Daily News

From Home Furnishing Business

New Showrooms in North Hamilton

October 4, 2013  by in High Point, Market   

Henkel Harris, a Winchester, Va.-based producer of 18th- and 19th-century styled bedroom, dining room, occasional and executive office furniture, will exhibit in a 10,000-square-foot showroom, Space 213 of the 200 N. Hamilton building.

Henkel Harris was acquired earlier this year by A.G. Capital, owned by the Gum family. The Gum family also owns National Fruit Co., the producer of the White House brand of apple juice and other food products. Following the purchase, Henkel Harris restarted production in April at its Winchester, Va., plant after several months of suspended operations.

"We are building on our legacy as the makers of 'America's Finest Furniture' while creating the future vision that will define our next chapters," said Scott Hovermale, president and chief restructuring officer. "We've rightsized the business and brought back our A-team of fine craftsmen and other key employees to move the company forward."

At the October market, Henkel Harris plans to show a complete selection of best sellers along with a few new additions; and for the first time, the traditional specialist also is introducing some transitional designs with cleaner edges in painted and two-tone finishes.

"We're not moving away from our core strengths in traditional," said Hovermale. "We're simply expanding the range of options that we offer retailers so they can keep their floors fresh."

Hovermale has spent the past three months on the road meeting with 100-plus retailers and designers about the relaunch of Henkel Harris.

"We've gotten a great response to our new business plan. They recognize the quality and craftsmanship that we offer and are glad to have us back in business."

Also showing at 200 N. Hamilton this market is Leathercraft, a producer of upscale leather sofas, home theater seating and occasional chairs, which has signed a five-year lease on a 4,500-square-foot showroom in Space 205. For the past few markets, the company has been showing in a smaller showroom in the Suites at Market Square. 

"200 N. Hamilton is a beautiful destination building that attracts the exact mix of customers we want to reach-high-end furniture stores, home accent shops and designers," said Staley Keener, president and CEO. "We'll be surrounded by other leading high-end manufacturers, which is another big plus."

Leathercraft is completely remodeling its showroom for market, updating the décor and adding new room dividers that enable it to better spotlight specific styles and product categories.

"We'll have room to show a broader range, and everything will be presented in vignettes so retailers can get creative ideas for how to present our line in their own stores," said David Sigmon, vice president of sales and marketing.

This market, Leathercraft is introducing a number of new transitional leather models with coordinating accent pieces in linen, cotton and other natural fabrics.

Leathercraft will hold a grand-opening party to celebrate its new showroom on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.

Another new exhibitor at 200 N. Hamilton this market is Raschella Home Décor, which specializes in fine art, mirrors, lighting and accessories. The company is showing in a 2,000-square-foot showroom in Space 301. It previously showed at Hamilton Square. 

"We're looking forward to being at 200 N. Hamilton," said Pauline Raschella, owner of the Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based company. "The building is particularly popular among the design trade. Our exposure with designers was more limited in our previous showroom, so we expect this new location will expand our presence with this group and lead to new business with higher-end retailers."

At market, Raschella will introduce an assortment of unique medium to high-end framed art, including new contemporary and canvas designs.

"We're excited that Leathercraft and Raschella Home Décor will be showing at 200 N. Hamilton," said Julie Messner, vice president of leasing for International Market Centers, about the new additions to the building's exhibitor base. "They add another exciting dimension to the strong lineup of higher-end sources in this leading destination for the design and upper-end retail community."