HIGH POINT, N.C. – The International Casual Furnishings Association has announced finalists for the 2025 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 finalists are recognized as exceptional dealers 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 in July. The winners will be announced on September…

VALENCIA, CA - Contemporary lifestyle brand, Armen Living is Celebrating Summer with events to welcome six new sales reps, highlighting an anniversary, and honoring one of their own, for being named as this year’s ‘Pillar of the Industry’.

“This is an exciting time for our company and our team. I am thrilled that Steve Riley is being honored by IHFRA as ‘Pillar of the Industry’ for his incredible talents and for his contribution to the home furnishings industry. I am also looking forward to celebrating Randy Graboski’s 1-year anniversary and meeting with our growing sales team,” said Kevin Kevonian,…

Sentiments courtesy of Hatteras Hammocks…

It’s with both deep sadness and tremendous gratitude that we announce the passing of our founder, Walter R. Perkins Jr.—or as just about everyone here at Hatteras Hammocks has always called him, Mr. Perkins. Or more often, simply Mr. P.

Around here, we’ve always been kind of formally informal when it came to him. That’s just how it worked with Mr. P.—a mix of the deep respect he’s earned and the energetic fun that seemed to follow him wherever he went.

Mr. P.’s enterprising spirit and signature “why not?” attitude are the reasons this…

PELHAM, AL – Gabriella White, parent company of luxury brands Gabby and Summer Classics, has announced five strategic leadership appointments that will further strengthen the company’s growth trajectory across all channels.

Jim Hardy, who has played a pivotal role in Gabriella White’s commercial success, has been promoted to chief sales and marketing officer. In his expanded role, Hardy will oversee Wholesale, Retail, Contract Sales, Marketing, Merchandising, and E-commerce. His strategic leadership and customer-centric vision will be instrumental in delivering a seamless, elevated experience across the brand portfolio.

James Ashley has joined the organization…

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA - Industry veteran Kevin Wood has joined AMD Direct, Inc. as brand architect for Heatstrip to accelerate the growth of the Heatstrip® outdoor-heating portfolio in North America. With more than three decades of experience guiding premium brands into new channels, Wood will oversee product training, technical support, and layout design services for Heatstrip’s representative, distributor, and dealer network.

“Kevin brings unmatched channel expertise and long-standing relationships with architects and designers to this role,” said Dennis Smith, CEO & president of AMD Direct. “His skill set aligns perfectly with our goal of making Heatstrip the preferred solution for…

NEW YORK - Ultrafabrics recently released its 2025 Sustainability Report. Highlighting the company’s commitment to addressing environmental and social impacts, the report outlines innovative practices and strategies aimed at embedding sustainability throughout Ultrafabrics’ operations.

On the heels of its 2025 Carbon Reduction Leader recognition, Ultrafabrics continues to raise the bar for sustainability in the performance materials space. The company is increasing its use of environmentally preferred inputs—including biobased, recycled, and certified materials—in its backings and resins to reduce the environmental footprint of its products. As the first and only polyurethane-branded partner to utilize TENCEL™ Modal in its backcloth, Ultrafabrics…

COLUMBUS, OH – Ortal is debuting a new fireplace called Oval. With a commitment to enhancing design flexibility, Oval introduces a steel-sculpted, sleek curved design that transforms fireplaces into striking architectural focal points, continuing to expand Ortal’s diverse range of fireplace selections.

Designed as a statement piece, the new product is intended to reimagine traditional fireplace design with a modern twist, offering a crafted aesthetic fused with cutting-edge performance. Offered in a 47-inch model, with additional sizes expected, Oval can be fully suspended or wall-mounted, delivering maximum versatility with seamless integration into contemporary residential, hospitality, and commercial environments.

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Entries are now being accepted for the 2025 Design Excellence Awards, the premier design recognition for home furnishings and accessories produced for outdoor living.

The competition is open to all companies exhibiting at the 2025 Casual Market Atlanta, as well as outdoor fabric suppliers, who are not required to be exhibitors. The entry fee is $100 per product for members of the International Casual Furnishings Association, which coordinates the competition.  Non-members may enter for $500 per product. There are no limitations on the number of entries submitted.

The entry deadline is 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time…