Rowe Delivers More Mini Mod at International Home Furnishings Market

Furniture World Magazine

Inspired by the success of its introduction of the Mini Mod Collection at the April 2004 International Home Furnishings Market, Rowe Furniture expands on three specific styles – the Sullivan, the Monaco and the Crosby – with new Mini Sofas, Loveseats, Chairs, Ottomans and a Settee.   These new styles will debut at High Point during the October 2004 Market and some will be available at retail as early as February 2005.    The inspiration for smaller-scaled but still full-sized upholstered furniture originates from the fact that people are moving into smaller condos, apartments or homes and they have to contend with fourth floor walk-ups, irregularly shaped walls, or moving a lot.  The fabrics are reminiscent of the 1960s with bright colors and geometric patterns.   The average size for a full-size sofa is 81" to 96" in length, with accentuated rolled arms and high backs.  The seat depth is usually between 38" and 46" or even more for sectionals.  These sofas dominate a room and if you have a big space to fill then this is the sofa you need.  But, if you have a smaller space your other option would be a loveseat, but then you better really like the person you're seated next to.  On average, loveseats are between 58" to 69" in length.  One person is comfortable.  Two people are cozy.   The Mini Mod Collection introduces a new option.  Sofas that are scaled between 71" and 80" in length.  Sit two people comfortably; decorate your room without miss-matching the proportion of accent furniture like end tables, lamps, ottomans; and rest assured that you’ll be able to move it easily.   The fabric applications are also scaled accordingly, so those bold stripes, bright colors and geometrics will make a subtle statement.  These sofas are mini, they’re modern and they’re mod.   Rowe’s First Mini Mod Sofa Rowe first ventured into the arena of smaller-scaled sofas in October 2003 when they introduced the Capri at the International Home Furnishings Market.  The Capri measures 77” in length and was positioned to retailers as an alternative to the full-sized sofa.  Retailers in urban areas quickly saw the potential as their customers where living in smaller apartments and needed more furniture options.  The response from consumers encouraged Rowe to introduce a broader collection in April 2004.   The response from retailers and the media following the introduction of the Mini Mod Collection in April 2004 was overwhelming.  Buyers from major department stores, regional retail chains and prominent independents made commitments to have the Mini Mod styles in their showrooms.  The Boston Globe’s Linda Matchan reported from High Point that Rowe’s new Mini Mod collection was perfect for “consumers who don’t stay in one place for very long”.  The Indianapolis Star’s Courtenay Edelhart declared in her report from High Point that “It’s a Mod, Mod World”.  Both articles were syndicated nationwide and consumers noticed.   The sofas, chairs and sectionals in the Mini Mod Collection appeared at retail in late August and with The New York Times, USA Today, Ladies’ Home Journal and Better Homes and Gardens all reporting on the trend and Rowe Furniture, the Mini Mod Collection took off.  People living in condos, lofts, apartments and even smaller homes have discovered how much easier it is to furnish a room with a sofa that fits – literally and decoratively.    All Rowe Furniture carries a limited lifetime warranty on frames, springs, cushion cores and motion mechanisms for as long as you own the furniture.