HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from June 1996:
Eager to extend a name: new backer fuels Remington's drive.(Remington Products Co.)
Jun 03, 1996; ... Bridgeport, Conn.--The management team at Remington Products Co., flush with a $70 million cash infusion, said it will move aggressively to leverage the Remington brand in new core categories.The $250-million supplier of hair care and men's grooming appliances was acquired May 23 ...
Head of GE Appliances.(David Cote appointed chief executive)
Jun 03, 1996; ... Louisville, Ky.--David Cote has returned to GE Appliances as president and chief executive. He succeeds Richard Stonesifer, who retired after 36 years with General Electric Co., the past four as head of the $5.9 billion appliance business.Cote (pronounced COE-Tee), 43, has been ...
Textiles powers up: retail rebound lifts vendor optimism.
Jun 03, 1996; ... NEW York--Major home textiles manufacturers are poised to benefit from the current retail sales rebound. Some suppliers reported their business has already picked up as a result of increased retail demand, while others expect a strong performance in the second half.In 1995, home ...
Balancing act: brand vs. price; discounters weigh private labels against known names.(discount stores; home furnishings sales)
Jun 03, 1996; ... Dallas--To brand or not to brand? In the wake of Kmart's disclosure that it would pare all but the top brands from its assortment, and in some cases replace those with "own-brand" merchandise, mass merchants at last month's IMRA convention were candidly reassessing their own home furnishings ...
Costly battle for share in video-game arena.(hardware prices drop below $200)
Jun 03, 1996; ... LOS ANGELES--While the new $199 price point is spurring sales of video game machines, industry executives say manufacturers are taking a loss on the hardware; estimates of losses run between $50 and $80 per unit.As manufactures--Sega, Sony, Nintendo and Panasonic--grapple over ...
Venture widens home as makeover proceeds.(Venture Stores Inc. expands homes goods departments)
Jun 03, 1996; ... St. Louis (FNS)-Venture Stores is preparing to expand some home goods departments in the second stage of its transformation from discounter to "family value department store," Robert N. Wildrick, chairman and chief executive, told about 75 shareholders at the retailer's annual meeting. ...
Home Depot aims to double.(plans 450 more stores by 1999)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... Home Depot plans to double its number of stores by 1999. It currently has 445 stores in the U.S. and Canada and plans to open another 450 stores by 1999, 90 to 95 of them this year. That is a 21 percent compounded annual growth rate, company president Arthur Blank told shareholders at last ...
White-Westinghouse TV sets.(Newtech Corp. licensing agreement with White-Westinghouse)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... Newtech Corp., which markets consumer electronics under its own and the Admiral names, has signed a licensing agreement to manufacture a line using the White-Westinghouse brand name in North America. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. ...
Gifts at Banana Republic.(retailer to expand stock)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... The Banana Republic will branch out into the gift business in 10 stores in October. The company will stock a "mixture of gift-related items," probably including tabletop and seasonal wares such as Christmas items. The exact list of ...
Store security, polite policing.(pros and cons of using police in stores)
Jun 03, 1996; ... WASHINGTON (FNS)--It's a 1990s' retail dilemma. As the fear of violent crime rises across the country, many retailers feel compelled to hire uniformed police officers to guard stores in high-risk neighborhoods. But recent allegations of abuse by moon-lighting cops point to another problem: ...
Domain Home Fashions presenting its first catalog.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... NEW YORK--Twenty-store Domain Home Fashions, founded by Judy George in 1986, is launching its first catalog. The 16-page, six-color catalog will be produced in three variations: a store version, a direct mail version and a catalog to be inserted into Boston Magazine. Mailings will go to ...
Home Depot 'Green.'(contributions to environmental concerns)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... ATLANTA--The Home Depot has contributed nearly $1.1 million to environmental groups and projects over the past four years.It donated $367,800 in charitable contributions to nonprofit environmental agencies during fiscal 1996, the company said.The grants to 47 ...
Tabletop retail concept debuts.(Lunt Silversmiths)
Jun 03, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Lunt Silversmiths, manufacturer of silver and stainless steel tableware, aims to boost its sales and brand name through an innovative retail concept.The firm's Lunt Center Design Marketplace creates three distinct environments, said Colby Lunt, vice president of marketing ...
VISA votes for home. (promotion of home-related products)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... SAN FRANCISCO--VISA U.S.A., conducting its fourth nationwide promotion in two years, is putting the spotlight on home-related products and services, including home-improvement and decor items, appliances and furniture, and home entertainment and electronics.Joining VISA are 25 ...
Keeping house in RTA: service firms fill the bill at retail.(ready-to-assemble furniture)
Jun 03, 1996; ... HIGH POINT, N.C.--High-end, ready-to-assemble furniture is at a crossroads: Retailers looking to cash in on next-generation, step-up RTA know they need to accelerate instore merchandising and housekeeping, or be left in the dust by competitors that do."At Best, we are currently ...
Near no. 1 in rugs: home centers roll.
Jun 03, 1996; ... New York-- Area rug sales in home center a are estimated to be close to $300 million in 1996, and this retail category is expected to become the leading marketing channel for rugs in the next year, according to major suppliers.While industrywide rug sales are expected to grow ...
Staying a step ahead in lamps; vendors work harder to keep competitive edge.(includes related article on licensing agreements in the lamp industry)
Jun 03, 1996; ... NEW YORK--For many lamp suppliers, the light bulb has gone on.Vendors, recognizing that the $850 million wholesale lamp industry has grown just 3 percent each year for the past three years, and that the retail base is shrinking, are working overtime to better manage their ...
Ceiling fans fly; stores say promos, ads paying off.
Jun 03, 1996; ... NEW YORK--The ceiling fan season has kicked into high gear, and fans are blowing out of stores across the country, retailers report."My ceiling fan business is screaming," reported Jeff Lee, lighting buyer for Home Base, an Irvine, Cal.-based home improvement chain. ...
Shaw Area Rugs has entered into an agreement with Phillip Crow, the internationally known wildlife artist.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... DALTON, GA.-- Shaw Area Rugs has entered into an agreement with Philip Crow, the internationally known wildlife artist. Crow's painting of such outdoorsy themes as dogs, gees and ducks will be ...
Bush Industries Inc., the third-largest domestic maker of ready-to-assemble furniture, has declared a 3-for-2 stock split.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... JAMESTOWN, N.Y-- Industries Inc., the third-largest domestic maker of ready to assemble furniture, has declared a 3-for-2 stock split in the form of a 50 percent dividend payable June 28 to stockholders of record as of June 14."This action was taken as part of our continuing ...
Kenneth Mink Fine Rugs & Home Accents opened its new 15,00-square-foot freestanding store at the Concord Square Shopping Center in Wilmington, Del.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... WILMINGTON, Del.--Kenneth Milk Fine Rugs & Home Accents opened its new 15,000 square-foot freestanding store at the Condord Square Shopping Center in Wilmington, Del. on6 Tuesday, May 21. For three generations, the milk family was affiliated with John Wanamaker Department Store in ...
Sudden surge in O'Sullivan stock.(O'Sullivan Industries)
Jun 03, 1996; ... LAMAR, Mo.--There was La flurry of activity in shares of O'Sullivan Industries' stock as the issues from the second-largest domestic maker of ready-to-assemble furniture here moved up 7/8, or 12.5 percent, to 7 7/8 on unusually heavy volume of 346,000.According to Wall Street ...
Westinghouse illuminates Comdex.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996; ... CHICAGO--Catalina Lighting's newest venture, the Westinghouse ProOffice series, will make its debut at the Spring Comdex computer industry trade show that begins today.The company will produce and market home office lighting products under the Westinghouse ProOffice name. Vice ...
Nordness launches consulting venture.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... Jim Nordness, who served as lighting buyer for Seattle-based Ernst Home & Nursery for four years, has launched Global Sourcing & Design, an independent consulting firm that specializes in product design, development, sourcing and distribution.The firm, based in Enumclaw, Wash., ...
Former Lowe's buyer opens interior design business.(Beth Ball launches Beth Ball Consulting)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... Beth Ball, former buyer for decorative electrical for Lowe's Cos, has launched Beth Ball Consulting, based in Jefferson, N.C.Ball, who will use her buying and merchandising, experience, is available to work with importers and manufacturers on product design, sourcing, pricing, ...
N.Y. Carpet: buying control.(New York Carpet World stores will not change much as a subsidiary of Shaw Industries.)
Jun 03, 1996; ... DALTON, Ga.--"Business as usual" is what is being planned for the immediate future at New York Carpet World stores, according to Marv Berlin, president of the $400 million specialty store chain acquired last week by Shaw Industries, one of the country's largest producers of carpets and rugs ....
Nepalese rugs aim at U.S.(marketing consortium formed by Wools of New Zealand)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... ATLANTA--A group of Nepalese rug manufacturers has jointly desiged and produced products specifically for the American market.The consortium, the American Initiative Club of Nepal (AIC), was initiated by Wools of New Zealand.American designer Janelle Jarous is working ...
Furniture fair springs variety.(rugs exhibited at The International Contemporary Furniture Fair)
Jun 03, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Rugs are an eclectic and growing presence at The international Contemporary Furniture Fair. Almost 20 rug makers exhibited at the May 18 to 22 event. The trend in contemporary design is that there is no trend.Venerable Tibetan patterns look as fresh and new as bold ...
More space, more jobs at LeatherTECH.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... DALLAS-LeatherTECH, a leading manufacturer of custom upholstered leather furniture, has more than doubled its factory space, and plans a significant increase in employees.LeatherTECH added more than 40,000 square feet to its current manufacturing center, and its headquarters now ...
Colors of Italy; Proposte big on prints, naturals.(1996 Proposte fabric fair)
Jun 03, 1996; ... CERNOBBIO, Italy (FNS)--The Lake Como setting for Proposte, the high-end European fabric fair, was clearly the inspiration for many of the new fabrics shown at the Vina Erba here this month..Designs were strong in the floral category and colors matched that of the region's ...
Ahead of the curve: India Ink breaks new ground.
Jun 03, 1996; ... LOS ANGELES--Perhaps it's because it's the gateway to Hollywood. Or maybe there's something in the water But California seems to inspire creativitySo it's no surprise that India Ink, the mid-size apparel, bed, bath and decorative pillow manufacturer, is located-on the West Coast. ...
A table linen thrust; Michael C. Fina sets a 5-year plan.
Jun 03, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Michael C. Fina, the upper-end Fifth Avenue tabletop store known for its wide selection and competitive prices, plans to establish a similar presence in table linens over the next five years."We see no reason why we can't be as important a player in table linens as we are ...
Selling style to maintain prices.(Wamsutta Supercale Plus bedsheet line)(Column)
Jun 03, 1996; ... What established lines of sheets and bedding already carried have the chambray-denim look textures and colorings that can be highlighted in ads, ask merchants who would rather participate in that current style presence that way than to bring in such merchandise from another source. ...
Finishing touches to set the table: tabletop vendors add linens to extend brands.
Jun 03, 1996; ... NEW YORK--The well-set table is taking on a new meaning.Tabletop suppliers increasingly offer matching linens to feed their coffers and consumers' desire for coordination.Having mastered china and crystal, upstairs vendors are banking that their brand names will translate ...
Buyouts rev up electrics: quarters get lift at acquisitive firms.
Jun 03, 1996; ... NEW YORK--In the latest round of quarterly reports, small electrics companies that have grown through acquisition generally have out performed non-acquisitive companies.The acquisitive companies also out performed the overall small-appliance industry which has slowed from a year ...
Hoover push in extractors; joins mini-market.(will introduce steam vacuums)
Jun 03, 1996; ... NORTH CANTON, Ohio--The Hoover Co. has made a commitment to bolster its position in the extractor category with the introduction of the Steam Vac Jr., its first mini-extractor, as well as redesigns its existing lines. The Steam Vac Jr. marks Hoover's foray into the spot cleaner segment of ...
A book for storage: new catalog aims at popular prices.(Taylor Gifts will launch home organizing catalog in fall 1996)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996; ... PAOLI, Pa.--Taylor Gifts, a gift and home furnishings mail-order company, plans the September to launch Get Organized!, a new catalog focusing on home organization.The company currently offers some home storage in its Taylor Gifts catalog and has identified it as a hot category, ...
Pointerware heats stainless. (introduction of Tiered Steam Cooker to US market)
Jun 03, 1996 ... NEW York--After a rocky period that included a 1994 change of ownership and a 1995 scaling back of its U.S. operations, South Africa-based Pointerware is refocusing its efforts here to concentrate on the stainless steel and hard anodized cookware business.To spearhead that effort ...
Ferguson: starting out small. (Daniel Ferguson; chairman of Newell Co. comments on management at Ambrosia Industries)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996; ... JOHNSTOWN, Ohio--Daniel Ferguson hasn't forgotten what it means to be a small entrepreneur. Ferguson, chairman of $3 billion housewares giant Newell Co., saluted Ambrosia Industries for developing a $25 million glassware business over the past fie years.Ferguson joined Newell in ...
Sterilite plans ads for last half of '96.(plastic storage vending company)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... TOWNSEND, Mass.--Sterilite Corp. plans to continue its national consumer advertising thrust in 1996 with a program aimed at the second half of the year.The plastic storage vendor began its national campaign last June in an effort to build brand awareness for the Sterilite name. ...
A wider Smith Corona.(reorganization plan under Chapter 11 bankruptcy)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996; ... NEW CANAAN, Conn.--Smith Corona, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last July, has submitted a reorganization plan that calls for the expansion of current product lines to include personal computer accessories, telecommunications equipment and other home and office products. ...
Comdex woos the big stores: show offering programs to meet mass needs.(Comdex/Spring show)(includes related article on digital cellular technology and the Internet)
Jun 03, 1996; ... CHICAGO--When Iomega Corp. launches its Retail Profit Center program, it will choose this week's Spring Comdex as the venue.But will retailers be in abundance?That's the question, as the big computer show commences today at McCormick Place in Chicago. The spring show, ...
Palmtops connect to PC desktop.(Franklin Electronic Publishers' and Starfish Software's launch of palmtop organizers)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
Jun 03, 1996 ... CHICAGO--At Comdex today Franklin Electronic Publishers and Starfish Software will unveil a new series of palmtop organizers that connect to the PC desktop.Bookman Sidekick, a palmtop version of the of the personal organizer PC software, allows users to exchange organizer data ...
Lucent on new turf.(Lucent Technologies will supply phones to SNET)
Jun 03, 1996; ... MURRAY HILL, N.J.--Lucent Technologies has struck a multimillion dollar deal to provide private label phones, a first-ever arrangement for the company once known as AT&T consumer products. It can for Lucent to supply phones to Connecticut telephone company SNET.In the wake of its ...
Zenith steps up: adding high-end home theater brand.(Zenith Electronics Corp., home-theater video products)
Jun 03, 1996; ... ORLANDO, Fla.--Zenith Electronics Corp. will roll out a new, high-end brand of home theater video products for the fall under the name Inteq. While the line will be manufactured by Zenith, Inteq will be marketed and sold as a step-up brand with its own identity.Bill Sims, president ...
Monster Cable Products Inc. is introducing a line of Just Hook It Up products for power retailers.(for buying correct Monster cables)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... SAN FRANCISCO--Monster Cable Products Inc. is introducing a line of Just Hook It Up products for power retailers. The program is designed to make buying the correct Monster cables and accessories easy for the power retailer's ...
Memory deals could lift the summer PC chill.(personal computer promotions)
Jun 03, 1996; ... NEW YORK--Personal computer promotions on Memorial Day are as common as burgers on the grill, but the drift of unique market forces is also in the summer air.Many retailers are looking to rock-bottom memory prices--the lowest in years--to help drive store traffic in what is ...
RCA's surge protector covers all DSS routes.(Digital Satellite Systems)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... ORLANDO, Fla.--A new surge suppressor from RCA was designed with Digital Satellite System in mind. The suppressor simultaneously will protect telephone lines, coaxial cable and AC lines from power surges. These are the three routes used by DSS receivers.Surge Protector Plus was ...
Lonely in Orlando: CES plays to a sparse house. (1996 CES Orlando trade show in Orlando, Florida)
Jun 03, 1996; ... ORLANDO, Fla.--What the recent CES Orlando trade show may have lacked in attendance it made up for in a multitude of new products and services based on digital technology.The event, spread over three days that fed into the Memorial Day weekend here, drew approximately 8,000 people ....
Cobra to supply Sprint. (Cobra Electronics Corp.)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... CHICAGO--Cobra Electronics has entered into an agreement with Sprint to provide the telecommunications company with phones on a private-label basis.Sprint will sell one model phone, a basic entry-level 25-channel unit offering Cobra's patented Intenna technology, under its own ...
Correction.(to an article in the May 20, 1996, issue, p. 77 on Mountain Dew's soft drink promotion)(Correction Notice)
Jun 03, 1996 ... A story that appeared on page 77 of HFN's May 20 issue should have read: Consumers who participate in a new Mountain Dew soft drink promotion will receive a ...
Panasonic consumer rebates.(cellular phone rebates offered on some models)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... SECAUCUS, N.J.--Panasonic Co. is offering consumers rebates on certain cellular phone models purchased before Sept.1.Under the Super Cellular Rebate program, consumers who buy an EB-H20 or EB-H20X handheld phone will be entitled to a $20 direct rebate by mail. Those who buy the ...
Mitsubishi cellphone shipping.(Mitsubishi Wireless Communications)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... BRASELTON, Ga.--Mitsubishi Wireless Communications has begun shipping its AH-131 portable cellphone geared specifically to retailers.The entry-level phone is a derivative model of the AH129, which is available now through cellular carriers and dealers.Created with ...
E3 returns with a roar.
Jun 03, 1996 ... LOS ANGELES--There was no sophomore jinx for the Electronic Entertainment Expo. E3, in its second year, drew 57,795 visitors--an increase of 50 percent over the previous year.The show's sponsor, the Interactive Digital Software Association, reported roughly 30 percent of those ...
Edited Eggheads bigger, bookish.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... SPOKANE, Wash.--As it opens 20 new large-format stores, Egghead Software is repositioning itself as a customer-friendly environment with a layout akin to a bookstore.Egghead is focusing on an "edited assortment" of hardware and software, a pledge to more knowledgeable customer ...
HP: aggressive pricing, expanded distribution.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... PALO ALTO, Cal.--As it expands its retail distribution push, Hewlett-Packard said it is determined to make its Pavilion line of home PCs more obtainable to the masses.HP has cut prices of up to $200 on its HP Pavilion Real-Life Imaging family.The entry-level street price ...
KitchenAid recooks Sculptura line.
Jun 03, 1996 ... BENTON HARBOR, Mech.-KitchenAid has completely redesigned its Sculptura built-in ovens-wall and undercounter-and the company intends to begin shipping the appliances in September.The grouping is said to offer a new generation of controls, features, convection, styling and ...
Crafft crowding room-air market.(Crafft USA Inc. offering room air conditioners)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... HOUSTON-Add another resource to the crowded market for room air conditioners.Crafft USA Inc. here has contracted with a dozen representatives covering all 50 states to sell Saudi-made ma chines. Bryan Brandegee, vice president, said popular small sizes are not available yet, so the ...
No chill for room air.(strong sales of air conditioners expected in 1996)
Jun 03, 1996 ... A cool spring in the Northeast notwithstanding, expectations are this will be another excellent year for selling room air conditioners.The past three hot summers have put consumers and dealers in the mood to buy early. Preseason business was described as good to heavy.The ...
Whirlpool plant unwrapped.(cooking appliance plant in production)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... TULSA, Okla.--Whirlpool Corp. formally dedicated its cooking-appliance plant near here and anticipated initial output of free-standing Whirlpool and Roper gas ranges would reach retailers on August.The 537,000 square foot factory in Cherokee Industrial Park, 12 miles to the north, ...
Nobel dubs Poulson chief of operations.(Nobel Distributors Inc.; Les Poulson)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 1996 ... PHOENIX--Noble Distributors Inc. here has hired Les Poulson to be chief operating officer.According to John Magnotto, chief executive, Dave Gratton had handled many of the administrative duties. Gratton is devoting more time to business as vice president and director ...
Cashing in on a brand: Syratech licenses Farberware's core.
Jun 10, 1996; ... BOSTON--Syratech Corp.'s housewares strategy came into focus last week, when it effectively stepped away from cookware little more than a month after completing the acquisition of Farberware.Since last February, when Syratech agreed to purchase Farberware for a reported $42 ...
Retail evolution at HomePlace: young, fast-paced chain retooling mix and presentation.
Jun 10, 1996; ... VALLEY VIEW, Ohio--Retail is evolution. That's why, says Robert Hurwitz, co-founder and chief executive of HomePlace, the company is fine-tuning and retrofitting its 35 stores less than two years after the chain was founded.The ready-to-assemble furniture department in each store ...
Salton to buy Block China.(Salton/Maxim Housewares Inc.)
Jun 10, 1996; ... MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill.--Salton/Maxim Housewares Inc. expects to extend its reach in department stores beyond small electrics with the acquisition of Block China Corp., a family-owned tableware supplier.Salton/Maxim has agreed to pay $1.5 million in cash and warrants to purchase ...
May hot & cold: same-store sales healthy for some.
Jun 10, 1996; ... NEW YORK (FNS)--Sales results for May were generally mixed, with the only clear area of weakness being consumer electronics chains.Robust gains were registered by Bed Bath & Beyond, Pier 1 Imports, Best Buy Co., Lowe's Cos. Inc., Sears, Roebuck & Co., Kohl's Corp., May Department ...