“The strength that we have is in the balance of product we offer,” he said of the line, which features twin beds that retail from $299 to $449 and twin-over-twin bunk beds that retail from $599 to $899. “We have a nice China office furniture mix from rustic to sophisticated hung type groups. … We are covering a big spectrum for our retailers.” David Gingrich, senior vice president of multi-channel sales for Powell Home Fashions, said furniture business was good in the youth segment this year driven in large part by products in April and at the summer Las Vegas Market. This included new solid pine furniture the company Is sourcing out of Brazil, including a soccer themed bed that retails at $149 in twin. In addition to strong looks and values, he said, the Brazil product is available at shorter lead times than from Asia,although the company continues to source product China office chair manufacturer from Vietnam, including two new bunk beds shown in October that retail at $299 for a twin over twin.
He said this year the company saw its strongest growth among existing Top 100 accounts, but also had about one-fourth of its growth in the category from new customers, including those drawn to the Brazil product.
Looking forward, youth resources said they are largely optimistic about the year ahead, particularly with the election over and strong economic indicators on the horizon. “I think it is going to be a better year for youth and the China office sofa factory industry in general — we are looking at a very good 2017,” said Jeff Scheffer, of Universal. “All the data, whether you are looking at employment, consumer confidence or housing are all good, and that historically has boded very well for furniture.”
Devine, of NE Kids, expects 2017 to be a major growth year. “We have some strong branding initiatives that will benefit us as we go into the first part of 2017, and I think a lot of what we have built in 2016 will benefit us in 2017,” he said, noting that the company had particularly strong reaction to its fall introductions. I think we have a nice stage set.” He added that the company also plans to update some other inline groups to help make them even more relevant at retail.
“We are constantly evaluating where we are and where our product is to improve things for our retailers and their customers, with an eye on growth.” Gingrich, of Powell, said the company expects a strong 2017 in the category. “The economy is still in recovery mode, interest rates are low, and wages are creeping up. We are expecting good things in 2017.”