HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from April 1996:
A shift at Wal-Mart. (executive changes at Wal-Mart Stores Inc.)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--The resignation of William R. Fields, the Wal-Mart executive vice president who oversaw the company's core discount stores, is being downplayed by both the company and retail analysts.Fields reported his departure Friday to take over the reins as chief executive of the ...
Converging industries. (consumer electronics and computers; multifunction products)(Cover Story)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Jason Chudnofsky, president and chief executive of Comdex, the nation's largest computer trade show, said the event's objective is to reflect what's happening in the marketplace.Increasingly, what's happening is a convergence of products, companies and distribution ...
Newell reframes. (segments Intercraft-Decorel and Holson Burnes Group into separate divisions)
Apr 01, 1996; ... TAYLOR, Texas--After spending six months building its photo frame empire through acquisitions, Newell Inc. will segment it into two separate entities: the Intercraft-Decorel division, aimed at mass merchants, and the Holson Burnes Group, catering to department store accounts. ...
Bullish bedding buyout. (Investcorp Inc. acquisition of Simmons Co.)(includes related article on management of Investcorp Inc.)
Apr 01, 1996; ... ATLANTA--Simmons Co., one of the top three mattress makers, has taken on a new majority partner in the first step toward a major expansion.Executives say the new financial backing will put the company in a position to buy back a number of its former manufacturing plants around the ...
Toshiba withdrawing from mobile sector. (Toshiba America Consumer Products Inc.)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... WAYNE, N.J.--Toshiba America Consumer Products reported it is pulling out of the mobile electronics business in order to focus its efforts on audio and video products and upcoming DVD merchandise.Doug Turner, Toshiba's director of marketing and management for mobile electronics and ...
Sony plans PC with a twist. (personal computer)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... NEW YORK--Sony Corp. plans to market a home personal computer by March 1997 that will differ significantly from the prototypical square desktop machines, a Sony official said.Sony won't talk about the look or price of the machine, but Kunitake Ando, head of Sony's ...
Federated exec at Vernon. (Federated Merchandising Corp.; Lillian Vernon Corp. hires Howard Goldberg as president)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... Howard Goldberg, Federated Merchandising veteran and most recently senior vice president of Macy's catalog, has joined Lillian Vernon Corp. as president and chief operating officer.He has also been appointed to the company's board of directors.Goldberg has more than 30 ...
Seattle Lighting Chapter 11. (Seattle Lighting Fixture Co. files bankruptcy)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... Seattle Lighting Fixture Co., a 12-store Seattle-based wholesale and retail distributor of specialty lighting, has filed a Chapter 11 petition seeking to reorganize. Jim Scarborough, president and CEO, said a 29 percent downturn in housing starts in its trading area had hurt its business. ...
Internet seller gets president. (Internet Shopping Network names Scott Randall president)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... Scott Randall has been named president and chief operating officer of Internet Shopping Network, a subsidiary of Home Shopping Network. He was general manager of NECX Direct, an Internet computer products reseller in Boston.ISN, launched in June ...
Federated selects Lazarus designer. (Federated Department Stores Inc.'s Lazarus Department Store; contract with Cooper Carry & Associates Inc.)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... CINCINNATI--Federated Department Stores, Inc. has selected Cooper Carry & Associates Inc. as lead architects for the new Lazarus department store and underground parking garage planned for downtown Pittsburgh.Federated said Cooper Carry, headquartered in Atlanta, will be working ...
Wal-Mart as a travel center. (Wal-Mart Stores Inc.)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... NEW YORK--Wal-Mart is bringing its family-oriented, discount values to the travel business.In an experiment launched in four Wal-Mart stores, the discount giant is turning into a travel center. The concept is being tested in Brandon, Fla.; Venice, Fla.; Columbia, S.C., and ...
Maryland mall gets key OK. (planning and development of Silver Spring, Maryland shopping mall)(includes related article on tourism and shopping malls)
Apr 01, 1996; ... WASHINGTON (FNS)--A planned 2.1-million-square-foot shopping mall in Silver Spring, Md., has moved a step closer to reality with the endorsement of a top local official.Montgomery County executive Douglas M. Duncan said he is backing a bid by Triple Five Development, creators of ...
The Big Apple gets tastier as 'Grand' rejoins 'Central.' (New York, New York; Grand Central Partnership to revitalize Grand Central Station area)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... NEW YORK--The Grand Central Partnership, a privately funded business-improvement district, has launched a marketing campaign to attract retailers to the area around the bustling train station. The marketing program furthers the revitalization of the area as a retail hub.According ...
Set for liftoff. (Shaw Industries' area rug business poised for success)
Apr 01, 1996; ... DALTON, Ga.--The biggest carpet company in the country decided to get into the area rug business in 1993. On paper, it looked like a sure thing. Shaw Industries had a built-in distribution system, existing sales force, access to corporate mega-financing to buy high-speed looms. It had ...
Holding the high note. (retailer Whole Earth Access carries strong assortment of ready-to-assemble furniture)
Apr 01, 1996; ... BERKELEY, Cal.--There was a time when consumers shopping for ready-to-assemble furniture had very limited options. They could either purchase promotionally priced RTA from their local discounter or go the opposite route, buying high-end modular furniture on special order.Today, ...
A hot potato in bedding; industry argues warranty reform.
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW ORLEANS--When leaders in the bedding business got together for the World Bedding Conference here, one of the hot questions was how long warranties should run.The debate started during a question-and-answer period at the conference, and the buzz continued through the ...
Dale Tiffany's Looney Tunes medley. (cartoon characters to be used on decorative lighting)
Apr 01, 1996; ... MOONACHIE, N.J.--Dale Tiffany will introduce Bugs Bunny to Louis Comfort Tiffany.The decorative lighting manufacturer has signed a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. to produce an array of home decor merchandise--table, desk and floor lamps; jewelry boxes; sun-catchers, and ...
Elmore joins Casual Lifestyles.(Joe Elmore, sales director)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... MINNEAPOLIS--Chet Stoler, president of Casual Lifestyles, a maker of futon frames, futon mattresses and futon covers--headquartered here--[pi] has reported the expansion of its marketing team. Joe Elmore was named to the newly created position of national sales director.Prior to ...
Teaming for accessories.(National Home Accessories Month is November 1996)
Apr 01, 1996; ... WILMINGTON, Del.--The Accessories Resource Team (ART) has joined forces with the Home Furnishings Council (HFC) here, to co-sponsor the upcoming National Home Accessories Month (NHAM) in November.ART is a Charlotte, N.C.-based trade association that represents the ...
Warner set to light up sports, cartoon stars. (Warner Brothers licensing agreement with Sportscast)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... JERSEY CITY, N.J.--Sportscast, the sports-oriented division of Checkolite International, has signed a licensing agreement with Warner Brothers to produce lamps, nightlights and ceiling fans that sport the characters from Space Jam, a motion picture to be released in November.Space ...
Couristan comes home. (Couristan for Your Home)(Area Rugs)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... FORT LEE, N.J.--Couristan has formed a new marketing division called Couristan for Your Home, according to Steve Couri, a company principal.The division will focus on home accessories and will include accent and scatter rugs, tapestries, needlepoint pillows, handcrafted holiday ...
Levitz buys time. (Levitz Furniture Inc.; finance)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... BOCA RATON, Fla. (FNS)-- Levitz Furniture Inc. has bought itself some time by putting off the due date for more than $90 million in debt for about a year and a half.Levitz has worked out a deal with its note holders for the exchange of $91.6 million in new senior notes to replace a ...
Casual furniture keeps up growth.(report by Packaged Facts)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK-- Although it may seem a little early to be thinking about lazy days thinking about lazy days out by the pool or patio, many furniture retailers displayed their seasonal items on the floors during late February and early March.It won't be long before consumers gear up for ...
Springs does the laundry; adding hampers, bags for the bath. (Springs Industries Inc.)(Textiles Network)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Springs Industries will enter the $238 million laundry-care category with the April launch of fabric hampers and laundry bags to coordinate with its bath products, as part of its continuing efforts to expand its bath offerings."It's the next step," said Crandall Bowles, ...
New directions: Croscill's rolling out a drive on all fronts.
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Croscill executives are sending a strong message to the industry this market: the company is determined to be a full-service supplier of window coverings, bedroom and bath coordinates--at all price points.Originally a curtain supplier, Croscill has been focusing most of ...
WestPoint recolors bath line. (WestPoint Stevens)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--WestPoint Stevens is building a strong color story with its bath introductions for the April Home Textiles Market.Designers for the Martex bath line are drifting away from staid, traditional solids in towels and are replacing them with new and bright, but "livable ...
Covington umbrella; new office to oversee 3 divisions. (Covington Industries Inc.; Covington Fabrics, Spectrum Fabrics, Tasco)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Covington Fabrics has formed a new corporate entity, Covington Industries, with Abby Gilmore as president and chief executive overseeing the company's three divisions--Covington Fabrics, Spectrum Fabrics and Tasco.Gilmore had been president of Covington Fabrics, which ...
Home-Tex Fashions Inc. (introduces Fashion Wrap System, vertical blinds combined with sheer fabric and lace)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... MINNEAPOLIS--Home-Tex Fashions Inc., fabricator of soft window treatments and vertical blinds, has introduced the Fashion Wrap System, a combination of the firm's vertical blinds with lace and sheer fabric. A ...
Eastern Home Products. (moving factory to Greenville, South Carolina)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... GREENVILLE, S.C.--Eastern Home Products, a leading supplier of waterbed and specialty bed linens to the retail trade, is closing its Elkhart, Ind., manufacturing facility June 1 and will relocate its operations to South Carolina, to "enhance its competitiveness," the company said. ...
Wamsutta stresses softness, color.(April Market Preview)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Springs Industries' Wamsutta division will unveil two major programs at April market based on how consumers buy bedding--color and softness.A key motivator in shoppers' purchases is color. Wamsutta's Color By Design collection aims to re-invigorate the fashion print ...
Foreston puts tapestry in kitchen. (Foreston Trends)(April Market Preview)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Tapestries, naturals, denims and reversibles are just a handful of introductions which Foreston Trends will present to retailers for the April Home Textiles Show.The nearly $30 million importer of 100 percent cotton placemats and napkins from India branched out two years ...
Maples' new track: branches upward via Roomers brand. (accent rug supplier)(April Market Preview)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--It was the Fast Track rug that put Maples Rugs on the map. The racetrack stripe border is the manufacturer's signature, but don't be mistaken--Maples is taking new routes in accent rugs.Sales for Maples in '95 reached a cool $60 million, quite a feat, considering just 15 ...
Barth & Dreyfuss: mix to the max.(April Market Preview)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Barth & Dreyfuss is planning to make a picture-perfect splash at market. The manufacturer, known for its kitchen and bath coordinates, is maximizing its cross coordination philosophy at the April Home Textiles Show.You've seen them in card shops. The cards feature black ...
Someone's in the kitchen - and it's Mary Gilliatt. (home furnishings designer)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Designer Mary Gilliatt has a fine eye for detail.Known for creating sophisticated tromp l'oeil effects in a variety of wallcoverings lines such as Faux Finish, English-born Gilliatt has established herself as a design force to be reckoned with.Her latest--In the ...
Sunworthy stretching its wall (coverings). (Sunworthy Wallcoverings)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Sunworthy Wallcoverings isn't backing away from challenges, but capitalizing on opportunities, according to Chris Southey, general manager and vice president.With a new name, logo and marketing strategy in place "Sunworthy is going to grow, despite the many challenges ...
High-tech finishes on tap. (seminars at the International Fashion Fabric Exhibition feature fabrics inspired by technology)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--If home fashions follow apparel fashions, then high-tech designs and finishes, pale colorations and more animal skin and reptile prints are likely to appear on fabrics soon.At the International Fashion Fabric Exhibition [IFFE] here a number of seminars were offered which ...
Craftex boosting production. (Craftex Mills Inc.)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... BLUE BELL, Pa.--Craftex is investing $8 million over the next three years to increase its production capacity by 20 percent, according to company marketing vice president Jack Eger.Until now, Craftex has been viewed in the marketplace more as a directional, fashion-forward source ...
Summer Hill in New York. (opens flagship showroom)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... NEW YORK--Summer Hill, the California-based fabric and furniture company, opened a new flagship showroom here last month.The showroom includes a wide range of Summer Hill products plus N.C. Souther linens, Nicholas Herbert folding tables, Richard Lindley lamps and accessories. ...
Time for fashion: clock makers take a decorative turn.
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--To reinvigorate the industry, clock vendors and retailers are eschewing low-margin, opening-price alarm and wall clocks in favor of licensed and novelty clocks, or decorative wall pieces that coordinate with home decor.According to the Clock Manufacturer & Marketing ...
DeLonghi fills out; company takes the high road into new electrics lines. (DeLonghi S.p.A.)(includes related article on product line extensions)
Apr 01, 1996; ... SECAUCUS, N.J.--DeLonghi is learning it can't live on cappuccino alone.At the U.S. subsidiary of Italy's DeLonghi SpA last year--its 17th in the U.S.--sales soared to more than $50 million, fueled largely by its strong position in cappuccino machines. DeLonghi has introduced a ...
A spring thaw for electrics; AHAM sees hope in retail upswing.(Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Manufacturers and suppliers in the portable appliance business felt the ill effects of one of worst winters in history, coupled with a sluggish economy and a slow Christmas-sales season, according to John R. Jiambalvo, executive director, portable appliance division for the ...
SF Ceramics in branded dinnerware.(Siu-Fung Ceramics Holdings Ltd.)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Siu-Fung Ceramics Holdings Ltd., a Hong Kong-based porcelain manufacturer, will introduce its first branded porcelain line for the housewares and upstairs dinnerware market at the New York Spring Tabletop show this month under its new subsidiary, SF Ceramics Americas Inc. ...
Marsel Mirror. (Ed Adams appointed president at Marsel Mirror and Glass Products Company Inc.)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... TAYLOR, Texas--Ed Adams, who served as vice president of sales in the West for Intercraft, has left to become president of ...
Anchor Hocking Plastics. (Frank Biller appointed vice president of sales)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... ST. PAUL, Minn.--Frank Biller has been tapped to be vice president of sales for Anchor Hocking Plastics. Biller, who served as national sales manager for Anchor Hocking Glass for the past year and a half, replaces Bill Berg, who has been named general manager of Holson Burnes Group, a sister ...
Reston Lloyd to expand Pfaltzgraff. (licensing for cookware line)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... RESTON, Va.--Reston Lloyd, a supplier of enamel-on-steel cookware and kitchen accessories, will expand its cookware lines to include new Pfaltzgraff patterns as well as an expanded assortment of Gear designs at the upcoming gourmet show in San Francisco.The new Pfaltzgraff patterns ...
Davco silverplate flatware sets due. (Davco Silver Co.)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Davco Silver Co., a silver giftware supplier, aims to double its business in one year through its entry into the silverplated flatware set market.Although silverplated flatware sales have declined in the marketplace, there was an opportunity at the housewares level, said ...
The virtual kitchen helper. (Brother International Corp.'s computerized interactive recipe system, called Kitchen Assistant)(Product Announcement)
Apr 01, 1996; ... MILWAUKEE--The Information Age is making its way into the kitchen with what Brother International Corp. is calling the world's first all-in-one interactive cookbook.Brother, known for it's word processors and sewing machines, is stepping into the housewares arena with The Kitchen ...
Plastic appliances in demand. (electric housewares)(Freedonia Group report)
Apr 01, 1996; ... CLEVELAND--The demand for plastics in appliances is on the rise, with electric housewares as the fastest-growing sector of applications, according to a study published by the Freedonia Group, a market research firm.At the same time, plastic prices should be stabilizing, according ...
Sterling woos first-timers. (Sterling Air & Water Inc. marketing tap-water filter systems)
Apr 01, 1996; ... COVINGTON, La.--sterling Air & Water Inc., known for its premium water filters, is reaching out to first-time buyers with a price reduction on entry-level tap-water filter systems."We have adjusted our pricing to position our standard Sterling Spring filters as a premium ...
Hoover steps back up to plate. (sponsoring major league baseball teams)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... NORTH CANTON, Ohio--After enjoying a solid, if strike-shortened season in 1995, the Hoover Co. is stepping up to the plate with Major League Baseball again this summer.The vac manufacturer that last year sponsored 16 Major League Baseball teams with television ads, in-stadium signs ...
Storage promo. (Evriholder promoting Twirl-A-Belt and Twirl-A-Tie products)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... SIGNAL HILL, CAL.--Storage vendor Evriholder is offering its first promotion on its Twirl-A-Tie and Twirl-A-Belt products. For its Father's Day Discount Extravaganza, the vendor is extending a 17.5 percent price reduction and free shipping on orders for the two closet storage items, ...
A-Bee combines drawer, shelves. (A-Bee Syndicate/Staxx Inc. introducing new storage unit for use in closets)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... NEW YORK--A-Bee Syndicate/Staxx Inc. is rolling out its newest storage unit, which combines shelves and a drawer.The new Access Plus contains two short shelves, a long shelve and a "Jumbo Roll-Out Drawer." The system is designed to be used in the closet, where space often is tight, ...
Vac shipments rise 6.4% in Feb. (Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Association report, 1996)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]NORTH CANTON, Ohio--Continuing the upward trend begun in January, the Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Association reported an increase in February shipments for the industry to 1,278,586 units.These numbers represented an increase of 6.4 percent over ...
AT&T jumps in: DSS available ahead of schedule. (Digital Satellite System)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--AT&T is going ahead with its Digital Satellite System project a little sooner than it expected, albeit on a restricted basis.Customers nationwide can dial a toll-free number to order AT&T's version of DSS, although they will have to wait until at least May 1 for ...
Retuning stereos: personal models set for an upgrade.
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Almost two decades after the personal stereo player was introduced, the product category is seen as fully mature; prices have hit bottom, and vendors are looking for ways to stimulate a new generation of sales.For the most part, makers are trying to come out with products ...
Majors stay hot in Feb.: shipments up for 10 of 12 categories. (major home appliances sector, 1996)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... CHICAGO--Manufacturers' major-appliance shipments remained strong in February, reaching record levels for the month in total units, refrigerators and dishwashers.Ten of the 12 categories tracked by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers showed increases from February a ...
Canon adds edit-yourself camcorder. (Product Announcement)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Canon U.S.A. Inc. is introducing three heavily featured 8mm camcorders this spring. One model will allow users to edit and assemble videos without additional editing equipment."Nobody is a stranger to watching really bad video at home," said Mike Zorich, technical ...
Fyrnetics Inc. (introducing new remote visual signaling system for hearing impaired for linkage to a smoke detector)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Apr 01, 1996 ... CHICAGO--Fyrnetics Inc. has introduced a pair of remote visual signaling devices for the hearing impaired that feature high-intensity strobe lights flashing approximately 60 times a minute when the alarm on an interconnected detector is triggered.Lifesaver Strobe models SL177 and ...
Sony Computer Entertainment America. (licensing agreement with Universal Interactive Studios Inc. involving Crash Bandicoot and action game)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... FOSTER CITY, Cal.--Sony Computer Entertainment America and Universal Interactive Studios Inc. have reported an exclusive, worldwide license agreement that gives Sony publishing and distribution rights for Crash ...
Gemstar International Group Ltd. (agreement with JVC for putting Gemstar's TV Guide Plus system into JVC TVs)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... PASADENA, Cal.--Gemstar International Group Ltd. has reached an agreement with JVC to incorporate Gemstar's TV Guide Plus system into a broad range of its TVs. The system will serve as a premium feature in key models including 27-, 32- and 35- inch screen sizes. The first TV Guide ...
Plasma TV from Mitsubishi. (Mitsubishi Consumer Electronics America Inc. introducing 40-inch unit in 1996)(Product Announcement)
Apr 01, 1996; ... ATLANTA--Mitsubishi Consumer Electronics America Inc. will introduce a 40-inch plasma display into the TV market this year.The news came during the company's product rollout here of new and bigger projection and direct-view TVs.Jack Osborn, president and chief operating ...
BIC goal: theater at a price.(B.I.C. America's new home theater systems for 1996)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Loudspeaker maker BIC America is continuing its push to attract consumers looking for step-up home theater packages and speakers at a reasonable price.BIC's 1996 lineup includes three new home theater systems, two powered and one passive subwoofer, two loudspeakers and ...
TDK does its spring thing.(TDK Electronics Corp., promotions for audio tapes)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996; ... NEW YORK--TDK Electronics Corp. has much in store for spring and summer. The company is introducing a new high-bias audio tape and launching a series of consumer promotions.Tim Sullivan, vice president of marketing, said the new audio tape, "CDing II," is targeted to consumers who ...
Intercounty prospering.(Intercounty Appliance Corp.)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... NEW YORK--A year after its affiliation with the larger Nationwide buying group, Intercounty Appliance Corp. reports qualitative improvement and quantitative growth.Membership numbers are steady, but volume is up as larger appliance and electronics retailers join the Commack, N.Y., ...
Whirlpool exit.(Whirlpool Asia chmn and ceo Bob Frey resigns)(Brief Article)
Apr 01, 1996 ... BENTON HARBOR, Mich.--Bob Frey has resigned as chairman and chief executive of Whirlpool Asia and an executive vice president of Whirlpool Corp., effective April 15. An official said Frey was reassigned to ...