HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from November 1996:
Setting a new table. (1996 Fall Tabletop Show)
Nov 04, 1996 ... RAVE REVIEWS FOR CHINA AND CRYSTALNEW YORK -- Buyers shopping last week's Fall Tabletop Show were excited about the cross-merchandising opportunities presented by scores of new products.Retailers said that, for the first time in a long time, freshness was evident in both ...
The giants step beyond the mall: power shopping centers take root across the U.S.
Nov 04, 1996; ... POWER SHOPPING CENTERS TAKE ROOT ACROSS THE U.S.DALLAS -- Kmart is bustling, and so is the 40,000-square-foot CompUSA next door at the power center along Beltline Road. Baby Superstore on the other side of CompUSA hosts a parade of new and expectant mothers. Teens and others flock ...
Best Products to liquidate. (Best Products Company Inc.)
Nov 04, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- Best Products has rewritten its survival plan. In this version, Best doesn't make it.The retailer said the investor group that had planned to restructure the chain has agreed to pay a higher price, $410 million, and will liquidate all of Best's stores. Going-out-of- ...
NRF: happy Xmas. (National Retail Federation survey entitled 'Mood Survey: Retail Holiday Outlook,' 1996)
Nov 04, 1996; ... WARM YULE SEEN DESPITE LATE STARTNEW YORK -- The Christmas-shopping season this year may be short, but it will be a busy one for retailers, according to the annual "Mood Survey: Retail Holiday Outlook" released Wednesday in a nationwide teleconference.The National Retail ...
Roberds record: chain's sales up 24% in quarter. (third quarter 1996)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... CHAIN'S SALES UP 24% IN QUARTERDAYTON, Ohio -- On Friday Roberds Inc. reported the biggest-volume quarter in its history, although profits in the period fell by more than half.The 24-store chain, which sells major appliances, consumer electronics, furniture and other ...
Sears, Wal-Mart credit cards. (store-brand credit cards)
Nov 04, 1996; ... NEW YORK(FNS) -- Mass merchants are offering more and more store-brand credit cards, and two giant-sized new entrants have joined the competition: Sears, Roebuck & Co. and Wal-Mart Stores.Each chain, however, has picked a different route to the same reward: putting more muscle in ...
Warner Store: not just for kids. (Warner Bros. Studio Stores)
Nov 04, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- Warner Bros.' redesigned and expanded flagship store on Fifth Avenue offers a host of home-related products, ranging from a $10 Tweety spoon rest to a $350 Bugs Bunny silverplated ice bucket with rabbit-ear handles designed by Swid Powell.The flagship Warner Bros ....
Ways to build volume without holding sales. (preparing for the 1996 holiday season)
Nov 04, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- It's almost become a mantra.There are six fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas in 1996 than there were in 1995. No one seems to be mentioning the fact that shoppers last year waited until the last minute anyway to catch last-minute sales.And, ...
Building from the floor up: rug stores go for total-home appeal.
Nov 04, 1996; ... RUGS STORES GO FOR TOTAL-HOME APPEAL"Rugs sell furniture. Furniture sells rugs."That's the philosophy of Peter Spirer, president of Horizon Pacific Ltd., the Atlanta store that has been transformed from a handmade rug business into a total home furnishings retailer. ...
Fred Meyer realigns. (home furnishings merchandising and buying responsibilities)
Nov 04, 1996; ... PORTLAND, Ore. -- Regional mass merchant Fred Meyer is realigning its home furnishings buying and merchandising posts in an attempt to better position itself in the furniture, lighting and home decor businesses.The transition is taking place now and will be final in January. Under ...
Futons branded: even rivals welcome Simmons. (Simmons marketing futons)
Nov 04, 1996; ... EVEN RIVALS WELCOME SIMMONSH IGH POINT -- By adding a band name to a non-branded category, the Simmons futon program is making its competition take notice. But the competition is not running scared. In fact, many welcome the recognition the brand brings to the category. ...
Fournier to buy Modar: components firm may make furniture. (Fournier Furniture)
Nov 04, 1996; ... COMPONENTS FIRM MAY MAKE FURNITUREST. PAUL, Va. -- Fournier Furniture, a manufacturer of flat-packed furniture here, has signed a letter of intent to acquire Modar, a components manufacturer in Benton Harbor, Mich., for an undisclosed amount of cash, HFN has learned. ...
Serta adding plants. (licensees opening plants in several states)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... ITASCA, Ill. -- Serta licensees are on the move with new manufacturing facilities in the works in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. The new facilities reflect a strong growth trend for Serta manufacturing, according to Serta Inc. vice president of operations, Al Klancnik. ...
Cottoning to carpeting. (Cotton Inc. campaign to increase cotton's share of rug and carpet market)(includes information on consumer recognition of carpet and rug fibers)
Nov 04, 1996; ... DALTON, Ga. -- Cotton Inc. has launched a major campaign intended to increase the fiber's share of the rug and broadloom market more than five-fold in the next five years.Cotton Inc. estimates that cotton accounts for less than 1 percent of rugs and carpeting now and wants to raise ...
Michaels defines Waverly's growth.(Christiane Michaels new president of F. Schumacher & Co.'s Waverly division)(Interview)
Nov 04, 1996; ... BRANDING, DIVERSIFICATION KEY TO GROWTHNEW YORK -- Christiane Michaels is in an enviable position. As the new president of the Waverly division of F. Schumacher & Co., she is taking the helm at a time when home fashions manufacturers are heeding the new consumer demand for ...
Bedding bonanza for baby: Mary Engelbreit adds infant line. (Judi's Originals to produce licensed infant bedding)
Nov 04, 1996; ... MARY ENGELBREIT ADDS INFANT LINEST. LOUIS -- Designer Mary Engelbreit is going gaga over babies.Known for her old-fashioned 1920s and '30s book-type illustrations, Engelbreit, whose licensed products posted retail sales of nearly $85 million last year, will translate her ...
Imperial Wallcoverings. (company names James P. Toohey as president, chief executive)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... CLEVELAND -- James P. Toohey has joined Imperial Wallcoverings, a subsidiary of Collins & Aikman, as president and chief executive. Toohey has been an executive at Hallmark Cards Inc., where he held a variety of sales and marketing positions over a 30-year career.Earlier this year, ...
Knitted cotton sheets weigh in. (retailers, manufacturers should tap potential demand)(Column)
Nov 04, 1996; ... The most interesting new sheets among fall market offerings are the cotton knits.The more showy florals and fashions were in the forefront among conventional sheets. But merchants know a product change is more important to find and present than printing designs on the same core ...
Collages shake things up. (furniture market in late 1996 highlights color, texture, design in sofas)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Collage looks continued to be a distinct category at the High Point furniture market last week, and texture, design and color were the keys to success.Suzanne Fisher, merchandising for Clayton Marcus, said, "Collage has evolved from a patchwork type look to a ...
Listening to the call of wild. (furniture makers feature animal-skin designs on sofas, chairs in late 1996)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Less intimidated by the savage beast, furniture manufacturers are allowing a stronger taste of the wild on furniture this season with animal skin looks. Appearing on larger pieces of furniture and in more contemporary interpretations, faux skins reflect a sense of both ...
Sharp prices at Lenox. (Lenox Brands seeks to boost sales of china, crystal, giftware)
Nov 04, 1996; ... AIMING TO BUILD BROADER APPEALK -- Lenox Brands presented sharper price points in crystal and new basic pieces in its fine china line at the tabletop show in an effort to broaden its product appeal.The firm is the number-one supplier of china and giftware. Industry sales ...
Tops gets an early start on Christmas. (Tops Appliance City Inc. promotes housewares with October 1996 event)
Nov 04, 1996; ... A TOUCH OF SHOWBIZ GIVES OCTOBER A LIFTSECAUCUS, N.J. -- With the Christmas selling season just around the corner -- and a shorter period than usual between Thanksgiving and Christmas -- Tops Appliance City kicked off the festivities early last month, with its first housewares ...
Shoppers loosen up. (Yankelovich Partners Inc. survey finds willingness to spend, demand for respect)
Nov 04, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- As the next millennium approaches, consumers who have held on to their dollars in a shrinking economy, and -- in a time of rising stress, are starting to loosen up.That bodes well for retailers, but only if they take advantage of this new optimism by showing more ...
Paper weight. (Inland Paperboard Packaging launches unit to make corrugated storage items for homes)
Nov 04, 1996; ... $1.8B VENDOR ENTERS HOME STORAGEEast Brunswick, N.J. -- Commercial vendor Inland Paperboard Packaging is stepping into the consumer ring for the first time with the creation of Anderson Marshall Consumer Products Group and the launch of four lines of corrugated storage items. ...
Via, Ekco in tandem. (B. Via International kitchen utensils to sell under parennt Ekco Housewares Co. brand)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- B. Via International, the upscale kitchenware division of Ekco created to help the mass market bakeware and gadget maker capture a share of the high-end market, is turning the tables, developing products for its parent.Zoo Tools -- Serious Tools for Funny People -- a ...
M. Kamenstein diversifies. (company enters market for wooden household furniture)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- Pantryware supplier M. Kamenstein is aiming to capture a share of the furniture market with the introduction of seven new accent furniture pieces, which the company displayed at the Tabletop Show here last week for the first time."The retailer is looking for something ...
Nussbaum joins TV Brands. (housewares maker names Larry Nussbaum as chief executive)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... Larry Nussbaum, former executive vice president of Emson has been named chief executive officer of TV Brands Inc. ...
Thermos shows soft side. (three new lines of soft-sided coolers)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- The Thermos Co., supplier of insulated products, has reentered the soft-sided cooler business with three new lines."We first introduced soft-sided coolers in 1989," said Rita Patel, product manager of Thermos, "but I don't think the market was ready at that ...
Cutlery brands vs. private label.
Nov 04, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- While retailers continue to explore captive brand and private label programs to improve margins and provide differentiation, in the cutlery segment, consumers continue to be drawn by known brands, according to industry experts."There is a certain comfort level with ...
Innova gets Leyse Cookware.(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- Innova Inc., formerly Innovation Group Ltd., is looking to gain entry into the commercial cookware business with the acquisition of General Houseware Corp.'s Leyse Cookware Division, according to Phil Ryan, president of Innova.The Leyse line consists of ...
Briel to broaden its line in U.S.(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... MARIETTA, Ga. -- One of Europe's largest manufacturer of home espresso makers will try to develop its U.S. business by expanding beyond pump espresso machines into other areas of coffeemaking. "At this point, I can't specify which products we're going to get into," said Wesley Smith, the new ...
National Presto logs disappointing quarter. (third quarter 1996)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- Cooler than expected retailer reaction to 1996 product introductions contributed to disappointing third-quarter sales for National Presto Industries Inc.Sales for the quarter ended Sept. 29 were $23 million, compared with $29 million for the same period last ...
Analyst sees Sunbeam in for the long haul. (even after sales decrease of 2% for third quarter 1996)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Reporting a sales drop of 2 percent, and a loss of $18.1 million, Sunbeam Corp. performed slightly below analysts' expectations for the third quarter. The results, however, reflect mistakes made by prior management and not current strategies, according to Dean Witter ...
ADA adds detector. (ADA Enterprises, new smoke detectors for National Fire Safety Month)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... MIDDLEBORO, Mass. -- ADA Enterprises Inc., a supplier of smoke detectors, has introduced several new models in conjunction with National Fire Safety Month. In particular, the Life-Light unit can be incorporated into ceiling lighting fixtures.The Life-Light is a hard-wired smoke ...
JB extends retail mark. (JB Research Inc.)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... BELLFLOWER, Cal. -- JB Research Inc., makers of Relaxor massagers, made its mark in the retail marketplace with a host of chair and pad massagers, but has recently extended its assortment to include a line of portable units that target specific muscle groups.The new Embracer series ...
Culligan goes into retail with new WaterWare line.
Nov 04, 1996 ... NORTHBROOK, Ill. -- Culligan, a leading name in water filtration, is launching a multi-million-dollar advertising and merchandising campaign to support its WaterWare line of products. WaterWare was introduced at this year's Gourmet Products Show and marked Culligan's entry into the retail ...
Creative Technologies adds bathroom scales.(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... NEW YORK -- Creative Technologies Corp. is extending its assortment beyond kitchen electrics as it becomes the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor for Soehnle bathroom scales."As America becomes more health and weight conscious the entire scale category is quickly changing," ...
Zelco joins computer age.(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... MT. VERNON, N.Y. -- Zelco Industries, a supplier of lighting, calculators and travel items, has expanded into the realm of computers with a new line of accessories and organizers.The Computer Peripherals line, which contains five products, is being marketed as giftware and is ...
Hoover bolsters SteamVac.(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... NORTH CANTON, Ohio -- The Hoover Co. said it will invest about $7 million in its Ohio manufacturing facilities this year to expand production for its SteamVac extractor line.Hoover's main plant here will get a new SteamVac motor production line. The enhanced capacity will be in ...
Toshiba multimedia. (notebook computers)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... IRVINE, Cal. -- Toshiba America Information Systems Inc., with its new Satellite and Satellite Pro notebook lines, is offering full-fledged multimedia notebooks -- one in the $2,000 range."People are using multimedia more and more, and require notebooks capable of handling today's ...
Sega spreads net; Internet device in computer stores. (Sega Saturn Net Link)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... INTERNET DEVICE IN COMPUTER STORESREDWOOD CITY, Cal. -- Sega of America is broadening the scope of its retail outlets with its Sega Saturn Net Link, launched Oct. 31.Sega has confirmed that Net Link will be available in computer specialty stores such as CompUSA and Fry's ...
Viking invades a cold market; 'commercial-look' leader ships its first refrigerators.(Viking Range, includes related article on electronic controls for the refrigerators)
Nov 04, 1996; ... 'COMMERCIAL-LOOK' LEADER SHIPS ITS FIRST REFRIGERATORSGREENWOOD, Miss. -- Viking . . . refrigerators?If that sounds as logical as Elvis Presley, opera star, or Mississippi fjord, think again. Viking Range Corp. here isn't content to be your basic high-end ...
Findings. (growth of personal computer market)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... SAN JOSE, Cal. -- The personal computer market continued its steady growth. Third-quarter shipments in 1996 increased 16.3 percent over last year's third quarter, according to Dataquest, based here.Compaq continued to lead with a 10.3 percent market share. Toshiba had the strongest ...
Echostar, Gateway run PC/DSS promo. (personal computer/digital satellite service)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- EchoStar and Gateway 2000 have teamed up for a new promotion.Customers who purchase selected Gateway computer systems or PC-TVs can receive a free DISH Network digital satellite system. They will receive a coupon for a free system with the purchase of a one-year ...
Ads for Internet browsers.
Nov 04, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- Print ads and TV commercials for Sony's and Philips' new Internet-browsing TV products are targeted to reach a broad consumer base.Both Sony and Philips are manufacturing set-top boxes under a licensing agreement with developer and service provider WebTV that surf the ...
Buena Vista's $2.5M video push.
Nov 04, 1996; ... BURBANK, Cal. -- Offering an indication of just how heated the competition in sell-through video is, Buena Vista Home Video is releasing its fourth-quarter titles bolstered by a record $250 million in consumer marketing campaigns.Last year, the company reportedly spent $75 million ...
Nortel joins U.S. wireless fray. (introduction of personal communication service product at retail)
Nov 04, 1996; ... RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -- Northern Telecom (Nortel) is making its first foray into the U.S. market for wireless handsets with a PCS product aimed directly at retail.The Canadian company, a premier provider of residential and business phones in this country and a leader in ...
Wal-Mart's calling card. (distribution agreement with MCI Communications Corp.)
Nov 04, 1996; ... ATLANTA -- Wal-Mart is putting its seal of approval on the $1 billion-plus phone card market, offering for the first time long-distance debit cards featuring the Wal-Mart name.Wal-Mart, through a sales and distribution agreement with MCI, this month will begin selling prepaid cards ...
Ink jet tags dip, units up.
Nov 04, 1996; ... LEXINGTON, Ky. -- As prices for color ink jet printers dip below $200, unit shipments have risen sharply, with projections for the market to more than double in the next few years.With profit margins thin, companies like Lexmark International are looking to gain market share in the ...
Compaq teams with JBL for 'Sonic Boom' rebates. (promotion for Presario personal computers)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996 ... HOUSTON -- Compaq Computer Corp. and JBL audio systems have launched a "Sonic Boom" promotion that gives consumers rebates on select Presario PCs.The promotion, which ends Nov. 24, also includes prizes and a trip to New York for a major music industry awards show.Compaq ...
Monorail PC bows at CompUSA. (distribution partnership)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... MARIETTA, Ga. -- When start-up Monorail releases its under-$1,000 PCs the week of Thanksgiving, it will do so via a partnership with CompUSA.The computer superstore purchased the first shipment of units, and in-store promotions in CompUSA stores nationwide began this week. Local ...
Consumer confidence hits half-year low. (1996)
Nov 04, 1996 ... NEW YORK -- Consumers' intentions in October to purchase specified major appliances and related goods in the coming half-year hit a low for the past year.The Conference Board's monthly index of consumer confidence and buying plans showed 24.8 percent last month expecting to buy a ...
Frigidaire results rise, but parent dissatisfied. (AB Electrolux)(Brief Article)
Nov 04, 1996; ... STOCKHOLM (FNS) -- AB Electrolux reported last week that Frigidaire Co. generated increases in operating income and sales in the third quarter. Nevertheless the global appliance firm here said it was disappointed with the results at its big North American subsidiary.Despite the ...
Cautious buying defines room air. (air conditioners)
Nov 04, 1996 ... It put an exclamation point on the past season: manufacturers' shipments of room air conditioners in Septmber were minus 8,000 units.For a change, returns and carryovers are dominating the business. There isn't much impetus this year for retailers and buying groups to buy before ...
IMRA high on holiday: sees consumer spending up 20%.(International Mass Retail Association)
Nov 11, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- Consumer spending is expected to soar by 20 percent this holiday season, leaping to $806 per household from last year's $655 reported average, according to a market survey by the International Mass Retail Association.The survey, based on telephone interviews conducted ...
Flick unveils plan to revamp Kmart. (Warren Flick)
Nov 11, 1996; ... AVENTURA, Fla. -- Kmart's top merchant, Warren Flick, outlined a four-pronged turnaround strategy for the $30 billion discounter in his Impact '96 keynote address to the home textiles industry here.The main initiatives are:To implement powerful Kmart proprietary brands, ...
DH layos off merchandisers.(Dayton Hudson)
Nov 11, 1996; ... MINNEAPOLIS -- Dayton's, Hudson's and Marshall Field's cost-cutting and restructuring efforts in its merchandising group have taken their toll on one of the housewares industry's best-known veterans. George Collins, formerly the divisional merchandise manager for the Marketplace housewares ...
Rival plucks Dazey; buys last of electrics business.(Rival Co. buys Dazey Corp.'s kitchen appliances operation)
Nov 11, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- Pushing its strategy to grow through acquisition, the Rival Co. bought the remaining business of Dazey Corp. -- kitchen electrics. Dazey, based in New Century, Kan., sold its hair care and massager businesses, including products under the Dr. Scholl's, Dazey, and Carel brand ...
Blockbuster sprinting into computer software. (Sprint Multimedia Group agreement)(Brief Article)
Nov 11, 1996 ... NEW YORK -- Blockbuster Entertainment Group is moving into the computer software market through an agreement with Sprint Multimedia Group.Beginning this month, Blockbuster music and video stores will offer customized Internet access software provided by Sprint Multimedia Group in ...
Electronics chains hit rough October. (1996)(Brief Article)
Nov 11, 1996 ... NEW YORK -- Soft sales of consumer electronics in general and personal computers in particular gave the country's top electronics chains a hard knock in October.Circuit City Stores managed to squeak out a 4 percent overall sales increase for the month, to $550.0 million, but it ...
Burlington cites rugs in soft quarter. (Burlington Industries)(Brief Article)
Nov 11, 1996 ... NEW YORK -- Burlington Industries' earnings dipped 14 percent for the fourth quarter, at least partly because of sluggish area rugs business.Sales slipped 1.1 percent to $523 million and net income was $11.9 million.The company reported, "In the interior fashion segment, ...
Proffitt's has another deal. (merge with G.R. Herberger)(Brief Article)
Nov 11, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- Proffitt's Inc., an Alcoa, Tenn.-headquartered regional department store, has agreed to merge with the 40-store G.R. Herberger's chain, headquartered in St. Cloud, Minn.Herberger's is an employee-owned regional department store company with 40 stores in Minnesota, ...
Ward taps top merchandiser. (Montgomery Ward Merchandising, Michael Searles new president)(Brief Article)
Nov 11, 1996; ... NEW YORK -- Michael Searles has been named to the new position of president of Montgomery Ward Merchandising, part of the company's preparations for a new chief executive.Searles, who joined Ward in May as executive vice president for apparel and jewelry, will have responsibility ...
Taking stock; retailers' results for the four weeks ended November 1, 1996.(Brief Article)
Nov 11, 1996; ... NEW YORK (FNS) -- Decliners decimated winners, 45 to 14, on the HFN retail stock index in the four weeks ended Nov. 1, led by a downturn by sellers of computers.Several consumer electronic stores reported weak October same-store sales because of sluggish computer sales and tough ...
Wal-Mart sets growth plans.
Nov 11, 1996 ... NEW YORK -- Though room for expansion in the U.S. is getting scarce and analysts constantly say the country is overstored, Wal-Mart is hardly hanging up its hard hat.The company disclosed on Tuesday that it has ambitious domestic expansion plans, which include building new stores ...