CHICAGO - Attendees at Casual Market Chicago could see and feel the upswing in the outdoor furnishings industry as thousands of retailers, interior designers, and landscape architects descended on Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. This year’s show, held September 20-23, was buzzing with activity, excitement and most importantly, business, as 250+ showrooms and exhibitors showcased the latest in outdoor and casual living.

For more than four decades, Casual Market Chicago has provided the most complete collection of furniture, trends and accessories for outdoor living.  In addition to seeing the latest products, attendees participated in special events and presentations by top industry…

FT LAUDERDALE, FL - A series of professionally produced videos was introduced by CASTELLE during the recent Casual Market Chicago for multi-platform use.

The series includes individual product videos highlighting each of the collections that are debuting for 2017 and on display during the upcoming High Point Market.  Also included within the series is a video featuring the CASTELLE “DNA” and an illustrative presention of the handcrafted production of the CASTELLE luxury outdoor furnishings. 

“Through the efforts of our marketing team, the videos were designed to provide a visually informative yet concise message about our new products and…

CHICAGO - OW Lee, a manufacturer of high-end outdoor furniture, fire pits, and accessories located in Ontario, Calif., presented Robert Wilk with the Sales Rep of the Year award for 2016. This special presentation was made during a Sales Meeting Dinner during the International Casual Furniture Market in Chicago, Illinois.

Bob Wilk started his sales rep career on the hearth side, and started with OW Lee in 2014. In his short time with OW Lee he has strengthened relationships with his dealers and grown sales in his territory.

“What makes Bob stand out to me is his exemplary…

CHICAGO - OW Lee, a manufacturer of high-end outdoor furniture, fire pits, and accessories located in Ontario, Calif, earned their fifth straight Manufacturer of the Year Award win at the ICFA Apollo Awards on Thursday, September 22nd. The event was full of excitement as manufacturers and specialty stores gathered to celebrate excellence in the Casual Furniture Industry.

The Manufacturer of the Year award is one of the ICFA’s top honors. The International Casual Furnishings Association, a sister organization to the American Home Furnishings Alliance, is a global leader in promoting business development and partnerships in the outdoor and casual…

ORLANDO, FL - Shawn Clark is the inventor/founder of Firetainment. Shawn came up with the idea one day when he was looking a Chinese made fire pit table that he asked to repair/assemble.

He noticed not only the poor quality of material / components but the fire pit table had a single function. Later that evening he came up with idea that a Fire Pit Table that could convert to an Hibachi Style Grill to a Patio Table would be appealing to consumer as it is multi-functional. His idea was that family and friends could spend more time together.

ARLINGTON, VA - Throughout October, National Fireplace Month, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association is helping consumers prepare for the height of fireplace––and freestanding stove––season by emphasizing fireplace safety and promoting cleaner burning appliances. The crispness of fall air is a reminder that the colder weather and holidays are coming, a chance to spend quality time with family and friends around a glowing fire.

HPBA will be participating in Fire Prevention Week from October 9–15. Some tips for enjoying fireplaces and hearth products safely:

• Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of furniture, books, newspapers, and other…

TUSCALOOSA, AL - Specialty textile manufacturer Phifer Incorporated is pleased to announce the promotion of Monica Thornton to director of design.

With more than 24 years in the outdoor fabric arena, Thornton possesses a vast, in-depth knowledge of the industry and its global evolution over the last 20 years. She has been employed as senior designer at Phifer for the past three years and previously held design and marketing positions as a consultant in outdoor furniture development, design manager for an outdoor furniture company and as creative director with a replacement cushion company.

“Monica has been an integral…

CHICAGO – The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) honored top retailers, manufacturers, representatives and designers this week at a gala awards celebration during the Casual Market Chicago.

All segments of the industry gathered at the Chicago Field Museum Thursday, Sept. 22, to recognize manufacturing and retailing excellence, spotlight top product designs and pay tribute to the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients.

The Apollo Awards recognize retail excellence in the sales and marketing of outdoor furnishings. Finalists must demonstrate outstanding accomplishments and commitment to customer service. Winners in two categories, singe store and multi-store, were selected from a group of…