Top Outdoor Trends of 2016 Outdoor Furniture In 2016 the outdoor industry evolved in some very subtle, but interesting ways, most notably in the outdoor furniture industry. Over the past few years color has come into the industry in a big way, and nothing has changed in 2016. To fit the summer party aesthetic consumers have begun implementing aqua marine colors to accent their patio or backyard. These colors perfectly​ accent the already popular dark colors found in cushioned patio furniture. Windy Valley Woodworks and Elm Crest Furniture carry lines featuring these colors, contact them to...

Throughout 2016 we have seen some new furniture trends immerge, and some trends from 2015 being reinforced. Having been in the industry for two years now, it amazes me how quickly new trends can spring up and old trends can evolve. As I update our featured manufacturers page and work with the All American Furniture Expo I get a first hand look at what furniture manufacturers working for throughout the year. In this post I go over some of the trends I’ve seen growing in the furniture industry throughout the year, and note some manufacturers that follow these trends. Live Edge and Reclaimed...

Introducing our "2016 Trends" Blog Series It’s hard to believe, but 2016 is coming to an end. Throughout the year we have seen some great new trends immerge in the furniture, outdoor, and gift/craft industries. Over the next three weeks we will discuss these trends, how to implement them at your retail stores, and predict some new trends to look out for in 2017. We wrote a similar blog series in 2015 and got some great feedback from our readers. We want this site to be a resource to retail stores, exposing them to products and manufacturers that are following the most recent trends. If you...

American Made: A Trend That is Here to Stay Over the past year it has been my pleasure to work with dozens of wholesale companies dedicated to manufacturing American-made products. Being this close to these manufacturers has reinforced my belief in the quality of these products, and the service that comes with them. Each year reports show an increase in customer loyalty to American-made products, and when given an option an astounding number of consumers would choose American-made even at a higher price. A recent Consumer Reports study shows that 8 in 10 American consumers say they would...

Amish Patio Furniture Manufacturers Redefine Their Products Over the years the Amish have developed a reputation for quality construction and excellent service in the outdoor furniture industry. Now, there are over a dozen Amish outdoor furniture wholesalers in Lancaster County alone. A few wholesalers in the area are branching out, and building beautiful sectionals usually reserved for larger retail stores. These manufacturers are distancing themselves from the pack by following 2016 trends, and adding an element of comfort to their outdoor furniture lines. According to a 2016 Furnit ure...

Gift and Craft Retailers Find Unique Way to Combat E-Commerce in 2015 2015 has been another interesting year in the gift/craft wholesale market, seeing E-Commerce continue to grow in popularity. Despite the amount of customers utilizing the Internet to do their shopping continuing to increase, brick and mortar stores are continuing to succeed. This can in part be attributed to one-of-a-kind pieces that can’t be sold effectively online. I am fortunate enough to share an office with Lancaster County’s Wholesale Mall, and was able to gain some insight into this trend. Their manager Craig...

A New Take on Storage Sheds Drives the Industry In New Direction Over the past 10 years innovations in the shed industry have been minimal. The change from wood to vinyl, and other small innovations regarding insulation, siding, and roofing are among a few. Over the course of 2015, however, consumers have taken the storage shed in an interesting new direction. What many are dubbing “Shedquarters” (Pro.Com), adding a room to the backyard is the biggest trend of 2015. Rather than struggle with the hassle and expense of a home addition, homeowners are opting to turn a storage shed into a spare...