Meet&CoATLANTA — Ashley Outdoor made its debut at the recent July Casual Market Atlanta, presenting its expanding casual furniture line in a temporary 8th-floor space at AmericasMart. The compffany reported strong buyer engagement and announced plans to transition to a permanent showroom by mid-2025.
(Image source: Ashley)
Andy Sokol, senior vice president of sales and merchandising at Ashley Outdoor, shared enthusiasm about the brand’s first appearance at the Atlanta market. While the temporary location performed well, he confirmed the move to a permanent space next year, calling it an exciting opportunity.
Sokol noted that buyers responded positively to the brand’s pricing strategy, particularly given current economic pressures. He emphasized that Ashley’s focus on delivering value extends across all product categories, including outdoor furniture, and that customer feedback on the expanded lineup has been overwhelmingly positive.
Design innovation is another key priority for Ashley Outdoor, with an emphasis on eye-catching aesthetics, material combinations, and vibrant colors. Sokol explained that consumer preferences are shifting toward bolder choices, and the brand has successfully incorporated this trend into its offerings.
The temporary showroom highlighted this approach, featuring wood-look powder-coated aluminum, wicker resin, and mixed-material pieces—uncommon at Ashley’s price point. A standout example was the Half Moon Beach collection, praised for its retro-inspired styling, colorful fabrics, and durable HDPE construction.
Sokol also pointed to motion furniture as a growing demand among retailers, helping drive higher sales. “Collections with motion components are performing well,” he said, “and retailers see them as a way to increase average order values.”
