HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from February 1997:
Lenox in new channel: fine china going to HomePlace.(Lenox to distribute its china items through HomePlace stores)
Feb 03, 1997; ... LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. -- HomePlace and Lenox are taking the plunge.HomePlace, the 61-store category-killer, will roll out a chainwide program in March featuring Lenox-branded china, giftware, crystal and flatware."It's not HomePlace's style to put our toe in the water," ...
HomeBase takes to high fashion: western chain aims to rise above the nuts and bolts.(includes related article)(Cover Story)
Feb 03, 1997; ... IRVINE, Cal. -- Fashion and flair are not typically the first words that come to mind in describing the nuts and bolts world of home centers. But HomeBase is not your typical home center."A format like ours shouldn't underestimate the ability to sell high-fashion merchandise," ...
Brand shift at Maytag.(Maytag Appliances)
Feb 03, 1997 ... HOUSTON -- Maytag Appliances has repositioned its brands, designating Jenn-Air as the premium line and slotting Maytag more in the mainstream. Magic Chef becomes the general-purpose value brand and Admiral a specialty label.The changes essentially conclude Maytag Appliances' ...
Newell's big deal: buying No. 1 in drapery hardware.(Kirsch Window Treatment)
Feb 03, 1997; ... FREEPORT, Ill. -- Newell Company, currently tied for the number-two spot in the decorative window hardware market, has signed a letter of intent to buy Kirsch, the market leader.Newell's chief rival in the drapery hardware business is Graber, which is owned by Springs Industries. ...
WestPoint acquires foothold in Europe.(WestPoint Stevens purchases P.J. Flower and Company Ltd.)
Feb 03, 1997; ... WESTPOINT, Ga. -- WestPoint Stevens, a $1.7 billion textiles mill here, has purchased U.K.-based P.J. Flower in a move that taps the growth potential of Ralph Lauren home textiles in Europe and aims to establish its Martex brand there.P.J. Flower is a $20 million supplier that ...
Egghead to shut half its units, exit markets.
Feb 03, 1997; ... SPOKANE, Wash. -- Egghead Inc., retailer of computer software and peripherals, said last week that it will close about half its 156 stores, reducing its markets to 24 from 54 in a major restructuring of the company's business.It also plans to cut back at headquarters and sell the ...
MobileMedia files petition for Ch. 11.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. -- MobileMedia Corp., the nation's second largest paging company, has filed a Chapter 11 petition in Wilmington, Del.A spokeswoman for the company, based here, said day-to-day operations will not be affected. MobileMedia said its immediate needs are to ...
Hoover results rise in qtr.(Hoover's financial results for fourth quarter 1996)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... NEWTON, Iowa -- Hoover recorded double-digit growth and major appliances improved in the fourth quarter, giving Maytag Corp. substantial increases in the quarter's profits and sales and the year's sales."Our operating performance again was led by the Hoover brand, which posted ...
Analysts look for fit in Samsung bid for AST.(Samsung Electronics Co. to purchase AST Research)
Feb 03, 1997; ... IRVINE, Cal. -- Samsung's bid to buy outright the ailing computer maker AST Research came as no surprise to analysts, but they're still waiting to see how the companies fit.Samsung Electronics Co. last week offered $5.10 a share to buy the 51 percent of AST that it doesn't already ...
Levolor's Roberts becomes president.(Levolor Home Fashions appoints David Roberts president)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Levolor Home Fashions, a hard window treatment manufacturer and subsidiary of Newell, which is also the parent Joanna, Del Mar and LouverDrape, has named David Roberts president.Roberts succeeds Don McIlnay.Roberts has been with ...
Fieldcrest Cannon in black.(Fieldcrest Cannon reports financial results for 1996)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- Fieldcrest Cannon posted a net profit for 1996, in contrast to a loss the year before; sales for the year ended Dec. 31 were almost flat.Net income was $1.1 million, in contrast to a loss of $15.7 million in 1995. Net sales were $1.092 billion, versus $1.095 ...
Electronic consumerism.(Consumer Marketing)
Feb 03, 1997; ... When a job change forced a relocation, the Weber family narrowed the search for a town and house by browsing through real estate offerings of their online information service.They applied for and received their mortgage online. Cindy, a seventh-grader, tapped into Charters of ...
Game plans in RTA; suppliers look to keep up momentum.(retail sales of ready-to-assemble furniture)
Feb 03, 1997; ... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Coming off solid fourth quarters, many furniture makers are headed into the first half of 1997 eager to continue the inroads made last year. For a number of these suppliers, gains were fueled in part by a growing demand for products from channels such as the office ...
Putting the right name up in lights: licensing flourishes as makers scramble for wider appeal.(includes related article on Tiffany-style lamps)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- What's in a name? Big bucks, if the name is right.Lighting suppliers are banking on this concept, as more of them sign on to produce lamps, lighting fixtures, shades, nightlights, ceiling fans and other lighting merchandise that features well-known names, images or ...
Torchiere safety push.(hot floor lamps)
Feb 03, 1997; ... CHICAGO -- Following a meeting called by government officials, top halogen torchiere marketers have formed a task force to study the safety of the hot floor lamps.The committee, co-chaired by Bob Pape, president of Hunter Lighting Group, and Robert Hersh, chief executive of ...
Regional control: Simmons names divisional presidents.
Feb 03, 1997; ... ATLANTA -- As part of its strategy of emphasizing regional autonomy, Simmons Co. has named three executives to the newly created position of divisional president.As divisional presidents, Jim Maher, Cleve Murphy and Gary Pleasant have increased responsibilities for the ...
Shaw Industries. (finances for quarter and year ended December 28, 1996)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... DALTON, Ga. -- Shaw Industries' sales went over the $3 billion mark in 1996 as the company reported increased volume for the quarter and year ended Dec. 28, 1996.Sales for the 12 months were $3.2 billion, up 11.5 percent from $2.9 billion last year. Fourth-quarter sales were $876.0 ...
The Carpet & Rug Institute. (marketing and advertising campaign)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... DALTON, Ga. -- The Carpet & Rug Institute, the industry trade group, is proceeding with plans to develop a $25 million marketing and advertising campaign that will enhance the public's image of carpets and rugs.The CRI is now searching for an executive to manage the campaign, ...
Sealy, expecting red ink, still claims it's in the pink.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... CLEVELAND -- If all goes according to Sealy's plan, next month the bedding giant expects to pay a special dividend of as much as $100 million to its investors, in spite of a reported net loss for 1996.The company's net sales and unit sales increased in 1996; however, Sealy suffered ...
'Mystery shopping' for bedding. (analysis of customer service at retail outlets)
Feb 03, 1997; ... HIGH POINT -- While bedding manufacturers and retailers debate product benefits, prices, promotions and warranties, there's virtual unanimity on one point: the interaction between the customer and the salesperson will make or break the sale.With that in mind, HFN decided to get a ...
WinsLoew sees profits higher than forecasts. (WinsLoew Furniture Inc.; year ended December 31, 1996)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... PELHAM, Ala. -- WinsLoew Furniture has reported that, based on preliminary estimates, earnings for the year ended Dec. 31, 1996, are expected to be higher than analysts' forecasts.Earnings per share are expected to be 88 cents to 90 cents per share. After-tax income before ...
Singer exits U.S. furniture business.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Singer Co. is bowing out of the U.S. furniture business.The decision comes following the firm's disclosure of a 1996 fourth-quarter loss of $20 million. It also reported a loss of $16.5 million related to inefficiencies in the downsizing of its furniture-making ...
Stanley Furniture posts record sales in '96.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... STANLEYTOWN, Va. -- Stanley Furniture Company reported record sales and earnings for 1996. Net income increased 131 percent in 1996 to $9.0 million from $3.9 million in 1995. Net sales of $201.9 million in 1996 were up 15.9 percent from 1995."While we achieved significant ...
New owners for Harper Design. (acquired by Greg and Denise Burke)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... CAMDEN, S.C. -- Harper Design Inc., a children's furniture manufacturer, has been acquired by Greg and Denise Burke from founder Robert Harper, who will remain a consultant to the 13-year-old company.As a result of the sale, Harper Design -- maker of the Pencils Plus! and All Star ...
McGuire taps director of sales. (McGuire Furniture Co. appoints Buck Irwin)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... SAN FRANCISCO -- McGuire Furniture Co. has appointed Buck Irwin director of sales.Previously, Irwin was director of operations and national sales manager for Randolph & Hein, San Francisco."Buck brings to this position an in-depth understanding of the high-end showroom ...
Group forms to protect designs. (Area Rug Design Protection Council)
Feb 03, 1997; ... ATLANTA -- More than 60 people from all parts of the rug business attended the inaugural meeting of the Area Rug Design Protection Council during the International Area Rug Market.The initial goals of the group are two-fold: first, to launch an educational program on the legal ...
The big picture at Domotex. (cultural differences in the carpet and rug business; Domotex International Carpet Fair)
Feb 03, 1997; ... HANNOVER, Germany -- Communications and technology may be creating a global village, but worldwide cultural differences are still manifested in the rug business.Americans are more likely to sell and market rugs based on traditional patterns, but people attending the giant Domotex ...
Springs tops its record: home goods sales hit $1.8B in 1996. (Springs Industries Inc.)
Feb 03, 1997; ... FORT MILL, S.C.---Springs Industries, the leading home textiles mill, reported that its home furnishings sales hit a record $1.8 billion last year, an 11 percent gain from 1995.Home furnishings represented more than 80 percent of Springs' corporate sales of $2.24 billion. Net sales ...
Textile suppliers go for the gold: metallic, lush velvet and chenille heat holiday lines. (1997)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Baby it's cold outside -- but in the showrooms, golds and metallics are heating things up for this year's holiday offerings.Neil Zuber, president of Portofino, a supplier of decorative pillows, reported: "There's no question that gold is exploding. We saw it last year ...
New look in throws. (household bedding)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Throw suppliers hope to create new opportunities for their mature category by adding colors and fancy yarns, and coordinating their offerings with other decorative items at this week's mini-market.According to Chip Fontenot, president and chief executive of Decorative ...
Turning fabric. (challenges facing fabric suppliers)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- In today's rapidly evolving marketplace, fabric suppliers are finding they need to juggle several balls in the air at once to remain competitive. Not only must they appeal to a broader consumer audience, but also must constantly introduce new acts to keep the crowd coming back ...
CV Industries, Inc. (placement of senior notes)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... HICKORY, N.C. -- CV Industries, Inc., a Hickory-based furniture maker and fabric producer, has completed a $75 million private placement of senior notes through First Union Capital Markets Corp.Proceeds are being used to establish an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and retire ...
Strouds. (finances for quarter ended November 30, 1996)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... CITY OF INDUSTRY, Cal. -- Strouds, the West Coast specialty store chain, reported a net loss of $1.6 million for the quarter ended Nov. 30, in contrast to net income of $699 million for the period in 1995.Net sales for the period increased 13 percent to $55 million from $48.7 in ...
Thomaston pares losses. (Thomaston Mills; finances for second quarter ended December 28, 1996)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... THOMASTON, Ga. -- Thomaston Mills reduced its operating loss by more than three-fourths as sales rose 11 percent in its second quarter ending Dec. 28.The company reported an operating loss of $159,000 for the quarter, versus a loss of $664,000 a year earlier. Sales were $68.2 ...
Myriad textiles mergers seen.
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Textile suppliers should brace for a wave of mergers and acquisitions that could change the way they do business in 1997, knit company executives were told by a panel of industry analysts last week."I believe we are entering a period of great consolidation in the ...
Poly's unsung virtues.(polyester)(Column)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Cotton is the fiber that has been in the limelight the past year with the development, manufacture and retailing of sheets and pillow cases.And cotton again will be the main focus of national retail advertising support in 1997 as new treatments, finishes and price ...
Burlington net rises. (Burlington Industries)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Burlington Industries reported earnings per share of 15 cents for the first quarter of fiscal year 1997 ended Dec. 28, 1996, compared with 12 cents for the period last year.Net income was $9.4 million for the first quarter, compared with the previous year's $7.8 ...
Hot for heartland: Function Junction out to franchise. (Midwestern specialty housewares chain)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- With the belief that gourmet stores are critical to the health of the housewares industry in an era of retail consolidation, the Midwestern specialty chain Function Junction is looking to expand through franchising."Our ambitions are more qualitative than ...
Health makes wealth; stores see green in cooking trend.
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- As consumers increasingly take to heart the "you are what you eat" motto, retailers are exploring ways to tap into the trend to healthy cooking to increase sales and traffic."There definitely continues to be a trend in healthy cooking," said Jane Gilmartin, vice ...
It ain't just for picnics; acrylic tableware finds life after summer.
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Better quality and innovative shapes are becoming the rule rather than the exception in acrylic tableware, enabling retailers to expand sales opportunities beyond poolside and picnic basket.Retailers are responding to the improved quality in acrylics by upgrading their ...
Bormioli expanding.(Bormioli Rocco)(Company Profile)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK---Glassware supplier Bormioli Rocco is seeking to bolster its brand name through the addition of glass products from VMC, a French glassmaker acquired last year.The VMC products, which consist of colored glass drinkware, stemware, dinnerware and serveware, will fall under ...
Gallery Inc. has appointed Linda Mariano to the newly created position of vice president of marketing.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... SAN LEANDRO, Cal. -- Gallery Inc. has appointed Linda Mariano to the newly created position of vice president of marketing. Mariano is ...
The new 'boards' of health. (antibacterial cutting boards)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- More and more kitchenware companies are introducing antibacterial cutting boards to appeal to the safety-conscious consumer.Not since the 1960s, when Joyce Chen sold the first polyethylene cutting board in the U.S. -- which she discovered in Japan -- has the cutting ...
Exotic diet, better living. (healthy food preparation techniques used in US taken from other cultures)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- International travel as well as ethnic markets and restaurants are encouraging Americans to borrow healthy food preparation techniques from other cultures."As we become more global as a nation, our food also becomes more global," said Doug Fielding, president of The ...
Corning revamp yields dividends. (profitability)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... CORNING, N.Y. -- Ten months after taking the helm of Corning Consumer Products, Peter Campanella, president and chief executive pronounced himself pleased with the company's progress toward profitability.While declining to provide specifics on financial performance, Campanella ...
WMF/USA taps Teilborg. (president Ray Teilborg)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... FARMINGDALE, N.Y. -- WMF/ USA, a stainless steel tableware, crystal and china supplier, has appointed Ray Teilborg president.Teilborg replaces Mark Roland, who left the post in July 1996 to become executive vice president of sales and marketing at Towle Silversmiths. ...
Regal's grain mill debuts. (Regal Ware Inc.)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... KEWASKUM, Wis. -- Regal Ware Inc. introduced an electric grain mill as part of its Kitchen Pro breadmaking line of products at this year's Housewares Show, tapping into the trend toward breads made with healthier, natural ingredients.Breadmakers appeal to consumers because they ...
B&D steamers add savory scents. (Black and Decker infusing steamers with herbs and spices flavorings)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... SHELTON, Conn. -- Healthy cooking generally means cooking with less fat. Cooking with less fat, though, can mean serving food with less flavor.Finding ways to add flavor to foods prepared using healthier methods can be a way manufacturers differentiate themselves in the healthy ...
Nonstick, easy-to-clean woks wow the health conscious.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Asian cooking is widely perceived as more healthful than many Western styles. But while stir-fry generally provides consumers with a way to work more vegetables into their diet, the process can involve relatively high levels of fat.Woks with a nonstick surface not only ...
New Braun Woburn facility. (Woburn, Massachusetts)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... WOBURN, Mass. -- In a move expected to make the most of its reorganized business teams, Braun Inc. officially unveiled its new 35,000-square-foot headquarters here Jan. 1, with Jacques Lagarde, executive vice president of Gillette, Braun's parent, officiating."We've taken key ...
Sleep aids go mainstream. (in housewares departments)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Products that promise a better night's sleep -- from orthopedic pillows and mattress pads to aromatherapy diffusers and sound conditioners -- are gaining popularity in housewares.Lou Soucie, media spokesperson for The Sharper Image, said sleeping aids are doing well in ...
County Line's items for the heart. (cardiopulmonary resuscitation devices)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, Ohio -- County Line Ltd.'s health and safety products division has unveiled two products this year that are piquing retailers' interest.The CPR Prompt Home Learning System, retailing for $59.95, allows consumers to learn and practice in their homes the ...
InterPlak: TV ads, rebates.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... STAMFORD, Conn. -- InterPlak is combining a national televison ad campaign with a unique rebate offer in an effort to increase its slice of the $150 million retail plaque remover pie.The company has launched a network television advertising campaign that will run through Feb. 23 ...
Appetizing food storage sets.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- One of the fastest growth areas in food storage is in boxed sets, say industry players. Retailers are relying increasingly on these sets to complement open stock items and to use in promotions.Sales of food storage sets have increased in the past year for Venture, said ...
Esselte to buy MediaMate.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... GARDEN CITY, N.Y. -- Esselte Americas has reached an agreement to purchase the assets of MediaMate computer accessories from Hunt Manufacturing Co. and intends to establish itself as a major presence in the computer storage and accessories industry. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed ....
Sanyo warranty on upright vacs. (vacuum cleaners)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... LAS VEGAS -- Sanyo Home Appliances is offering a two-year motor warranty on all of its upright vacuum cleaners sold in 1997.The warranty, introduced to dealers at the VDTA convention and trade show, is one of the tacks the company is taking to differentiate itself by increasing the ...
Builders' Show hits.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... HOUSTON---Those who showed up saw some interesting major appliances unveiled here at The Builders' Show a week ago.GE Appliances jumped into big-system water purification, first for builders' later for retailers. Amana, as promised, spread its options with horizontal-axis and ...
Stretching a name; Electrolux dubs home unit 'Frigidaire'. (Frigidaire Home Products division)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997; ... HOUSTON-- The Frigidaire Co. merger with two outdoor businesses of AB Electrolux has moved forward to the point of a name: Frigidaire Home Products.Otherwise, the company remains pretty much what the three divisions brought to the combined entity, said Bob Cook, its new president, ...
Portable window for Acer: deal for TI division lets it vie with bigs.(Texas Instruments' mobile computing business)
Feb 03, 1997; ... SAN JOSE, Cal. -- With The Acer Group's purchase of Texas Instruments' mobile computing business late last month, Acer America Corp. is positioned to become a major player in the U.S. notebook market at retail this year."It is a big win for Acer," said Matt Sargent, analyst at ...
Answering the call in cellphones; USCI puts together a national package for mass.(US Communications Inc.)
Feb 03, 1997; ... NORCROSS, Ga. -- In November, Kmart began nationally advertising cellular phones and pagers in its pre-print flyers for the first time; Montgomery Ward began doing the same in December.It has been very difficult for national retailers to sell wireless products in general; it has ...
Panasonic has unveiled a thermal fax machine with a built-in 900MHz cordless phone.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... SECAUCUS, N.J. -- Panasonic has unveiled a thermal fax machine with a built-in 900MHz cordless phone.The unit has a new feature designed to alert a pager number when faxes are received."This is the first time Panasonic has joined a fax machine and a 900MHz cordless ...
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Saban Entertainment have inked a multimillion dollar deal.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... LOS ANGELES -- Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Saban Entertainment have inked a multimillion dollar deal that gives Fox the exclusive marketing, sales and distribution rights to Saban's extensive library of award-winning children's programming for the U.S. and English-speaking ...
Activision Inc. reported revenues of $31.36 million for the third quarter, ended Dec. 31. (1996)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... LOS ANGELES -- Activision Inc. reported revenues of $31.36 million for the third quarter, ended Dec. 31, an increase of about 78 percent over $17.58 million in revenues reported for the same period last year.Net income for this fiscal year's third ...
Projectavision signs with regional reps.(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... NEW YORK -- Projectavision Inc. has agreements with 13 leading consumer electronics representatives throughout the country to handle U.S. sales and marketing regionally for its Digital Home Theater system.The product is expected to ship at the end of the first quarter. It will ...
CEMA cites its record-breakers. (Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association)(Brief Article)
Feb 03, 1997 ... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The industry closed out 1996 with record-breaking unit sales in three major categories: projection television, VCRs and camcorders, according to the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA).Overall, more than 44 million pieces of video hardware were ...