Casual Living

MIAMI, FLA. – Outdoor patio and sunroom furniture provider Pelican Reef, Inc., announced the expansion of its Las Vegas showroom to accommodate and introduce a new line of value price point outdoor groupings. The C-1276 showroom located in the World Market Center has expanded to 8,300 square feet, up from an initial 1,406 square feet. The new space will feature such new collections as the Panama Jack Graphite for outdoor and Kauai for sunroom.

PORTO, Portugal — Furniture companies focused on expanding their international presence have affordable digital options to grow their brand, according to StyleRow’s Jodie Ellis, chief revenue officer for the trade-only platform. During the second edition of Portugal Home Week, Ellis joined other panelists onstage to talk about strategies for internationalization, including the often cost-prohibitive entry into the U.S. market.

HIGH POINT — Textile manufacturers are gearing up for a packed house at the upcoming Interwoven show, the bi-annual International Textile Alliance tradeshow previously known as Showtime that will take place in High Point May 22-25. “The show has an exciting new name, and based on appointments at our Regal and Kindred showrooms, we’re expecting full attendance, something we haven’t seen since before the pandemic,” said Anne Hood, Regal Fabrics merchandising director.

Recognizing retail excellence and outstanding accomplishments, the International Casual Furnishings Assn. presents this year’s best-in-class retailers, nominated by their industry peers for their savvy merchandising, strong operations and commitment to their customers. And all during a time of inventory issues and supply chain challenges.

HIGH POINT — The second panel of the Empowered event, titled “Empowering your workforce as well as your customers,” tackled questions including how to support activism and encourage advocacy in the workplace, as well as how to convey those company values to your customers.

Sandra Beckett, left, Dr. Ron Milon and Cheryl Kern HIGH POINT — Willingness to face uncomfortable truths and conversations, top-down leadership and asking critical questions are essential for companies getting started on addressing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

HIGH PONT — The home furnishings industry began a discussion on the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and what that means for companies, their employees and their customers in BridgeTower Media’s inaugural Empowered event. The afternoon was bookended with two articulate and passionate thought leaders: KeyAnna Schmiedl, Wayfair global head of culture and inclusion, and Rosa Nuñez, director of diversity, equity and inclusion for Foley Hoag law firm.

Clockwise from top left: Laura Aldrich, Lorri Kelley, Andrea Lillo and Laurie Tokarz HIGH POINT — With several women in senior leadership roles at various companies in the home furnishings industry, younger women just starting their careers today have role models and a new vision of what’s possible that weren’t available a generation ago.

Vicky Jarrett has worked with various furniture industry publications — including Furniture Today, Retail Ideas, Our State magazine and Casual Living — for more than 20 years and rejoined Furniture Today as Managing Editor in 2016.