CASTELLE Collections, Showroom and Programs Receive Positive Response During Casual Preview Market
On July 28, 2017, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
FT LAUDERDALE, FL - During the recent Casual Preview Market, CASTELLE introduced its 2018 offerings including the much anticipated Barclay Butera Outdoor Collection for CASTELLE. The response was overwhelmingly positive to the 13 collections inclusive of the Castelle and the all new Elements by Castelle lines. The recently redesigned Merchandise Mart showroom was filled with hundreds of new products, features and accessories. The full complement of new introductions from Castelle will be available to Castelle retailers beginning with the 2018 season.
“We are extremely excited about the positive response Castelle received from specialty retailers who visited our showroom in Chicago. As with every season, our design team did a tremendous job designing and crafting products for every marketplace,” said Derek Ritzel, president and CEO, CASTELLE. “Our new shipping programs as well as the showroom redesign also were big hits. Based on the response received, the total of our team’s efforts will put Castelle in a tremendous position going into the September market.”
One element sparking interest from visitors to the Castelle showroom was a display of miniature Castelle furnishings designed to promote the launch of the manufacturer’s Quick Ship Program. Signage provided a humorous message with regard to the program with the slogan, “Same Quality; Smaller Lead Times.” For 2018, Castelle has designated three of its most popular collections to be available for shipment within 48 hours of receipt of purchase order. The smaller versions of Castelle deep seating as well as the program garnered positive comments and attention from Preview show attendees.
During the market, mixed construction designs also drew heavy interest from retailers. The Napoli with sling and cushion elements incorporated into the same deep seating and cushioned dining sets was one example of this innovative styling. The transitional looks introduced including the Barclay Butera Outdoor Collection for Castelle also were met with major interest. Retailers found the celebrity designed collection to be an at-retail attention-getter that also would ultimately be at home in any luxury outdoor setting no matter the locale. The collection has already created greater sales than any other previous new introduction per Ritzel. This sales trend is seen as continuing based on Preview Market buyer comments.
