At the High Point Market earlier this year, Vanguard Furniture quietly launched its first outdoor collection, which was designed by Michael Weiss and engineered in collaboration with industry veteran Gary McCray. 

The Conover, North Carolina-based company has begun production of the collection, with initial shipments going out to customers this fall. Marketgoers at  Casual Market Chicago July 19-22 can see the products in the former Lexington/Tommy Bahama space on the 15th floor of the Merchandise Mart, the company told Casual News Now.

“We have been studying the outdoor marketplace for more than three years, and the collection has been in development for at least 18 months,” says President Andy Bray.

Bray says the outdoor arena is a large and growing category, and the channels of distribution are evolving from patio-specific merchants to the high-end retailers and designers.  

“Covid accelerated the trend to enhance outdoor areas,” he says. “We would not have gotten into the category if we did not have products that were different and better than what is currently in the marketplace. This is something that our customer base has asked for over the last couple of years.”

So far, Vanguard says the reception from buyers has been outstanding. “Designers and retailers alike appreciate the unique styles, innovative materials and, most importantly, the ability to customize,” Bray adds. 

He also says the company is excited to debut at Casual Market this month and that several new SKUs and micro collections are in development.  

“We will adapt existing Michael Weiss designs to the outdoors, and experiment with new materials,” he says. “We intend to add covers, though we will not add umbrellas at this time.”