Billiards
Brunswick Billiards Delivers Home Theater Experience, Partners with Berkline to Introduce New Furniture Offering
BRISTOL, Wis., June 18, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- Brunswick Billiards and Berkline
are teaming up to create a new line of Brunswick-exclusive home theater
seating that represents Brunswick's introduction into this fast-growing, home
entertainment category.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080618/AQW052)
"Home theater seating is the most exciting and explosive growth segment in
upholstered furniture today," said Grey Hunsucker, Berkline vice president and
national sales manager. "Dedicated rooms with flat screen TVs and upscale
video equipment are becoming commonplace in the housing market, both in new
construction and remodeling."
In fact, installed home theaters and multi-room audio systems are expected
to grow from $6 billion in 2007 to more than $11 billion in 2012, according to
market research firm Parks Associates.
"We know home entertainment," said Debbie Groshek, marketing director,
Brunswick Billiards. "People continue to invest in their homes to create fun
environments where they can spend quality time together. Taking our current
home game room suite offerings to an even higher level with this stylish
furniture will meet our customers' evolving entertainment needs. The home
theater seating category is an ideal fit for Brunswick's dealers and
customers."
Three home theater seating styles will be built by Berkline for Brunswick.
Two versions will be contemporary styling, the third a traditional model.
Eight different types of leather will be available with multi-color options.
Features will include taller backs on the furniture for greater head support,
and lighted cupholders, lighted bases and power recline options.
The product was recently unveiled and received enthusiastically at
Brunswick's Business Enrichment Conference, an annual convention of
Brunswick's dealer network, which will sell the product in specialty retail
showrooms throughout the United States and Canada. Prices will start at
$1,249 MSRP per seat and will be available for shipment in early summer 2008.
The Brunswick-Berkline home theater seating partnership combines
Berkline's reputation and depth of manufacturing experience with Brunswick's
extensive marketing expertise, brand name recognition, and strong dealer
network.
Hunsucker said that Brunswick's dealers will be a key factor in the
success of the new line.
"The Brunswick retail format is exciting," he said. "The company's dealers
create an experience for the consumer, and their sales associates are well
trained and knowledgeable of their products. We believe Brunswick's desire to
enter this new business coupled with their proven marketing capabilities and
Berkline's strength in the home theater seating category are winning formulas
for all parties."
About Brunswick Billiards
For more than 160 years, Brunswick Billiards has been the leader in
designing the highest quality pool tables and game room furnishings with a
standard of superior craftsmanship and preferred by experts around the world.
Based in Bristol, Wis., the billiards division of Brunswick Corporation
(NYSE: BC), has more than 300 retail dealer locations across the United States
and international distributors in more than 40 countries. For more
information about Brunswick Billiards and its product line, visit
http://www.brunswickbilliards.com.
About Berkline
Berkline has been a leading manufacturer of reclining furniture for over
75 years. Berkline specializes in motion, home theater and upholstered
furnishings with headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Morristown,
Tenn. For more information about Berkline and its products, please visit
http://www.berkline.com.
SOURCE: Brunswick Billiards
http://www.brunswickbilliards.com
