HIGH POINT – The 2020 selling season will likely be remembered as the most challenging on record for those in the casual furnishing industry, whether retailer, manufacturer, sales rep or supplier.

According to the fourth and final COVID-19 Impact & Implementation Survey of International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) members by research firm Industry Insights, companies across the industry continue to struggle with the pandemic’s ongoing effects. Domestic and international trade shows and travel have been cancelled, product launches have been cancelled or postponed, and most significantly, stores and offices have been temporarily shuttered, not only due to COVID-19 restrictions, but…

BURLINGTON, N.C. — Sunbrella Assure is a fluorine-free textile that delivers water repellency, stain resistance and enhanced durability. These fabrics bring new opportunities to create healthy and sustainable indoor and outdoor spaces that are still hardworking.

Sunbrella Assure offers stain resistance through a proprietary bio-based formula that combats the absorption of water-based spills and messes without the use of fluorochemicals. Oil-based stains can be removed easily by following the cleaning and care guide. Sunbrella Assure is also highly durable, with abrasion resistance up to 100,000 double rubs. The new fabric delivers on these high-performance standards while fulfilling the Sunbrella…

HIGH POINT, N.C. – The Board of Directors of the International Casual Furnishings Association yesterday approved the cancellation of its annual trade show, Casual Market Chicago. The move comes amid ongoing concerns related to COVID-19 combined with current state and local restrictions to sponsoring the event scheduled on September 22-25.

The ICFA and theMART are committed to offering a safe opportunity for exhibitors, retailers and designers to conduct business, and intend to regularly monitor the situation. A number of permanent showrooms at theMART are currently open daily and/or by appointment; interested buyers should contact companies directly to make arrangements to…

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Doug Sanicola has been named acting chair of the International Casual Furnishings Association following the resignation of Joe Pucci of Great Gatherings. He will fill the unexpired term through year-end.

Sanicola, president of Outdoor Elegance in La Verne, Calif., served as the trade group’s first retail chair in 2017. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2012 for a three-year term and later served as vice chair in 2015 and 2016. Sanicola and his wife, Sharon, purchased Outdoor Elegance in May 2001. The single-store operation has been an ICFA Apollo Award finalist for…

DALLAS - Coyote Outdoor Living has paired up with Liokareas Olive Oils and Savor Pittsburgh to celebrate culinary culture and raise funds for Magee- Women’s Research Institute and Foundation.

“Grilling with a Side of Science,” a contest and fundraising effort, supports the health and wellness programs spearheaded by the Magee Institute. To bring awareness to the cause, Coyote President Jim Ginocchi recently appeared on Pittsburgh Today Live and grilled up his signature Mediterranean-Style Summer Wings.

As we head into July 4th weekend, this recipe is the perfect twist for your backyard barbeque. These chicken wings are bursting with flavor…

HIGH POINT, N.C. – As Americans across the country get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July this year, many are looking to their own outdoor spaces as the best place to be in 2020. Many will be shopping for new items to add more comfort, function and style to their porches, decks and patios.

“As consumers shop for outdoor items this year, they will be pleased to find ample selections of furnishings made here in the United States,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and executive director of its outdoor division,…

MINNEAPOLIS - The Outdoor GreatRoom Company (OGC) participated in the Think GREAT Leadership Connection Program designed to improve productivity and strengthen relationships within the workplace. Influential speaker, former marine, and author Erik Therwanger led the program and walked through important aspects of building a successful company and developing togetherness among coworkers.

This program helped leaders further develop essential tools in being key contributors within the company. All team members, including interns, were encouraged to participated in the series. A few sessions of honest, constructive discussion took place on how the OGC can be a more dynamic and collaborative workplace.…

ELMIRA, ON – Elmira Stove Works, a manufacturer of vintage-styled kitchen appliances, has announced the “Goodwill Ambassador” program in honor of frontline healthcare workers and first responders battling the COVID-19 pandemic. In recognition of their sacrifices, Elmira is donating Northstar retro fridges and cash for personal protective equipment to hospitals in Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario.

For many generations, Canada and the United States have shared the longest undefended border and closest social and economic ties between any two countries in the world. The two nations have gone to war together, and are each other’s largest trading partners and…