HIGH POINT – Earth tones, darker finishes and look diversification are all on tap at Stickley’s showroom during this week’s High Point Market.
The company introduced one new collection – Durant, featuring both upholstery and case goods – as well as expansions and add-ons to several of its better-selling lines.
“We’re pushing a more diverse look,” said Aminy Audi, president and CEO. “Our Arts & Crafts line has staying power, but we’re really offering lots of diverse looks beyond that.”
A greater emphasis was placed on intentional vignettes. The company wants retail stores to display Stickley furniture exactly like the carefully curated vignettes in its showroom. “We think retailers want cohesive displays,” she said. “People want inspiration, and we’re really trying to be aspirational with our vignettes.”
Audi noted improved buyer optimism from last year’s markets. More were willing to place orders right then and there. She also noted that she was seeing interest from retailers of all sizes, contradicting other suppliers’ claims that it’s mainly the bigger retailers that are the ones buying.
But despite more buyer optimism, Audi did note that some still have too much inventory. “During COVID people ordered a lot,” she said. “But I think we’re over the hump.”
The eight-piece Durant living room collection, the company’s main launch this market, features solid oak case pieces and new upholstery. Copper tops are featured on coffee and end tables, while copper drawer fronts are included on a server. Upholstery is oversized, featuring Stickley’s longest sofa yet at 101 inches, and a large armchair and storage ottoman. Case pieces were designed by Marissa Brown, while Brown worked with the Stickley team to design upholstery.
Walnut Grove, Stickley’s second-best selling collection after Mission, got a new studio bed, a new square corner upholstery unit and a 64-inch spindle bench. Portfolio 120, a mix-and-match set of more eclectic designer items, got seven new pieces.
Stickley also ramped up its more entry-price point Origins collection, adding three sofa groups and a pair of glass-topped occasional tables. Origins is priced around 15% to 20% lower than core Stickley.
Finally, the company expanded and fine-tuned its 30- and 60-day quick ship program launched last year. The program features primarily leather upholstery but also select case goods, including Mission Highlands bedroom and occasional. Around 120 fabrics were added to the program this market, meaning any upholstery made with those fabrics can ship in 60 days or less.
Stickley, celebrating its 50th anniversary of being owned by the Audi family this year, is exhibiting at its showroom at 200 N. Hamilton.