Susan Dickenson

Vendors stay upbeat at start of market

In High Point this week, home accents vendors are refusing to let the tough times get them down. Yesterday, we asked ten of them to share positive thoughts; here’s what a few had to say:

Theresa Wong, owner of Oakland, Calif-based Hebi Arts, is excited about the company’s move into a space on the fourth floor of the IHFC. Even though the economy is slow, “accessories create excitement, so if buyers like a piece and see value in it, they are still buying,” Wong said. “People are looking for something to make them happy. They still have to do business and they’re looking for something new. We’re still doing pretty decent.”

Roma of Woodbridge, Ontario, has also moved to a new showroom in the IHFC. Peter Crover, national sales manager, said he has begun to see a pick up on many levels. Buyers are beginning to exhibit what Crover describes as a “quiet confidence.” And sales are up, he said, largely due to the company’s new more sophisticated flavor. Also responsible for the uptick are more mirror offerings and the company’s ability to do custom orders for contractors and designers.

At Austin, Andy Cymrot said he feels good about his company’s position, because its products can work in a variety of specialty and niche markets, which can help ease some of the pain in the home furnishings business. “I’m optimistic from the standpoint of the direction where we want to go as a company. The strength of Austin has always been diversification,” he said, pointing to the company’s relevance in niche and specialty markets such as trophy shops, zoos, gift stores and even pet stores. “The more diversified you are, the more success you’ll have. This industry is going to be way different than it was. If we’re not willing or able to look at other opportunities, everyone’s going to struggle.”

Posted by Susan Dickenson on April 25, 2009 | Comments (0)