FT LAUDERDALE, FL - Award-winning designer and manufacturer of aluminum casual furniture Castelle is set to introduce for 2019 the Madeleine Collection and its traditionally defined style. Inspired by the appeal of a French country terrace, pieces within the Madeleine collection feature interconnected lines and curves across the chair back in addition to decorative turned-like cast aluminum legs.

“Our body of traditional collections has been the foundation of the CASTELLE brand,” said Mark Stephens, president, Castelle. “The addition of the Madeleine Collection builds upon this design style offering from Castelle and provides our retailers one more option suitable for…

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The International Casual Furnishings Association announces the finalists for the 2018 Apollo Awards. The program recognizes retail excellence in the sales and marketing of outdoor furnishings.

Finalists must demonstrate outstanding accomplishments plus a commitment to customer service and dedication to professional development for their staff. The finalist is recognized as an exceptional dealer in their trading area and a model for others within the industry, as well as characterized by innovative marketing and merchandising strategies.

The ICFA membership will vote via an online ballot for a winner in each of two categories later this summer. Finalists…

ONTARIO, CA - OW Lee, a manufacturer of high-end outdoor furniture, fire pits, and accessories located in Ontario, Calif., has added Josh Brumley and Loretta Dolan as independent sales reps for two key regions. Brumley has been involved in the casual furniture industry for sixteen years, working in sales, management, and buying roles on the retail side. His extensive knowledge of the marketplace and buying and selling techniques will ensure a smooth transition to the independent rep role in Texas and Oklahoma.

Loretta Dolan
Dolan has been involved in the casual furniture industry for three years, coming from…

After more than 5 years as vice president of Sales & Marketing at C.R. Plastic Products, Ted Scott will be retiring this July. Ted has played a critical role in the development and success of C.R. Plastics in the exciting and growing outdoor furniture industry. Under his strategic leadership and guidance, the company has experienced great growth, expanded sales internationally, and strategically transitioned into multiple sales channels.

“Ted has helped position C.R. Plastic Products for a great future as we continue to fulfill our mission of diverting plastic from oceans and landfills and making beautiful outdoor furniture,” said company…

With its space-saving design, Space Grill makes it possible to enjoy a full-size grill in small outdoor spaces. Space Grill features a 475-square-inch cook top that is powered by three stainless steel burners and provides a total 37,500 BTUs of heat. 

Using an innovative folding design, Space Grill saves space when the grill isn’t in use. The gas grill’s unique, patented design allows it to fold down against the wall, sticking out about 8-inches from the surface, when not in use. When it’s time to cook, Space Grill pulls out in only 10 seconds.

Its patented internal drip…

Mike Shippy, product development manager for Empire Comfort Systems, unexpectedly passed away on May 26, 2018. Mike will be remembered for his passion for life, his countless contributions to Empire, and his friendship.

Mike started his career as a propane salesman and worked his way up to product development.  The value and innovation he brought to the hearth and grill lines at Empire was exceptional.  Mike was a vital player in the development of the TruFlame fireplaces and inserts, Q-series grills, Clean-Face fireplaces, Portrait fireplaces, and Driftwood log sets, among many others.

Most importantly, Mike was…

FORT LEE, NJ - Inspiration comes from every corner of the world, according to Marlys Giordano, creative director at Couristan, importer and manufacturer of fine, quality area rugs and residential broadloom. For 2018, it’s all about incorporating color, global-inspired prints and recycled materials to provide a sense of well-traveled, trend-aligned design for the home. 

In the company’s first-ever Trend Report, Giordano identifies five key trends that have inspired many of Coursitan’s new area rug collections, introduced at AmericasMart in Atlanta in early January, and further showcased during the Las Vegas Market. Two area rugs inspired by these trends recently…

LANGLEY, BC & FERNDALE, WA – Montigo Fireplaces, a designer and builder of commercial and residential fireplace products, have hired Chad and Eric Allred of Professional Sales LLC as sales representatives in the Rocky Mountain Territory (New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Nevada (excluding Reno, Sparks & Carson City), and southeast Idaho (Twin Falls, Burley, Rupert, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Rexburg and Salmon).

“We are very excited to have Chad and Eric join our team,” stated Jonathan Burke, CEO of Montigo. “They bring a high degree of professionalism and a focus on customer support that we feel will serve our…