Banyan Trading Company To Open Eco-Friendly High Point Showroom

Furniture World Magazine

Banyan Trading Company Inc., importer of eco-friendly case goods, upholstery, accent furniture and accessories, is making its debut at the High Point Market in the Commerce & Design Building, Space 4-P. “We are presenting a fresh approach to creating home furnishings solutions,” says Bill Grace, president and co-founder. “Our designs are emotionally compelling, inspired by the past with a focus on the future and the aesthetics of life – enjoyment, health and the comfort of good design.” Banyan designs and imports home furnishings that are style driven, people friendly and made of mostly natural, renewable or sustainable materials. Dense hardwoods are selected for their interesting grain characteristics, and are kiln-dried to reduce splitting and cracking. The finishes are warm and rich. Grace acknowledges that the eco-friendly materials often cost more. “We believe that managing a forest versus clear cutting a forest is the right approach,” he says. “Using organic cotton eliminates the use of pesticides on acres of land. Water-based, formaldehyde-free lacquer is sprayed in water-washed recycling booths. Glues do not include volatile organic compounds (VOC) and are biodegradable.” Banyan will be open daily during regular Market hours and will serve Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream on Wednesday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The company was launched last fall by Grace, formerly vice president of merchandising for Storehouse Inc. and co-founder Donna Lindahl, formerly Storehouse director of inventory.