Products & Trends
Outdoor Is In
Consumers fueling new opportunities in outdoor furnishings
“Outdoor spaces have come into their own as legitimate rooms in the American home,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, International Casual Furniture Association (ICFA) Executive Director. The ascendancy of the outdoor room is a direct reflection of consumer behavior. An ICFA survey revealed that 70% of respondents would rather spend time in their outdoor living space than indoors.
“Today’s outdoor rooms have it all – somewhere to dine, relax, and be entertained, with furnishings that function as those in any other room,” said Hirschhaut. Research shows that 68% of people with an outdoor room use the space several times a week in seasonal weather. “They told us comfortable, spacious, and stylish furniture would encourage them to spend even more time outdoors.” Responding to these desires, retailers and designers are increasing their focus on the outdoor room.
“The designer market represents the second largest buying group behind specialty stores,” said Dudley Flanders, president of Lloyd Flanders. “They purchase luxury collections for high-end residential, hospitality, and senior living clients. We encourage them to visit our showroom.” For an increasing number of High Point exhibitors that encouragement comes in the form of highly stylish outdoor furniture.