Market Evaluation
Market Evaluation Reveals Increase In Solid American Hardwoods High Point, N.C. – Home theater cabinets made from solid American Hardwoods were a market leader in High Point for the Fall Furnishings Market recently. The category has been increasing in recent years as consumers purchase flat panel televisions that require support. Furniture manufacturers realize more American consumers are seeking a stylish cabinetry to hold the increasingly larger units and accessories like gaming consoles, DVDs and sound systems. Furniture designers responded this year with new pieces offering drop down front doors, glass enclosures, slide out drawers with storage slots and a variety of finishes. Solid American Oak, Cherry and Walnut were the top species in this category that produced a bright spot at the High Point Market. Solid wood and veneer over solids continued to dominate the wood furniture on display, according to the 2010 Furniture Styles and Material Use Survey. Administered by Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. (AHMI), the analysis began in 1934 to track wood species and design style trends in home furnishings. AHMI is a trade association of Hardwood lumber suppliers from the 12 states of the Appalachian Mountain region. BY TOM INMAN An estimated 1,200 manufacturers and their representatives show in High Point making it the largest exhibition of its type in the world. More than 50,000 manufacturers, sales representatives, furnishings buyers, interior designers, suppliers, and news media attended the 2010 fall market. Manufacturers boosted introductions at the fall market to generate interest from retailers who have been reporting sluggish sales. Most exhibitors said traffic increased from the spring market, buyers were excited about the new product and attendees were serious about orders for the upcoming winter and spring. The material use survey is completed on the final days of market with crews visiting showrooms to record wood bedroom and dining room groups, wall units, entertainment centers and home office on display. The results are measured against previous markets. “This is the only survey of its type at the world’s largest home furnishings market to determine what wood species and furniture styling is truly on display at market,” said Tom Inman, AHMI president. “This information is very valuable in tracking trends for future wood supply needs.” The report for 2010 found solid wood or veneer over solids were increasing as a percentage of all categories. More than 85 percent of the bedroom and dining room furniture surveyed at market was an identifiable species of solid wood or veneer over solids, an increase of 3 percent over 2009. Other findings were: 1. American Cherry continued to be the species of choice with 16 percent of bedrooms,14 percent of dining rooms, 20 percent of the home office and 14 percent of entertainment cabinets. 2. American Red Oak increased its share from 2009 with 10 percent of bedrooms, 10 percent of dining rooms, 7 percent of home office and the leader in entertainment cabinetry with 16 percent of product on display. 3. American Walnut moved into third place in most categories with almost 9 percent of the bedroom, 11 percent of the dining room, 12 percent of home office and 13 percent of entertainment cabinets. 4. Rounding out the top five were Rubberwood and American White Oak. “Cherry continues to be a furniture favorite as designers and consumers like the depth, warmth and lasting value of American Cherry,” said Inman, AHMI president and survey director. “The look of Red Oak and Walnut were very popular this time with medium to darker finishes more in fashion. • Solid Maple is the basis for this entertainment cabinet from Whittier Wood Furniture, located in Whittier, Calif. 36 Hardwoods...A Renewable Resource
This Vaughan-Bassett Appalachian Hardwood Arts and Crafts collection is made of Red Oak. Maple and Poplar solids are the basis for this cabinet from Brownwood Furniture of California. Harden Manufacturing Co. of Alabama displayed this entertainment center made of solid Oak at High Point. JANUARY/2011 37
