Furniture-Today back issues from April 2007:
Bright spots in bedroom.
Apr 09, 2007 ... By Jeff Linville Traffic soft, but some showrooms stay busy High Point-- Case goods might be made of hardwoods, but "soft" was the key word at market, with traffic down from a year ago in many showrooms. Like October, opening day was slow for many ...
Case goods sources develop tools to help retailers.
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Jeff Linville High Point-- Drawing consumers into stores these days takes work, and case goods producers are providing new tools to help retailers. New goods and programs shown at market are designed to make sales associates' jobs easier, according to ...
Fresh styling, function spur sales in dining.
Apr 09, 2007 ... By Jeff Linville High Point-- Formal dining had been a slow category for a couple of markets, but new directions in styles and function steered buyers back into some showrooms here. The casual contemporary trend that dominated much of the past few markets declined as ...
Creativity extends beyond styling with casual dining.(Canadel)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Heath E. Combs High Point-- Several casual dining resources put creativity at center stage during market. But the category isn't just lending itself to product that allows multi-functional, multi-room uses. Category leader Canadel took a big step with previews of ...
Names, places star in seating.
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Gary Evans High Point-- Upholstery makers reported that offerings tied to famous names and well-known places drew lots of attention from buyers here at the spring market. Allison McCall, merchandise manager at midpriced upholstery maker Clayton Marcus, referring ...
Broad range scores in youth.(Canyon)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Lisa Casinger High Point-- Vendors served up a broad menu of youth during the High Point Market last month, offering everything from modern looks for tweens and teens to a nod to would-be pirates. Canyon, which is owned by Top 100 store Rooms To Go, opened up ...
Motion sources enhance 'creature comforts'.(Franklin Corp)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Joan Gunin High Point-- Motion upholstery producers continue to seize on "creature comforts" as a way to get dealers' attention and, despite underwhelming traffic, the just-concluded market here was no different. Air-cell seating products, recessed lighting and ...
Leather scores with imports, better quality.
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Joan Gunin High Point-- Leather upholstery resources made the most of spotty traffic here, showing new lines to major and mid-tier players despite a weak showing of smaller independents and West Coast retailers. Such sources as Nicoletti, Flexsteel, Jaymar, ...
It's bonded, leather-like ... and confusing?
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Joan Gunin High Point-- Leather upholstery producers introduced a variety of covers at the High Point Market, including fabric, leather/fabric combinations and what's called bonded leather -- a new, somewhat controversial leather-like material. In addition, ...
New metal beds win applause from buyers.
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Thomas Russell High Point-- Metal beds vendors showed new styles and finishes at market here to raise the profile of the category, and said the effort paid off, despite slower traffic than a year ago. Domestic producer and design leader Wesley Allen had an ...
TVs drive entertainment action.(Bush Furniture)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Larry Thomas High Point-- Thanks to the unbridled growth of flat-panel TV sales, entertainment furniture was high on the shopping lists of many buyers here. Exhibitors said the category is one of the few bright spots in an otherwise blah retail picture. ...
Occasional products sport new colors, functions.
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Thomas Russell High Point-- Occasional furniture vendors continued an aggressive approach to merchandising here with a mix of new colors, designs and function that further link the category to upholstery and home entertainment. From brightly colored finishes to ...
Wesley Allen does well with first case goods.(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... Thomas Russell High Point-- Metal bed producer Wesley Allen, aiming to build on its reputation for quality and design, introduced its first case goods at market to accompany its beds. Two new sets of wood bedroom pieces, which have been in development for over three ...
3 new categories lift Linon.(Linon Home Decor)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... Ray Allegrezza High Point-- Linon Home Decor Products entered three new categories at market with its first bath vanities, electric fireplaces and jewelry armoires. Some featured sustainable-source materials such as bamboo and raffia. President Jim Ziozis ...
Joan CEO steps down.(Elkin McCallum leaves Joan Fabrics Corp.)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Susan M. Andrews Consulting firm to run supplier Tyngsboro, Mass.-- Elkin McCallum, chairman, president and CEO of furniture industry supplier Joan Fabrics, has announced that he has stepped down as president and CEO. He ...
FAMSA buys La Canasta.(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Clint Engel Corona, Calif.-- Monterrey, Mexico-based chain FAMSA has acquired the 12-store La Canasta here, further expanding its U.S. presence. The publicly held, credit-oriented retailer bought La Canasta's operations -- including nine California stores and three ...
Bassett reports $4.2M 1Q loss.(Bassett Furniture Industries Inc.)(Financial report)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Larry Thomas Bassett, Va.-- Hampered by a double-digit sales decline and charges related to a factory closing, Bassett Furniture Inds. recorded a net loss of $4.2 million in its first quarter. The company said sales for the quarter ended Feb. 24 were $73.4 ...
Market mostly positive.
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Larry Thomas Traffic down but order-writing steady High Point-- Despite a prolonged industry sales slump and lower-than-normal attendance, the latest edition of the High Point Market concluded on a fairly positive note, with many exhibitors saying their market ...
High Point hits.(Buyers guide)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff French Heritage This postman's sorting cabinet, part of the Felix Monge collection, was a standout. The 19th century reproduction piece features a black-and-red lacquer finish accentuated by wood and ivory interiors. It is priced at $6,000 retail. ...
Bedding strikes sparks.
Apr 09, 2007; ... By David Perry Specialty sleep arena remains hot High Point-- Bedding producers exhibiting here found some positives for a category aiming for a comeback in this furniture-rich market. Producers generally reported that traffic was light, but said they saw ...
Furniture stores still key growth channel for rug resources.
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Lissa Wyman High Point-- Rug resources exhibiting at the spring market here remain optimistic about furniture store business, despite spotty retail sales in the past year. They believe furniture stores are turning to rugs as a way to generate add-on sales. ...
Market winners.
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Highlights from the spring High Point Market Norwalk Candice Olson's Maxine sofa sports a short, flirty miniskirt accented with nailheads at the pleats. Habersham The Willow tea table was a hit at market thanks to its unusual ...
China's Decca Holdings to acquire Classic Gallery.
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Heath E. Combs High Point-- Decca Holdings, a Hong Kong-based residential and contract furniture maker, is set to acquire the assets of custom upholstery maker Classic Gallery here. Classic Gallery has done some manufacturing for Decca's contract and hospitality ...
Berkline/BenchCraft to recapitalize.(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Larry Thomas Morristown, Tenn.-- Upholstery major Berkline/BenchCraft has announced a comprehensive recapitalization plan that will give the company a new owner and more than $40 million in new financing. In addition to the financing, $40 million in existing debt ...
Kessler Inds. shutting doors.(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff El Paso, Texas-- Officials of Kessler Inds., a 47-year-old dining, occasional, metal bed and case goods resource based here, told sales staff at the just-concluded High Point Market that it will cease operations. The company intends to take and ship orders ...
You tell me about market.(Editorial)
Apr 09, 2007; ... Ray Allegrezza, Editor in chief I've said this before and will say it again: We're not a one-size-fits-all industry. In fact, we're probably one of the least homogenous industries I know. Probably nothing better reflects that than the High Point Market. If you were ...
The importance of lying down on the job.
Apr 09, 2007; ... David Perry, Bedding Editor Today's topic: How to get consumers to lie down on the mattresses in your store. Overview: This is a key to success on the retail sales floor, and it calls for just the right approach. The sales associate can't just order the consumer to ...
Trainers share tips on getting consumers to lie down.
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff How do you train sales associates to encourage consumers to lie down on the beds? Craig McAndrews, Innovative Retail Group: "The only thing we emphasize is to extend the invitation once or even twice if the customer seems resistant. The reality is that you can ...
Industry faces new market paradigm.(High Point Market )(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... Carole Sloan, Senior Contributing Editor It wasn't the best of markets; it wasn't the worst of markets. If a consensus could be developed, the just-concluded High Point Market probably lived up to the expectations of most exhibitors. Because many had low expectations, ...
A value-laden High Point with buyers in driver's seat.
Apr 09, 2007; ... Jerry Epperson I started to write a column about all the great reasons for a March High Point furniture show, but it would have been very short. From my perspective, the market was better than expected in terms of business done. There were extremely good values, attractive new ...
Bedding session sells out but we'll share highlights.
Apr 09, 2007; ... David Perry, Executive Editor First, the bad news: If you haven't yet registered for Furniture/Today's Bedding Conference next week, you're out of luck. We are sold out. Now for the good news: We will share highlights of the conference with readers. Our May 7 issue ...
People on the Move.(briefs)(appointments )
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Marketing/Sales American Silk Mills New York -- Roy Marcus has joined American Silk Mills as director of marketing and sourcing, a new position. Marcus had been with furniture and home furnishings supplier and retailer Ethan Allen as ...
Wright, Hahn join Traditions by Pamela Kline.(Jane Wright and Eileen Hahn appointed )(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Claverack, N.Y.-- Luxury bedding and accessories specialist Traditions by Pamela Kline here has created and filled two positions to help expand its business. Jane Wright has joined the company as director of sales and marketing, and Eileen Hahn is on board as ...
Rug importer Kas planning to double volume in 5 years.(Kas Oriental Rugs Inc.)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Lissa Wyman Somerset, N.J.-- Kas Oriental Rugs, the 26-year-old rug importer, has launched a plan to double its business over the next five years. The expansion will come on several fronts: by building sales to national accounts, furniture stores and Internet ...
Broyhill hires Bates in retail/product role.(Broyhill Furniture Industries Inc. appoints Fred Bates )(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Lenoir, N.C.-- Broyhill Furniture Inds. has hired retired Havertys executive Fred Bates as its "eyes and ears" to visit retailers and help develop compelling product, the company said. Bates worked for Atlanta-based Havertys for 47 years and retired as vice ...
Broyhill Furniture will share new distribution center with Thomasville.(Broyhill Furniture Industries Inc.)(Thomasville Furniture Industries Inc.)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Lenoir, N.C.-- Broyhill Furniture Inds. will share a new West Coast distribution center in Rialto, Calif., with Thomasville Furniture, a fellow subsidiary of Furniture Brands International. Furniture Brands said in November that it would use the facility. ...
Fogarty launches marketing consultancy.(Paula Scott Fogarty launches Paula Scott Unlimited)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Grand Rapids, Mich.-- Paula Scott Fogarty, former president of Kindel, has started a marketing and product development consulting company for furniture. The company, Paula Scott Unlimited, will focus on licensing relationships, product development, marketing, ...
Furniture Hall of Fame appoints McNeill-Harris executive director.(Karen McNeill-Harris appointed)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff High Point-- Karen McNeill-Harris, president of High Point public relations and marketing firm McNeill Communications, has been named executive director of the American Furniture Hall of Fame. She succeeds Joanna C. Maitland, who retired in the fall. ...
McCollum leaves Broyhill post.(Michael McCollum leaves Broyhill Furniture Industries Inc.)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Lenoir, N.C.-- Michael McCollum, a senior vice president of case goods merchandising at Broyhill Furniture Inds., has left the company. President Jeff Cook did not reveal specifics about the departure other than to say that McCollum's last day with the company ...
Easy Life, Delivery Solutions link up.(Easy Life Furniture )(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff La Marida, Calif.-- Home delivery and warehousing services provider Delivery Solutions has signed a long-term agreement with locally based retailer Easy Life Furniture to handle all customer deliveries beginning in ...
ADL to honor Wanek, Laneve.(Anti-Defamation League)(Ron Wanek and Joe Laneve to receive American Heritage Awards)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff New York-- Ron Wanek, chairman of Ashley Furniture Inds., and Joe Laneve, senior vice president and general merchandising manager of home furnishings for department store Bloomingdale's, will receive American Heritage Awards during the Anti-Defamation League's 2007 ...
Registration open for F/T Webcast.
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Free event to examine best sourcing practices High Point-- Registration is now open for Furniture/ Today's first Webcast, "Sourcing Best Practices in the Furniture Industry," featuring business process optimization company TradeCard's CEO, Kurt Cavano. ...
Furniture/Today will trim page size with May 7 issue.(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff High Point-- With the May 7 issue, Furniture/Today will convert to a print format that is slightly smaller than the current page size. The newspaper's parent company, Reed Business Information, is standardizing the size of all tabloid publications across its 140 ...
Jasper, Superior form alliance for custom finishing.(Jasper Cabinet Co.)(Superior Furniture (Belton, Texas))
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Thomas Russell Grand Rapids, Mich.-- Accent furniture resource Jasper Cabinet here has formed an alliance with Lowell, Mich.-based Superior Furniture and will use the latter's custom finishing capabilities. Superior will assemble and finish Japser's imported ...
DeCoro sets larger China plant.(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... Joan Gunin High Point-- Upholstery manufacturer DeCoro is shifting production of its finished wood components into a new, larger facility in China. Ground was broken last month on a 700,000-square-foot plant in the Daya Bay Economic Zone in Huizhou, outside Shenzhen ....
Magnussen readies Vietnam warehouse.(Magnussen Home Furnishings)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Shipping to begin May 7 New Hamburg, Ontario-- Magnussen Home Furnishings will begin shipping case goods from a new Vietnam distribution center beginning May 7, part of its quick-ship supply chain efforts. The 225,000-square-foot, four-level ...
Ikea plans to open 3rd Fla. store in '09.(IKEA International A/S)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Conshohocken, Pa.-- Home furnishings specialty retailer Ikea plans to open a 353,000-square-foot store in Tampa, Fla., its third in the state. Pending city approval, construction could begin in spring 2008, with an opening in summer 2009 at a site currently ...
Sleep Innovations appoints Lynch CEO.(Joseph Lynch appointed)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff West Long Branch, N.J.-- Sleep Innovations has named consumer marketer Joseph Lynch president and CEO. He succeeds Michael Fux, the company's founder and a member of the board of directors, who has been interim president and CEO since December. Fux ...
Multimaster offers label program.(Multimaster North America )(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... Susan M. Andrews Greensboro, N.C.-- Multimaster North America says its new labeling program, called Swatch Master, promises to save significant time and money for upholstery and bedding manufacturers. According to Joel Beckom, Multimaster's manager of technical ...
Vanguard's merchandising VP Dixon named president.(Vanguard Furniture Company Inc. appoints Mitchell Dixon )(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Conover, N.C.-- High-end upholstery producer and case good importer Vanguard Furniture has named Mitchell Dixon president. He has been the company's vice president of merchandising for six years. "Dixon has played an integral part in the growth and ...
HP may re-evaluate market dates.(High Point Market Authority )(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... Larry Thomas High Point-- The market's new late March dates and its Monday-through-Sunday schedule drew numerous complaints from attendees, but members of the High Point Market Authority board were noncommittal on whether dates would be changed. At the board's most ...
Natuzzi sales grow 1.3% in 4Q, but loss widens.(Natuzzi Salotti S.p.A.)(Financial report)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Santeramo In Colle, Italy-- Upholstery major Natuzzi said fourth quarter sales were 1.3% above the previous year's fourth quarter, but the company's net loss widened to 5.1 million euros. Sales for all of 2006, however, were 9.8% above 2005 and the company ...
Sealy 1Q earnings up 7.2%.(Financial report)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Archdale, N.C.-- Bedding major Sealy Corp. said first-quarter earnings rose 7.2% on a 4.3% increase in sales. Much of the sales growth came in its international division, where shipments were 18.1% ahead of the previous year's first quarter and unit volume ...
Strong sales, financial services lift Brick to '06 gains.(The Brick Group Income Fund )(Financial report)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Michael J. Knell Edmonton, Alberta-- The Brick Group Income Fund reported that sales and earnings for both the fourth quarter and fiscal 2006 showed healthy advances, driven in part by solid same-store sales growth and big gains from its financial services segment. ...
Financial Results.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Earnings per share are fully diluted, and all figures in parentheses are losses or declines. <Pre> Simmons -------------------------------------------------------- Quarter ended 12/30 2006 2005 Change Sales...
WHFA honors Linder group.(Western Home Furnishings Association)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Roseville, Calif.-- Southern California's Linder Furniture group, including Linder's Furniture, Legacy Home Furnishings and Rooms Express, is the Western Home Furnishings Assn.'s Retailer of the Year. Linder's President Eric Foucrier and CEO Phil Linder will be ...
Henredon to relocate showroom.(Henredon Furniture Industries Inc.)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Carole Sloan High Point-- Henredon will close its 100,000-square-foot showroom on Ward Street here and move to the Drexel Heritage building on Eastchester Drive in time for the fall High Point Market. Henredon will occupy the first floor of the building and Drexel ...
Dormia appoints Marconi.(Beth Marconi appointed)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Jessup, Md.-- Specialty sleep products manufacturer and retailer Dormia has hired retail veteran Beth Marconi as vice president of retail operations and strategy, with responsibility for day-to-day management and expansion strategy for Dormia's 20 company-owned stores. ...
Powell taps Giordano.(Steve Giordano appointed )(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Culver City, Calif.-- Industry veteran Steve Giordano has joined importer Powell Co. as chief operating officer. Giordano most recently held the same position at retailer Kane's Furniture, Pinellas Park, Fla. Before that, he was senior vice president of ...
Natuzzi's Tranchini resigns.(Daniel Tranchini quits Natuzzi Salotti S.p.A.)(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Santeramo in Colle, Italy-- Daniel Tranchini, chief sales and marketing director for Italian upholstery resource Natuzzi, has resigned from the company and its board of directors, effective April 30. Tranchini, based in Italy, joined Natuzzi in August 2004 to ...
Richardson Bros. leaving furniture business.(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007; ... By Heath E. Combs Sheboygan Falls, Wis.-- Longtime case goods resource Richardson Bros. is getting out of the furniture business. Customers were notified in a letter dated Feb. 5 that the company was ending its furniture efforts and would immediately vacate its High ...
Obituaries.(death of Robert W. Nightengale, Bruno Mele and Derril Pratt)(Caliaitalia)(Obituary)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Robert W. Nightengale, former HFC chief Staff Chadds Ford, Pa. -- Robert W. Nightengale, a consultant and former president of the Home Furnishings Council, has died of pancreatic cancer. He was 70. Nightengale, who was with chemical ...
Smith to get TJX payment.(Alex Smith to receive $175,000 )(Brief article)
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff Fort Worth, Texas-- New Pier 1 Imports President and CEO Alex Smith will receive $175,000 from TJX Cos. to resolve to a non-compete dispute, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing last week. As part of the settlement, Smith will forfeit what he ...
Correction.
Apr 09, 2007 ... Staff The display stand at right, pictured on page 26 of the March 12 issue, was misidentified. The revolving stand with sample drawer fronts and knobs is from Dutailier. A Miresco rug on page 112 of Furniture/Today's ...
Residential factory orders decrease 7% in January.(residential furniture factory orders on the decline)(Brief article)
Apr 16, 2007 ... Staff High Point- U.S. residential furniture factory orders in January were down 7% from the same month a year earlier, continuing a string of declines, according to accounting and consulting firm Smith Leonard here. Orders year-over-year were down 6% in December and ...