WinningWith poLyWooD Retailers watch sales jump with POLYWOOD all-weather furnishings. As a true pioneer and originator of furniture made from recycledplastic outdoor lumber, POLYWOOD® continues its march as a leader in the category— throughout the casualfurniture industry.
Retailers and dealers across the United States are pleased by growing consumer interest in the brand, as well as by the benefits of working with its parent company, Poly-Wood LLC (Syracuse, Indiana). Founders Doug Rassi and Mark Phillabaum started their company in the late 1980s, after mandatory municipal/state recycling programs began in some areas (in response to the mountains of plastic in landfills). The innovative team began by designing and manufacturing an Adirondack chair from postconsumer waste, such as milk jugs and detergent bottles. Today, the company offers a range of appealing, fashionable designs—including the still-popular Adirondack chair, which is now available in various styles and in a rainbow of inviting colors. The product lineup has grown deep through the addition of rocking chairs, deep seating, outdoor dining, benches, swings, gliders, chaises, tables, and accessories. This is good news for dealers, who now have the opportunity to supply
Vineyard deep seating ALAN DUMOFF
POLYWOOD
Corporate profiLe
By kimBerLy roDgers
Dot and Larry Himmelstein with a five-piece bar set, La Casa Café
Vineyard deep seating
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PATIO & HEARTH PRODUCTS REPORT
multiple outdoor spaces of any home or commercial venue with the brand. Retailers nationwide report that consumer demand for outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic is increasing for many reasons, including its durability in any climate. Susan Kiley is coowner of Bay Breeze Patio (Destin, Florida). She says, “Composite furniture is the fastest-growing category we have, and it has been for the past several years. In our coastal area, we have a lot of rental properties and second homes, and it is the easiest solution for these owners. POLYWOOD is heavy, the wind goes through it, there is very little maintenance, and it has a whopping warranty. It rings every bell for us.” Larry Himmelstein, owner of Surfside Casual Furniture (Somers Point, New Jersey), notes that the product is especially desirable in his market, with the area’s beach climate and lifestyle. “Most of our sales are to customers in a saltwater environment who want low-maintenance, wind-resistant furniture that requires no winter storage,” he says. “POLYWOOD meets these criteria for our customers who are purchasing furniture for vacation homes at the New Jersey seashore.” Kiley reports that in Destin’s