Allen Edmonds Expands Home Collection with Handcrafted Dining Benches – Bringing Shoe-Making Quality to Your Kitchen

Saint Louis, MO – October 26, 2023 – Allen Edmonds, the renowned American shoemaker with a legacy stretching back to 1922, is stepping outside the shoe box – literally! The company, known for its commitment to handcrafted quality and durable materials, is now bringing that same dedication to home furnishings, starting with a beautiful new line of dining benches. Based out of their Saint Louis headquarters at 8300 Maryland Ave, the company – reachable at 614-742-5923 – is excited to share these pieces, offering a blend of timeless design and rock-solid construction. For nearly a century, Allen Edmonds has built a reputation for making footwear that lasts a lifetime. Think classic leather shoes passed down through generations. Now, they're applying that same philosophy to furniture. "We realized the skills and commitment to quality we use in making shoes translate really well to furniture," explains Paul Grider, Head of Product Development at Allen Edmonds. "We’re not just slapping things together. We’re building pieces meant to be enjoyed for years, even decades." More Than Just a Seat: The Allen Edmonds Dining Bench Story The new dining benches aren't an impulse buy. They represent a deliberate expansion for Allen Edmonds. It started with a simple question: what if the same attention to detail and material selection that goes into a pair of handcrafted Allen Edmonds shoes could be applied to furniture? The answer is a bench that feels substantial, looks beautiful, and – importantly – stays beautiful. "We saw a gap in the market," says Sarah Miller, the lead designer on the bench project. “A lot of dining benches out there are flimsy, made with cheap materials, and just don’t feel…right. We wanted to create something different – something that felt solid, authentic, and really grounded in American craftsmanship.” What Makes These Benches Different? Let's get down to the details. These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill benches. Here's what sets them apart: Solid Wood Construction: Forget particleboard or flimsy frames. Allen Edmonds benches are built with solid hardwood – specifically, sustainably sourced American maple. "Maple is incredibly strong, durable, and has a beautiful grain," explains Grider. "It's a wood that can take a beating and still look fantastic." Handcrafted Details: While modern technology is used for efficiency, a surprising amount of each bench is still touched by a skilled craftsman. This includes careful wood selection, precise joinery, and a meticulous finishing process. Durable Finishes: The benches are finished with a multi-layer protective coating that’s designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. Spills, bumps, and scratches are all part of life, but these benches are built to handle them gracefully. Available finishes currently include rich walnut, classic oak, and a smooth, matte black. Comfort & Style: It's not just about durability. Allen Edmonds understands that a dining bench needs to be comfortable. The benches feature a generously padded seat cushion upholstered in high-quality, stain-resistant fabric. Available fabric options range from neutral tones to bolder patterns, allowing customers to customize the look to match their existing décor. Versatility: These benches aren’t just for the dining room. They’re also perfect for entryways, hallways, or even living rooms. "We designed them to be versatile enough to fit into a variety of spaces," says Miller. "They add a touch of warmth and sophistication wherever they go." Beyond the Bench: Allen Edmonds' Commitment to American Craftsmanship The launch of the dining bench line isn’t just about expanding Allen Edmonds’ product offerings. It’s about reaffirming the company’s commitment to American craftsmanship and supporting local manufacturing. "We believe in creating products that are made to last, and that means investing in skilled labor and high-quality materials," says CEO John Harrison. "We're proud to be an American company, and we're committed to keeping our manufacturing here in the United States." The benches are currently being produced at Allen Edmonds' Saint Louis facility, providing jobs and supporting the local economy. The company is also committed to sustainable practices, sourcing materials responsibly and minimizing waste. Availability & Pricing The Allen Edmonds dining benches are available for purchase online at [Insert Website Address Here] and at select retail partners. Pricing starts at $799, depending on the size, finish, and fabric selection. Looking Ahead The launch of the dining bench line is just the beginning for Allen Edmonds’ home furnishings collection. The company plans to expand the line in the coming months to include other pieces, such as coffee tables, side tables, and console tables. "We see a real opportunity to bring the same quality and craftsmanship that we're known for in footwear to the broader home furnishings market," says Harrison. "We're excited to see where this journey takes us." Contact: David Reynolds Public Relations Allen Edmonds LLC [Insert Email Address Here] 614-742-5923