Then, of course, the feel, the hand, the construction and then cost factors in.''ĭrexel inventories 900 to 1,000 fabric samples in its line. So that is what drives the initial interest. The most compelling first impression of a fabric is the look and color. ''But I''m excited by the extremely drapeable chenilles which have an almost apparel weight to them. ''I''m just not blown away by many prints out there right now,'' she said. They need to perform consistently.''īlackman, who has a degree in interior design, orders primarily from domestic mills including Quaker, Valdese, Mastercraft, Craftex, Circa 1890, and American Silk.īlackman said she''s been buying mostly wovens. ''We partner with mills that meet certain criteria, such as style, leadership and service, not just aesthetics. (She works with as many as 50 during their product development cycles.) ''We keep the dialogue going continuously,'' she said. Prior to Showtime, Blackman typically works with 10 key mills. ''In High Point, you get an intense dose of fabric opportunities,'' she said. Blackman attends the Showtime Textile market in High Point, N.C., in January and July annually to help her make decisions about fabric. They all know the industry, they know Drexel, and they each have a signature flair.''Īfter the frames are designed, the company places fabric orders.
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What has also set Drexel apart is the fact that it has regularly used freelance designers for the bulk of its frame designs. And third is the aesthetic interpretation, which I believe sets us apart from our competitors.'' Then I consider any voids we may have in the line.
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''If a particular fabric color or construction works, we strengthen it with additional ones. ''First I look at historical ROS information on fabrics currently within the line,'' said Blackman. ''We also continue to work hard at marrying our upholstery and case goods introductions in a way that provides maximum merchandising opportunities for our retail partners.'' Determining designs and styles seasonally involves a needs assessment strategy. Blackman joined Drexel in 1994 as director of showroom design. ''It''s about creating an extremely exciting value story in our upholstery offerings by pairing fabrics at strong price points with wonderful, high-interest frames,'' said Susan Blackman, director of fabric merchandising. Drexel has survived and thrived for almost a century by offering comfort, value and quality. In December, Furniture Brands International, the multi-million dollar furniture and upholstery firm, signed a definitive agreement with LifeStyle Furnishings for assets of several firms, including Drexel Heritage Furnishings.ĭespite Drexel''s new ownership and leadership, (under recently appointed CEO Jeff Grow) the company is not expected to change drastically. (USA) - The nearly century-old firm, Drexel Heritage Furnishings, is under new ownership and leadership.
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Merchandising Manager Blackman ''Excited'' by Chenilles Eyes Chinese Sourcesĭrexel, N.C.