Hardwood Goes Retail

By Dan Maclea Chairman, Hardwood Institute

Some retailers are in touch with hardwood distribution yards in their areas and are obtaining selected species in different widths and lengths and are running hardwood special promotions. The volume is not large at the moment, but like other products that suddenly take off, hardwoods look like a good bet.

One reason for the current interest is the shift away from the Mediterranean style of furniture into something more rustic, and "character marked" woods are beginning to attract nation wide attention. Years ago, wormy chestnut and pecky pecan were the only important hardwoods that had these character marks. Today, there is a great deal ofsupply available.

Some retailers, unfamiliar with how to go about buying hardwoods are turning to their wholesalers who also often are inexperienced. The best source for working out arrangements is with your nearest hardwood distribution yard. For those who are unfamiliar with hardwood distribution setups, write to me at the Hardwood Institute, 230 Park Ave., New York. N.Y. 10017.

Story at a Glance

Hardwoods are increasingly becoming a retail item . a good bet to suddenly take off . consumer acceptance continues to grow.