor in the decision-tree process when considering which fire and/or fireplace to buy from a consumer’s perspective,” Athay says. “This is very closely followed by brand name, type of fuel, and also price, which includes operating costs and efficiency.”
Appreciating and understanding these requirements and, in particular, the style and design of the fire, is paramount in British Fires’ goal of offering the ideal fires for which today’s discerning hearth consumers are seeking. In fact, this is where British Fires’ attention to detail is most evident.
The British Fires team has worked extensively to create the most desirable and realistic flame effect overall, and has paid careful attention to detail in components such as the logs, depth of fuel bed, sleek lines, and discrete heater. In this growing market, Athay notes that it is vitally
CORPORATE PROFILE
high-gloss teak finishes, she explains.
essential that retailers appreciate the opportunities and understand this growing market, and align themselves accordingly. Hearth retailers can do this by installing first-class leading inspirational displays, such as fireplace media wall(s) in their shops to inspire consumers and help them visualize the products being incorporated in their homes.
“Extensive research online is usually undertaken by customers when they are considering a fire or fireplace for their home,” Athay says. “Our leading-edge designs are very innovative, such that we have various U.K., EU, Canadian, and U.S. patents at various stages either granted or in publication.”
Looking ahead, the British Fires team is encouraged to see that larger fireplace designs and media walls are taking center stage in today’s hearth designs. “For retailers and manufacturers alike, these type of ‘musthave’ products are enhancing and transforming people’s homes,” Athay says. “These innovations are driving up the average transactional value (ATV), which gives enormous opportunities for retailers to increase their revenue and turnover, and for each facet of the fireplace purchase and installation process.”
However, Athay stresses that it is vitally important that retailers embrace this trend and create the inspiration, desire, and “want” on the part of the consumer, which is only achieved through creating excellent displays in shops.
The British Fires team has seen some truly exceptional results and significantly increased sales whereby the prod-
UNIVERSAL FURNITURE continued from page 48
The collection includes seating, lounging, and dining furniture—all of which feature the classic Adirondack angled seating and wide planking. Key pieces include a 60-inch round dining table with a teak base and a glassreinforced concrete tabletop, as well as a rectangular trestle table measuring 84 by 40 inches. Both tables are equipped with umbrella holes and come with covers for added convenience.
Additionally, the new collection has a high-top console table complete with three teak barstools. “The response was overwhelmingly positive. We feel like it resonated well with retailers and designers alike,” Miller says. “This is the first time we have developed a collection that is more rustic than refined, and I think customers appreciate being able to add this new style to their outdoor offerings.”
FABULOUS FABRICS
She notes that dining sets, occasional pieces, and accents are the top-selling products throughout the outdoor line, but upholstery is poised for significant growth due to the recent addition of more than 500 fabrics—many of which are performance fabrics—that are available for indoor and outdoor collections. “We see performance fabrics gaining traction among consumers because people are looking for durability, resistance to fading, and easy maintenance,” she says. “They’re seeking something that’s long-lasting.” She adds that earthy tones, neutrals, and organic tex-
tures are especially popular fabric choices, along with a coastal-inspired color palette that features hues of blue, green, and sandy beige. “We feel like this evokes a sense of tranquility in the outdoor space,” Miller says. “Everybody is looking for someplace to spend some time and relax.”
The recent fabric additions should also be a boon for the line’s special-order business, which all but disappeared during the pandemic. And it could be further juiced with the newfound availability of COM (customer’s own materials), which is a rarity among outdoor furniture resources. “Special order is definitely a growing part of the outdoor business, and we expect that to continue,” Miller says. “It broadens the ability for people to incorporate any fabric they want on our outdoor upholstery pieces.”
Custom fabric and COM orders will be fulfilled at Universal’s factory in Conover, North Carolina, where all the company’s upholstery cushions are produced.
STRONG DEMAND
Unlike some outdoor furniture producers, Miller notes that Universal has not seen a dip in demand since the pandemic ended. “The thing we have noticed is a shift in consumer preference toward more versatile and multifunctional outdoor pieces,” she explains. “It reflects the emphasis on comfort, durability, and functional outdoor living spaces. People made the most of those spaces during the pandemic, and we are seeing that trend continue.
“Fortunately, we haven’t seen any drop-off in demand post-COVID. We think this can be attrib-
ucts are displayed to their maximum to show the product in its full potential. Some customers are using wood paneling, as well as textured paints and Venetian plastering as secondary design elements to create media walls and cabinetry on either side to truly make the fireplace a focal point in the space and make it the heart of the home.
“Our international progress and ongoing development will continue to evolve and allow British Fires to become a leading, worldwide recognized brand that offers a firstclass range of products that consumers find desirable, and retailers find profitable,” Athay says. “This will allow us to grow and continually develop and innovate new products to the benefit of all those involved.”
uted to the fact that our normal product availability and shipping capabilities resumed promptly after the COVID-related disruptions.”
She adds that there has been no softening of demand among interior designers—long a key distribution channel for the Universal organization. Designers increasingly are including outdoor furniture in their projects, and in many instances, are being hired solely to design outdoor living spaces.
“We’ve seen a noticeable uptick in demand for outdoor furniture from designers, and it has really accelerated our growth in this distribution channel,” Miller says. “We feel like designers play a pivotal role in influencing consumer preferences and trends, and our efforts to collaborate with them has bolstered … our sales performance in the outdoor furniture market. It’s definitely an area we focus on.”
In addition to its popular teak pieces, Universal’s outdoor lineup also uses all-weather wicker, reinforced cast concrete, powder-coated aluminum, and flat and round woven rope as construction materials. The company says the all-weather wicker is made from recyclable polyethylene, while the teak is FSC certified and harvested from managed forests.
In 2021—only a year after Universal entered the outdoor furniture category—the entire Coastal Living Outdoor lineup received the prestigious Pinnacle Award for outdoor furniture from the International Society of Furniture Designers.
Incorporating realistic flame effects has earned British Fires accolades aplenty from consumers and industry professionals.
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Engineered for peak performance, the FUZION freestanding electric stove delivers maintenance-free tranquility to any room. Featuring lifelike flames, a panoramic view, four flame settings, and thirteen ember-bed colors, the FUZION ensures that every moment, from quiet evenings to lively gatherings, is unforgettable.
