Furniture-Today back issues from June 2008:
Attendees enjoy golf, socials.(Conference notes)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Naples, Fla.- A world-class golf course at the Ritz-Carlton resort here was the perfect draw for attendees at Furniture/Today's third Bedding Conference. The afternoon of golf, sponsored by Simmons, brought leading ...
Accessories can add hundreds to a mattress sale.
Jun 02, 2008; ... By Larry Thomas Naples, Fla.- Accessories such as mattress protectors and pillows can add hundreds of dollars to a mattress sale, but many retailers are passing up the opportunity to sell them, a panel of accessories producers and distributors said here. During a ...
Marketing to Generation Y.
Jun 02, 2008; ... By Gary Evans High Point- Once the industry's sweetheart, the Baby Boom generation is beginning to be upstaged by a younger but equally powerful group of potential buyers - Generation Y. This group, born between 1976 and 1990, represents some 70-plus million people, ...
The characteristics of Generation Y.(Brief article)
Jun 02, 2008; ... Gary Evans High Point- They are sophisticated technically, with their first major purchases often being electronics. Gen Yers are used to paying big money for flat-panel TVs, expensive audio and revved-up computer systems, and they don't mind forking over $100 or $200 more to ...
Georgia student's design graces show guide cover.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff High Point- The International Textile Market Assn. has chosen a design by college student Amy Brodnax to be featured on the cover of the summer edition of the Showtime directory and magazine. Brodnax, who is studying fabric design, is the first University of ...
Florals.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff A. Tietex's Constantine B. LTM's Sunrise C. Van Lathem's Bedivere D. Gum Tree's Legend E. MDS' Taja F. Sunbury's Dahlia Bloom G. Weave's Harper's Ferry H. Circa 1801's Florian I ....
Geometrics.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff A. Signature by Chambers' Piccadilly B. JLA's Checkmate C. Cone Decorative's Lonesome Dove D. Richloom's Twizzler E. Fabricut's Chanute F. Dicey's Bounce ...
Vegas on one campus.
Jun 02, 2008 ... By Larry Thomas No showrooms in Pavilions, off-site Las Vegas- Organizers of the summer furniture market here have opted to locate all exhibitors at a single venue - the World Market Center campus - as they unveil the market's third showroom building. The ...
FBI to boost brand efforts.
Jun 02, 2008 ... By Jeff Linville St. Louis- Furniture Brands International said last week it plans to expand its licensing program for company brands, building on an effort that already has been under way for years at Thomasville. Thomasville has licensed its name to other ...
Natuzzi sales up 12.4%.(Financial report)
Jun 02, 2008 ... By Larry Thomas Santeramo in Colle, Italy- Upholstery major Natuzzi said first-quarter sales were 12.4% ahead of last year's comparable period, but the company's net loss increased nearly fivefold. The company said the loss was due largely to pricing pressure in the ...
Holiday sales promising.
Jun 02, 2008; ... By Clint Engel Promotions draw shoppers to stores High Point- Several furniture retailers reported brisk business during the Memorial Day holiday weekend - a welcome improvement for many, although few seemed ready to declare it a turnaround. Retailers that ...
Bedding leaders share growth ideas.
Jun 02, 2008 ... By David Perry Naples, Fla.- About 240 bedding industry leaders gathered here last month for Furniture/Today's third Bedding Conference, a sold-out event that focused on the importance of selling better sleep. The strong turnout, in the midst of what is expected to be ...
Showtime exhibitors still optimistic.
Jun 02, 2008; ... By Gary Evans and Joan Gunin High Point- Despite the challenging economy, fabric sources expect activity at this week's Showtime to be respectable based on the successes they realized at the April High Point Market and the number of appointments in their books. And ...
Traditionals.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff A. Expo International trims B. David Rothschild's Timeless C. ITC/Heritage House's Tonkin D. Swavelle/Mill Creek's Vladimir E. Conso/William Wright's Arbor collection of trims F. Microfibres' ...
Showtime fabric introductions.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff MS = Market Square; MSTT = Market Square Textile Tower; SAMS = Suites at Market Square The following information, provided by fabric producers, includes marketing objectives and/or descriptions of product introductions and booth locations for Summer Showtime ....
Bigger CIFF show draws crowds.
Jun 02, 2008 ... By Thomas Russell Guangzhou, China- The latest edition of the 21st China International Furniture Fair took a giant leap forward with an expansion that nearly doubled its space. The March show, which had segments devoted to indoor and outdoor furniture, ceramics and ...
Americans attract buyers in China.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Thomas Russell Guangzhou, China- Chinese exhibitors were the largest contingent at the 21st China International Furniture Fair. But the show lived up to its international reputation thanks to a strong showing of U.S. and other foreign companies. Among the U.S.-based ...
Michael Amini opens first store in China.
Jun 02, 2008 ... By Ray Allegrezza Hangzhou, China- Michael Amini, CEO of Calif.-based furniture importer AICO/Amini Innovation Corp., along with Chinese partners, has opened his first branded furniture store here. The 7,500-square-foot Michael Amini store is on the top floor of the ...
Highland Design plans Seymour line.(Brief article)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Gary Evans Los Angeles- Actress Jayne Seymour is partnering with Highland Design and company CEO and designer Curt Christian for a furniture collection due for introduction at the winter 2009 Las Vegas Market. The collection will include upholstery and wood furniture ...
Bedding pros sell the promise.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Ray Allegrezza, Editor in Chief Whoever said, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," was misinformed. I know, because I'm that old dog. And I learned a new trick at the recent Furniture/Today bedding conference. In doing his usual outstanding job of ...
Special touches help consumers feel at ease at America's Mattress.(Patrick Unverferth and Ashley Unverferth)(Interview)
Jun 02, 2008; ... David Perry, Bedding Editor Grand Junction, Colo.- The comforts of home, complete with a crackling fire for those cold nights on the high plains of Colorado, offer a warm invitation to shop for mattresses at the America's Mattress stores here. Owners Patrick and ...
Retail bedding research gives furniture stores key insights.
Jun 02, 2008 ... David Perry, Executive Editor Furniture stores that want to improve mattress sales can benefit by borrowing the playbook of the category's kingpins: bedding specialty stores. That's one of the key points we made in our summary of Furniture/Today's latest retail ...
Hall of Fame Foundation elects officers for 2008-09.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff High Point- Don Belgrad , president of case goods and upholstery manufacturer Schnadig, has been elected president of the American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation for 2008-09. Other officers who will serve the same term include Don Marks , first vice ...
Kathwari receives honorary doctorate degree.(Farooq Kathwari of Ethan Allen Interiors Inc)(Brief article)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Danbury, Conn.- Western Connecticut State University has awarded Farooq Kathwari , chairman and CEO of Ethan Allen Interiors, an honorary doctorate degree in humanities in recognition of his many humanitarian endeavors to bring peace in areas of conflict. ...
How to get rid of store 'dogs' without taking markdowns.
Jun 02, 2008; ... Jay McIntosh, News Editor About the time the monkey flew in a graceful arc toward Marty Cramer's head, we realized we weren't in your typical how-to retail seminar. Detroit-area retailer and seminar leader Mary Liz Curtin was responsible for launching the little ...
Verhage new Global Link president.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Atlanta- Global Link Logistics, a major furniture logistics provider, has promoted Hessel Verhage to president. Verhage has been with Global Link since 2006, most recently as vice president of trade, with responsibility for the company's carrier procurement ...
Annie Selke Cos. names Palmer CEO.(Tonio Palmer )(Brief article)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Pittsfield, Mass.- Tonio Palmer has joined the Annie Selke Cos. as CEO, a new position at the company, which is the parent of Dash & Albert Rug Co., Pine Cone Hill Fine Linens and Sleepwear, and Potluck Studios tableware. Palmer will focus on building and ...
Innerspring antidumping report delayed.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Washington- The U.S. Department of Commerce said it will postpone reporting the preliminary results of an antidumping investigation on uncovered innerspring units from China, Vietnam and South Africa by 50 days. Lead petitioner Leggett & Platt requested the ...
Correction.(Correction notice)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff A story on page 2 of the May 26 issue gave an incorrect amount for a donation the Western Home ...
Danfield's EcoHides to debut at Showtime.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Joan Gunin Commerce, Calif.- Danfield, a 25-year-old leather finishing company, will introduce EcoHides, an exclusive line of ecologically friendly hides, at this week's Showtime fabric show in High Point. EcoHides will be shown at LTM Textile Resources, Suites at ...
Alvin Freedoff, veteran industry rep.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Indio, Calif.- Alvin Freedoff, a veteran of 55 years in the furniture industry, has died after a long illness. He was 78. Freedoff became a manufacturer's representative in 1949 for Lane Co. in Iowa and North Dakota. He was a rep for Stanley Furniture in Ohio ...
Ultrasuede to preview signature colors at Showtime.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff High Point- Ultrasuede has invited four designers with distinctive viewpoints to develop signature colors for its upholstery fabric collection, to be previewed at the Showtime fabric show here June 1-4. Jane Matteson, creative consultant for Toray Ultrasuede ...
Montage forges partnership with Warranty Group.(Montage Furniture Services)(Brief article)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Roseville, Minn.- Montage Furniture Services, a provider of protection plans for furniture and area rugs, has signed an underwriting agreement with The Warranty Group Inc., an independent administrator of consumer warranties. Montage said the agreement gives ...
Great American Group forms real estate division.
Jun 02, 2008 ... By Clint Engel Woodland Hills, Calif.- Liquidation and sales specialist Great American Group has formed a real estate division to provide services including valuation and appraisals, lease mitigation and renegotiation, and raising capital. The company said the ...
Furniture First adds 3 new members.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Harrisburg, Pa.- Buying group Furniture First has added three new members and also has announced the dates for its annual member symposium. The member-owned buying cooperative approved member/stockholders David Pierce of Pierce & Sons and Furniture and Mattress ...
NHFA New England sets golf tourney.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Stowe, Mass.- New England Chapter members of the National Home Furnishings Assn. and others from the industry will gather June 11 for the group's annual charity golf outing. The event at the Stowe Acres Country Club here will benefit the New England Home for ...
New Jersey's MFA to hold June 16 outing.(Metropolitan Furnishings Assn)(Brief article)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff West Orange, N.J.- The Metropolitan Furnishings Assn. of New Jersey will hold its 67th annual Sports Day Outing, Dinner and Auction on June 16 at the Knoll Country Club in Lake Hiawatha, N.J. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the nonprofit Dean Michael ...
NHFA plans Management Development Institute.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff High Point- The National Home Furnishings Assn.'s 2008 Management Development Institute is scheduled for July 13-16 at the Renaissance Denver Hotel in Denver. The program is presented every two years with an updated curriculum to reflect changes affecting ...
Foamex expands offerings.
Jun 02, 2008 ... By David Perry Linwood, Pa.- Foam major Foamex has expanded its offerings to the bedding industry, introducing a number of new green products fashioned from memory foam and latex foam. Consumers and retailers are increasingly interested in green products, company ...
Berne Furniture seeks new investor.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Gary Evans Berne, Ind.- Berne Furniture Co., an 83-year-old midpriced upholstery maker here, has ceased production and is seeking a new investor, its president and CEO said last week "The company is in reorganization," said Jay Yager, who also is one of the company's ...
N.C. Senate passes designers' tax bill.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Raleigh, N.C.- The North Carolina Senate unanimously passed a bill last week that would exempt interior designers from collecting sales tax on consulting services they provide to clients who also buy merchandise from them. The bill would reverse a policy that ...
Lifestyle nixes showroom expansion.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Larry Thomas High Point- Fast-growing furniture importer Lifestyle Enterprise has decided not to expand its showroom space here and will sell back the downtown property it purchased from the city two years ago, according to James Riddle, the company's managing director. ...
Consumer confidence at lowest level in 16 years.
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff New York- Consumer confidence fell to 57.2 in May, the lowest level in 16 years, according to the Conference Board's monthly survey. The indicator, based on a survey of 5,000 U.S. households through May 20, was down from 62.8 in April. May's level was the lowest ...
Sears Canada 1Q revenue up 2.9%.(Financial report)
Jun 02, 2008 ... By Michael J. Knell Toronto- Improved inventory management and solid performances by many of its non-retail businesses gave Sears Canada much improved sales and earnings for the first quarter of its new fiscal year. Revenue of C$1.25 billion for the 13 weeks ended May ...
F/T Web exclusives.(Brief article)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Staff Stories only on www.furnituretoday.com this week include: High Point marketing firm Kreber has introduced Ad Build'R, a Web-based catalog development program that some furniture clients already are using. Logistics technology provider Descartes has ...
Aizawa, Bernstein leave Chris Stone.
Jun 02, 2008 ... By Carole Sloan Vernon, Calif.- Fabric supplier Chris Stone Inc. said last week that its longtime president, Mark Aizawa, and Andrea Bernstein, director of merchandising and marketing, have left the company. Chris Stone's board appointed Brian Wygle, who described ...
Eitel makes case for ISPA marketing initiative.
Jun 02, 2008 ... By David Perry Naples, Fla.- The bedding industry is shrinking and has an image problem. What is needed, according to Simmons Chairman Charlie Eitel, is a comprehensive marketing program supported by the industry's largest players. Eitel, chairman of the ...
Producers panel: Product innovation makes a better sales tool than long warranties.
Jun 02, 2008; ... By Larry Thomas Naples, Fla.- Long warranties continue to discourage consumers from replacing their mattress, but two top bedding executives said the industry needs to focus on product innovation and stop using warranties as a sales tool. Speaking during a panel ...
Furniture/Today honors four Retail Giants of Bedding.
Jun 02, 2008 ... By David Perry Naples, Fla.- Furniture/Today honored four leading bedding retailers at its third annual Bedding Conference here. The honorees included two furniture stores, a bedding specialty retailer and a factory-direct operator, the first retailer in that channel ...
Natuzzi names CEO.(Aldo Uva of Natuzzi Salotti S.p.A.)(Brief article)
Jun 09, 2008 ... Staff Aldo Uva was global VP at Nestle SANTERAMO IN COLLE - Aldo Uva, a former executive with Nestle, will join the Natuzzi Group as CEO starting in July. Uva was global vice president of beverages for Switzerland-based Nestle, responsible for the ...
Rod Stewart to rock Vegas.(Brief article)
Jun 09, 2008 ... Staff LAS VEGAS - Rock legend Rod Stewart will headline a gala opening-night celebration at next month's Las Vegas Market. World Market Center officials said Stewart, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, will take the stage after the July 28 ...
Williams-Sonoma profit falls 42% as sales dip.
Jun 09, 2008 ... By Larry Thomas SAN FRANCISCO - Hurt by declining traffic in all of its major retail formats, Williams-Sonoma said fiscal first-quarter profits plunged 42% on a 4.2% decline in sales. The company, whose operations include the Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and ...
Calif. retailers face new regs.
Jun 09, 2008 ... By Heath E. Combs Formaldehyde rules start phasing in Jan. 1 SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Thousands of retailers are likely to be affected by California's new formaldehyde standard. There are 13,938 licensed furniture or furniture and mattress retailers in ...
Showtime vendors play it safe.
Jun 09, 2008; ... By Gary Evans and Joan Gunin HIGH POINT - Fabric mills went safe at last week's Showtime fabric fair here with offerings that reflected the conservative nature of the industry. Browns and grays were everywhere, in solids or mixed with blacks and various shades of ...
Berkline executes massive overhaul.(Berkline Corp.)
Jun 09, 2008; ... By Ray Allegrezza MORRISTOWN, Tenn. - Upholstery giant Berkline is headed to next month's Las Vegas Market touting a new showroom, new products, a new business model and new distribution, all the result of a massive corporate restructuring initiated in 2007. And ...
Fall may bring sales uptick.
Jun 09, 2008 ... By Jay McIntosh RICHMOND, Va. - Furniture and bedding sales will start to recover this fall, but the rebound will be modest compared with past economic cycles, according to a new five-year forecast from analyst Jerry Epperson of Mann, Armistead & Epperson. U.S ....
Shermag gets plan extension.(sales and earnings of Shermag Inc.)(Financial report)(Brief article)
Jun 09, 2008 ... Staff SHERBROOKE, Quebec - Shermag has been granted an extension by the Quebec Superior Court and now won't have to present a proposal to its creditors until Sept. 8. The full-line manufacturer and importer sought protection from creditors under the Companies' ...
Formaldehyde: Pay attention.
Jun 09, 2008 ... Ray Allegrezza, Editor in Chief I'm stunned by the silence regarding California's new formaldehyde emissions requirements. Even before Heath Combs' on-the-mark story that appeared on the cover of our May 26 issue, I sensed that many in the industry were unaware of the ...
F/T Web exclusives.
Jun 09, 2008 ... Staff Stories only on www.furnituretoday.com this week include: What do health savings accounts, bobble-head dolls and bridal fairs have in common? They're all among the top suggestions that emerged from the National Home Furnishings Assn.'s 'Best Ideas' sessions at ...
Nicoletti shuts down China plant.(Brief article)
Jun 09, 2008; ... Larry Thomas HIGH POINT - Leather upholstery major Nicoletti has halted production at its two-year-old factory in China due to the continuing industry sales slump, the company confirmed Tuesday. Jim Anton, vice president of U.S. sales, said the Italian company will ...
Brownstreet subsidiary buys Vermont Tubbs.(BSF Transition LLC)
Jun 09, 2008; ... By Thomas Russell WHITEFIELD, N.H. - Brownstreet Furniture subsidiary BSF Transition LLC has acquired case goods manufacturer Vermont Tubbs. The purchase was announced last week by Kyle and Adam Tager, owners of case goods resource Brownstreet, and their business ...
Nichols & Stone seeking financing, state aid.
Jun 09, 2008 ... By Thomas Russell GARDNER, Mass. - Nichols & Stone, one of the oldest remaining wood furniture producers in the U.S., said earlier this year it planned to convert its factory here to an assembly, finishing and packaging operation. But the success of that plan could ...
Little joins Broyhill as sales, merchandising VP.
Jun 09, 2008 ... Staff Will work with upholstery team, Design Center of Excellence LENOIR, N.C. - Broyhill Home Furnishings has named Tom Little to the new position of vice president of sales and merchandising. He most recently was at Craftmaster, where he oversaw sales, ...
Broyhill sponsors TV game show.
Jun 09, 2008 ... Staff NEW YORK - Broyhill furniture has a leading role on a new TV game show that premiered Sunday on TLC, called 'Your Place or Mine?' Broyhill is the exclusive furniture partner for 13 episodes of the show, which is hosted by soap opera star and television ...
AHFA seeks modifications to FR proposal.
Jun 09, 2008 ... Staff HIGH POINT - The American Home Furnishings Alliance has requested that the Consumer Product Safety Commission make several modifications to its proposed rule on upholstered furniture flammability. In comments filed with the federal agency, the AHFA commended the ...