HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from October 1995:
Pinning hope on holidays; 4th-quarter surge would rescue '95. (retail executives offer forecasts for fourth quarter, 1995 retail sales)
Oct 02, 1995 ... NEW YORK - Halfway through the second half, which started out slowly, industry executives are predicting that business will pick up enough at Christmas to push the year ahead of 1994.They admit, though, that last year's figures ranged from disappointing to disastrous for most ...
Rock bottom. (MacFrugal's aims for lower prices)
Oct 02, 1995; ... DOMINGUEZ, Cal. - Selling merchandise at a low price simply isn't enough for Philip L. Carter, president and chief executive officer of MacFrugal's, a 290-store retail close-out chain.His price has to be 40 to 70 percent below everyone else's.That was the claim 40 years ...
Farrah back at Home Depot. (Pat Farrah resigns as chairman of M. G. Products to return to the Home Depot)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... ATLANTA - Pat Farrah resigned last week as chairman of his lighting fixture company, M.G. Products, to return to The Home Depot, which he helped to found.According to The Home Depot, Farrah will work in merchandising and will report to the executive vice president for ...
Satellite TV spurt seen. (digital satellite TV systems sales boom predicted)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - Digital satellite TV is expected to be more than 20 million homes by the end of this century, as prices for systems dip below $300 and possibly even $200.Speakers at SkyForum IV, the Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Assn.'s semi-annual seminar here, predicted that ...
Kittle's sets first Ohio store. (Kittle's Furniture to open superstore in Columbus, Ohio)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... Kittle's Furniture, a $60 million chain of 11 stores in Indiana, said last week it plans to move out of state for the first time with 100,000 square-foot superstore in Columbus, Ohio. Jim Kittle Jr., chairman and CEO of Kittle's, told HFN the Columbus market was chosen because, of the ...
Sharp plans touchpad room air. (Sharp Electronics Corp. adds touchpad series of room air conditioners)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... Sharp Electronics Corp. is adding a touchpad series of room air conditioners in its 1996 line. Five Comfort Touch models offer three cooling speeds and fan operation; ...
Brief walkout at Amana. (workers stage brief strike at Amana Refrigeration Inc.)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... Factory workers at Amana Refrigeration Inc. struck for four days last week before ratifying a three-year contract.Production of refrigerators and microwave ovens resumed with ...
Rhodes buying Glick's. (Rhodes Inc. to acquire Glick Furniture Co.)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... AtTLANTA - Rhodes Inc., which operates 81 furniture stores in 12 states, reported last week it will acquire the Glick Furniture Co. The purchase of the Glick's, which is based in Columbus, will give Rhodes its first outlets in Ohio.According to a statement issued by Rhodes last ...
Frigidaire takes pains to reassure after execs exit. (Frigidaire Co. issues statement explaining departure of two key executives)
Oct 02, 1995; ... DUBLIN, Ohio - Frigidaire Co. has taken the unusual step of disseminating a written reassurance that business is continuing as usual after two executive vice presidents resigned within four months.Two pages in question-and-answer form argue that the timing of the departures of the ...
Shopping as recreation push. (World Class Shopping combines tourism and shopping)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - For the first time, upscale shopping centers have joined together in marketing efforts to promote domestic and international retail tourism.World Class Shopping, launched Sept. 20, will provide tourists with package plans for quick escapes to mall destinations ....
Study: liquidators to the rescue. (store closings can be beneficial)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - The store's closing.A sign of inevitable failure? Bad planning? A retail chain's impending slowdown?Sometimes, but not necessarily, argues a just-released study by retail consultants Coopers & Lybrand and liquidators Gordon Brothers Partners Inc. Store ...
Wool's pushing rugs up. (rising wool prices increase prices of imported area rugs)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... New York - Overseas wool prices - from Australia and New Zealand to China - are increasing again, which could spell price hikes for imported area rugs in the United States.Marketgoers may notice slightly higher rug prices at this month's International Home Furnishings Market in ...
New family takes reins at M.G. (M.G. Products)
Oct 02, 1995; ... San Antonio, Texas - Responsibility for operating M.G. Products, a $48 million lighting supplier, has shifted from the Farrahs to the Cabreras.Patrick Farrah, whose family owns a third of the company, has resigned as chairman and chief executive to return to The Home Depot, the ...
An RTA trade-up; Room Additions expands higher. (ready-to-assemble furniture)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... High Point, N.C. - Room Additions will attempt to broaden its distribution Hand push its price points up to the next tier at the market this month.Jim Jones, senior vice president sales and marketing for the Florida-based maker of ready-to-assemble products, said Room Additions ...
Mix master. (Sears' Homelife stores ready-to-assemble furniture buyer Bob Young)
Oct 02, 1995; ... Chicago - For bob Young, ready-to-assemble furniture buyer for Sears' Homelife stores, successful merchandising is not unlike preparing a good meal. "It's all a matter of using the right ingredients and making a visually appealing presentation," Young said.With RTA furniture ...
Task and picture lighting supplier House of Troy has introduced modular display systems for retailers.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... HYDE PARK, Vt. - Task and picture lighting supplier House of Troy has introduced display systems for retailers. The pre-assembled units are available in one panel, wall-mounted or two-panel free - standing models with ...
Classic Accessories rolled out its Elegant Breeze line of floor and sidewall registers.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Classic Accessories rolled out its Elegant Breeze line of floor and sidewall register in a new merchandising display that provides home centers and mass merchants a ready-to-sell selection of quality, upscale registers.The new display uses corrugated ...
Signs of All Kinds, a gift and accessory company, has introduced a slate collection of personalized decorative signs.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... VERNON, Conn. - Sings of All Kinds, a gift and accessory company, has introduced a slate collection of personalized decorative signs that feature sand-carved, deeply etched black Vermont slate, handpainted with ...
New, expandable, custom-designable CD racks have been introduced by Neonnish.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... HOUSTON - New, expandable, custom-designable CD racks have been introduced by Neonnish, a company that brings lighted CD racks to volume and specialty retailers. The new model, CD-2000, takes a fluorescent light tube and features iridescent panels in the tower ...
Crystal Tree Carpet now offers Palm Beach panache.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. - On warm days, visitors and residents of North Palm Beach love to stroll down the streets of this beachside town. Often these strollers turn into shoppers when they stop in front of the Crystal Tree Carpet & Flooring window display.Arnold and Barbara Kahn ...
1-800-MATTRESS: new catalog, big plans.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... NEW YORK - Dial-A-Mattress has changed its name to 1-800-MATTRESS and launched its catalog business. Both moves tie in with the company's national and international expansion plans.Broadening its mix, 1-800-MATTRESS will now offer designer and brand name sheets, pillows, ...
Two Bassett Direct Plus stores open in Texas.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... BASSETT, Va. - Lacks Valley Stores and Bassett Furniture held a grand opening for two new Bassett Direct Plus stores in Texas Oct. 1.The stores, located in Harlington and McAllen, encompass 25,000 square feet and 46,000 square feet, respectively. "We are pleased and excited, " said ...
Lehigh signs Neocom to create SFA for reps. (Lehigh Furniture, Neocom Microspecialists, sales force automation)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... MARTINSVILLE, Va. - Lehigh Furniture of Marianna, Fla., has contracted Neocom Microspecialists to design and implement a custom sales force automation (SFA) DirectLINK system for its sales reps."Our reps will get the acknowledgements and information necessary to build the reports ...
A cotton record: its share in furnishings hits 62%.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - Driven by consumer preferences, technological innovation and fashion looks, cotton is increasing its market share in home furnishings.Cotton market share in home furnishings for the first six months of 1995 reached its highest level ever - 62 percent - compared with 61 ...
Calvin extends reach; goes for total home concept.(Calvin Klein Home)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - In its second round of product introductions, the Calvin Klein Home collection moves into several new categories: bed skirts, window treatments, shower curtains and accessories, bath rugs, beach and pool towels, and table linens.It is also adding chambray sheeting and ...
Back in bloom: revitalized CHF thrives under '21'.(CHF Industries, 21 International Holdings)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - In the seven months since `21' International Holdings acquired CHF Industries, there have been a lot of changes, including clearer brand differentiation and improvements in management information systems.Skeptics who thought `21' was simply on a buying binge - it has a ...
Dan River's Bed in a Bag moves up.(in every product line except luxury)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - Dan River is offering a Bed in a Bag option on every ensemble in its line, except its luxury D. Porthault collection."Bed in a Bag is not just for opening price points anymore," said John Hall, vice president for department and specialty stores. "It's a very effective ...
Simply Country, a manufacturer of cotton jacquard throws, is introducing the Leighton-Jones Emmett Kelly Collection.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... WYTHEVILLE, Va. - Simply Country, a manufacturer of cotton jacquard throws, is introducing the Leighton-Jones Emmett Kelly Collection. The license collection will feature cotton afghans with the likeness of Emmett Kelly's clowns ...
College students can carry all their bedding needs off to campus in Ogallala Down's new bedding tote.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... OGALLALA, Neb. - College students can carry all their bedding needs off to campus in Ogallala Down's new bedding tote - and then reuse the tote for a beach or laundry bag. The new tote includes a hypoallergenic twin comforter and standard pillow filled with a combination of goose down and ...
Frank Scalice has been named senior vice president of sales for Town & Country.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... NEW YORK - Frank Scalice has been named senior vice president of sales for Town & Country. He was ...
Town & Country Linen Corp. (new name)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... NEW YORK - TOWN & Country Linen Corp., a mass merchant supplier of table linens, kitchen coordinates, licensed decorative pillows and slip covers, has a new name, logo, slogan and showroom. The company now calls itself "Town & Country Living." It's marrying the moniker with the phrase ...
Bardwil Industries. (enters bargaining agreement with Charles Mfg.)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... NEW YORK - Bardwil Industries, a supplier of table linens and coordinates, and Charles Mfg., a supplier of decorative pillows and accessories in Canada, have entered into a marketing agreement in which Charles will be Bardwil's ...
Shula Wardinon Inc. has acquired a controlling interest in Fabrite Textile.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... CAESAREA, Israel - Shula Wardinon Inc.has acquired a controlling interest in Fabrite Textile, a company with exceptional success in the marketing of private-label bedding in the U.S. market. "In a move to further our marketing efforts in the American market we have decided to join the ...
Waverly. (signs licensing agreement with LABS Inc.)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... ATLANTA - Waverly, a marketer of fabrics, wallcoverings and borders, home fashions and fragrances, has signed a licensing agreement with LABS Inc., a designer and manufacturer of silk trees and permanent floral arrangements, to produce the Waverly Flower Market Collection of permanent floral ...
American Weavers: $15M baby.(Company Profile)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - "It's been a heck of a first year," said Scott Fletcher, president of American Weavers, manufacturer of the polypropylene jacquard throws which have taken the mass market by storm. "I don't know many companies that go from scratch to $15 million in their first year." ...
Carpenter: basic, but different.(Carpenter Co. bedding)
Oct 02, 1995; ... New York - As a relatively new entrant into the basic bedding arena, Carpenter Co. has tried to offer something different as a way of luring retailers from their current suppliers. And this market, it continues with that strategy.For example, Carpenter will be showing a new line of ...
Charles D. Owen offers afghans in new fabrics.
Oct 02, 1995; ... New York - To stand out in a crowded field of throw resources, Charles D. Owen Mfg. is offering afghans featuring unusual constructions, fabrics and colors."We're getting away from the traditional double-and triple-woven novelty throws," said Warren Mohr, executive vice president ....
Newmark: the hue's the thing. (color is focus for Newmark Rug Co.)(Textiles: October Market Previews)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - Newmark is covering all bases this market, from casual denim to glitzy Lurex, gardening themes to tilework patterns.Tapping into its treasure trove of 50 yarn dyes, Newmark has made color its focus for market. For example, Garden Passages, a collection of designs which ...
Biederlack cotton throws. (Biederlack of America introduces Deborah Mallow-designed triple-woven acrylic throws)(Textiles: October Market Previews)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - Biederlack of America is entering the triple-woven acrylic throw business with products from designer Deborah Mallow.Other key market introductions are NFL licensed Huddlewraps and its Aurora microfiber in throws, plus about 100 new designs in the high-pile acrylic ...
Louisville/Saydah runs rings. (Louisville/Saydah Home Fashions launches napkin ring line)(Textiles: October Market Previews)
Oct 02, 1995; ... LOUISVILLE, Ky. - who woulda thunk, but napkin rings is hot category, with companies leaping in left and right. The latest entrant is Louisville/Saydah Home Fashions, a manufacturer of table linens for the mass market and, increasingly, specialty stores.Louisville dives into the ...
Regal goes a little mod, but sticks with naturals. (Regal Rugs Inc.'s new styles)(Textiles: October Market Previews)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - A strong contemporary statement and its continuing natural story are two key themes for Regal this market.The Accents of Style collection consists of three rugs, Mondrian, Navajo and Outasight. The art of Piet Mondrian is the inspiration for a colorful geometric in 100 ...
Tobin linens bloom with berries, daisies. (Tobin Home Fashions Inc.)(Textiles: October Market Previews)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - Tobin continues its tradition of design excellence with right-on kitchen coordinates and table linens.Feature patterns in kitchen coordinates include Daisies, a rich carpet of finely painted daises in soft shades of pink, gray, yellow and green on a navy ground; and ...
Barclay draws a bead on casuals. (Barclay Home Products Corp.)(Textiles: October Market Previews)
Oct 02, 1995; ... WHITE PLAINS - The New York Home Textiles Show will feature an increase in exhibitors, lines exhibited and net square feet, according to George Little Management, the show organizer.Some 190 companies are expected to exhibit in nearly 33,000 net square feet, an increase of 19 ...
Decorite adds table runners. (Decorite Inc.)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - Decorite is entering the table runner business, using fabrics from its decorative pillow line."Table runners is an old category that got lost in tabletop," said Lonnie Scheps, vice president of sales and marketing. "But a few of us in decorative pillows are making it ...
Faribo emphasizes private-label lines. (Faribo Woolen Mill)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... NEW YORK - Faribo is emphasizing its private label and custom manufacturing programs at October Market.The company has been a key private-label blanket supplier for some of the largest direct mail operations. Now it's looking to expand that business by getting the word out about ...
Flat cats: home textiles suppliers find digs at Flatotel.(hotel in New York, New York, that offers an alternative to permanent showrooms)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - It's not just the room size - 1,000 square feet, on average - that has attracted an increasing number of non-New York-based vendors to show their October Market introductions at the Flatotel here.Their decision to opt for Flatotel the latest hotel alternative to ...
Richloom reinvents elegance. (Richloom Fabric Group)
Oct 02, 1995; ... New York - Elegance - in both casual and traditional forms - is the focus of Richloom Fabrics Groups' two newest collections.While Richloom and Boussac, a leading French fabric and finished products firm, had a licensing agreement for the past 10 years, this season's collection is ...
Malden's apparel know-how going into home furnishings. (Malden Mills Industries Inc.)
Oct 02, 1995; ... Brussels (FNS) - Malden Mills wants to be as well known in home furnishings as it is for Polartee, its widely distributed apparel fleece.The company has named Howard Ackerman chief operating officer and restructured its operations to drive its growth in the home furnishing market ....
Jewel tones shine at Decosit. (textiles trade show in Brussels, Belgium)
Oct 02, 1995; ... Brussels, Belgium (FNS) - Textured fabrics in updated jewel tones were the major trend to emerge at the 17th edition of Decosit here.The exhibition - Sept. 10 through 13 - attracted 380 exhibitors from 27 countries. The largest group was from Italy, followed by Belgium, the U.S., ...
TIP show: designs, numbers bigger. (Textiles d'Interieur Premiere)
Oct 02, 1995; ... Brussels, Belgium (FNS) - Large-scale designs in bold colors were the major trend at the third Textiles d'Interieur Premiere show here Sept. 9 through 12.TIP concentrates on fabrics for curtains and bedding as well as showing textile designs. It runs alongside the larger Decosit, ...
Home sewing takes to tapestry.(American Home Sewing & Crafts Assn.'s fall 1995 show)
Oct 02, 1995; ... Las Vegas - Novelty looks, conversational prints and tapestries were popular among fabric retailers and specialty-item manufacturers shopping the American Home Sewing & Crafts Association's fall show, held here Sept. 8 through 10.Among the hot looks at the show were naturals and ...
Clock gets infomercial: Spartus unveiling Talking Horoscope Clock.
Oct 02, 1995; ... STAMFORD, Conn. - Spartus plans to spread the word to consumers about its new Talking Horoscope Clock with the rollout of the clock industry's first television infomercial, timed to coincide with the product's first shipments this month.Spartus, part of a $235 million clock ...
High-end anxiety.(stainless steel cookware industry is crowded)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - So many players, so little space. That's the story at the high end of the stainless steel cookware industry, where ever-increasing numbers of players competing for the lion's share of a segment that represents a little more than 5 percent of the entire $1.06 billion metal cookware ...
Electrics promos rev up.(electric kitchen appliances)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - Retailers of kitchen electrics are planning fourth-quarter promotions that rival - perhaps surpass - those of 1994 in an effort to turn their luck around in a year described as anything from soft" to "lousy."Somewhat shaken by a lackluster nine months, manufacturers and ...
Chicago - Sassafras Enterprises Inc.(signs distribution contract with Beylerian Products)(Communique)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... Chicago - Sassafras Enterprises Inc. has teamed up with UNICEF license Bylerian Products as the exclusive U.S. distributor for a UNICEF correction of housewares-orientedUnder the agreement, 10 percent of products' wholesale proceeds will be donated to the U.S ....
Long Beach, Cal. - Mikasa.(COO Norman R. Higo to retire)(People Watching)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... LONG BEACH, Cal. - Norman R. Higo, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Mikasa's international division, and a director, will be retiring effective Oct. 31. Higo had requested early retirement for personal and health reasons.Higo will ...
Pondering Hoffritz's role for Hoan. (Lifetime Hoan's Hoffritz brand of kitchen cutlery and gadgets)
Oct 02, 1995; ... WESTBURY, N.Y. - Housewares retailers and vendors see breaking into the high-end cutlery market - where competition for placement is stiff - as the most formidable challenge in Lifetime Hoan's launch of its Hoffritz line.Lifetime Hoan acquired the Hoffritz brand name two weeks ago ...
Spiegel's Newport News adds page of kitchenware.(direct mail catalog)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - The Holiday '95 edition of the Newport News direct mail apparel catalog is featuring its first page of kitchen products this fall. The catalog, formerly called Avon Fashions, is owned by Spiegel, a Chicago-based magazine with housewares and tabletop sales of $561.8 million. ...
A specialty alternative for cookware.(stainless steel cookware makers turn to specialty stores)
Oct 02, 1995; ... NEW YORK - Several makers of stainless steel cookware are trying to offset diminishing mid-range business in department stores by trying to sell more merchandise to specialty stores.Branded cookware that retails between $100 and $200 for a seven- or eight-piece set has largely been ...
Nonstick's all over stainless.(stainless steel cookware)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995; ... WILMINGTON, Del. - For many years consumers considered the images of stainless steel cookware and nonstick coatings to be diametrically opposed. The former meant durability and toughness, the latter was deemed convenient, yet essentially, disposable.However, since Farberware's ...
Waterford: life beyond crystal.(Waterford Crystal expands its markets)
Oct 02, 1995; ... WALL, N.J. - Waterford Crystal, the largest supplier of upstairs crystal tabletop, aims to spread its brand beyond crystal through licensing ventures."Waterford cannot be restricted by the size of the crystal tabletop market," said Tom McInerney, vice president of marketing. "Our ...
Two stores join to woo brides.(Jenss Department Stores, Reeds Jewelers start bridal registry)
Oct 02, 1995; ... BUFFALO, N.Y. - Jenss Department Stores and Reeds Jewelers are joining forces in a bridal registry store opening today in Rochester, N.Y.Jenss is a four-store chain based here. Reeds, also based here, is a jewelry store. The two are combining to form a 9,400-square-foot Jenss/ ...
Enesco inks pact with Calik's of Poland.(Calik's Artistry, ornament distribution contract)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... ITASCA, III. - Enesco Corp., a leading giftware and corectibles supplier, has signed an agreement with Calik's Artistry to distribute the company's handcrafted glass ornaments in the U.S. through Enesco's International Collections division. Calik's Artistry is a Krakow, Poland-based producer ...
Libbey buying Syracuse China.(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... TOLEDO, Ohio - Libbey Inc. and the Pfaltzgraff Co. have signed an agreement for the cash purchase of Syracuse China by Libbey from Pfaltzgraff. The price is $40.7 Million.Libbey, one of the top three glassware suppliers with sales of $334 million in 1994, does the major part of its ...
Pfaltzgraff expands licensing.(contract with LABS Inc.)(Table Talk)(Brief Article)
Oct 02, 1995 ... LABS Inc., a manufacturer of silk trees and floral arrangements, has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with The Pfaltzgraff Co. to create a correction of floral arrangements to coordinate with Pfaltzgraff ...