Patio & Hearth Products Report November/December 2023 by Peninsula Media

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | www.patioandhearthproductsreport.com

›› Comfort & Joy

Retail Recap: Highlights of 2023

FIRE MAGIC

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CONTENTS November/December 2023

FEATURES Guest Editorial – Stop Procrastinating By Betsy Allen Manning A management consultant and industry insider oﬀers tips on how to stay focused and get things done. 8

Showroom Showcase – Retail Reprise By Sharon Sanders Rebranding brings success to this Charlotte, North Carolina, luxury outdoor furnishings chain. 40

Spotlight – Hotter Than Ever By Greg Thompson The season’s latest stove oﬀerings provide eﬃcient heat and visual appeal for indoor residential spaces. 18

As I See It – What’s In Outside By Sharon Sanders Patio Renaissance is a leader in the casual furniture industry because of its ability to predict trends and consumer demand. 44

A Year in Review – The New Normal By Larry Thomas Hearth, grill, and outdoor furniture retailers reﬂect on 2023 and look forward to the year ahead. 28

My Turn – Made With Heart By Kimberly Rodgers Berlin Gardens prides itself on extending the human touch to both its skilled Amish artisans and its loyal customers. 48

Hearth Retailer – Creating a Legacy By Kimberly Rodgers During good times and bad, this ﬁve-decade family hearth business has prospered by oﬀering premium products and high-class service. 32

Product Innovation – Let There Be Light Travis Industries continues to wow hearth customers with its latest technologies and design elements for indoor and outdoor ﬁreplaces. 50

Outdoor Grilling – Fire Up the Grill By Maura Keller Barbecue enthusiasts in Texas turn to this one-stop shop for high-end grills and unique grilling gear. 36

Corporate Proﬁle – Enduring Design By Dana Robinson The beauty and artistry of Summer Classics furniture and accessories appeal to customers who want to enhance outdoor spaces. 52

ON THE COVER | ICC-RSF • www.icc-rsf.com 4 PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

58 Insight – Hot Brands By Cherise Forno AEI Corporation’s innovative patio comfort products and outdoor grills boast a long track record of sales growth. 54

DEPARTMENTS 6 Alice Cooper Publisher’s Viewpoint 10 Industry News 56 What’s New: 6 Hot Products to Sell Now

58 Product Proﬁles 70 Product Proﬁles Directory 70 Ad Index

We don’t chase trends. We define them. Realistic flames and inspiring designs. At Napoleon, we blend innovation, technology, and quality to deliver leading-edge products. Trade your customers up to Napoleon.

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PUBLISHER’S VIEWPOINT BY TONY RAMOS

Alice Cooper Leading up to the week before high school graduation in 1974, the one song that became our theme song was “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper. Of all the songs that were played that week on our cassette tape players (yes, there was a time when Spotify did not exist), “School’s Out” got the most playtime. For those of us who were off to college, the lyric in the song, “School’s out forever,” didn’t really apply. Nonetheless, we still sang it with passion. Five years later (yes, some of us didn’t get through college in four years), the week before college graduation, “School’s Out” by Alice Cooper was once again our theme song. And just like five years prior, we sang it with a renewed sense of passion, since this time the lyrics, “School’s out forever” had an even greater sense of meaning. No more school! One of my first jobs after graduating college was with a trade publishing company that published magazines in the field of medical and health care. I was very fortunate to have a sales manager who took me under his tutelage, and taught me not only about sales, but also about the world of trade publishing, business relationships, and the world of business. One of the things he taught me is that if you want to be successful in business and life in general, never stop learning. Approach every situation in work and in life as a learning experience. He told me, “Never think you know it all, and never stop being a student.” It was one of the best pieces of advice a boss ever gave me. In September of this year, the Wall Street Journal published an article titled, “The Best Advice a Boss Ever Gave Me.” The article interviewed five business professionals who shared with the WSJ the best advice they ever received from a boss. For those of us who consider ourselves lifelong students, here is a selection of great advice from that article.

“The Best Advice a Boss Ever Gave Me” Jose Andres—chef, founder of World Central Kitchen and author of “The World Central Kitchen Cookbook: Feeding Humanity, Feeding Hope” “As a teenager, I worked for the legendary Ferran Adria at El Bulli—one of the most creative people ever. One day I was frying artichokes and he had an idea to add gelatin to the hot oil. We thought he was crazy! And he was: It exploded everywhere. But from that idea, he created some incredible dishes. He wasn’t afraid to fail, which inspired me to take risks.”

Bear Grylls—host of “Running Wild with Bear

Grylls: The Challenge” on National Geographic “When I first joined the military, a sergeant major told me: ‘If you’re less than five minutes early, you’re late.’ I’ve never forgotten those words and have always tried to make it a mantra while filming or working. I really notice it too in others, on expeditions for example. It speaks to diligence and dedication.” Tony Ramos

Joa Studholme—color curator at Farrow & Ball and co-author of “How to Redecorate” “When I was developing the color-consultancy service for Farrow & Ball in 1994, Tom Helme, who owned Farrow & Ball, asked what I was trying to do. And he said, ‘Right. What you need to do is pluck the color that the customer wants out of their heads and onto the wall.’ It means you have to put the customer first, and that’s sort of become the backbone of how I work. It’s not about me.”

MUST READS ∂ Outdoor furniture retailers say deep seating was once again the top-selling product category in 2023, and they believe that won’t change in 2024. The New Normal, p. 28

Victor Glemaud—founder and creative director of fashion brand Glemaud “The best advice came from Patrick Robinson, the creative director of his namesake brand and my first-ever boss. ‘When you know yourself, everyone will see you,’ he told me around 2000. And throughout the years, we have remained close, and he is now my best friend. I don’t recall when he said this. Nevertheless, it remains and it reminds me to look for my light within, always.”

∑ This hearth retailer started out in an old 1,500-square-foot diner and today occupies over 6,000 square feet of showroom space. Creating a Legacy, p. 32

∏ A forward-thinking North Carolina

Adam Savage—special effects designer and edi-

multistore specialty retailer rebrands to

tor in chief of Tested.com “Back when I was a young model maker, my boss and I were bidding on a prop build for an indecisive client. After six rounds of communication, we still didn’t know enough to make our bid. My boss told me to tell the client we got another gig and couldn’t take the job. ‘When the client is difficult before you’ve even agreed to work with them, they’re going to be a nightmare,’ he said. I’ve found that holds true.”

attract the next generation of customers.

Now 75 years of age, Alice Cooper is still performing and touring. After almost six decades of being considered by many music journalists and peers to be “The Godfather of Shock Rock,” Alice Cooper has figured out how to still be relevant, while his music is embraced by music lovers across many generations. I get the feeling that Alice Cooper knew all along, “School’s Never Out.” 6

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Retail Reprise, p. 40

π Summer Classics’ new onyx finish of the Montecito, Halo, and Newport collections creates a moody, modern look. Enduring Design, p. 52

WHY CHOOSE A VALOR?

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GUEST EDITORIAL BY BETSY ALLEN MANNING

PUBLISHER

STOP PROCRASTINATING

Tony Ramos tramos@peninsula-media.com

MANAGING EDITOR Carol Daus

But first—what is procrastination and why do we allow it to run our lives? Here’s how good old Webster describes procrastination: “To delay or postpone action.” Procrastination happens when we relate a particular action to pain. For instance, going to the gym, doing mundane paperwork, dealing with difficult people, etc. You stand still to avoid the risk of pain that comes along with taking action, but in the long run, you resent yourself for not doing something sooner. Ever felt that way before? The question to ask yourself during those times is this: “Do I want to be in this same place a year from now that I am today?” If your answer is no, then it’s time to make a change and learn how to stop procrastinating.

agenda for email, phone calls, and social media. Set your alarm for the allotted time to help you stick to that time frame.

1. Make a Daily Agenda 3. Give Your Task a Deadline

One thing the most successful people have in common is making a daily agenda. A mentor once told me, “If it’s not on your schedule, it doesn’t exist.” You will have a better chance at achieving tasks if they’re actually on your schedule. Your agenda should include: 1) The top tasks needed to get done for the day. 2) The people you need to reach out to in order to help accomplish those tasks. 3) Prioritize in order of most importance!

Helpful tip: Even if there is no deadline, create one to get into the mindset of giving the task a sense of priority.

Helpful tip: Don’t allow yourself to

4. Make Your Tedious Tasks Fun

do anything else until you accomplish the first five tasks you need to do that day. This ensures that your most important, and often most dreaded tasks, get finished before any distractions can take over.

The repetitive humdrum tasks can get quite boring day in and day out. To avoid putting these tasks off, make them fun! Make a game out the task. For instance, when I train managers on how to handle conflict/resolution effectively, I give them a group activity to make the training more interactive and enjoyable. It makes time fly while they’re learning.

2. Minimize Distractions Start with your environment. Make sure you are somewhere where other people and sounds won’t disturb you. Do NOT check your email or phone messages. This is the No. 1 distraction in the workplace. If need be, check your email and make

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Cherise Forno cheriseforno@gmail.com

ART DIRECTOR Cassandra Estes cassestes1968@gmail.com

COPY EDITOR John Nalley

CONTRIBUTORS Maura Keller Dana Robinson Kimberly Rodgers Laurie Rudd Sharon Sanders

Helpful tip: Allot time on your daily Here are five tips on how to stop procrastinating and get more done:

caroldaus@gmail.com

phone calls that ONLY pertain to your top priorities that must get done immediately. Don’t even think about checking your social media sites. This is the other big time waster for Millennials and Gen X’ers. You log in for a quick moment to check if anyone has liked your last post, and end up spending the next hour of your day checking other people’s posts. Just don’t bother with it until your most important tasks are finished.

Most procrastinators wait until the last minute to get started on a task because they don’t enjoy the task and there’s no sense of urgency to push them to do it sooner. If you know there is a time limit, you are more likely to start right away.

Helpful tip: Find ways to make work fun. Race against another coworker to see who can finish the 8

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same task first or choose a reward to give yourself if you finish your own task early.

Larry Thomas Greg Thompson CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

5. Get an Accountability Partner When you know you have a big project coming up that you tend to have procrastinated on in the past, ask someone close to you to hold you accountable until your end result is reached. Have them call you midday to check if you are on the right track. Having support and accountability from others helps us keep focused and motivated.

Helpful tip: Never ask someone to do something for you that you’re not willing to do for them as well. Make sure you offer to be an accountability partner for the other person’s goals. Procrastination is more than a time consumer—it’s a daily battle. The great news: Once you know how to beat it, NOTHING can stand in your way. Take charge and stop letting procrastination rule your life. Betsy Allen Manning is the founder and owner of Corporate Culture Training Solutions. She was the keynote speaker at the ICFA’s 2023 Educational Conference.

Whitney Carrier BUSINESS MANAGER Susan Razetto CEO & PRESIDENT Tony Ramos

CORPORATE OFFICE Peninsula Media 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 500 Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 792-7448 (310) 792-7449/Fax www.patioandhearthproductsreport.com Tony Ramos Peninsula Media 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 500 Torrance, CA 90503 (310) 792-7448 (310) 792-7449/Fax (310) 968-3962/Cell tramos@peninsula-media.com Subscription Inquiries: Patio & Hearth Products Report PO Box 2190 Skokie, IL 60076-7890 Subscribe online: www.patioandhearthproductsreport.com Email: patioandhearth@omeda.com Phone: (847) 763-9261

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INDUSTRY NEWS Napoleon Launches Campaign to Support Better Heart Health Napoleon is making heart health a priority. Napoleon’s Power of Fire initiative—involving academic research conducted by the University of Alabama and the University of Illinois— found sitting by a fireplace helps reduce stress and lower blood pressure, which is an overall benefit to heart health. Napoleon is a proud sponsor of Heart & Stroke and its work to improve the health of people in Canada by reducing the risk of heart conditions, stroke, and vascular cognitive impairment. In October and November, Napoleon donated $25 from the purchase of select fireplaces in Canada to Heart & Stroke. “Our Power of Fire promotion drives awareness of the link between stress, cardiovascular health, and fireplaces,” says Garry Scott, vice president of marketing. “Chronic stress significantly impacts heart health, increasing the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Our research found that spending time near a fireplace contributes to better heart health, helping reduce the risk factors of heart disease and stroke.” Conducted in 2022, the Power of Fire research

by the University of Alabama found that 15 minutes in front of a fireplace can significantly decrease heart rate and blood pressure. The results indicate that a fireplace could be used as an effective in-home amenity to combat stress, which can lead to enhanced well-being and As part of Napoleon’s Power of Fire initiative, it is providing a rebate on its fireplaces, such as its Entice Electric fireplaces. improved health. There are undeniable links between heart disease, stroke, and stress. “The findings of the Power of Fire research are Stress induces the release of hormones that lead to encouraging and help people live healthier lives,” elevated blood pressure over time; it causes the Scott says. “Diet and exercise are huge factors in heart to work harder, and increases sugar and fat reducing the risks of heart disease and stroke, and it levels in the blood. These can all increase the risk also helps to relax and unwind at the end of the day of clots forming, heightening the risk of a heart beside a cozy fireplace.” attack or stroke. The University of Illinois portion The Napoleon Power of Fire promotion also of the Power of Fire research also found an includes an instant rebate of up to $750 on the purimprovement in brain function and mental wellchase of gas or electric fireplaces. For more informaness when sitting near a fireplace. tion, visit www.napoleon.com.

Jensen Outdoor Unveils “Outdoor Confidential” on YouTube

HHT Featured on CBS’ Innovation and Disruption Leaders Series Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT), one of the world’s largest hearth manufacturHearth & Home Technologies was featured in CBS News’ ers, in collaboration with TBD media, was Innovation and Disruption Leaders series in September. featured on CBS News’ Innovation and “And sustainable practices have been a part Disruption Leaders series on Sept. 26. of our business for years. Now, we are marryHHT, a division of HNI Corporation, which ing the two and serving as a leader in our was recently listed number six on Newsweek’s industry in social and environmental responlist of the top 100 most responsible companies sibility. By formalizing and methodizing our in America, was selected for the CBS series for its leadership in innovation, sustainability, and sustainability initiatives, we can create posicorporate social responsibility in the hearth tive change, even faster.” industry. HHT is actively innovating to adapt to The segment featured interviews with key a changing world and a desire for modernized, HHT team members including Berger; Clive Rugara, senior vice president for the stove busisustainably made fire features. With a dedicatness unit; Jessica Voss-Kehl, vice president of ed focus on integrating sustainable initiatives innovation; and Lisa Brunie-McDermott, direcinto every aspect of its business—from product tor of corporate social responsibility. conception to consumer use—HHT is evolving The CBS Innovation and Disruption Leaders hearth products, and hearth manufacturing, for a new age. series showcases leaders and businesses who have adapted and modernized their strategies “HHT has always been an innovator. It’s in to respond to current instability. our DNA,” says VP Berger, president of HHT.

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Jensen Outdoor released a new “Outdoor Confidential” series on YouTube, providing an intimate glimpse into Sunbrella and luxury design.

Jensen Outdoor, a leading name in luxury outdoor wood furniture, announces the launch of its gamechanging video series on YouTube, “Outdoor Confidential.” Dive into the secrets of luxury exterior design, with the inaugural episode providing an unparalleled behind-the-scenes view of Sunbrella, the globally acclaimed designer and manufacturer of luxury outdoor fabrics. “‘Outdoor Confidential’ is our bridge between design inspiration and hands-on knowledge,” says Phillip Crowe, marketing director. “Our collaboration with Sunbrella embodies our collective vision of

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INDUSTRY NEWS taking outdoor spaces to unparalleled heights.” Delve into the making of a perfect outdoor space. The premiere showcases detailed chats with Sunbrella’s pivotal team members, revealing insights on topics from Sunbrella’s innovative “Color to the Core” technology to its unwavering sustainability pledge. “Our Sunbrella alliance champions design, innovation, and sustainability,” Crowe says. “Together, we’re scripting a new narrative for outdoor living—where every space narrates a distinct tale.” Matching Sunbrella’s ethos, Jensen Outdoor upholds sustainability using 100% FSC-certified Ipe timber from Bolivia’s tropical forests. Understand how Sunbrella’s fabrics augment Jensen Outdoor’s design approach, lifting the luxury quotient and sustainability of outdoor realms. “Outdoor design transcends mere aesthetics; it’s about crafting experiences. ‘Outdoor Confidential’ offers viewers an immersive journey into the future of exterior design,” Crowe says.

Corp., Tombuelt said in a statement, “Amy’s extensive experience in textiles along with her in-depth industry knowledge and business development expertise will prove to be extremely beneficial for us and especially our customers as she undertakes this new sales manager position.” Smith is looking forward to the opportunity. “It’s a pleasure to be with Outdura by Sattler, a well-respected company on a growth path that is very exciting to join. I especially look forward to meeting and working with the industry’s leaders and prospective accounts in the outdoor living category.” Amy’s concentration of customers will be in the western U.S. She will also attend to select customers across the country to provide the best of her experience, product knowledge and communication skills. Tombuelt says, “Amy’s fresh take on customer relationships, experience, and proven hard work ethics will be of great advantage to our already strong Outdura team.”

AMD Direct Names Rachel Garcia as Director of Sales

Sattler Outdura Appoints Amy Smith to Lead Sales Teams

AMD Direct Inc., a leading provider of outdoor living products, has promoted Rachel Garcia to director of sales. Garcia joined AMD Direct in 2021 and has worked alongside Dennis Smith, president, as his executive assistant. “Rachel has excelled past the title of executive assistant, being involved in all aspects of AMD Direct. Since the day we hired Rachel Garcia Rachel, I realized her ability and desire to make AMD a better company,” Smith says. Garcia has proven to the AMD team, customers, and representatives to be a get-it-done person. Over the past two years, she has fast tracked in learning about customers, sales representatives, and the vision for AMD. Garcia will continue to work with the president and focus on sales maintenance

Sattler Outdura, a division of The Sattler Group, Austria, hired Amy Smith as regional sales manager for the casual furniture division. Smith joins Outdura with a strong industry background working as a senior sales manager, business development specialist, and sales execu- Amy Smith tive in previous positions with Outward Inc., Culp, and Vision Fabrics as a director of product development, outbound sales representative, and as a merchandising and design specialist in the industry. In her new role, she will manage key customer relations, with a focus on casual furniture manufacturers. Reporting directly to Ulrich Tombuelt, CEO and director of sales for Sattler

Outdoor Design Days Boosts Casual Industry Sourcing Following a successful launch of Casual Market Atlanta in summer 2023, ANDMORE’s Outdoor Design Days at AmericasMart Atlanta in September welcomed cross-category retailers and designers to discover additional casual resources this fall. “Outdoor Design Days not only offered casual and outdoor retailers an additional Q4 buying opportunity, but also introduced cross-category retailers and interior designers to a popular consumer category,” says Bob Maricich, CEO. “The success of the inaugural Outdoor Design Days signals the beginning of year-round exposure for casual resources at AmericasMart Atlanta.” Outdoor Design Days showcased some 50 casual permanent showrooms, most of which debuted at Casual Market Atlanta, spanning four contiguous floors at AmericasMart Atlanta. The event’s concurrence with ANDMORE’s Fall Market at AmericasMart Atlanta and

Discover ADAC at Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) in Buckhead, infused the Southeast’s dual-venue design destination with a complementary new element— casual furniture and outdoor furnishings. The inaugural event welcomed buyers ready to complete order writing for the 2023 buying year. Attendees included local and regional interior designers, furniture stores, and outdoor/patio retailers. Outdoor Design Days featured casual-focused events and seminars at the three-day market, providing education and networking opportunities for marketgoers. Andrea Lillo of Designers Today led “From Design to Dollars: How the Outdoor Category Can Help You Grow Your Business,” a comprehensive panel on the growth of outdoor living in consumer spaces. Additional events included a Buyer Welcome Tour, leading buyers through the offerings at AmericasMart Atlanta; an International Casual Furnishings

Following the success of the Casual Market Atlanta and Outdoor Design Days this year, showrooms will expand for the Winter 2024 Atlanta Market.

Association (ICFA) Reception for an industry meet-and-mingle; and Braves and Brews at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team. Following a positive response to the launch of Casual Market Atlanta in July, and Outdoor Design Days in September, casual furniture and outdoor living resources will continue to expand at AmericasMart Atlanta, with the opening of 15 new showrooms in time for the Winter 2024 Atlanta Market. With this additional 65,000 14

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square feet of permanent showroom resources, AmericasMart Atlanta’s Building 1 will house nearly 400,000 square feet of casual showrooms. This Winter’s Atlanta Market runs Jan. 16-22, 2024. The second-annual Casual Market Atlanta runs July 15-18, 2024. Its concurrence with Atlanta Market, July 16-18, 2024, provides cross-market opportunities for buyers and sellers across gift, home, and casual categories.

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INDUSTRY NEWS and growth, and improved customer relations and communication—both internal and external. Garcia will also work closely with brand managers.

Whistler Grills

Whistler, Bonfire Grills Merge Bonfire Grills is now Whistler Grills, part of the Bonfire Production Corp. For almost 10 years, the Bonfire brand has been in operation in the United States and going strong, while the Whistler brand has been in the UK and Australia for just as long. Also, Dubai is a recent addition to the company. From the beginning, Bonfire took on a major task to establish itself as a high-performance grill manufacturer by drawing in customers from coast to coast. Every year, the company continues to grow and is currently expanding to Canada and Mexico. At the same time, the Whistler brand keeps growing in the UK and Australia. “We believe it is time for the Bonfire and Whistler brands to merge, bringing us together

3G Sales Joins Homecrest Network of Residential Representatives Homecrest Outdoor Living welcomes Suzette and Doug Schuller of 3G Sales to its network of residential sales representatives. 3G Sales will represent Homecrest in Florida, except Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, and Naples. The Schullers have represented manufacturers for 28 years and have also expanded their reach in the industry by owning a retail store in the Great Lakes region for the past 15 years. Their success stems from strong customer service skills and excellent dealer relationships within the hearth, patio, and barbecue industry. Over the years, the Schullers have gained extensive knowledge in manufacturing and seasonal marketing trends. Their experiences as manufacturer representatives and owners of a

specialty retail store make them an excellent addition to Homecrest’s residential sales team. The Schullers have three grown children: Michael, Mandy, and Katie.

under one big picture,” says company officials in a statement. “The merger will make it easier for all products and accessories to be accessible. This is only the beginning of our growing family. We would like to thank our current and new customers for your

patronage and invite you to continue our journey as we add to our product line.” All warranties will remain intact and honored, and part numbers will remain the same as well. For more information, visit www.bonfireoutdoor.com.

Doug and Suzette Schuller, of 3G Sales, will represent Homecrest Outdoor Living as residential sales representatives.

Serge Ferrari Group Launches Custom Anniversary Color for Soltis Proof 502 Serge Ferrari Group, a leader in designing, developing, and manufacturing innovative composite fabrics, has debuted a new custom anniversary color for its bestselling exterior solar protection fabric. To celebrate 25 years of Soltis Proof 502, this industry-leading waterproof membrane fabric is now available in Revival Blue. Soltis Proof 502 is a waterproof, durable, lightweight, and easy-to-clean fabric that delivers superior flexibility and strength to allow creative freedom of shape and size for various outdoor applications. This cutting-edge fabric is ideal for awnings, pergolas, shade sails, light structures, and fixed shading systems. “Serge Ferrari Group now proudly offers Soltis Proof 502 in Revival Blue, addressing the current urban renewal trends and the resurgence of textile innovation within the awning industry,” says Jeff Dellinger, business development manager, marine, solar & distribution, Serge Ferrari North America. “In an ever-evolving urban landscape, we recognize that urban design keeps pace with our evolving human needs. Revival Blue serves as a symbol of our cities’ ongoing evolution and their ability to adapt to changing times.”

In addition to Revival Blue, the Soltis Proof 502 range is available in 40 other colors, which offer a unique, satin finish and a modern, high-end look suited for commercial and residential applications. Serge Ferrari Group’s patented Précontraint technology guarantees exceptional durability and dimensional stability for Soltis Proof 502. This technology prevents tearing or stretching, while the company’s meticulous pigment selection and thicker yarn crest coating outperforms competing prod16

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Serge Ferrari Group releases Soltis Proof 502 in Revival Blue to commemorate its 25th anniversary.

ucts. Proven through rigorous testing, this membrane fabric provides year-round comfort against heat and the elements, offering 100% UV ray protection (UPF 50+). Soltis Proof 502 is GREENGUARD Gold certified and comes with a 10-year warranty. For more information about Soltis Proof 502, visit www.sergeferrarigroup.com/us.

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SPOTLIGHT

HotterThan Ever Government regulations aren’t stopping manufacturers from developing smart and stylish stoves. BY GREG THOMPSON

LIKE MANY STOVE MANUFACTURERS, OFFICIALS AT BLAZE KING INDUSTRIES INC. ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO GET current products renewed, retested, and certified. “As a result of the OIG office at EPA report, and the agency’s review of every single test report, the industry is facing significant challenges,” says Chris Neufeld, vice president. “We have been working on a new, first-ever for our company product; however, the changing landscape of test methods and standards makes launching the new product a protracted endeavor.” When new stoves finally make it to market, Cory Iversen, vice president of sales and marketing at Pacific Energy Fireplace Products, is seeing a trend toward products that offer good value and are tried and true. “Consumers want to know that every dollar spent is done so in the most productive manner possible,” Iversen says. “We expect quality and performance to be the overriding factors in the choices

TOP: Princess 32 with Parlor Legs from Blaze King BOTTOM: The Enviro “Cube” Gas Stove will feature a clean modern design and has two base styles. It also has optional powder-coated exterior panels available in different hues.

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TOP: Empire wood stove from Empire Group BOTTOM: Forge & Flame Quadra-Fire 3100 Millennium Wood Stove from Forge & Flame

EPA to minimize emissions. The versatile products come in two sizes—the 600 and the 700— and are offered with six options. “At the beginning of 2024, we will have a third optional size called the 800,” says Markus Aumann, export manager, overseas. “It will also be available in three different options as a free-standing stove, a masonry insert, and a fireplace.” The Spartherm EPA 2020 range has clean lines, a large fire-viewing glass, and a fully adjustable combustion air function. “The other part is the decorative heating products called ‘The Spartherm collection’ which gives us the chance to show more of our original range,” Aumann adds. “We see a growing market in these products.” The range is available in: straight face (singlesided), see through (double-sided), left and right angle (corner sided and L shape), and three-sided units available as bay window or peninsular. Also known as “The Fire Company,” Spartherm maintains a vigorous research and development department. One such new offering (still in test mode) is described by Aumann as “the largest decorative woodburner in North America” with a 48inch by 27-inch door size, plus an elevating door and a mesh door. “The range of large fireplaces have settled into the market very well,” Aumann says, “and the most popular units are most certainly the multi-angled fireplaces.”

being made in 2023.” As younger consumers peek into the stove market, their interest is partly driven by nostalgia—with a modern twist. “New consumers want what they grew up with,” says Sean Michanczyk, sales & design at Vulcan Group LLC, “but they want something better, easier, and with the same lifetime quality.” “Those who were raised with a particular brand seem more inclined to purchase what their parents had,” Neufeld adds. “That said, when you observe the demographics of consumers entering showrooms to look at wood heaters, younger consumers are a small percentage of those shoppers.” Whether customers are young, middle age, or

older, the 10 stove manufacturers in this issue’s spotlight offer a tremendous variety of styles and capabilities. With chillier temperatures around the corner, stoves are the perfect product for those who want efficient heat and an attractive centerpiece that adds visual interest to a room. SPARTHERM The latest array of products from Spartherm Feuerungstechnik GmbH (Melle, Lower Saxony, Germany) falls under the Spartherm EPA 2020 range of fireplaces, stoves, and masonry inserts. Launched under the “Gemuetlichkeit” category, the range fulfills the guidelines set out by the 19

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

PACIFIC ENERGY FIREPLACE PRODUCTS Cory Iversen, vice president of sales and marketing at Pacific Energy Fireplace Products (Duncan, British Columbia) calls the current stove environment a “normalization” of sorts that follows a “three-year all-time demand.” With that in mind, he views today’s market as the perfect opportunity to reinvigorate demand and introduce new and recertified products, launching now for the winter season. These include the new L44 gas linear, the Z25 gas fireplace designed for the retrofit market, the True North TN25C 76% HHV free-standing wood stove, and the renewed TN40 Pellet stove line. The company’s strongest category is solid fuel (Pacific Energy) and high-end gas (Town & Country). Many of these products were recertified using existing technology. For example, with EBT (extended burn technology), Iversen explains, “We needed to modify burn rates or secondary combustion air flow in some cases.” Under the guidance of Reo Phillips, Pacific Energy’s new president and CEO, internal operations are being streamlined. Next on the agenda is the external market, which encompasses product placement and new releases. “Reo is looking forward to attending the various shows this year and meeting

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SPOTLIGHT

our customers,” Iversen says. As emissions standards become increasingly stringent, Iversen expects Pacific Energy’s “industry leading wood-burning stoves to continue to be the home heat source of choice.” Although he sees solid demand for colors and cast iron, he reiterates that “value seems to be taking a stronger position in the last few months. Importantly, we believe that good value does not mean compromising on the other important areas, including efficiency, ease of use, burn time, or aesthetics.” SHERWOOD INDUSTRIES Sherwood Industries (Vancouver, British Columbia) includes the Enviro and Urbana brands under its umbrella. With a commitment to staying ahead of evolving demands for the last 35 years, Sherwood is one of the last privately owned hearth manufacturing companies in North America. “Enviro has taken the spotlight of late with a succession of product launches that redefine the standards of stove design and aesthetics,” says Jamie Yousief, marketing manager. “Notably, the S50 and the CUBE gas stoves have captured attention. These new offerings seamlessly build upon Enviro’s thriving gas line, which encompasses not just stoves, but also inserts and fireplaces. Standout entries include the recently introduced C60 tall gas fireplace and the already widely acclaimed E series of gas inserts.” Yousief describes the new S50 stove as “an extraordinary free-standing gas stove featuring North America’s first single-piece 180-degree curved glass.” A carved log set and media design contributes to an

TOP: The Lincoln 8060 from HearthStone Quality Home Heating Products BOTTOM: The TN25C from Pacific Energy Fireplace Products

attractive viewing experience with multiple pedestal and color options. “The S50 Gas stove truly is a oneof-a-kind innovation,” Yousief says. “On a different note, the CUBE embraces a modern aesthetic, marked by meticulously crafted fluted sides enveloping the firebox. Leveraging the beloved design foundation of the Westport, this unit infuses a contemporary twist into a classic burn and media arrangement.” Reflecting on the past year, Yousief has seen a steady flow of sales in the gas stove category. As the market season picks up, so has sales in most of Sherwood’s product categories. “A big part of our success is due to Sherwood’s other flagship brand— Urbana Luxury fireplaces,” Yousief says. “Focusing on high end yet affordable luxury fireplaces, Urbana sales have continued to climb as the brand and product gets stronger.” BLAZE KING INDUSTRIES The bestselling stove at Blaze King Industries Inc. (Walla Walla, Washington) varies based on where the consumer is shopping. In the Northeast, the cast iron Ashford 30.2 has gained considerable traction. On the West Coast, the Princess is the bestselling model. “Having been on the market since 1977, and continually refining our products and operations, name recognition is strong,” says Chris Neufeld, vice president. “The 25(c) tax credit has really allowed us to sell far more inserts in the past couple of years because of only a handful of qualifying units.” Strong product demand has spurred heavy investment in new manufacturing equipment at Blaze King, allowing officials to expand production in the company’s two factories and add additional staff. Part of that demand was the pandemic bump, but Neufeld has not seen much drop-off post COVID. “With the pandemic now behind us, thankfully, wood product sales are still exceptionally strong,” he says. “The 25(c) tax credit, increased heating oil and natural gas prices, and uncertainty of availability of 22

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natural gas in the future are influencing demand. Regulators are making a strong push for heat pumps, which do not work well in the coldest of environments, so many homeowners are investing in wood heaters to back up their heat pumps.” The tax credit has indeed shifted attention to the efficiencies of wood products, and Neufeld contends that customers are taking notice. “Consumers are more educated now and better understand that efficient wood heaters not only burn less wood, but also contribute less particulate matter to the environment,” he says. “Burn times have also been popular with working families and a little less of a motivator for retired people.” EMPIRE GROUP The latest product launch from Empire Group Inc. (Belleville, Illinois) is a line of wood-burning fireboxes from Empire’s American Hearth and White Mountain Hearth brands. According to Nick Bauer, president, it’s the first time that the two brands will offer a wood-burning, open-face fireplace product. Within the venerable Empire Stove line, the Gateway and Archway 2300 continue to be top sellers, thanks to a heating capacity of up to 2,100 square feet, which is ideal coverage for most homes. “Our stove products still lean toward traditional styling,” Bauer says. “We do see a demand for more contemporary products, but in this specific category, it is not as strong as other hearth products.” Empire has expanded of late with the recent purchase of Montigo Fireplaces out of Langley, Canada. Montigo will join a group of companies under the Empire umbrella, which includes Stove Builders International, Primo Ceramic Grills, and Broilmaster gas grills. The expansion will only help, particularly considering the extension and revision of favorable tax credits, which Bauer contends “is always a benefit for this [stove] product category.” He adds, “If we see cold weather and a continued increase of fuel

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SPOTLIGHT

costs, we could see a strong wood season this year.” In addition to the regulation-ready units in the Empire Stove line, ease of use is a huge priority. While all demographics appreciate a simple process, those on the younger side expect it. “Traditionally, the demographic for wood burning skews to older consumers, but with the push for renewable energy, we have seen some interest from younger consumers,” Bauer says. “With younger consumers, we are seeing the need for even greater convenience. Creating a product for a generation that is used to everything being at their fingertips is going to drive change into even an ageold technology such as wood-burning appliances.” VULCAN GROUP The Ravelli RV120 Touch pellet stove remains the flagship model under the Vulcan Group LLC (Plantsville, Connecticut) umbrella. The RV120 Touch exemplifies the company’s dedication to user-centric design with an intuitive touchscreen control interface, which simplifies temperature adjustments and provides a sleek appearance. “One standout feature of the RV120 Touch is its built-in wireless remote ther-

LEFT: Clementi – Elite Classic – Wood Burning Stove/Oven from Vulcan Group RIGHT: Regency Cascades F2500 Hybrid Wood Stove

mostat, allowing users to effortlessly control and program heating schedules from the comfort of their couch or anywhere within range,” says Bruno Ferreira, sales and operations. “This feature enhances convenience and energy efficiency, as users can fine-tune heating settings to match their daily routines.” The RV120 Touch reduces the maintenance burden via a self-cleaning burn pot, a technology that minimizes the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance. This saves users time and effort and ensures consistent heating performance over extended periods. “With adjustable heat output measured in BTUs per hour, users have the flexibility to customize their heating needs precisely,” explains Sean Michanczyk, sales and design. “Whether you require a gentle, steady warmth or a quick, robust heating boost, the RV120 Touch can accommodate your preferences and adapt to changing weather conditions.” The Clementi Elite Classica is another high-quality, Italian-made combination stove that blends the functionality of a wood-burning oven and a woodburning stove heater. Ferreira lauds the Clementi’s “classic design and exceptional craftsmanship while incorporating modern technology.” One key feature among many is dual functionality with attributes found in a wood-burning oven, allowing users to cook and bake using the traditional method of wood-fired cooking. It also operates as a wood-burning stove heater,

providing warmth and heating capabilities for the home. WITTUS-FIRE BY DESIGN The Shaker stove remains the signature wood-burning product from Wittus-Fire by Design (Pound Ridge, New York). Styled after American shaker style furniture, Patti Boker, promotion and sales support, points out that the Shaker has traditional and contemporary appeal. “We have incorporated a catalytic converter into our Shaker stove to bring it up to the current EPA regulation,” Boker says. “This makes the stove very clean burning with less than a 2% particulate output. The Shaker stove also qualifies for the federal tax credit, which is a plus for many customers. We’ve also done well with the 600 and 700 Modular units. They are versatile and fit most situations.” Wittus officials are still seeing consumer interest in enhancing outdoor living areas via fire features, with cookstoves and stoves with ovens gaining interest. Boker notes that stove sales have been “quite strong” this year. “We are still riding on the coattails of the pandemic and customers are still working and spending more time at home,” Boker says. “With energy bills on the rise, clients are looking at alternative home heating solutions. We feel that stove sales will remain strong. Business has been going non-stop since the pandemic with no real break in the action.” Boker admits that some customers want easy-to-operate home heaters such 24

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as electric fireplaces and gas operated fireplaces, and most of these products have a hassle-free remote control that operates the unit. “Remaining customers want heating capabilities to the maximum,” she says, “and they choose woodburning products. Wood is a very efficient heat source, and Wittus has been in this market for more than 45 years.” REGENCY FIREPLACE PRODUCTS Engineers at Regency Fireplace Products (Delta, British Columbia) have worked hard to produce catalytic and non-catalytic 2020 NSPS certified units. The result is a full line of high-quality stoves that are suited to every type of wood burner. Units such as the Regency Cascades F2500 have been upgraded and redesigned to provide a cozy atmosphere, improved combustion, and better heat output. Featuring an upgraded aesthetic with a larger door, viewing area, and contemporary clean lines, the F2500 produces a low emission rate of 1.4 g/hr with an exceptional HHV efficiency of 78%. Regency continues to improve the realism of its gas/electric units to mimic wood, with innovations like its infusion burner on the Atmosphere Series. “Consumers are increasingly looking for more choice and customization options when it comes to their wood or gas stoves,” says Kyle Grant, director of marketing. “With the rise of Instagram, Pinterest, and other visual image sharing platforms, consumers are increasingly wanting to create a ‘look.’ They

Circle Reader Service No. 25

SPOTLIGHT RIGHT: Lugo cookstove from Wittus-Fire by Design BOTTOM: Linear 600 Bench D700 from Spartherm

need a stove that ties the room together.” Grant is looking to capitalize on the “more choice” trend by offering more units, in more sizes, and with more accessories and more finishings than ever before. “Regency is poised to take advantage of this trend,” he says, “and help consumers create the look of their dreams.” As with all fire categories, stoves received a strong boost over the last couple of years with increased spending on home renovations. “While that trend appears to have subsided industrywide, it should be noted that as we see other costs rising due to inflation, consumers are increasingly looking to save on heating costs,” Grant says. “With the next generation of high-efficiency EPA-certified wood stoves, they get longer burn times and improved efficiencies that lead them to replace older stoves with modern units. In addition, the inclusion of the U.S. biomass tax rebate is helping to get more customers to replace older wood stoves with modern EPA-certified high-efficiency models.” HEARTHSTONE QUALITY HOME HEATING PRODUCTS HearthStone Quality Home Heating Products Inc. (Morrisville, Vermont) recently launched its new Lincoln log-burner smaller wood stove. This small, 1 cubic foot soapstone stove qualifies for the 25C tax credit and David Kuhfahl, vice president, calls it the “home run” of 2023. Meanwhile, the newly redesigned Mansfield got into full production this year and has been a dealers’ choice for a large stove. Due to EPA requirements, HearthStone officials have also recertified some existing stoves. “Our bestselling product remains the Heritage model soapstone wood stove,” Kuhfahl says. “This soap-

stone model has been in our line, updated often, for more than 40 years. This model is an industry standard and fills the midsized ‘average home’ niche well. Due to our TruHybrid technology, which drives the 25C tax credit, it is also a bargain.” HearthStone’s new Lincoln is catching up to the Heritage and Kuhfahl believes it may soon be the leader. As a smaller unit with high efficiency, the Lincoln is used for small homes and can also serve as a backup heater for solar homes, mobile homes, and recreational homes. Like the Heritage, TruHybid and the tax credit help make this premium product an excellent choice. The Green Mountain 60 is HearthStone’s strongestselling stove in the cast iron category. “A midsized, basic stove with excellent performance efficiencies with a good price will always do well,” Kuhfahl says. “The clean design, with a huge window and tax credit, drives this great go-to product for dealers. In terms of our physical structure, we took our former finished goods

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

warehouse and invested in a new production line with better capacity for painted cast-iron stoves. The new electrostatic paint line has improved productivity and finish quality.” FORGE & FLAME Forge & Flame, a division of Hearth & Home Technologies (Lakeville, Minnesota) launched The Harman P42i-TC pellet insert in July. The unit replaced the P35i and has a multitude of upgrades, including tax credit qualification, new styling, EASY Touch Control, wireless room sensor, and an illuminated glass hopper lid. “The P42i-TC joins the Accentra 52i-TC in our Harman pellet insert collection,” says Karen HarmanSmeltz, director of channel marketing. “It’s packed with the engineering excellence and conveniences consumers have come to expect in a Harman.” Vermont Castings is another brand under the Forge & Flame banner, and its wood stoves have generated consistently impressive sales, specifically the mediumsized Encore and Dauntless. Harman-Smeltz attributes the solid performance to the ornately crafted cast iron that consumers liken to a piece of furniture. “Four of the five VC wood stoves have top loading and that top load can also serve as a cooking surface,” she says. “We are expanding our cooking grill options for these products—nothing like wood-fire grilled food no matter what the weather is outside.” In the pellet stove category, the Harman brand is a front-runner, thanks to its PelletPro technology and touch control units. This EASY touch control continues to resonate with consumers due to its precision, ease of use, and robust diagnostic capabilities. For dealers seeking the high-end demographic, Harman-Smeltz says, “While these premium pellet stoves may have a premium price, they also come standard with flame reactive mirrored glass, a wireless room sensor, and immaculate fit, feel, and finish. No matter what model a consumer chooses, the engineering excellence and low maintenance of a Harman pellet stove is unrivaled.”

Happy Holidays

Circle Reader Service No. 27

A YEAR IN REVIEW

THE NEWNORMAL Resilient retailers have adapted to numerous changes post-pandemic and appear to be prospering. BY LARRY THOMAS

NEITHER RAIN, NOR SNOW, NOR INFLATION, nor post-pandemic inventory glut has stopped specialty retailers from selling their products this year—and many will finish 2023 with surprisingly strong numbers and a good amount of momentum as they move into 2024. Most retailers of outdoor furniture, barbecue grills, and hearth products are reluctant to characterize 2023 as a “normal” year, because the pandemic may have permanently changed its definition. But the year did give many an opportunity to, among other things, reduce bloated inventories, refresh showrooms, and tweak marketing strategies as upper-end consumers began shifting some discretionary dollars away from products for the home, and into travel and entertainment. “We planned for our locations to be down slightly in 2023, (but) overall, we are up for the year,” says Greg Martin, coowner of high-end outdoor furniture stores in Atlanta and Nashville called Kolo Collection. He pointed out that the Nashville store had already topped its 2022 sales total by the end of August, and the Doug Atlanta store wasn’t Sanicola too far behind. Martin and several other retailers say they have seen a slight dip in demand this year, which they believe is a result of consumers redirecting some of their discretionary dollars away from the home and into travel. But they’re not convinced this move will have a long-term adverse effect. “Our average customer may slow spending habits somewhat, but is generally not eliminating purchas-

Greg Martin

David Esau

es altogether,” says David Esau, president of North Atlanta Fireplace. “We feel our product range does give us some insulation.” That gives Esau, whose store also sells grills and upper-end outdoor furniture, reason to be “cautiously optimistic” about next year. “We know the market 28

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will throw challenges at us, but we believe we are very well positioned to meet those challenges and continue our strong market growth,” he says. “We are, as an organization, bullish about the future.” Despite those challenges, which also include higher interest rates that could suppress housing

sales and a high-stakes presidential election that could cause consumers to pull back spending, many retailers share Esau’s bullishness. “I am always very positive. I am always upbeat,” says Doug Sanicola, president of Outdoor Elegance in La Verne, California. “Consumers are still very gun-shy … but we also cater to a very large design community that is still very active.”

of owners cook out on Thanksgiving, while 11% do so on Christmas or Hanukkah, and 30% cook out on Super Bowl Sunday. (The leading cook-out holiday, to no one’s surprise, is Fourth of July at 54%, followed by Labor Day at 47% and Memorial Day at 44%.) Those numbers are music to the ears of Stephen “Ruff” Ruffatti, owner of Ruff’s Barbeque Shoppe in Golden, Colorado. His 4,500-squarefoot specialty store just underwent a major remodelOUTDOOR FURNITURE ing project to better showFor outdoor furniture retailcase a revamped product ers such as Sanicola, 2023 has lineup as the business shifted been an unusual year because its focus to middle and From Left: Karen Brams and Karen Kirk the dip in demand has been upper-end goods. coupled with historically high Ruffatti described 2023 as inventory levels—the result of a “slow recovery” from the 2021 was our best year to date, but the demand is post-pandemic letdown of historically high lead times during the pandemic that led 2022, and he’s optimistic still strong and growing each year. to unprecedented backlogs. —Karen Brams that recovery will strengthen Sanicola, a former president in 2024. “We are working of the International Casual hard to develop an effective Furnishings Association, says the glut has forced both social media marketing campaign,” he says. “Our tarcross-selling opportunities are made easier since her manufacturers and retailers to offer “deals” to move get market is the high end, but we still have a strong husband owns an adjacent pool and spa business, but inventory. That, in turn, has perhaps permanently presence in the mid-price range.” retailers say it’s a natural offshoot for anyone selling altered retail buying patterns. Ruffatti says pellet grills have been his most popuoutdoor furniture and/or grills. “The early buy is basically dead. No one is interested lar product in 2023, and he doesn’t expect that to And considering outdoor kitchens can easily cost in adding much inventory at this point,” he says, referchange for 2024. However, his new product lineup $20,000 and up, what’s not to like? ring to the once-common practice of placing orders includes a more diverse selection of leading grill “Outdoor kitchens have been strong, not only during the summer for the following year’s selling seabrands, and he’s finding plenty of interest in charcoal with the higher-income market, but we find even son. “There’s simply no reason for an early buy.” and gas grills, as well. midrange buyers are purchasing them quite often,” But regardless of when it was ordered from the Esau says. “Where we once might have sold a cart manufacturer, outdoor furniture retailers say deep HEARTH grill, we’re finding that smaller islands with limited seating was once again the top-selling product cateRetailers say gas fireplaces are still king, but many under-counter features are now reaching this gory this year, and they have no reason to believe stores have seen an increase in electric fireplace sales broader audience.” that will change in 2024. this year, and they believe the category will continue And even though outdoor furniture accounts Sanicola notes that the trend is due to the poputo gain market share in 2024. “We are seeing a big for about 85% of sales at Outdoor Elegance, Sanicola says his store sells 30 to 35 outdoor kitchens larity of fire pits, which burst onto the outdoor furuptick in electric products,” Stoltzfus says. “The each year—a nice complement to its furniture and niture scene about a decade ago and remain extremehigh-end models that we sell are certainly going to grill sales. ly popular because of the ambiance they create in an become a nice add-on to our sales.” Arguably the most popular component of outoutdoor seating area. In fact, many consumers have Esau agrees, noting that the more technologydoor kitchens is a pizza oven. It was one of the told him they prefer to dine inside—even if the food laden electric models are moving briskly. hottest items at last spring’s Hearth, Patio and is cooked outdoors—and return to the outdoor “Surprisingly, fireplaces have remained strong Barbecue Expo, and Sanicola says he rarely sells a space to relax after the meal. throughout the year, with only a slight fall off in July kitchen without one. “Outdoor kitchens are quite and August,” Esau says. “Luxury and even custom popular for us, as well, and we are seeing an uptick in OUTDOOR COOKING fireplaces continue to grow in volume.” pizza ovens,” adds Sam Stoltzfus, president of Karen Brams, owner of Island Living & Patio in But Esau notes that gas fireplaces have remained LanChester Grill & Hearth in Gap, Pennsylvania. West Palm Beach, Florida, says outdoor dining is his top-selling hearth product this year, and he doesStoltzfus says his store has at least five outdoor still important for many consumers in South n’t expect that to change anytime soon. “Even many kitchen islands on display at all times—not to menFlorida, and she expects the category to continue wood boxes are fitted with gas log appliances, so tion an array of portable grills—which he says is a selling briskly next year. “2021 was our best year those appliances, tools, and accessories are among key to keeping consumers interested in outdoor to date, but the demand is still strong and growour largest-selling categories,” he says. cooking in a climate that is not suitable for yearing each year,” Brams says. Stoltzfus says he has seen a “large uptick” in busiround outdoor living. The popularity of outdoor dining—or at least ness since mid-August, and he’s very optimistic Data from HPBA, however, shows that increasing outdoor cooking—has enabled Brams and many about the current heating season. He predicts numbers of grill owners are cooking outdoors during other outdoor furniture retailers to develop a sucdemand will pick up again—possibly returning to the fall and winter months. The association says 20% cessful outdoor kitchen business. For Brams, such pre-pandemic levels. “I think we’re on the cusp of a

“

”

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

A YEAR IN REVIEW considerable uptick for our industry, especially if you take time to display the products well,” he says, “People want to touch, see, and feel the product, and we’ll be focusing on keeping our showroom and displays immaculate. It is worth it.” MARKETING Next year, Stoltzfus also intends to boost the store’s online presence and develop a creative digital marketing effort that will keep the store’s name at or near the top of Google search results. For his part, Sanicola of Outdoor Elegance also intends to concentrate on digital marketing and advertising in 2024, using it effectively to promote a host of cooking classes and other events centered around grilling. He says several major grill manufacturers are based in Southern California and are eager to help with such events—some of which will attract more than 300 people. At other grilling events, his store will partner with nonprofit organizations

Stephen "Ruff" Ruffati

Sam Stoltzfus

such as Habitat for Humanity or design-oriented groups such as the American Society of Interior Designers. Local charities will also be a key focus for Brams at Island Living & Patio. Brams and business partner Karen Kirk are founding members of Impact The Palm Beaches, a group of businesswomen and community leaders who help raise money for a variety

LOOKING AHEAD Brams and other retailers, however, say the 2024 presidential election could have a negative impact on their business, but that’s hardly a reason to predict it won’t be a growth year. “In the past, election years have had a negative impact on our overall numbers, but ever since the pandemic, nothing is as it was,” Brams says. “So we hope that

of nonprofit groups—many of which focus on helping youth. “We will continue to build our name, reputation, and footprint with our current, returning, and future clients and designers as we have done over the past 17 years,” Brams says. “Our emphasis is on solid representation, strong customer support, and commitment to local charities.” 30

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we will continue the growth we have been experiencing recently.” Martin, of Kolo Collection, expressed similar thoughts, while noting that he’s more concerned housing sales will be crimped by higher interest rates. “The fact that 2024 is an election year can’t be overlooked because people tend to be cautious in election years,” Martin says. “We hope there are not too many negative economic forces in the coming months … but we will continue to work closely with our designers to ensure that we have access to the most projects with the customers that are spending money on their homes.” Sanicola also is concerned about the election’s possible impact but adds that it won’t stop him from organizing and promoting more grilling-related events. He says they attract people of all political stripes and generate invaluable exposure to both his grill and outdoor furniture lines. It might also boost interest in his newest product line, Reyn Spooner apparel. The company’s line of high-end beachwear and Hawaiian-inspired shirts is a perfect complement to the store’s furniture and grills, he notes. “I’m very pleased with it so far,” he says. “It’s bringing me customers I’ve never seen before.”

Circle Reader Service No. 31

HEARTH RETAILER

CREATING A LEGACY Expansion and service have propelled this Ohio retailer for nearly five decades. BY KIMBERLY RODGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAREN OLLIS

he mid-1970s was a challenging time to start a business in the United States. The country was dealing with a recession triggered, in part, by an oil embargo on U.S. imports. In the midst of these difficult conditions, however, Joseph Bosze Sr., saw an opportunity. Bosze, who already owned a remodeling business doing room additions, saw that zero-clearance fireplaces were gaining in popularity. He soon realized he could offer a fireplace at a much more affordable price than the masonry ones he had been installing. Stoves and inserts presented another opportunity for him to give homeowners even more cost savings during the energy crisis. In 1976, Bosze decided to purchase a building and open a showroom featuring fireplaces and stoves, calling his new business the Fireplace Shoppe. Growing substantially over the last 47 years, and renamed Northfield Fireplace & Grills (Northfield, Ohio), Bosze’s two sons, Joe and Jason, eventually joined the business, now making it a second-generation family operation. Today, the products and various categories the store offers include a wide range of fireplace products, fire pits, grills, outdoor furniture, pavilions, and pergolas. In addition, the store installs every product it sells,

TOP: From left: Joe Jr., Joe Sr., and Jason Bosze BOTTOM: Northfield Fireplace & Grills installs every product it sells with its own factory-trained technicians.

PATIOANDHEARTHPRODUCTSREPORT.COM

TOP: The store’s showroom is approximately 6,000 square feet and it features several burning hearth displays. BOTTOM: Joe Bosze Sr. stands next to a picture of himself taken over 40 years ago.

provides service and repairs, and is a certified chimney sweep company. Joe Bosze Jr., president, has always worked for the company in some capacity, joining the business full time in 1999 after graduating from college with a finance degree. When he took over, his first task was to computerize all aspects of the business, which was still using handwritten invoices. “Ever since then, we have been operating under the same mantra—to keep improving and investing into the business, and we have done well with that model,” he says. “Making the decision to work here was more than just a financial decision. I want to help keep the legacy of our family business going.” Jason came on board full time in 2000 working in sales for many years and now manages the warehouse, installation, and service portion of the company. “It’s been great to work together,” Joe Bosze Jr. says. “He is the other half of the business that makes it go.” Unlike other family businesses in which there can be conflict, such is not the case at Northfield Fireplace & Grills. “My brother and I always put the company first, and we are very understanding of each other’s roles.”

Founded on the fireplace category, the store currently offers some of the top-name manufacturers in the industry, including fireplaces from Heat & Glo, wood and gas products from Blaze King, stoves and inserts from Vermont Castings and Quadra-Fire, stoves from Stûv, vent-free products from Empire, and fireplaces from Mendota. The store also sells a lot of glass doors mostly from Design Specialties.

Sales of gas log sets are always strong. “We especially love to sell radiant heat gas logs from Hargrove,” Bosze says. “They are great looking and provide a lot of heat compared to a typical vented gas log set.” He adds that direct-vent inserts from Hearth & Home Technologies have also become a great portion of the business. “When we do chim33

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ney inspections, we find a lot of damage to flue systems within a masonry fireplace. These direct-vent inserts provide a great improvement and alternative for a homeowner.” Barbecue grills and other outdoor products were added in the early 1990s, along with outdoor kitchens and fire pits. Brands include Big Green Egg, Traeger, Twin Eagles, Napoleon, Alfa, MHP, and Blaze Grills. Pavilions and pergolas are offered through Berlin Gardens and outdoor cabinets from Challenger.

HEARTH RETAILER “Over the past few years, we have also added poly furniture from Berlin Gardens, and it has been a great complement to our other outdoor product lines,” Bosze says. “It is one of these products that we believe in selling and, once customers use the furniture at home, they can tell it is quality and will last for many years.” SHOWROOM EVOLUTION Along with its product categories, the store’s showrooms have also evolved over the past four decades. The original building housed a small diner—roughly 1,500 square feet with a 500-square-foot warehouse. Several additions were built over the years to accommodate more warehouse space. Then, as more showroom space became necessary, warehouse space was converted into display areas. “We did this three times until we ran out of real estate,” Bosze says. Today, the main showroom is approximately 6,000 square feet with several burning hearths on display. In 2010, the business purchased a building next door, which is conve-

niently connected to the main store by a walkway. The adjacent 2,000-squarefoot building is home to all sorts of grills and outdoor kitchen displays along with the offices for the chimney division. “This space has been great for us because now we can keep summer products on display year-round,” Bosze says. “We no longer need to switch out all our displays from summer to winter product, which can be an annoying issue for any dealer.” A 2,000-square-foot outside patio displays a variety of fire pits, fireplaces, pavilions, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens. This space has been great for marketing due to its high visibility to drive-by traffic on a main road. An H2Onfire on Water Series from HPC, showing the product’s 360-degree waterfall and fire combination, prominently sits on the patio’s corner. “We constantly have folks talking about it with us,” Bosze says. In total, between its two showroom spaces and outdoor patio, there is approximately 10,000 square feet of display space.

Consequently, as more warehouse space became eaten up by showrooms, there became a great need for a dedicated warehouse. Fortunately, there was enough space on the property to build a 10,000-square-foot warehouse located behind the showroom. “Looking back on it now, I don’t know how we operated without this space. We were using a semi-trailer where we stored product and everything was very crowded and unorganized,” Bosze says. The business is now able to keep product in inventory, buy in volume, have plenty of storage, and have all installations started and ready to go each morning. STELLAR INSTALLATION AND SERVICE Northfield Fireplace & Grills installs every product it sells—primarily by its own long-term highly trained and skilled technicians. “We have a high amount of trust in them,” Bosze says. In addition to installing product, employees also perform stonework around a fireplace, framing, drywall, and granite. “Since we come from a remodeling background, we

are able to do just about anything to complete a project.” Service is another key component of the business with three dedicated technicians continually servicing and tuning up fireplaces across the dealer’s Northeast Ohio market. Bosze says it is important to service not only the fireplaces the store sells but just about any other hearth product on the market. “If a fireplace is past its life span, this gives us a great opportunity to offer a consumer a great new fireplace along with a happy customer experience.” Having worked in the field doing installations, Bosze has a huge appreciation for all his technicians. “In my opinion, they are one of the most important reasons why we are successful each and every year.” He emphasizes that brickand-mortar hearth dealers have a major advantage over internet suppliers because of the benefits they bring to a customer. “Fireplaces are the one product where the consumer understands they need to make sure it is installed by a qualified company. They understand the value of buying locally from an experienced dealer.”

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Circle Reader Service No. 35

OUTDOOR GRILLING

Fire Up THE GRILL

Just shy of its 25th anniversary, BBQ Grill People is still sizzling hot. BY MAURA KELLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT ROOD

hen BBQ Grill People was established in Spring, Texas, in 1999, it was the result of a vision to provide customers with exceptional outdoor grilling solutions. As President and CEO Mike Arnett explains, the company founders had previously owned a successful home improvement company where they frequently encountered customers looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with outdoor kitchens. “However, one aspect that consistently left customers dissatisfied was the limited selection of high-quality grills available in the market,” Arnett says. Fueled by the belief that every grill enthusiast deserved access to superior outdoor cooking equipment, the founders embarked on the new venture of BBQ Grill People. According to Arnett, the company founders had a passion for grilling and a commitment to excellence—the ideal combination for a successful BBQ retail store. In fact, this combination quickly resulted in BBQ Grill People gaining a reputation as a trusted source for premium grills and outdoor cooking accessories.

TOP: Mike Arnett BOTTOM: BBQ Grill People boasts a wide array of premium grills and accessories.

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TOP: Customers are drawn to grills with multiple burners, rotisserie options, and side burners. BOTTOM: Staying at the forefront of grilling technology and trends has made the store successful for over two decades.

“Over the years, the company has expanded its product range to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of grill enthusiasts,” Arnett says. Indeed, over the years, BBQ Grill People has become the “go to” destination for grilling aficionados, and those new to the grilling experience, to elevate their outdoor cooking experience. “We’ve continued to grow and evolve, remaining true to our mission of enhancing the art of outdoor cooking one grill at a time.” AN EVOLUTION OF SORTS Approaching nearly 25 years in business means that BBQ Grill People has seen the industry undergo a significant evo-

lution and witnessed a wealth of innovations in the grilling space. Not only do these advancements reflect changing consumer preferences, but also a growing interest in outdoor cooking. As Arnett points out, there have been a few notable trends and innovations that have impacted both BBQ Grill People and the industry. Some of these include smart grills with Wi-Fi capabilities, pellet grills, the use of alternative fuels such as wood chunks and compressed natural gas, portable grills, and plant-based grilling. “The availability of a wide range of grilling accessories and gadgets has also expanded,” Arnett says. “They enhance

the grilling experience, making grilling easier and more enjoyable. There’s also a growing emphasis on sustainability within the industry. Many grill manufacturers are focusing on producing eco-friendly grills and accessories, as well as providing resources to help consumers reduce their environmental footprint while grilling. These innovations reflect a broader shift toward convenience, versatility, and sustainability in outdoor cooking.” CORE PRODUCTS At BBQ Grill People, the company’s bestselling products have evolved over the years to align with changing con37

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sumer preference. According to Arnett, these include high-end grills, specifically premium grills that offer multiple burners, rotisserie options, and side burners. “Some of the brands that we carry that are doing really well include RCS Grills, Blaze Grills, Links, Fire Magic, and Coyote,” Arnett says. “Our No. 1 selling pellet grill is our Z Grills, followed by Camp Chef. Halo is also really coming on strong with the battery option they offer.” The grill accessories segment is also a big play at BBQ Grill People, as customers gravitate toward grill covers, smoker boxes, and temperature probes. In his role at BBQ Grill People, Arnett pays close attention to consumer trends within the barbecue and grilling industry. He points to several notable consumer trends in the barbecue space that continue to impact the company. “Consumers are increasingly looking for healthier grilling options, and plant-based grilling products also continue to grow,” Arnett says. “Convenience also has remained a top priority for consumers. They seek grills with

OUTDOOR GRILLING Trends that are gaining traction are smart grills with Wi-Fi capabilities, pellet grills, the use of alternative fuels, portable grills, and plant-based grilling.

user-friendly features, such as electronic ignition, easyto-clean surfaces, and grills that heat up quickly.” Smart grilling is also a key product trend that Arnett is paying attention to as users enjoy monitoring and controlling their grills remotely through smartphone apps. And going hand-in-hand with healthier grilling trends, consumers also are showing increased interest in products that are sustainable. “This includes eco-friendly fuel sources, reusable grill accessories, and responsible disposal of ashes and coals,” Arnett says. “Of course, grilling for many people is not just about cooking—rather it is also about creating memorable outdoor experiences.” Arnett is also seeing increased consumer interest

in such things as griddles and pizza ovens. “Versatility in cooking is going to be big,” Arnett says. “What I’m seeing is that customers are going all out in their kitchens, incorporating gas grills, griddles, side burners, pizza ovens, ice makers, and

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other products that really make their outdoor grilling space an experience.” CONNECTING WITH CUSTOMERS Of course, building a strong brand and standing out in the minds of customers is the cornerstone of BBQ Grill People. “One of the key ways we stand out is by consistently offering high-quality grills and grilling accessories,” Arnett says. “We also ensure that our products are durable, efficient, and perform well in various grilling scenarios.” Arnett recognizes that staying at the forefront of grilling technology and trends is crucial to succeed in this ever-evolving industry. As such, BBQ Grill People continuously explores and introduces innovative products, such as smart-grill capabilities, eco-friendly design, and versatile cooking options. “We also have a customer-centric approach, which is a fundamental aspect of building a strong brand for BBQ Grill People,” Arnett says. “We strive to provide responsive customer support and address customer concerns promptly. You will live and die by your reviews.” BBQ Grill People also prides itself on extensive community engagement, actively participating in the community by sponsoring events, hosting cooking classes, and partnering with grilling influencers. “There are so many ways to market today,” Arnett says. “Engaging in social media types, including Meta, Instagram, Tik Tok, print, radio, TV, Nextdoor, and magazines—we do a little bit of all of them. We track what works and what doesn’t, and then we do more of what works. We do offer financing for our customers.” Beginning in 2024, BBQ Grill People will be offering various cooking classes and grilling technique workshops for their customers and others in the community. “I believe we are really in the beginning stages of a really big explosion in the grill business. Our business is growing, and I get more and more excited about where the pellet grills industry is going. And I also love our repeat customers,” Arnett says. “I think we will see sales like 2020 and above in the coming years, and the manufacturers that are ready for that will do really well.”

Circle Reader Service No. 39

SHOWROOM SHOWCASE

RetailReprise A popular retailer rebrands to reach a greater market segment. BY SHARON SANDERS PHOTOGRAPHY BY FUSION PHOTOGRAPHY

iridien (Charlotte, North Carolina) has taken something great and made it even better. The luxury outdoor furniture retailer, previously known as Fire House Casual Living, recently debuted its new brand image that’s putting it on the path for future growth in the Carolinas. “We are setting up the business to attract the next generation of customers,” says Grant Henegan, president. Eight years ago, Henegan purchased the multistore specialty retailer that has five premium locations in the Carolinas: two in the Triangle area in Raleigh and Cary, North Carolina; two in Charlotte; and one in Greenville, South Carolina. He took over from the owner who was retiring.

TOP: Viridien made a splash with its new store exterior as part of the company’s strategic rebranding effort. BOTTOM: Clockwise from standing: Catherine Henegan, Kelly Adams, and Dyan Velez

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TOP: The five-store retail chain’s airy showrooms are as chic as any interior furnishings store. BOTTOM: Sophisticated colors, textures, and design create a curated look.

important to him that the whole team was on board with the change.

Fire House Casual Living was founded in 1981 as a local fireplace store, and then it began to sell patio furniture to offset the slow months— over time, it became something much bigger. It steadily evolved into an Apollo award-winning retailer known for its service and products that span far beyond hearth. Its loyal customer base has kept it going strong. A visionary, Henegan was immediately interested in the business because he saw that it had potential to be so much more. “One of the reasons I bought it was because it had performed quite well financially,” he says. Equally as important, he saw the opportunity to make it more contemporary with more sophisticated products and showrooms. “I’ve always had a flair for aesthetics and design, so I thought it was a great opportunity to apply that energy to clean things up

and create a fresh image that would take the business into its next chapter,” he says, adding that specialty patio retailers (in general) need to step up their game to compete with the growing number of national retailers who are diversifying into outdoor living. “If we don’t do a better job of reaching out to the right customers, we won’t survive. We’ll all end up like the corner hardware store.” After the purchase, Henegan immediately took action to rebrand, starting with a search for a marketing/advertising agency in the area. “We needed an experienced partner with a creative department that could do copywriting, execute and drive the process.” Once the agency was hired, they kicked off the rebrand with a survey that was sent to a sampling of 1,000 customers who had spent $5,000 or more in the past three years.

According to those surveyed, the top reason they made their purchases was the superior quality of the products. The second reason was the high touch sales experience. The third was price, but it was significantly less important than the other two factors. The survey also asked customers how they would feel if Fire House changed its name. The response was that they didn’t care what the name was as long as the store sold the same products and delivered the same overall experience. “There was a lot of debate internally about changing our name because we have such strong brand equity in our market. Understandably, the long-time employees had the hardest time with the idea. After the survey confirmed that customers were ambivalent about the name, everyone felt more confident that it was the right business move,” Henegan explains, adding that it was 41

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MEET VIRIDIEN To choose the new name, it was decided that it needed to be something less masculine and more gender neutral (than Fire House) to appeal to the store’s primary customers who are females interested in design and decorating. The goal: To identify a simple dot-com name that is easy to remember and takes into account the overall web strategy. After much research, they decided on Viridien, which means verdant or green. “We think Viridien works because it’s simple and will easily evolve with the business because it’s not a descriptor for what we sell.” The new name officially debuted in 2021. To ease people into the change, it was dual branded as Viridien, formerly Fire House Casual Living. It has been dual branded for about 18 months. By next spring, the old name will be dropped, and a tagline will be added to show that Viridien is in the home goods space. The whole name transition process will take two years. “Communicating is already so much easier now that the name is simple, clear, and has more impact. It is going to elevate the image of our business in so many ways.”

SHOWROOM SHOWCASE Viridien has also undergone a makeover inside and out. The reimagined showrooms have an airy, contemporary vibe reminiscent of an indoor furniture store. “People often ask if all the merchandise can be used outdoors (because it’s so beautiful) and the answer is yes. From lamps to art, rugs and wall fixtures, everything is built to live outdoors.” The product mix includes a select number of luxury brands, including Bennett Jones, Brown Jordan, Kingsley Bate, and a number of custom collections. The exteriors of all five stores have been repainted to reflect a fresh, modern image. “We added a block of colorful stripes that catch your attention from a mile away. They are vibrant, fun, and speak to the playfulness of outdoor living. They have become our signature.” The stripes are incorporated into much of Viridien’s marketing—from signage to shopping bags and even employee name tags. “Our focus going forward is to drive the store’s high touch experience,” Henegan says. “When I speak to my direct-to-consumer friends, they admit that their biggest challenge is trying to persuade someone to spend a decent amount of money without ever seeing or sitting in a product. Our challenge is the exact opposite, which is to get people to come to a store so they can see and sit in the furniture for themselves.” For the last 30 years, the store’s core customer base has been the boomer generation, but that is changing quickly. “We are now faced with millennials and Gen X, which is a much younger generation and just as affluent as boomers.”

Viridien specializes in luxury furniture with a modern aesthetic.

Also, specialty retailers are competing more and more with national consumer brands that are pouring money into digital advertising. “It’s a different consumer in terms of how they are going to interact, especially in the digital marketplace. We need to be a lot more hip in the way we communicate and in the technology of how we deliver. By making these changes, it is opening the door for the younger customer to identify with us, without alienating the boomers.” SKY’S THE LIMIT Since the transition, Viridien’s online customer reviews have been plentiful. Each of its five stores have received an average of 500-600 reviews, which adds up to thousands of positive interactions. “This is unusual in our business. Most specialty

retailers don’t have anywhere near what we have,” Henegan says. The majority of the reviews compliment the good experience customers have had from start to finish—from walking into a store to the final home delivery. “Our delivery teams are our final impression, so we put a lot of energy into making them the best that they can be.” Heading into 2024, the sky’s the limit, especially when it comes to growth. “We see outdoor living as a high growth category that is not slowing down. We are fortunate to have the necessary experience and depth that will allow us to exploit that opportunity,” Henegan says, adding that he considers the rebranding the best step forward. “I’ve truly enjoyed driving the new vision of the business. It’s hard to say what would have happened if we didn’t do it, but we’ve certainly seen success.”

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Circle Reader Service No. 43

AS I SEE IT PATIO RENAISSANCE

What’s InOUTSIDE Patio Renaissance stays one step ahead by keeping its finger on the market’s pulse. BY SHARON SANDERS

PATIO RENAISSANCE (RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CALIFORNIA) knows exactly what its customers need to be profitable. Since 2005, this forward-thinking company has been offering quality aluminum and woven outdoor furniture and nurturing strong relationships with its dealers— making it a force in the industry. Patio & Hearth Products Report sat down with Mark Gorr, outdoor furniture consultant, to get a glimpse into how the company plans to turn its momentum from this past year into a pivotal 2024. What are the standout moments for Patio Renaissance in 2023? Gorr: We had many standout moments this year. Our biggest announcement was that our Prestige factory moved all of its production out of China to an expanded facility in Vietnam, so we no longer have to deal with the tariffs. It has been a big relief all the way around (especially to our dealers) because it sets us up for a more profitable future. We also debuted our new showroom at the inaugural International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) show in Atlanta in July. It’s airy, open, and twice the size of our former showroom, so we have the luxury of space to show a much larger breadth of our product offerings than ever before.

TOP: Copenhagen Deep Seating (Shale Weave) BOTTOM: Preveli Dining

How does an outdoor furniture manufacturer set itself up to be a leader in today’s challenging retail environment? Gorr: A company must be easy to do business with all the way through the process—from making it simple to select products to providing reliable shipping and having a strong service department. Service departments, in particular, are an unglorified part of the business, but are crucial because they’re the last impression a dealer or customer has with your company. It’s important to have a strong service department that is skilled at interacting with customers and able to provide quick results. What is the company’s philosophy for making products that appeal to consumers? Gorr: The absolute best source for product development and innovation is the insight and feedback that we receive directly from retail sales 44

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staff in the field. They are our eyes and ears on showroom floors across the country because they have contact with consumers every day and truly know what people are looking for in outdoor furniture. We make it a priority to constantly be in the field visiting stores to gather suggestions that really make a difference in the appeal of our products in the marketplace. In addition, we constantly stay on top of the latest indoor furniture trends in Europe (colors, patterns, and designs) because they are reliable precursors to the trends heading to the United States. We have a talented R&D team that takes all the information we gather and translates it into furniture that people love. What Patio Renaissance products have been consistent favorites over the past few years? Gorr: We have a long list that includes Amalfi, Catalina, Eureka, and Somerset for woven, as well as Aspen, Coronado, Delano, and Seattle that are favorites in our aluminum category. What all these groups have in common is scale. Modern and small scale is the trend in the market right

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AS I SEE IT PATIO RENAISSANCE now. The reason is that the customer base is getting younger as millennials and Gen Z are buying and moving into homes. Outdoor spaces are important to this generation, so they are looking to invest in designs that reflect the style of the indoor décor—not the oversized furniture like their parents or grandparents. What products garnered the most buzz in 2023? Gorr: Amalfi and Coronado are two collections that have been hands-down favorites with excellent sell through. They are a part of our popular Euro collection that we launched in 2021 during COVID. Over the past few years, COVID made doing business more complicated, so factories were hesitant to spend the time and effort to introduce new designs. Dealers have been hungry for new looks to offer their customers, so they are thrilled to

finally put fresh groups like Amalfi and Coronado on their showroom floors. What new products can specialty retailers expect to see from Patio Renaissance for 2024? Gorr: The fact that we Tribeca Woven Chat moved our production from China to Vietnam required all of our efforts this past year, so we decided it was best to introduce one standout collection for the 2024 season. The collection is named Preveli. It’s a dining and deep seating group with the Euro-style look that appeals to a younger demographic. Preveli features solution-dyed

rope that is wrapped vertically on the back and arms of a powder-coated aluminum frame to create a sleek silhouette. We debuted the collection at the Atlanta show, and it was extremely well received. What emerging design trends do you see in casual furniture? Gorr: We are seeing a shift in color palettes. While gray is still popular, momentum is growing for lighter color weaves and frame finishes that lean toward natural shades. This past season, we introduced a new frame finish called Harvest White, as well as weaves in multiple profiles named Sand and Willow. We will be incorporating them into both our Euro and traditional/transitional collections for 2024. In your opinion, what direction is the outdoor industry heading? Gorr: Full-line furniture stores are getting aggressive about going after the outdoor category as they look for more opportunities for profitability. Many are even making their own lines in their own factories, so they are fully integrated. Specialty retailers need to get serious about going where the consumer is, which is millennials and Gen Z. They need to be willing to evolve their marketing strategies and reach out to younger consumers using social media because that is the language they speak. What is Patio Renaissance doing to support its dealers? Gorr: We build our products overseas, so our core business involves containers. We offer generous extended terms to help dealers with cash flow so they don’t have to pay until well into their busy season when cash flow is at a peak. We also offer a warehouse special order program with domestic cut and sew operations that give the floor sales staff plenty of fabric options to close a sale. What’s on the horizon for Patio Renaissance? Gorr: For 2024, our emphasis is to put the brand in a much stronger position to appeal to younger consumers because it is the largest growing demographic right now. The key to a successful partnership is to offer retailers a full lineup of products so they can expand their customer base year after year. They look to us to be the experts, and we will not disappoint.

Circle Reader Service No. 46

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Circle Reader Service No. 47

MY TURN BERLIN GARDENS

Made With HEART Berlin Gardens continues to expand while staying true to core values. BY KIMBERLY RODGERS

THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS BERLIN GARDENS

its eyes open on how to improve the well-known and classic staple, notes Lotut, who adds, “Our motion pieces are also quite popular and continue to prove themselves in the industry as some of the best out there.” Sales of dining lines and deep seating collections also increase year after year. The recycled poly lumber segment continues to experience rapid growth in all categories. Furthermore, as the demand for the outdoor room and living spaces surge among consumers, Berlin Gardens is seeing an increase in requests for pavilions and pergolas. These structures provide a great addition for homeowners to expand their outdoor room, Lotut says. “Commercial settings have also been a wonderful opportunity for us. Our structures are very popular at country clubs, zoos, churches, parks, and many other public gathering locations.” To meet demand for all its products over the last several years, Berlin Gardens has invested substantial capital in machinery to optimize productivity. Investments in the highest and most up-to-date equipment guarantees manufacturing operates at the utmost efficiency. “An interesting fact is that most of our machines are

(Berlin, Ohio) sets itself apart in the casual products industry. Perhaps the most important one is the outdoor living manufacturer’s personal touch customer service. “We believe that when you call Berlin Gardens, you should get a human and not a robot,” says Molly Lotut, marketing manager. “Anytime anyone calls us, there will always be someone on the other end of the line to answer questions.” This above-and-beyond approach to customer service is all part of the company’s guiding principles, aptly named HEART: Honesty, Efficiency, Attitude, Respect, and Trust. “Whenever we have a tough or big decision to make, we reflect and ask ourselves, ‘Does it align with our core values?’” Lotut says. “We focus on doing what we say we do. For example, it is important that when we put out a shipping date, our customers know they will receive it on that date.” Berlin Gardens began in 1988 with the classic Adirondack chair. Over the past 35 years, the product offerings have grown substantially to now include a diverse range of traditional, modern, and transitional furniture collections, bar and buffet tables, picnic tables and benches, accessories, outdoor fire pit tables, pavilions, pergolas, and cushions for almost every aspect of outdoor living. In fact, “Take Life Outdoors” is part of the company’s logo. All products are made from the highest quality HDPE (high density polyethylene) or MGP (marine grade polymer) with pride from skilled Amish craftsmen. These artisans pair advanced machinery with traditional methods and skills handed down through generations. Quality is ensured through consistency in manufacturing and attention to detail. Appealing designs feature sleek lines and contemporary styling. “We are grateful that we can create beautiful products from our recycled lumber,” Lotut says. Adirondack chairs remain a large portion of the business and are still the dominant seller. While the company has come to perfect this timeless piece, it still keeps

LEFT: Holland Loveseat and Club Chair in matte black, cushions in Sunbrella Heritage Char RIGHT: Berkley Expandable Table in white

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made in-house by our Amish employees,” Lotut says. There has been an investment in human capital as well, she adds. “We have added more staff, where needed, and also expanded our research and development, marketing, and sales teams.” An in-house staff, solely with a focus on process improvement, has also been a welcome addition. This provides Berlin Gardens the ability to be as lean as possible while still upholding the integrity of its products. NEW COLLECTIONS Berlin Gardens recently introduced seven new furniture collections to the marketplace: Holland, Hartley, Kinsley, Parker, Berkley, Hudson, and Camden. One standout that the company is most excited about is the Berkley. “This collection offers two tables in different sizes, each featuring a butterfly leaf mechanism allowing them to quickly expand for additional seating.” There is also a new kids collection featuring Adirondack chairs, two tables in round and square designs, and a rectangular picnic bench. A recently introduced outdoor rug collection continued on page 69

Circle Reader Service No. 49

PRODUCT INNOVATION TRAVIS INDUSTRIES

Let There Be LIGHT Travis Industries impresses customers and dealers with its showstopping lineup of indoor fireplaces and outdoor fire features.

TUCKED ON A 100-ACRE CAMPUS IN BEAUTIFUL MUKILTEO, WASHINGTON, TRAVIS INDUSTRIES IS THE largest privatelyowned wood, pellet, and gas stove, and insert and fireplace company in America. The company’s 600 employees design and manufacture four of the leading hearth brands that consumers have come to cherish: Lopi, Fireplace Xtrordinair, DaVinci Custom Fireplaces, and Fire Garden—the most recent addition to the company’s product lineup. In fact, Fire Garden is an entire collection of high-end outdoor fire features, encompassing five diverse product categories: Fire pit burners, linear complete fire pits, fireplaces, Tempest gas torches, and a unique series called Prism custom fire sculptures. Fire pit burners are available in linear, round, and square shapes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 65,000 BTU all the way up to 350,000 BTU. The linear complete fire pits come fully assembled in four lengths, with your choice of Corten (weathering steel) or graphite powder-coated finishes. continued on page 69

TOP: Ensconced by 65-million-year-old basalt pillars, this Grand Cluster arrangement of Prism Cubes glows brilliantly with flames and reflections. BOTTOM: 72” Linear Complete Fire Pit in Corten (weathering steel) finish

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Linear Fireplace

Prism™ Custom Fire Sculpture

Tempest Lantern™ , & Complete Fire Pit

Traditional Fireplace

Voracious Fire™ Pit Burner

Linear Fire Pit Burner

It’s All About The Fire • Tempest Torches & Lanterns – Dramatic gas lamps • Round or Square Voracious Fire™ Pit Burners – Ready to drop into your custom fire pit application • Linear Fire Pit Burners – Ready-to-finish with materials and enclosure of your choice • Linear Complete Fire Pits – Fully-assembled fire pits that feature Graphite Powder Coat or Weathering Steel (Corten) finishes • Linear Fireplaces – Ready-to-frame enclosed design with contemporary ribbon burner. Single-Sided or See-Thru models • Traditional Fireplace – Features three designer log set options and can be finished with materials of your choice • Prism™ Custom Fire Sculptures – Captivating sculptures that combine Black Glass or Weathering Steel (Corten) cubes arranged to create magical fire reflections.

Made in Mukilteo, WA

Call Us For Dealership Opportunities 800.654.1177 firegardenoutdoors.com Circle Reader Service No. 51

CORPORATE PROFILE SUMMER CLASSICS

Enduring Design Summer Classics’ distinctive furnishings have been adding ambiance to outdoor spaces for years. BY DANA ROBINSON

SOME OF YOUR BEST MEMORIES WERE PROBABLY SPENT SITTING IN THE BACKYARD or the living room surrounded by family and friends—indulging in great food, laughing, and celebrating special moments and holidays. And if you were lucky, you experienced at least some of those wonderful times while seated on furnishings from Pelham, Alabama-based Summer Classics. Company founder Bew White created the family-owned business that’s been operating in the U.S. since 1987. The company provides its clientele with luxury outdoor products and passionately creates furnishings and accessories with the belief that timeless designs can and will be embraced for years, says Keri Caune, executive vice president of business development. Summer Classics is a member of the Gabriella White LLC family of brands, which includes Gabby, an indoor furniture and accessories brand launched by Bew’s son, William White, in 2010. “Gabby is loved by designers for bringing inspiring and unique furnishings time and time again,” Caune says. The company is known for finding and pairing unusual combinations that help to create beautifully designed spaces for its clients, she says. The ideas of home, family, and luxurious living no doubt inspired the Gabby/Summer Classics shared business motto: Life’s Best Moments. Furnished. Furniture designers must keep up with customer demands and industry trends that literally change by the season. And this year, the industry as a whole experienced a major shift: Casual Market’s location move from Chicago to Atlanta. “The shift from Chicago was positive for us,” says Caune, who notes that Summer Classics has a permanent showroom in Atlanta. “We were very pleased with Casual Market and the strong atten-

TOP LEFT: Savannah TOP RIGHT: Palma BOTTOM: Harbor

dance. The outdoor industry showed up curious to see AmericasMart and the offerings in the new showrooms.” Caune notes a higher attendance rate based upon showroom scans and was pleased with the positive feedback they received from customers and visitors on the company’s new showroom and updated branding. “While I do believe the market attendees will miss the city of Chicago and all it brings, the shopping and visual experience is stronger in Atlanta,” she says. SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTIONS All of Summer Classics’ new collections, which were introduced in July to keep up with its customers’ luxurious tastes and everchanging needs, sold well during Casual Market, Caune notes. The Palma, Playa, Harbor, and Savannah lines all feature a unique use of materials and designs—“what you would expect from Summer Classics,” Caune says. From the Palma collection’s use of marine-grade vinyl and reticulated foam cushions to the Savannah line’s timeless style, the collections provide the perfect look for 52

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any outdoor setting— residential or contract. Summer Classics also showcased added finishes and line extensions to current top-selling collections at Casual Market. Indoor trends inspired the new onyx finish of the Montecito, Halo, and Newport collections, which create a moody, modern look. “Oh—and indoors is going out,” Caune says. “Our Summer Classics Tailored line featuring 13 marine-grade frames is inspired by our top-selling indoor upholstery designs. All were received with accolades based on design, best-in-class materials, and fabric options. Our fabric was also the star of the show, featuring 100 new fabrics for 2024 with 20 of the fabrics being featured in our Outdoor Upholstery line, Summer Classics Tailored.” Collections from the past are continuing to pique customers’ interests, as well. In 2022, the company introduced the NDura Wood collections, which feature the remarkable look of teak without the maintenance. The material is used in top-selling collections like Coast, Avondale, and Santa Barbara, creating options in deep seating, dining, and bar. “The reaction to the material and how it’s utilized has exceeded our expectations,” Caune says. “The marketplace loves this material for its look, design, and maintenance.” Additionally, Summer Classics’ key groups made from N-Dura Resin/wicker are

top-of-mind for customers and consumers, leading with the Montecito and Montauk collections. Montauk provides a look that’s similar to Montecito with a smaller scale. These two groups, like all of the Summer Classics lines, can be mixed and matched with like materials or aluminum or teak. This allows outdoor design to embody the customer’s point of view and how their space comes together, Caune notes. Summer Classics adds new products to its stores on a monthly basis, which encourages frequent visits and keeps customers on their toes. The company ships anywhere in the United States and serves local communities through its Dealer and Designer Network as well as its local Gabby & Summer Classics stores. However, what customers are asking for is somewhat determined by their location. Caune notes that teak, which sets a luxurious outdoor space, is popular in the Northeast and coastal regions, while N-Dura Wood is also popular in coastal locations (but is frankly great in any space). N-Dura Resin keeps customers satisfied all over the country as does Summer Classics’ aluminum products with architectural-grade paint. And those who are fortunate enough to have large outdoor living spaces typically favor the Montecito and Montauk lines. “It truly depends on the space available, how the customer wants to use the space, and their design inspiration,” Caune says. “Our product is designed for all regions as we use high-quality materials that can endure all types of weather. The collections are traditional, transitional, and modern—once again providing us the ability to meet the needs across the United States.” But no matter which particular collection a customer chooses from, buyers are collectively leaning toward darker finishes and richer, warmer finishes over gray tones—marking a trend shift from just a few years ago. And there’s a general movement toward creating outdoor spaces that possess the comfort and coziness of indoor spaces. “The COVID-19 pandemic created the trends,” Caune says. “People were spending more time at home and they wanted to create warm, comfortable spaces with more of a sanctuary feel.”

expansions in Pelham will add substantial square footage to house inventory and cushion-manufacturing operations. The location will be operational in 2024. Summer Classics has marked this time of change and expansion with a bold, new look, including a nautilus brand mark. The elegant design is inspired by the golden ratio and reflects the beauty of the natural world as well as

Scottsdale, Arizona, opened this year with next-generation store designs featuring indoor and outdoor brands with a gathering space for design and community bridging. Also, the Atlanta showroom will be expanding its Gabby space on the 15th floor, while a Gabby space expansion will be taking over the registration space in the Dallas location. Warehouse

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Always on a quest to reach its customers faster and with the best selection, Summer Classics has plans to upgrade its operations this year and into the next with new stores, warehouse expansions, and showroom expansions. A new location in Annapolis, Maryland, and one in

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the essence of summer, while providing a natural connection to spending time outdoors. With more than 35 years firmly behind it, the company seeks to move forward with its customers, Caune says. “We’ll continue to play a role in supporting life’s best moments on patios, porches, terraces, and the gardens of homes, vacation homes, and commercial properties.”

INSIGHT AEI

Hot Brands

AEI’s premier grilling and patio comfort products extend the outdoor season. BY CHERISE FORNO

and sharing the knowledge it has accumulated. “We have gained extensive experience in our industry, led by our CEO, Pete Arnold,” Carsten says. “Throughout these years and those to come, we believe what has set us apart is our core values that represent AEI to our vendors, customers, and employees.” This commitment includes staying at the forefront of the grilling and outdoor heating industries by manufacturing in-demand products, as well as selecting brands that live up to AEI’s high standards. “We are a distributor for some of the best in class that are proudly made in the USA, such as our infrared heating brands of Infratech, Infrared Dynamics (Sunglo and Sunpak), and SunStar,” Carsten says. AEI takes great care with the brands it chooses to represent. The company values the relationships it has formed with dealers and uses their feedback to evaluate market trends and how it will respond to them. “We pride ourselves on listening to our dealers’ needs,” Carsten says. “They are on the front lines listening to their customers’ needs, reporting trends, and they count on distributors

SINCE 1966, AEI CORPORATION (IRVINE, CALIFORNIA) has been an innovative leader in outdoor cooking and patio comfort heating products for both residential and commercial applications. As a manufacturer and distributor of top-of-the-line brands, the company serves hotels, restaurants, contractors, and brick-and-mortar stores throughout the country. “We’re very consumer driven and one of our core values is serving the customer,” says Randy Carsten, national sales manager. “We offer solutions for each customer’s individual needs.” For nearly six decades, AEI has stayed committed to its values of building a culture of trustworthiness and respect, mutual growth, long-term relationships,

LEFT: AEI Corporation has a long legacy of providing high-quality outdoor cooking and heating products to a variety of customers. RIGHT: Infratech’s heaters offer a convenient and cost-effective way to comfortably heat indoor and outdoor spaces.

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and manufacturers to produce quality products, especially when they are battling against the big-box stores. We invest our synergies in manufacturers that represent the heritage of a partnership built on value, high quality, and innovation to the marketplace. To date, it has been a successful recipe for AEI Corporation.” Now, Infratech, Infrared Dynamics, and SunStar are in high demand. Carsten notes that they have grown in popularity, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic when people spent significantly more time at their homes. People continue to want to spend more time in their outdoor living areas, whether it’s to entertain a large group or enjoy a relaxing evening with family. “The beauty of outdoor comfort heating is it can extend the outdoor season, allowing people to spend more time outside when it gets cold,” Carsten says. “People can still take advantage of the amenities in their backyards and patios.” The convenience of these heating products and their cost effectiveness allows homeowners to extend the amount of time they can comfortably

“The beauty of outdoor comfort heating is it can extend the outdoor season, allowing people to spend more time outside when it gets cold.” spend outdoors. SunStar’s SDG 50 glass infrared heater with 34,000 BTU to 50,000 BTU has been a popular introduction. This product is made in the U.S., and is kept in stock and ready to ship in 24-48 hours from AEI’s Irvine, California, facility, where it keeps a large supply of products for quick shipping. “SunStar is a new product with growing popularity due to its esthetically pleasing front glass, the ability to withstand up to 40 mph winds, with a 316 marine grade option, making it a top choice for residential or commercial coastal locations that prefer a gas option,” Carsten says. Infratech’s electric heaters have also been increasing in popularity. Its Garage Heater with a new 110V plug-in is flush-mount capable and has custom controls. Infratech’s Drop Pole Mounts are designed for tall or slanted ceilings for the convenience of its customers. Carsten notes that the market is trending toward electric products, partly due to green initiatives. Infratech’s electric heaters are eco-friendly with a small footprint. They are also streamlined and designed for permanent installation, making them popular at residences. “As an industry leader in quartz electric manufactur-

ing, Infratech has been a brand in high demand year over year with the increase for electrification,” Carsten says. “Furthermore, with the many heater options in colors, voltages, sizes, controls, mounting options, and customization, it helps to specify any project and budget.” Infrared Dynamics features both rectangular and mushroom-domed natural gas and LP gas heaters. Sunpak’s rectangular heater is ideal for restaurants with its high efficiency and alluring design. Sunglo features portable heaters that can be set up quickly for outdoor events such as a wedding. “The beauty of an umbrella heater is that it’s up and running within an hour,” Carsten says. “All you need to do is put the propane tank on it, and it’s good to go. You don’t

need anyone to install it.” In keeping with its 57-year history of ingenuity, AEI will continue to listen to customers and other feedback while it responds to market trends and works to responsibly increase its offerings. It also remains committed to its core values of how it conducts business and provides customer service. “We’re focusing on expanding outdoor comfort heating in the residential market because it’s very important,” Carsten says. “It goes with the trend of people investing more in their homes and outdoor heating, extending their outdoor season by two to three weeks on each end of the season depending on what part of the country they’re in.”

ABOVE: SunStar’s glass infrared heaters are a popular choice to help customers extend their outdoor season, especially in coastal areas because of its ability to with-

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WHAT’S NEW New – Fire Magic Echelon Grill

6 Hot Products To Sell Now

New for 2024, the Fire Magic Digital Echelon boasts a state-of-the-art black glass control panel with touchscreen operation and precise heat control for grilling fish, steaks, vegetables, and more. Integrated smart technology allows remote control from a smartphone. The new modern black glass accent will be extended to Echelon analog models and complementary cooking accessories. These enhancements join other innovative features found in the Echelon Collection, including cast stainless steel burners, hot surface ignition, redesigned Flavor Grids, patented Diamond Sear Cooking Grids, and the Magic View window. Contact: (800) 332-3973 or www.firemagicgrills.com. Circle Reader Service No. 101

The Camden Berlin Gardens proudly presents the Camden Collection, a testament to the perfect fusion of comfort and style. Featuring deep-seating options, this collection redefines outdoor relaxation, offering unparalleled comfort without compromising on aesthetics. With a seamless blend of form and function, the Camden Collection ensures that your outdoor space remains a visual delight while providing the highest level of comfort. The Camden Collection arrives “knocked down” and is easy to assemble. Contact: (800) 593-3411 or www.berlingardensllc.com.

Gemuetlichkeit – Spartherm-800-MO Following the release of the 600 and 700 models, Spartherm will introduce the new EPA-approved 800 model as an insert, fireplace, or stove in February 2024. Contact: Spartherm-America / Markus Aumann /m.aumann@spartherm.com / 0049-15222644162. Circle Reader Service No. 102

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Havenwood Collection Mix and match your perfect fire pit table with the Havenwood Collection. Choose an Everblend Driftwood or Carbon Grey textured top or a concrete-like Pebble top and pair it with a contemporary Luverne Black, White, or Graphite Grey powder-coated steel base. Half the weight of concrete, outdoor-rated Everblend is a modified concrete and offers a unique, stunning look to your outdoor space. Contact: (866) 303-4028 or www.outdoorrooms.com. Circle Reader Service No. 103

Cabo San Lucas

LT1 ZC Tall Linear Fireplace

Experience the essence of Cabo San Lucas with this stunning collection, inspired by its beautiful beaches and carefree lifestyle. Each piece in this series is designed for ultimate comfort, featuring internal reticulated foam padding. The hand-brushed finish evokes a feeling of silky sandy beaches, adding a touch of luxury to your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for a living or dining set, Cabo San Lucas has you covered. Contact: (866) 919-1881 or www.ratana.com.

The LT1 continues to raise the standards for linear gas fireplaces. The viewing area is approximately 33% taller than the L1, providing stunning visuals and efficient, radiant warmth throughout. Engineered to enhance flame depth and width without sacrificing efficiency, the V-Class burner emits radiant warmth where you want it, when you want it. The LT1 requires the Valor HeatShift System—reducing wall temperatures and improving overall performance. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.valorfireplaces.com.

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PRODUCTS Bramshaw Electric Stove

New Hudson Collection by Gensun

The Bramshaw LED electric stove is a contemporary square design with panoramic side-viewing windows. Installation can be freestanding or wall mounted. Available with either the sleek pedestal base or log base, which allows space for placing logs inside to complete the authentic look. Operate the stove with a remote or use the control panel, which is discretely placed behind the door. It can be operated with or without heating for year-round, inexpensive use. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.britishfires.ca.

Designed by Achella Design, Hudson combines a sleek design with hand-finished, tactile materials. The wide, straight arm and invitingly ample seat cushion gives Hudson both a sense of presence and embracing comfort. Hudson has an intricately woven back and beautifully finished wood impression arm caps. With transitional elements to go along with multiple finish options, Gensun’s new Hudson collection can seamlessly integrate into any outdoor space. Contact: (866) 964-4468 or www.gensuncasual.com.

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Montigo DelRay Linear – 72 Now Available

Le Griddle

The DelRay Linear, designed for affordability, offers beautiful flames inside a sleek and modern firebox. Available in a basic version or fully loaded with black glass liner, fan system, halogen downlighting, micro mesh screen, and a full function remote. The DelRay Linear series is easy to install and all sizes feature a slim framing depth and a stunning clean face design. Converting to propane can be performed in minutes with the simple conversion kit. The new DelRay 72 size is a 5/8 fireplace with a 16” framing depth. The fully loaded version comes standard with a 30% turndown. Contact: (800) 378-3115, sales@montigo.com or www.montigo.com.

The world’s best griddle just got better—made in the USA. The great strength of Le Griddle lies in its exclusive and patented Dual Plate System cooking plate. Thanks to this exclusive system on all griddles, the temperature is evenly controlled. In combination with the completely antibacterial 304 stainless steel cooking surface and the composite cast iron subsurface, the Dual Plate System cooking plate offers many advantages, making it the best professional griddle. Contact: (800) 833-5998 or www.legriddleus.com. Circle Reader Service No. 111

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MGP Slat Top Tables The ever-popular MGP Slat Top Tables with a twist! MGP Dash is a new, sleek modern Table Top design! This collection features full rain-through slots and is perfect for any retail or commercial application with its nonporous Marine Grade Polymer Top and durable frame construction. Available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and heights. Only from Telescope Casual! Contact: (518) 6421100 or www.telescopecasual.com.

The Kinsley/Numa Witness the remarkable innovation of the Kinsley and Numa Collections. MGP (marine grade polymer) technology offers a thinner profile, allowing for sleeker and more modern furniture design without compromising durability. The Kinsley chairs provide both comfort and style, perfectly complementing the Numa fire table. Create your own outdoor living space with this combination that harmoniously blends aesthetics with functionality for a chic and contemporary ambiance. Contact: (800) 593-3411 or www.berlingardensllc.com.

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OUTDOOR LIVING REIMAGINED Come experience the Casual Market, now located at AmericasMart Atlanta in partnership with the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA). Discover the latest trends in casual furnishings and outdoor furniture among seven floors of permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits.

July 15–18, 2024 September 16–18, 2024 CasualMarketAtlanta.com

PRODUCT SOURCED FROM: BROWN JORDAN, NAPA HOME & GARDEN, MAMAGREEN, OUTDOOR INTERIORS AND TROPITONE Circle Reader Service No. 59

PRODUCTS Scottsdale Capture the dynamic energy of Scottsdale, Arizona, with this sleek and bold Scottsdale collection. Its angular lines pay homage to the city’s modern streets, while the purposeful boxy wide armrests and ergonomic back offer you unparalleled relaxation. The two-toned handwoven smooth resin elegantly wraps around a sturdy, lightweight aluminum frame, creating a visually captivating and durable design. Available in sectional, living, and dining sets, the Scottsdale collection will elevate your outdoor living experience. Contact: (866) 919-1881 or www.ratana.com. Circle Reader Service No. 113

Big Timber Elite Patio Heater by Timber Stoves

ROBAX Magic with Signature Impressions

Harnessing the power of wood pellets, the Big Timber Elite Patio Heater delivers unrivaled outdoor coziness. Superior to propane or gas models in fuel efficiency, it embodies the beauty and warmth of natural flame. Its sturdy stainless steel construction not only catches the eye but also produces a substantial 90,000 BTU to effectively heat surrounding areas. Contact: (630) 241-0506 or email sales@fandcdistributors.com.

SCHOTT ROBAX Magic with Signature Impressions is a unique glass-ceramic offering for fireplace lovers. Its distinct feature is its ability to showcase specialized designs even while unlit, creating a captivating focal point. When in use, the glass reflects and enhances the mesmerizing dance of flames. ROBAX Magic provides an elegant and bespoke touch to fireplaces. Its high-quality, heat-resistant properties ensure durability and beauty, and redefines the aesthetics of indoor heating appliances. Contact: (914) 831-2200 or www.schott.com.

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Infrared Dynamics – Backyard Heaters

New Wood Firebox Collection

Sunpak and Sunglo outdoor infrared patio heaters are produced by Infrared Dynamics, the recognized leader in the outdoor comfort heating industry. Produced with pride in the USA since 1961. With a great lineup of options, you can comfortably and efficiently warm your outdoor areas and extend your outdoor entertainment season for several months. Contact: (949) 474-3070 or www.aeicorporation.com.

This collection now comes in three new sizes, specifically designed to enhance your fireplace experience with a larger viewing area than other models. The 36”, 44”, and 54” wood fireboxes are meticulously crafted to provide an unparalleled visual display, bringing warmth and ambiance to any space. For those seeking a traditional touch, the fireboxes offer classic brick or herringbone refractory panels in four colors: natural concrete, white, mocha, and black. These liners provide a warm and rustic appearance. A smooth surface refractory is available for those seeking a contemporary design. The smooth surface and clean lines create a minimalist aesthetic. Contact: (800) 851-3153 or marketing@empirecomfort.com.

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SimpliFire Inception Electric Fireplace The Inception with Digital Spark technology is the first traditional electric fireplace to combine an authentic fire experience with the convenience of electric. Simple to add to almost any space with no need for construction, the Inception creates a cozy vibe with flames that are indistinguishable from the real thing and is easy to control by voice, phone, or a smart device. This changes everything. Contact: www.simplifire.com. Circle Reader Service No. 118

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PRODUCTS Pit Boss 5-Burner Ultimate Griddle

Majestic Trilliant Gas Insert

The Pit Boss Ultimate 5-Burner Griddle blends power and precision for an unrivaled outdoor cooking experience. The proprietary non-stick armored cooking surface is ready to use straight out of the box and is a dream to clean. As a bonus, the ceramic coating protects the griddle from scratches and rust to keep it looking better for longer. With a 647-square-inch cooking surface, this griddle is large and versatile enough to be your go-to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Contact: (877) 303-3134 or www.dansons.com.

Wow your customers by transforming their tired, drafty fireplace into a showpiece with the Majestic Trilliant gas insert. Available in three sizes, with touch-screen controls, trendy modern options, and integrated fan, the Majestic Trilliant can boost heating efficiency by over 50% compared to a traditional wood fireplace. For an even simpler, more versatile installation option, check out the available pedestal base and make the Trilliant 30 a contemporary free-standing fireplace. Contact: www.majesticproducts.com. Circle Reader Service No. 122

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Leeward ThreePosition Lay-Flat Cushion Chaise

Tall Linear Vector Gas Fireplace

New for 2024, the comfort you know and love is now available as a ThreePosition Lay-Flat Cushion Chaise. It’s constructed with a durable MGP frame and an internal reclining ratchet system, making it strong but beautiful in any application. Connect cushion chaises using the Z0C0 Chaise Connector Kit to create a versatile daybed look. Available in eight MGP frame colors and 140 outdoor quality cushion fabrics, only from Telescope Casual! Contact: (518) 642-1100 or www.telescopecasual.com.

Napoleon’s latest premium linear gas fireplace, the Tall Vector, is an exciting and innovative addition, providing competitive pricing and excellent margins. It boasts an extensive viewing area, impressive media choices, and optional heat management systems, making it perfect for consumers who want a “wow factor” and for commercial-style design bids. Additionally, the fireplace’s elevated flame height and low BTU ensure a more efficient use of gas! Contact: (866) 820-8686 or www.napoleon.com.

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Patio Comfort – Portable Patio Heaters Patio Comfort portable patio heaters are wellsuited for creating a cozy outdoor environment year-round, making this the standard for residential backyards, restaurant patios, and outdoor events. With long-term durability, safety, and performance in mind, AEI’s use of high-quality materials like commercial-grade aluminum, stainless steel, and brass speaks to the durability and safety of these heaters. Patio Comfort prices were recently reduced to help you prepare for the cooler season. For updated pricing or to become an authorized dealer, contact: (949) 474-3070 or www.aeicorporation.com.

Sink into the luxurious comfort of the Morocco collection, which features oversized proportions that add to the collection’s intriguing aesthetic design. Inspired by the art of handwoven basketry, the large wicker weave offers a relaxed look and feel to the low-profile frame design. Made for many years of enjoyment and beauty with highly weather and UV- resistant all-weather wicker for a worry-free experience and the look of natural material. Contact: (909) 980-6698 or www.patiorenaissance.com.

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Morocco

Voracious Fire Pit Burners by Fire Garden Voracious Fire Pit Burners are customizable, traditional burners that are ready-to-finish into the fire pit application of your choice. Available in round or square burner shapes in a variety of sizes, Voracious Fire Pit Burners are sure to complement any outdoor gathering space, while featuring all-weather construction for year-round enjoyment. Contact: (800) 654-1177 or www.travisproducts.com. Circle Reader Service No. 125

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Lava Vented Front View Featuring GlowFire Log Technology This one-of-a-kind masterpiece gives the look and feel of a log on fire because it is! Each log is individually orificed and ported, allowing the fuel to flow out of the log, presenting the most realistic gas log set on the market. Available in four convenient sizes, gas specific construction, and available with either on/off or variable flame electronic controls. The Lava burner series and GlowFire log technology has created a platform for endless log style and future configuration development. Contact: www.grandcanyongaslogs.com. Circle Reader Service No. 126

Universal Controls

The Enerzone Destination 2.7 Wood Insert boasts a distinctive, powerful design with its cast-iron faceplate and large glass surface. Delivering high performance, the insert emits 80,000 BTU at a rate of a mere 1.14 g/h, well below the forthcoming EPA standards. Remarkably, it meets the needs of smaller spaces despite its substantial size. Contact: (630) 241-0506 or email sales@fandcdistributors.com.

Infratech knows that its customers have different needs when it comes to the controls they choose for their properties. This is why Infratech offers a broad range of custom control options that allow you to enjoy heaters “your way.” The Universal Control works with any Bluetooth/Wi-Fi dimmer or with apps compatible with Alexa, Siri, or the Google Home Assistant. All of these products are proudly made in the USA. Contact: (800) 421-9455 or www.infratech-usa.com.

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Enerzone Destination 2.7 Wood Insert

DIKAPT WIND-KING ANTI-DOWNDRAFT CAP DIVERTS WIND | DIVERTS RAIN | DIRECTS FLUE GASES Omni-directional venturi design moves rain and wind out of the cap to ensure normal ﬂow of hot gases. Proven design for use in harsh climates and all weather conditions. For solid-fuel chimneys. NOW UL APPROVED ON CLASS A CHIMNEYS TO UL 103HT for use with Selkirk Ultra-Temp®, Selkirk SuperPro®, AmeriVent TLC® chimneys.

WIND AND RAIN Protects from wind and rain during cold chimney conditions

• AVAILABLE IN 5”- 8” DIA. • HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION • EASY TO INSTALL & REMOVE FOR INSPECTION & CLEANING • SMART CHOICE LIFETIME LIMITED WARRANTY

www.duraventgroup.com

FLOW OF HOT GASES ! "! during windy conditions

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PRODUCTS Infratech Introducing Infratech’s Marine Up-Grade 316 stainless steel for the W/WD, C/CD Series heaters, and the Flush Mount Frames. Enjoy the American-made craftsmanship you have come to expect from Infratech with the element protection 316 stainless steel offers. Contact: (800) 421-9455 or www.infratech-usa.com.

The Preveli Collection

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The Preveli collection offers you a casual yet sophisticated European touch that can be enjoyed from your backyard. Preveli uses a unique blend of materials that create a rich look without sacrificing comfort and will be enjoyed for years to come. Preveli uses aluminum frames with a scratch-resistant finish as well as tabletops made of HPL (high pressure laminate) that are very durable and scratch resistant. Preveli also incorporates a durable all-weather woven rope material that will maintain this beautiful look for years of enjoyment. Contact: (909) 980-6698 or www.patiorenaissance.com. Circle Reader Service No. 129

Ultimate StovePipe Ultimate StovePipe is an all-fuel, double-wall chimney connector system. It is designed for the hearth professional. It goes together easily and provides optimal performance with a sleek, smooth, clean appearance to complement any wood stove. Featuring air-insulated, double-wall design -7/16, the air space provides better insulation and heat retention, allows the flue to warm up quickly to establish strong draft, and reduces moisture to minimize creosote buildup and minimize maintenance. Contact: (800) 835-4429 or www.duravent.com.

Astound Built-In Electric Fireplace Introducing Napoleon’s Astound Built-in Electric Fireplace featuring a premium flame pattern with spark effects, and realistic Driftwood and Woodland media. Easily switch out media, clean, and service with the unique flipdown front glass. Control via Napoleon Home app, or voice commands with Wi-Fi connection. Enjoy installation flexibility with the included finishing flange for a frameless look or adjustable trim for more coverage. Ideal for residential and commercial spaces, this fireplace offers style, innovation, and functionality. Contact: (866) 820-8686 or www.napoleon.com.

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Split Herringbone Panels – New Upgrade Panel Design

Tabletop Fire Pit Another Saffire original! This new hightemp, ceramic, smokeless, multifuel, tabletop fire pit has a super thick ceramic shell that provides many big advantages over steel units. The much greater mass resists tipping and provides far safer exterior temperatures. Fired-on ceramic glaze is more decorative, will not discolor, and is easy to clean. The 304 stainless steel firebox and grate with ceramics provide long-lasting durability. Includes carrying case. A perfect gift item! Contact: saffiregrills.com/firepits.

Just another way Golden Blount fireplaces achieve a real masonry look! Not only can you finish the surround all the way to the opening, but Golden Blount now has refractories that achieve a handlaid look. Refractories are available in black, charcoal, gray, antique red, buff, or unpainted ceramic. Available for HD Top Vents (HD4240 & HD5030), this can be ordered for new and existing units. Contact: (800) 833-1139 or www.goldenblountinc.com. Circle Reader Service No. 131

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Pit Boss Rib Prep Tool Making the best possible smoked ribs has never been easier, thanks to the Pit Boss Rib Prep Tool. Removing the membrane from ribs is necessary for getting the flavor and texture of the meat just right. The Pit Boss Rib Prep Tool makes the process of removing the membrane so easy that you’ll be cooking in no time. Contact: (877) 303-3134 or www.dansons.com. Circle Reader Service No. 135

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Tempotest – Foundations Collection

New Lucerne Collection by Gensun

Tempotest Home Fabrics is thrilled to announce the launch of its Foundations Collection, showcasing an exclusive range of solids and stripes. This collection is designed to revolutionize the foundation of how Tempotest’s products are shopped and used by its customers, clients, and partners. The fabrics have been carefully crafted by skilled artisans in Italy, known for their expertise in manufacturing textiles that surpass industry standards. Contact: (972) 512-3534 or www.tempotestusa.com.

Elegant curves combined with detailed cast embellishments create an exquisite transitional design. Gensun’s new Lucerne collection is available in sling, padded sling, or woven seating, which provides comfort and easy outdoor care. Relaxing outdoors doesn’t get better than this. Contact: (866) 9644468 or www.gensuncasual.com. Circle Reader Service No. 137

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Atmosphere Ei33 Electric Insert Introducing the all-new Atmosphere Ei33. Prepare to be blown away, as this dramatic large electric insert is sure to start conversations. Featuring all the design, installation, and heating flexibility of the Atmosphere collection in a large firebox. Enjoy mix-and-match accessories and an unmatched realistic flame picture with the Chromalight LED lighting system. Contact: (604) 946-5155 or www.regency-fire.com. Circle Reader Service No. 138

Finest selection of contemporary European stoves and fireplaces

Stack wood burning stove

Sling MGP Adirondack Ready to sit back and relax? Check out the Sling MGP Adirondack. Experience the perfect fusion of functionality and style utilizing all 316 marine grade stainless steel fasteners and classic design that expresses outdoor relaxation at its finest. Meticulously handcrafted in the USA from the highest quality marine grade polymer available, and offering superior resistance to moisture, fading, and rust, these Adirondacks provide unparalleled stability and durability in all weather conditions. These Adirondacks also work well around a fire pit, in shallow water, or on a cozy front porch. Contact: (941) 213-5869 or www.windwarddesigngroup.com. Circle Reader Service No. 139

Wittus Inc. 914.764.5679

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PRODUCTS Nordik 36

Atmosphere Ei25 Electric Insert

Kozy Heat’s newest addition to the Nordik family is the Nordik 36. It is the EVOlution of fire, with EVO elevated burners that create a stunningly realistic fire around the individual hand-painted logs (in both traditional or birch) that are done in-house by our bark experts. Contact: (800) 253-4904 or www.kozyheat.com.

Introducing the all-new Atmosphere Ei25. Don’t be fooled by the size; this little sibling packs all the same power, design styles, and installation flexibility as the rest of the Atmosphere collection. Featuring mixand-match accessories and an unmatched realistic flame picture with the Chromalight LED lighting system. Contact: (604) 946-5155 or www.regency-fire.com. Circle Reader Service No. 143

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4035 Traditional Outdoor Gas Fireplace by Fire Garden

Ceramic Home Heater Enjoy ceramic wood-burning stoves from La Castellamonte, Italy. The Stack and Rondo (shown) stoves are carefully handcrafted with the finest materials, and each stove is a unique piece of art. Stack stoves are available in two sizes, 44” and 54” H, and four base options: slim, wood, long, and rim. The Rondo is available in four sizes: 40”, 46”, 56”, and 61” H. The Rondo is available in a solid or a raised floralpatterned body. Both products have a choice of whimsical color side cladding. Ecologically compatible, the burn system utilizes a ceramic baffle for ultimate combustion. Contact: www.wittus.com.

This timeless fireplace brings the charm of a traditional indoor hearth to the great outdoors, creating a cozy ambiance for gatherings and year-round comfort. The 4035 is ready to frame and finish with the custom materials of your choice and features three designer log set options. Contact: (800) 654-1177 or www.travisproducts.com.

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Do-ItYourself Crystal Fire Plus Gas Burner Kits Each DIY kit includes everything you need for building the perfect fire pit. Just add brick pavers or other construction materials to make it your own! The kits feature a Crystal Fire Plus burner insert, two vent blocks, a control panel, and clear tempered-glass gems. Pick your size and enjoy a beautiful fire for years to come! Contact: (866) 303-4028 or www.outdoorrooms.com.

GE3 Electric Insert Fireplace Are you looking for an electric insert to replace a wood or gas fireplace? The GE3 electric fireplace might be what you’ve been searching for. Similar in size to the popular G3 gas insert, the GE3 offers a generous viewing area with three expertly crafted log sets in birch, driftwood, or splitwood. The GE3 is a flexible alternative to gas or wood and only requires a simple plug-in installation. Fire up the heater with your remote or mobile app to control the lighting, flame effects, and other features. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.valorfireplaces.com.

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New Fire Magic EL500 Electric Grill

A Cooking Treasure

The new Fire Magic EL500 Electric Grill series combines the luxury, performance, and durability Fire Magic is known for with innovative technology to deliver a premium electric grilling experience outdoors. Available in three models, the full-size, 240-volt, built-in unit boasts a 31” x 16” cooking surface with patented Diamond Sear cooking grids. The Fire Magic Electric Grill is powered by an advanced heat system featuring dual thermostatic control and a temperature range of up to 700°F. It includes 304 stainless steel, a large ceramic glass window, and a touch panel with Bluetooth technology that enables control from a smartphone. Contact: (800) 332-3973 or www.firemagicgrills.com.

The de Manincor woodburning cook stoves, produced in Italy, are a mix of old-world style and state-ofthe-art workmanship. The collection includes the Domono 6 & 8 Maxi, the Domina (shown), and Eco stoves. These products are a perfect match for kitchens and areas that seek an innovative cooking appliance. All models are available in red, blue, green, yellow, black, white, ivory, and stainless steel side cladding. The de Manincor cook stoves are an environmentally friendly heat producer with a contemporary edge. Contact: www.wittus.com.

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Primato Model L

Rubber Boot Flashing

With its patented cyclonic flame pattern, the Primato Model L outdoor pellet-fired patio heater not only provides warmth but also adds a mesmerizing appeal to your outdoor space. This unique flame design, coupled with Italian design finesse, is the hallmark of the heater. Imported exclusively by the Vulcan Group in the United States and self-sufficient with the included USB power pack, it combines cutting-edge technology with a captivating visual element, making it the perfect choice for those who value style and functionality. Enjoy the beauty and warmth of the Primato Model L heater. Contact: (860) 639-8284 or www.thevulcangroup.com.

Duravent Group announces the launch of the Rubber Boot Flashing: The only certified ventilated Rubber Boot Flashing in the industry! The Rubber Boot Flashing eliminates the traditional need to hammer, bend, and push deadsoft aluminum flashing into shape on a metal roof, saving time and effort. Designed to fit 4” and 5” diameter direct vents, 5”-8” chimneys, and roof pitches up to 12/12 (10/12 for 8” diameter chimney). Available now! Contact: (800) 8354429 or www.duravent.com. Circle Reader Service No. 149

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Ranch Side Griddle Introducing the Ranch Side Griddle, the ultimate addition to your outdoor kitchen that will elevate your outdoor cooking experience. Crafted from premium black 304 stainless steel, this side griddle boasts durability and a sleek, modern aesthetic that complements any grill setup. Whether you’re searing succulent steaks, flipping pancakes, or preparing a variety of delectable dishes, the Ranch Side Griddle is ready to help you master the art of outdoor cooking. Don’t miss out on this exceptional addition to your grilling arsenal—it’s available now to transform your culinary adventures. Contact: www.wildfireoutdoorliving.com. Circle Reader Service No. 150

Gemuetlichkeit – Spartherm – 800 IN/ZC

Tempotest Italian Performance Fabrics From vibrant colors and patterns to subtle hues and luxurious textures, Tempotest offers Italian luxury paired with unsurpassed performance in a wide variety of 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabrics. Designers will find a fabric to suit every need, from performance fabrics to be used indoors to vivacious fabrics to accent exterior spaces. Contact: (972) 512-3534 or www.tempotestusa.com.

Built upon the success of models 600 and 700, Spartherm will introduce in February 2024 the new EPAapproved 800 model as an insert, fireplace, or stove model. Contact: SparthermAmerica / Markus Aumann / m.aumann@spartherm.com / 0049-15222644162.

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PRODUCTS Renaissance Cooking Systems

Covina MGP Sling Dining Whether the desire is for dining, balcony, or bar height seating, the Covina Sling collection has the versatility to capture it all. Available in low-back and high-back options, this collection captures comfort! The smooth curves throughout the MGP frame and unique arm shape make this product stylish and timeless. Handcrafted in the USA with exceptional quality and designed for durability, this furniture is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use while maintaining its impeccable style and elegance. Contact: (941) 213-5869 or www.windwarddesigngroup.com.

“Made in America” is what your customers deserve in their grill. The new American Renaissance Grills are made of high-quality materials, packed with features, and yet still offer great value for your customers (and a terrific margin for you). Contact: (800) 833-5998 or www.rcsgasgrills.com. Circle Reader Service No. 156

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Big Tex Log Option on HD Model Top Vents Big fireplaces with big logs make a big statement! Golden Blount is now offering Big Tex logs as an upgrade for the HD Model Top Vents (HD4240 & HD5030). The featured photo showcases the Big Tex option in the Skyscraper HD4240, with fluted refractory panels in antique red. Twig Kit (3 pc.) accessory logs are added for additional height and personalized look. Contact: (800) 833-1139 or www.goldenblountinc.com.

ROBAX NightFlame SCHOTT ROBAX NightFlame is a cutting-edge glass-ceramic designed for fireplaces. Featuring enhanced heat resistance and exceptional clarity, the semi-transparent black glass-ceramic conceals ash and soot when the fire is not lit. When flames ignite, the glass appears transparent, offering a natural fire experience. NightFlame’s awardwinning, dual-mode glass and robust composition ensures durability and safety, making it an ideal choice for modern, stylish, and efficient heating solutions. Contact: (914) 831-2200 or www.schott.com.

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New Forest 75”

Osseo eSeries

The New Forest 75” is the newest addition to British Fires’ series of electric fireplaces. Designed with the trend-setter in mind—the 75”-wide fire will be the spotlight of large rooms and open-planned settings. It arrives with Signature Logs, patented Air Curtain Technology, and award-winning LED flame effects, which can be used without heating for pennies a day. Install it as fully inset, LH or RH cornered, or three-sided. Contact: (800) 468-2567 or www.britishfires.ca.

Kozy Heat’s newest Osseo upgrade— the Osseo eSeries 50 Linear—comes with three convertible options, a front facing, corner (left or right), or a panoramic bay, with pulsating logs in birch or traditional. This Osseo eSeries electric fireplace will fit any of your customer’s home design. Contact: (800) 253-4904 or www.kozyheat.com.

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Hoxter – Corner Wood-burning Fireplaces If you’ve had the opportunity to witness Hoxter fireplaces burning, you know Hoxter has incredibly clean glass, ultra smooth guillotine or swing door operation, and other standard features not found elsewhere. Now, to add to Hoxter’s 15 different wood-burning fireplaces is their lineup of corner models. Featuring double ceramic glass— each made of one bent piece, as well as 8 mm supports, and like all Hoxters, takes 8” Class-A chimney. Contact: (860) 639-8284 or www.thevulcangroup.com. Circle Reader Service No. 159

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MY TURN BERLIN GARDENS continued from page 48 features six on-trend designs, each available in two different sizes. Expansion is occurring in other ways, and the company is excited to launch some new items in the next year. “These products will allow us the opportunity to enlarge our reach into new furniture types and accents for consumers who will be able to complete an outdoor room in one stop with Berlin Gardens.” The company’s reach extends to many dealers throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Oceania. It is a privilege, Lotut says, to be able to offer Berlin Gardens’ products all over the world. She emphasizes that these partnerships are very important. “It is our hope that all our dealers would say we are a trustworthy company and that we stand behind our product. Our relationships with them are much more than just simply transactions.” Consumers are increasingly looking for products made in the U.S., making Berlin Gardens even more appealing since the majority of products are manufactured in the company’s domestic plants (rugs are manufactured in Canada). Where raw materials are sourced and how products are made is a big part of the company. “Being able to control our own manufacturing in our facilities LEFT: Kinsley Lounge Chairs in Graphite, cushions in Pizzazz Fog RIGHT: Kids 38” Round Table and Kids Combo Back Dining Chairs in Weatherwood

allows us the opportunity to continually improve the craftsmanship and the quality of every product that leaves our Berlin Gardens’ facilities, Lotut says. When making their buying decisions, homeowners are also seeking environmentally sustainable products. Products from Berlin Gardens are made from HDPE manufactured primarily from recycled milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles. “It is important for us to be as eco-friendly as possible and make a sustainable product,” Lotut says. The boards are also infused with pigment to ensure UV protection with a range of colors available. “We are always looking for ways to have a more green footprint.” One such example is Berlin Gardens’ partnership with Sunbrella, which provides recycled fabric for cushions. In addition to offering product sustainability,

many eco-friendly work features have also been implemented to take care of the environment. This includes the implementation of 2,200 solar panels at Berlin Gardens’ facilities with plans to add 1,200 more in the next phase of building. Lotut emphasizes that Amish Country is a wonderful place to have a business and Berlin Gardens is part of a great community. It is important, she says, that the company provides a healthy place of employment for members of the community. “Our people are the reason we are who we are.”

PRODUCT INNOVATION TRAVIS INDUSTRIES continued from page 50

“We offer four contemporary linear fireplaces in single-sided and see-thru models,” says Kurt Rumens, president. “We also have a massive traditional fireplace that can be personalized with one of three highly detailed, realistic designer log sets.” “Our Prism Custom Fire Sculptures provide consumers with a way to introduce a unique fire element into their space,” Rumens says. “Indeed, these fire sculptures combine Corten (weathered steel) or black glass cubes in various configurations and sizes to create inno-

LEFT: 22” Round Fire Pit Burner with hand-carved Bon-Fyre Birch Logs RIGHT: 6424 Single-Sided Linear Outdoor Fireplace

vative and mesmerizing designs that have never been seen before. The Prism brings a true artistic element to your commercial or residential outdoor project.” The Fire Garden collection is rounded out by Travis Industries’ Tempest torches and lanterns, which add a welcoming fire to walkways, pools, or patios. They have been installed thousands of times in faraway palaces, commercial applications, and residential backyard settings. According to Rumens, what makes Fire Garden products truly stand out is not only the great variety of models available, but each model features heavy-duty stainless steel construction, the innovative All-Weather 24V Hot Shot Electronic Ignition system, and mesmerizing flames that bring the magic to the outdoors. “Every Fire Garden model features an electronic 69

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ignition system,” Rumens says. “We’ve been designing outdoor electronic ignition systems for about eight years and we’ve perfected it. We’ve designed our own circuitry and our own proprietary board that controls the fire presentation. This is something special. This is something different.” Rumens adds: “A trend we’ve seen in the last five years is outdoor rooms attached to homes where the homeowners are making the great outdoors their entertainment space, featuring fire.” And not only are consumers taking an interest in Fire Garden products, but architects and landscape designers are adding the company’s fire features to their most exotic projects. “As specialty hearth retailers add this exciting lineup to their stores, they are opening a whole new world of business opportunities.”

AD INDEX Advertiser

PROFILES DIRECTORY Phone

Website

Page

AEI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(949) 474-3070 . . . . . . . .www.aeicorporation.com . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Berlin Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 593-3411 . . . . . . . . .www.berlingardensllc.com . . . . . . . . . . .49 British Fires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 468-2567 . . . . . . . .www.britishfires.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 CGProducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 833-5998 . . . . . . . .www.cgproducts.com . . . . . . . . . . .38, 46

Company

Page

AEI ................................................................................................60, 62 Berlin Gardens................................................................................56, 58 British Fires ....................................................................................58, 68 DuraVent ......................................................................................64, 67 Empire Group ......................................................................................60

Dansons, USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(877) 303-3134 . . . . . . . .www.dansons.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 F&C Distributors ............................................................................60, 63 DuraVent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 835-4429 . . . . . . . .www.duravent.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Fire Magic (RH Peterson)..................................................................56, 67 Empire Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 851-3153 . . . . . . . . .www.empirecomfort.com . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Gensun ........................................................................................58, 65 F&C Distributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(630) 241-0506 . . . . . . . .www.fandcdistributors.com . . . . . . . . . .31 Golden Blount ................................................................................64, 68 Gensun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(866) 964-4468 . . . . . . . .www.gensuncasual.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Grand Canyon Gas Logs (Modern Flames) ..............................................63 Golden Blount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 833-1139 . . . . . . . . .www.goldenblountinc.com . . . . . . . . . .57 Infratech ........................................................................................63, 64 Hearth & Home Technologies . . . . . . . . . .(888) 427-3973 . . . . . . . .www.hearthnhome.com . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Kozy Heat ......................................................................................66, 68 HPBA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hpba.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Le Griddle (CGProducts)........................................................................58 ICC-RSF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(450) 565-6336 . . . . . . . .www.icc-rsf.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20, 21 Majestic Products (Hearth & Home Technologies) ....................................62 ICFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(336) 881-1016 . . . . . . . . .www.icfanet.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Montigo (Empire Group) ......................................................................58 IMC Atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.casualmarketatlanta.com . . . . . . .59 Napoleon Products ........................................................................62, 64 IMC Las Vegas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.lasvegasmarket.com . . . . . . . . . . .43 The Outdoor GreatRoom Company ..................................................56, 66 Infratech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 421-9455 . . . . . . . .www.infratech-usa.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 Patio Renaissance ..........................................................................62, 64 Kozy Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 253-4904 . . . . . . . .www.kozyheat.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Pit Boss (Dansons) ..........................................................................62, 64 Modern Flames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(877) 246-9353 . . . . . . . .www.modernflames.com . . . . . . . . . . . .34 RCS Gas Grills (CGProducts) ..................................................................68 Napoleon Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(866) 820-8686 . . . . . . . .www.napoleon.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Ratana ..........................................................................................56, 60 The Outdoor GreatRoom Company . . . . .(866) 303-4028 . . . . . . . .www.outdoorrooms.com . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Patio Renaissance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(909) 980-6698 . . . . . . . .www.patiorenaissance.com . . . . . . . . . .45 Ratana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(866) 919-1881 . . . . . . . . .www.ratana.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Regency Fireplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(604) 946-5155 . . . . . . . .www.regency-fire.com . . . . . . . . . . .12, 13 Schott Robax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(914) 831-2200 . . . . . . . . .www.schott.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Regency Fireplace ..........................................................................65, 66 Saffire Grills ........................................................................................64 Schott Robax..................................................................................60, 68 SimpliFire (Hearth & Home Technologies) ..............................................60 Spartherm......................................................................................56, 67

Spartherm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .+49 1522 2644162 . . . . .www.spartherm-america.com . . . . . . . .23

Telescope Casual ............................................................................58, 62

Telescope Casual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(518) 642-1100 . . . . . . . . .www.telescopecasual.com . . . . . . . . . . .39

Tempotest ....................................................................................65, 67

Tempotest USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(972) 512-3534 . . . . . . . .www.tempotestusa.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Travis Industries ..............................................................................62, 66

Travis Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 654-1177 . . . . . . . . .www.travisproducts.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Valor Fireplaces ..............................................................................56, 66

Valor Fireplaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 468-2567 . . . . . . . .www.valorfireplaces.com . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Vulcan Group ................................................................................67, 68

Vulcan Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(860) 639-8284 . . . . . . . .www.thevulcangroup.com . . . . . . . . . . .25

Wildfire Outdoor Living (Modern Flames) ................................................67

Windward Design Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(941) 213-5869 . . . . . . . . .www.windwarddesigngroup.com . . . . . .9

Windward Design Group ................................................................65, 68

Wittus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.wittus.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

Wittus............................................................................................66, 67

PATIO & HEARTH PRODUCTS REPORT (ISSN 1939-6929) IS PUBLISHED BIMONTHLY BY PENINSULA MEDIA, 21250 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 500, TORRANCE, CA 90503. US POSTAGE PAID AT LEBANON JUNCTION, KY 40150. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER VOL. 18, NO. 6 © 2023 PENINSULA MEDIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO PENINSULA MEDIA, 21250 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 500, TORRANCE, CA 905035514, PATIOANDHEARTH@OMEDA.COM, PHONE (847) 763-9261. WHILE THE PUBLISHERS HAVE MADE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE MATERIALS PRESENTED IN PATIO & HEARTH PRODUCTS REPORT, THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CORRECTNESS OF THE INFORMATION AND/OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED.

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Rooted in Tradition. Driven by Innovation. Vermont Castings, Harman and Quadra-Fire are now united under Forge & Flame to bring you the combined marketing strength of these three legendary brands. With a dedicated focus on the consumer, the industry expertise of HHT, and a foundation built on American craftsmanship, quality and

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