TUSCALOOSA, AL - Outdoor furniture plays host to a myriad of activities – backyard barbecues, family gatherings, pool parties or simple afternoons of leisure. Unfortunately, uninvited “guests” – bacteria, mold and mildew – may be lurking in the crevices of furniture fabric, just waiting to spoil the festivities.

Customers can keep these hidden dangers at bay with Phifertex® Outdoor Fabrics infused with Microban® antimicrobial product protection. Microban protection helps prevent the growth of stain-and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew that can damage the fabric. Microban antimicrobial protection provides lasting protection that won’t wash off or wear away for the lifetime…

SALT LAKE CITY - The “outdoor room” is the new favorite room of the home. It’s a backyard spot where everyone gathers to spend time together, which is why outdoor entertaining continues to be the fastest growing category in the home furnishings industry. Walker Edison is meeting the demand for outdoor room furnishings by expanding their outdoor offerings.

New for this market, Modern Oasis is a four-piece Conversation Set featuring a blend of modern and traditional styling. It has brushed stainless steel frames with curved polysynthetic teak accents and contrasting stylish dark cushions. The set consists of two loveseat sofas,…

BALDWIN PARK, CA - Outdoor shade designer and manufacturer Treasure Garden will be among the exhibitors in the Las Vegas World Market Center (WMC) when the summer market opens on Aug 2. Because the WMC has placed greater emphasis on the casual furnishings category with the opening of two permanent floors for outdoor product companies, Treasure Garden has secured a 5,600 square foot showroom C-1215.

A ribbon cutting is planned for the showroom on the opening day that is open to all attendees. During the major home furnishings market, designers and retailers from the furniture trade industry will be able…

As reported in Immortal News and elsewhere, housing starts rose last month—a 26.6% jump over the same period last year. Permits rose by 30%.

According to reporter Victor Johnson (Immortal), both metrics amounted to eight-year highs, The NY Daily News placed apartment construction at its highest rate since November of 2007.

“New construction in May, which was previously reported at 1.04 million, saw an upward revision to a rate of 1.07 million-units and housing starts, which rose nearly 10%, reached an adjusted annual rate of 1.17 million units,” wrote Johnson. “Forbes noted in a report that Friday’s groundbreaking…

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - Gensun Casual Living introduced one of their largest new product offerings ever at the recent Premarket in Chicago. Retailers were shown two new collections, many new tables and accessories, new fabrics, a new finish and a new woven color.

Another new introduction from the Calif-based Gensun Casual was RAIN Padded sling. This patent-pending design from features enhanced cushioning, rain fabrics from Sunbrella, and a unique construction. The item was a huge hit with retailers. The RAIN Padded Sling is available in seven collections and 14 product finish colors.

www.gensuncasual.com

LAS VEGAS - International Market Centers today announced the retirement of Craig Staack, vice president of Home Furnishings leasing for International Market Centers (IMC) – Las Vegas.

A furniture industry veteran, Staack has spent much of his career in executive management with top companies Lane Home Furnishings, Sealy and Montgomery Ward. He began working with Las Vegas Market in the summer of 2009, and when IMC was created through a series of acquisitions in High Point and Las Vegas in 2011, Staack took on the role of vice president of home furnishings for Las Vegas. Effective August 6, his…

TUSTIN, CA - California Outdoor Concepts tapped Clinton W. Blevins as its new Vice President of Business Development. A graduate of Chapman University, Blevins spent the past 7 years as a senior sales executive with the Los Angeles Angels Baseball team, after spending the previous three years with the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club. 

Blevins’ primary focus will be to direct the company’s strategies for accelerated growth into related products and new market segments. The skill set Blevins developed over the last 10 years will aid him in this effort, and his tenure in the sales arena allowed him to…

GREENVILLE, NC - July 4th has come and gone, but there is another Independence Day coming. July 22nd is National Hammock Day – yes, it’s a real holiday. It’s the perfect observance to declare your independence from s-t-r-e-s-s.

“Simply march out into your backyard, settle into your hammock and relax. Participation is that easy,” said John Powell, marketing manager for The Hammock Source, the world’s largest producer and seller of hammocks. “But why celebrate a hammock? If you’re asking, then you’re exactly why this holiday exists. A hammock is a net for your body with holes just wide enough for…