The Martha Stewart by Polywood line features a full assortment of all-weather outdoor furniture, debuting with the Chinoiserie Collection. Among the signature pieces are the Chinoiserie Rocking Chair, the Deep Seating Chair and the Deep Seating Sofa. buff.ly/3WaAlGj

Retailers say that supply chain problems have lessened, as has consumer demand, leading to good inventory at their stores. And onsumers who find products they like should go ahead and place an order, before prices increase or supply becomes an issue again. buff.ly/3FmdTEb

The purchase Starfire Direct by Blackford Capital is part of the investment firm's plan to consolidate several participants in this space and "create a business that will deliver hyper-growth through significant synergies." buff.ly/3A9FLrp

Linda Hogeland Schlender, previously the vice president of sales for Meadowcraft, passed away on Nov. 4 after a brief illness. Her family and friends shared a few memories of Linda with Casual News Now: buff.ly/3EFviXt

This week Blackford Capital announced that it acquired e-commerce retailer Starfire Direct, and Editor-in-chief Alex Milstein checked in with both companies to find out what's next on the agenda. Stay tuned for upcoming changes and updates. buff.ly/3EHaJd6

There's a fine line between being helpful and being overwhelming, according to a sampling of stores on the West Coast. Each customer is unique, so salespeople have to learn to tune into each one and find the right balance. buff.ly/3X9Qxb4

Congrats to the White family, — owners of luxury outdoor manufacturer Summer Classics and several other brands — who will receive the prestigious Academy of Achievement honor at the 33rd ARTS Awards in Dallas in January! buff.ly/3FljD0y

Following Blackford's acquisition of Starfire Direct, the private equity firm announced that it acquired Carlsbad, California-based Artificial Turf Supply, a manufacturer, distributor and internet-based supplier of synthetic and artificial turf products. buff.ly/3H2vn9f

Polywood is ending the year with phase 2 of its collection with Country Living and will introduce several new collections. Casual News Now gets a first look at several new pieces, from dining to chaise lounges and deep seating pieces. buff.ly/3FAxQXf

Several outdoor retailers talked to Casual News Now about pricing in today’s environment. Some are responding to rising prices by increasing their own, while others are holding firm. Consumers are mixed as well. Here's what we found: buff.ly/3FC38gI

British furniture brand Coco Wolf has released an outdoor furniture collection designed by its co-founder and creative director Rebecca Lorimer. Inspired by Costa Rica's tropical setting, its named after a beach town on the north Pacific coast. buff.ly/3BlXixc

More about Atlanta Market: Editor-in-Chief Alex Milstein spoke with several outdoor furniture manufacturers to find out what they are planning for the January Atlanta Market, as well as the big July show. buff.ly/3uRVOar

Editor-in-Chief Alex Milstein ponders the rising strength of TikTok for both sales and search. And he notes that Gen Z consumers are especially fond of the platform, with around 40% of them using it for online search. buff.ly/3G9Flnh

A spot-check of outdoor furnishings retailers shows that they vary in their merchandising approach. Some sell year-round, some change merchandise often, and some just pack as much product in as they can. buff.ly/3Z3Dd9i

With Las Vegas Market this weekend, Editor-in-Chief Alex Milstein checks in with a few outdoor manufacturers to get their thoughts on how well the show is meeting the needs of the casual industry. The key to success? Focus on designers. buff.ly/3HbyUk5

Visitors shopping outdoor products in Vegas next week will find plenty of seating options, along with rugs, accessories and tables. Versatility is a key theme this winter. Here are a few higlights. buff.ly/3HyjvvH

Breaking News: Ashley Furniture will lower prices on its outdoor furniture by 25% starting Feb. 5 in an effort to help retailers succeed in a year many expect to be difficult. buff.ly/3XZgv0K

Windward's EVP of Sales Charlie Emmons says that with the factory fully staffed the outdoor furniture manufacturer has been able to reduce its lead times significantly and expects even shorter times soon. buff.ly/3I8IYfs

Contributing Editor Marc Barnes speaks with several casual retailers about how they've stocked up on product ahead of what some feel may be a tough year. One retailer says the industry is having its first seasonal sales slump since the pandemic began. buff.ly/3YCoK2Z

ICYMI: Kingsley Bates has added 6 new collection to its 2023 line. The manufacturer is offering new all-weather wicker and sea grass pieces, and the new collections include a variety of seating, dining and a hanging swing. buff.ly/40GTmlI