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High Point Seminar To Discuss Sustainable Upholstery

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Toray Ultrasuede (America), Inc. (TUA) and American Leather announced that they will team with Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) to present an informative industry event, “Green Seats: How to Improve Retail Sales with Sustainable Upholstery,” on Monday, October 19, 7:30 to 9:00 am, in American Leather’s penthouse showroom in Showplace.
 
Jeff Hiller, retail veteran and president of SFC, will lead the presentation and comprehensive training session following a full breakfast, compliments of TUA and American Leather.
 
Research shows nearly half of consumers reporting their interest in knowing about sustainable furniture choices, which represents new sales opportunities at retail, according to Hiller, who will show attendees how this specific product category can be used to create competitive niches in retail markets. Training at the event will focus on how to use consumer communication to close the sale.
 
A primer on sustainable components used in upholstery construction will be included. Hiller reviews fabrics like the 100% recycled ultramicrofiber, Ultrasuede® Ambiance EcoDesign™, bio hybrid foam, and upholstery frames made from certified woods.
 
“The nature of upholstery makes this one of the hottest product categories to benefit consumers wanting to go green,” says Hiller. “It’s our job at retail to make sure the shopper knows these options exist because that awareness can absolutely tip the scale in favor of a purchase.”
 
Product options in sustainable furnishings continue to grow as upholstery specialists like American Leather respond to consumer demand for environmentally conscientious manufacturing, renewable resources, and responsible sourcing.
 
The Market event is sponsored by TUA and hosted by American Leather, both of which are new SFC members in 2009. “We feel privileged to provide retailers with tools for growing their businesses,” says Helen Corio, sales and marketing manager, TUA. “Our parent company has been fully committed to environmental initiatives because that is the future.”
 
To rsvp for the event before October 9th, please write the SFC at admin@sustainablefurnishingscouncil.com 
 
To learn more about SFC, visit www.sustainablefurnishings.org. Information about Ultrasuede® Ambiance EcoDesign™ is available at www.ultrasuede.com . Upholstery products from American Leather may be viewed at www.americanleather.com