HIGH POINT, N.C. – As president and CEO of Watson’s and founder and CEO of Plank & Hide Co., Erik Mueller brings a unique perspective to his new role as chair of the Board of Directors of the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA). “As a dedicated ambassador for our wonderful industry, my objectives are to increase awareness, drive interest and heighten the value of membership,” said Mueller.

Erik’s tenure in 2023 features several milestones, including celebrating the organization’s 65th anniversary and the relocation of the Casual Market from Chicago to Atlanta this July. “These events highlight the significance of our…

FORT LEE, N.J. – What has become a hallmark within the area rug industry, Couristan is set to launch its fourth edition of its popular series of Area Rug Trend Report videos. A product preview, marketing, social media initiative program that was established in 2018, the Trend Reports have quickly become a valuable resource for designers and key retail segments.   

Transcending previous videos, the company invites viewers to take another journey with them to a part of our country that truly depicts the five key trends that they have identified for the year ahead within the home furnishing…

LAS VEGAS - The 2022 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo™, co-located with Deck Expo (PSP/Deck Expo) concluded its 65th annual event. The excitement from the show floor was palpable with an over 40% increase in professionals in attendance from last year.

The event, put on by Informa Markets, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA®), was November 15-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. With over 10,000 registered professionals, the event connected notable and emergent brands with thousands of buyers, while providing ample networking opportunities and a full…

HUDSON, N.C. –  Sattler Outdura, manufacturer of solution-dyed acrylic woven outdoor fabrics, is opening a new permanent Atlanta showroom in time for the AmericasMart winter 2023 Atlanta Market, Jan. 10-16. The showroom, located in Building 1 3-D23-25, will be open year round for buyers and designers to view and work with hundreds of fabrics from the Outdura full line of VIRAGE Design Line Collection along with the best sellers from the OVATION series of fabrics.

“Over the past few years, we not only increased our fabric selections but also increased our customer base due to our ability to better navigate…

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Pacific affiliate of the Hearth, Patio & BBQ Association announces its annual Pacific Dealer Round Up being held once more at Lake Natoma Inn in Folsom, California. 

The 5-day event, May 21-25, will include product exhibits, hands-on technical training for service and installation of gas products, National Fireplace Institute review and testing, and timely business seminars.  All industry members and those manufacturing and selling home leisure lifestyle products are invited.

“This year more than ever, I see retailers looking to broaden their product mix and learn ways to move forward in what has been a…

Pantone’s Color of the Year is Viva Magenta 18-1750. In honor this new energetic color, Elmira Stove Works presents its NorthStar retro appliances (pictured) in Viva Magenta.

Pantone officials describe Viva Magenta as “a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.

“This year’s Color of the Year is powerful and empowering. It is a new animated red that revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint,…

Home design icon Martha Stewart is joining forces with POLYWOOD, the originator and longest-established manufacturer of outdoor furniture made from sustainable materials including landfill- and ocean-bound plastics, to launch a collection of relaxed heirloom-worthy designs made to last a lifetime.

“For over 30 years, the Martha Stewart brand has championed American makers,” says Kevin Sharkey, executive vice president, creative director, Martha Stewart at Marquee Brands. “POLYWOOD echoes that same inspiration, innovation, and homegrown ethos that we have always strived to celebrate. The Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD Collection combines beauty with quality.”

The Martha Stewart by POLYWOOD line features…

George F. Speicher, a partner at AEI Corporation and longtime industry veteran, passed away on Aug. 23, 2022. Shortly after he retired from AEI Corporation in 2020, George fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. A celebration of life memorial service was held for George on Sept. 30, 2022, in Santa Ana, California, where family, friends and co-workers recounted George’s love of family and friends, his commitment and dedication to AEI Corporation and its employees; his passion for the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry; and his servant’s heart.

Speicher was born Aug. 11, 1949, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, a ski…