HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from March 1997:
Target's new turf: Jersey store heats up the East. (store in Edison, N.J., Target Stores Inc., East Coast)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Target Stores' East Coast expansion, in which the chain has already opened more than two dozen stores in a year, has taken on a new intensity.Target has moved into one of the most densely packed parts of the country, with a store in Edison, N.J., and says it plans two ...
The buzz on Amana. (Raytheon Co. may sell Raytheon Appliance Group, Amana Home Appliances)
Mar 03, 1997; ... AMANA, Iowa -- There is no timetable or set procedure for the sale of the Raytheon Appliance Group. There isn't even a guarantee that Raytheon Co. will divest the business. But that hasn't prevented some of the white-goods industry's most intense speculation in years about potential buyers. ...
Wal-Mart redirects to grow; chain thinks both bigger and smaller. (Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to open more stores)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Wal-Mart is aiming to be a nimble giant.It's developing a smaller format to enter new markets, accelerating its supercenter expansion and targeting foreign markets to keep its profits growing at a double-digit clip.Last week, the 2,740-unit discounter reported ...
Bozic calls for furniture push; Levitz CEO says, let's raise the image and build the business. (speech to attendees at Impact '97 Furniture Conference)(Cover Story)
Mar 03, 1997; ... TAMPA, Fla. -- Levitz's chairman and chief executive, Michael Bozic, issued a clarion call to the U.S. furniture industry Thursday, urging "a collective industry effort to romance the home and create a memorable campaign" to capture a greater share of consumers' disposable income. ...
Bloomcraft to merge with Anju/Woodridge.(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- P/Kaufmann Inc. will consolidate two of its companies, Bloomcraft and Anju/ Woodridge, into one division. The new entity will be one of the largest converters in the decorative fabric industry, which, after March 31, will be known as Bloomcraft.According to Ron ...
Study: move and buy. (survey of home buyers conducted by Getting to Know You)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... WESTBURY, N.Y. -- About two-thirds of those buying homes are looking to purchase towels and bed linens, a survey conducted by Getting to Know You, a home buyer welcoming program, found.The survey of recent home buyers found that 65.3 percent of respondents wanted to purchase new ...
Venture: smaller decline. (Venture Stores Inc.'s same-store sales decline in four weeks ended Feb. 22)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... O'FALLON, Mo. -- Venture Stores Inc. reported a 5.2 percent decline in same-store sales in the four weeks ended Feb. 22, but noted a continued improving trend from previous months.The 113-unit retailer, which has been struggling to reposition itself from a general discounter to a ...
T. Eaton, Canada, seeks bankruptcy protection. (T. Eaton Company Ltd.)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... NEW YORK (FNS) -- T. Eaton Co. Ltd., the second largest department store chain in Canada, has filed for bankruptcy reorganization.The 127-year-old privately held Toronto-based chain, operates 92 stores.In a press release, George Eaton, president, called the move "a ...
Kohl's ready to expand.(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... CHICAGO -- Almost a year since starting a repositioning of its stores, Kohl's, the Menonomee, Wis.-based department store chain, is poised to add 30 new units, enter new markets, and continue to rack up sales increases, which last year registered more than 11 percent.Kohl's ...
Home goods stores zero in on branding.(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... CHICAGO -- Home furnishings retailers facing increasing competitive pressures are turning to branding in an effort to present a clear and consistent message to the consumer, according to panelists at the Retail Advertising Conference here last month.As these retailers grapple with ...
Use open systems for better business.(information technology)
Mar 03, 1997; ... A company's information technology capabilities, along with its business processes, people and corporate culture, shape its competitive strength.Unfortunately, companies that have invested in information systems often discover that those systems do not provide the flexibility or ...
Thumbs up for Surfaces; Atlanta it's not, but show's got appeal.(1997 Surfaces floor covering exposition; includes related article on Worldwide Wholesale Floor Coverings)
Mar 03, 1997; ... LAS VEGAS -- Despite the pre-show grumbling, almost everyone went home happy after the annual Surfaces floor covering exposition.Rug vendors don't like the high costs of exhibiting, but when the desert dust cleared, they said the event was worthwhile for both sales and exposure. ...
Lamps back in fashion; department stores replay the business, for its style.(includes related article on store displays)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- A decade ago, many major department stores had virtually abandoned the lamp business, ceding it to mass merchants and home centers.But that is changing. Department stores are putting their imprint on the business and emerging as one of the fastest-growing distribution ...
Futons find new floors.
Mar 03, 1997; ... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Traditional furniture retailers are beginning to sit up and take notice of futons.Futon furniture, previously the domain of mass retailers and independent futon and waterbed stores, is gaining credibility with traditional furniture retailers, according to a ...
'Tool-free' RTA: DesignWorks sets High Point debut.(ready-to-assemble furniture)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Kenmark Industrial Co., a large manufacturer of particleboard furniture headquartered here, has launched DesignWorks, a United States subsidiary. The subsidiary, which was formed late last week, is being headed by Michael Loe, a veteran of the imported furniture business, ...
Balance sheet.(furniture maker Ameriwood Industries International financial report for 4th qtr 1996)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Ameriwood Industries International, a maker of flat-packed furniture here, sharply reduced its loss in the fourth quarter as sales rose 17 percent. Ameriwood posted a net loss of $152,600 in the quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with a net loss of $2.5 million. Sales ...
Breuners taps Reddington for CEO.(Breuners Home Furnishing Corp., G. Joseph Reddington)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... LANCASTER, Pa. -- G. Joseph Reddington has been named chief executive and a director of privately held Breuners Home Furnishings Corp. (BHFC). Reddington was previously the chief executive of Signature Group, which is jointly owned by Montgomery Ward and General Electric Capital Corp. ...
Roberds reports record '96 sales.(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... DAYTON, Ohio -- Roberds Inc. reported record sales of $342.1 million for the year ended Dec. 31, 1996, a 13.5 percent increase over 1995's $301.3 million.However, the company suffered a net loss for the year of $910,000, or 15 cents per share. Sales for the fourth quarter were ...
Lighting promos for mom.(lamp retailers prepare for 1997 Mothers Day promotions)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Holidays are times of gift-giving for most and money-making for many.Several lamp retailers will attempt to do both, as they prepare promotions for Mother's Day, which falls on May 11 this year. While the holiday is not nearly as big as Christmas in terms of lamp sales, ...
Dayton bets on babies; bedding to debut in home textiles dept.(Dayton Hudson Corp. department stores to incorporate baby home furnishings in home textiles department)
Mar 03, 1997; ... MINNEAPOLIS -- Dayton Hudson department store group plans to capitalize on the $200 million infant bedding market by incorporating a baby home furnishings area in its home textiles department late this spring.The infant bedding area, which will initially be rolled out to seven ...
Aiming to build a household name; Meri Stevens backs a line of natural fabrics.(Weathervane Hill by Roth Fabrics)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NORWALK, Conn. -- Fabric suppliers, watch out. Meri Stevens is back in the business with a clear strategy created to make Weathervane Hill a household name for decorative fabrics.Weathervane Hill is a new brand name trademarked by Roth Fabrics, a $6 million converter and importer ....
New mill homes in.(Marion Mill introduces home textile collection)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... There is no doubt that textured fabrics are "in."And Marion Mills, a relaunched manufacturer of slub yarn and multipurpose textured greige goods woven on dobby looms, believes it has just what it takes to capture a good portion of sales to the converter, home furnishings and ...
Gift directions: scents and bathrobes star at fair.(1997 International Gift Fair)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Amid the throng of gift and decorative accessories vendors at last week's International Gift Fair were pockets of opportunity for home textiles retailers, ranging from one-of-a-kind candles and holders to luxurious mohair blankets and cashmere robes.Other interesting ...
Martin Color-Fi Inc.(financial results for 4th qtr ended December 31, 1996)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... EDGEFIELD, S.C. -- Martin Color-Fi Inc., a producer of polyester fibers from recycled plastics, reported net sales for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, 1996 were $27.7 million, up 20 percent from $23.1 million for the year-earlier period.Net income for 1996 was $4.4 million, or 67 ...
Towels' eye and hand appeal.(towel sales in the US)(Column)
Mar 03, 1997; ... Towel deliveries from the larger mills are the tightest I have seen in a decade. Producers are trying to keep up with retail sales but falling behind in that. It brings to light the public's reaction to a basic textile product that is being presented to them at such obvious bargain prices ...
High Country expands high-thread-count jacs.(High Country Linens)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... ALBUQUERQUE N.M. -- High Country Linens, an importer of bedding and accessories, is expanding its successful collection of high-thread-count jacquard woven sheets.Two new patterns, Marseilles and Palais, are 312-thread-count, two-tone yarn-dyed damask designs, offered in three ...
Brilliant colors at Japantex.(fabrics and home textile fair)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... TOKYO -- Color was the biggest news at Japantex '97, the international fabrics and home textiles fair held at Tokyo's Big Sight exhibition center from Feb. 5 to 8. Exhibitors at the show totaled 237 and represented 15 countries. There were 75,144 visitors for the four day period. ...
Future is now in Cologne; Domotechnica keeps its edge in design.(electric household appliances)
Mar 03, 1997; ... Cologne, Germany -- not afraid to push the envelope, small electrics vendors at last month's Domotechnica here emphasized eye-catching color -- from bold to metallic to muted two-toned finishes -- and modern designs with rounded edges and whimsical touches. While many of the ...
Fighting to fill the vacuum; as 3 brands exit, it's a floor-care battle for share.(floor care manufacturer market share)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- The past two years have seen the demise of three brands in the floor care industry. With the four remaining major brands intensifying their efforts, the battle for shelf space has become more competitive.The remaining top vendors are vying for market share with product ...
Super Show for fitness.(fitness category in housewares)
Mar 03, 1997; ... ATLANTA -- The fitness category is shaping up as one of the brightest spots in housewares.Fitness products abounded at the Super Show, the largest event for the sporting goods industry, held here last month. Traditional housewares retail buyers attended the show, looking for items ...
It's 'mangia' at MACEF; dollar's strength fattens wallets of U.S. buyers.(International Exhibition of Quality Household Articles)
Mar 03, 1997; ... MILAN (FNS) -- MACEF, Italy's leading housewares show, wrapped up three full days on a positive note. Manufacturers, present with innovative new products and stable price lists for 1997, said they were encouraged by good attendance and a surge of orders.Some housewares ...
Waterford stake in Rosenthal.(Waterford Wedgwood PLC takes 9.1% stake in Rosenthal AG)
Mar 03, 1997; ... DUBLIN, Ireland -- Waterford Wedgwood PLC has taken a 9.1 percent stake in Rosenthal AG, a Germany-based porcelain manufacturer.The firm, a crystal and fine china supplier, paid $1.87 million for its share in Rosenthal. Waterford Wedgwood has options to increase its share to 49 ...
Domotechnica aims at health, cooking.(1997 Domotechnica Show; consumer electronics)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... COLOGNE, Germany -- Beyond high design and color, several suppliers added sizzle with novel features at the Domotechnica Show. Here's a sampling of the innovative products coming out of the show:Philips says it has the answer for unsightly cellulite: Celesse. This item, about the ...
Cuisinart shops pop up.(opens two shops in New York, NY)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Last April, Cuisinart outlined plans to open Cuisinart shops at key retail locations, giving the company the opportunity to emphasize its expanded line of electrics and strengthen its developing line of cookware.So far, Cuisinart has two shops up and running: one at ...
Eureka: portable extractor.(Dream Machine, floor and upholstery spot cleaning machine)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- Eureka is aiming to extend its presence in the extraction segment of floor care with a new portable version of its Dream Machine."It's our job as a manufacturer in floor care to supply products in all categories; this is one we think we need to be a part of," ...
DVD on the shelves; but the movies are weeks away.(digital video disc players for sale in Mar 1997)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- DVD players, the long-awaited, new video format that plays movies in full digital sound and video off a 5-inch compact disc, have hit the market and are available to consumers at some specialty audio and video stores.The only hitch is that the movies aren't out yet. ...
Kids electronics: peril and profit.
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- The "kids electronics" category has never found much of a home in the consumer electronics industry at large -- and more's the pity.Technology tailored for kids makes up one of those categories that offer retailers higher margins.These products come in all ...
Small-dealer survival ideas.(consumer electronics)
Mar 03, 1997; ... SAN DIEGO -- Sluggish sales of consumer electronics products have led to hard times for suppliers and retailers of audio-video products, but marketers say there are steps independent retailers can take to prosper.From large to small, retailers have had to close stores resulting ...
EchoStar's big sky: deal may open doors to more stores.(News Corporation Ltd. deal with digital satellite television company EchoStar Communications Co.)
Mar 03, 1997; ... ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Thanks to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Ltd., EchoStar may be able to do what it said it wanted to do: expand its distribution into consumer electronic channels and make itself a heavyweight contender in the direct-broadcast satellite arena.A deal made last week ...
MCI PrePaid.(calling card greeting cards)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... ATLANTA -- MCI PrePaid is presenting a new category with the introduction of its MCI PrePaid Social Expressions calling-card greeting cards.The series features five cards each enclosed in a colorful package. Each card doubles as a calling card and voice-greeting card. ...
Woods Industries.(introducing StormGuard surge protector)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... CARMEL, Ind. -- Woods Industries is shipping a surge protector designed to take up less wall space. The product, StormGuard, features a patented "pass through" connection, which allows it to be placed directly onto the plug of the device being protected ....
Tandy Corp.(4th qtr 1996 financial report)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... FORT WORTH, Texas -- Tandy Corp. reported a net loss of $137.7 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, in contrast to profits of $90.2 million for the same period in 1995. Sales for the quarter were down slightly at $2.06 billion, compared to $2.09 billion in 1995.For the ...
Macrovision Corp. and Universal Home Entertainment.(copy-protection deal)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... SUNNYVALE, Cal. -- Macrovision Corp. and Universal Home Entertainment have signed a copy-protection agreement for 1997 under which Universal will continue to apply the Macrovision ...
Southwestern Bell Telephone Co.(supply deal with Market Reps Inc.)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... NORWOOD, Mass. -- Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. has selected Market Reps Inc. to supply it with a variety of telecommunications products, including Caller ID units, and ...
Electronic Arts.(signs distribution deal with computer game maker Anark Corp.)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... SAN MATEO, Cal. -- Electronic Arts says it has signed an affiliated-label agreement for worldwide distribution rights to a computer game in which a character can adapt to its environment.Galapagos, the first title from Anark Corp. of Boulder, Colo., will debut this summer. ...
Walt Disney's. (Buena Vista Home Video sales of 'Bambi' video)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... BURBANK, Cal. -- Walt Disney's Buena Vista Home Video reported that more than 6 million units of Bambi sold through to consumers in the first two weeks after the title's Feb. 4 re-release.To ensure that retailers won't run out of copies of the movie before the scheduled Easter ...
New leaf for PageWriter.(paging device PageWriter 250)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... FORT WORTH, Texas -- Motorola's paging group has added a second pager to its PageWriter family of two-way devices.The PageWriter 250, which will be available through service provider SkyTel in June, can communicate wirelessly with Internet e-mail addresses, fax machines and other ...
Nokia phones to go right to Circuit City.(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... IRVING, Texas -- Cellphone manufacturer Nokia said it will begin selling phones directly to Circuit City beginning in May.Circuit City will carry Nokia's analog and digital phones."We are pleased to be partnering with one of the largest and most influential retailers in ...
Speeding to the Internet. (high speed modems offered by manufacturers)(Product Announcement)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Higher-speed modems from several manufacturers will reach retailers' shelves this month.Devices promising 56 kilobit-per-second performance, about twice as fast under optimum conditions as the current high-speed 33.6Kbps modems, are expected from a handful of companies ....
Ink jets add uses and cut tags. (ink jet printers)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- The next generation of color ink jet printers offer greater functionality at lower price points.In the last year at retail, the average street price for four-color ink jet printers dropped about $100, from $370 in the first quarter of 1996 to $264 in the first quarter ...
Service key at Domotechnica. (European appliance trade show)
Mar 03, 1997; ... COLOGNE, Germany -- If exhibitors at Domotechnica here were restrained in presenting new products, they seemed to be a bit stronger on strategy.Trying desperately to get the business in Europe out of the doldrums, many promoted programs to improve relationships with retailers as ...
GE Appliances: Kelley sales VP. (named Brian Kelley vice president of sales)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Brian Kelley has been named GE Appliances' vice president of sales, taking over the duties previously held by Larry Johnston.The company had said it would act quickly to fill Johnston's slot, and the Kelley disclosure last week came seven days after General ...
Realignment a Frigidaire. (Frigidaire Home Appliances)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... DUBLIN, Ohio -- Frigidaire Home Appliances has restructured its field sales and realigned several departments here from function-driven to coordinated units by product.Many of the changes were related to the appliance maker's merger Jan. 1 with two other AB Electrolux companies, ...
Modest dip in January shipments. (major-appliance shipments, Jan. 1997)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... CHICAGO -- Manufacturers' major-appliance shipments in January were average for the 1990s, but down modestly from the year-ago month which began the industry's record year.The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers said total shipments this January dipped 3.0 percent to ...
Bradlees' accountants, lawyers get $2.2M. (bankruptcy case)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... NEW YORK -- Professionals in the Bradlees' bankruptcy case received court approval to receive $2.2 million in fees and expenses for the three-month period ended Dec. 31.The payout brings total fees and expenses paid out to professionals in the case to $14.2 million since Bradlees' ...
Quaker offering to raise cash for chenille facility. (Quaker FAbric Corp. to expand its yarn manufacturing facility)(Brief Article)
Mar 03, 1997 ... FALL RIVER, Mass. -- Quaker Fabric Corp. says it has filed a registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission to cover a primary offering of 300,000 shares that will allow the company to expand its chenille yarn manufacturing capacity.At the same time, MLGA Fund II, an ...
Venture brands home: draws private label blueprint for growth.(Venture Stores Inc.)
Mar 10, 1997; ... O'FALLON, Mo. -- Venture Stores, the 113-store regional discounter based here, has embarked on a comprehensive private brand strategy designed to boost its home furnishings business.Private brands represented 14 percent of Venture's total business in 1995 and grew to 18 percent in ...
ShopKo's secret: smarter, faster: the discounter focuses on its specialties.
Mar 10, 1997; ... TAMPA, Fla. -- Borrowing a line from Yogi Berra, Bill Podany, chief operating officer and executive vice president of ShopKo Stores, told the home furnishings industry last week, "The future ain't what it used to be."Then he issued this warning: "Unless we find ways to operate ...
Joining hands on licenses.
Mar 10, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Retailers and licensors alike are looking to take the guesswork out of licensing by developing closer partnerships in order to improve the consistency of sell-through at retail.These partnerships have stemmed in part from the hit-and-miss year 1996 proved to be for ...
More consolidation: Ultimate & Audio King.(Ultimate Electronics to buy Audio King Corp.)
Mar 10, 1997; ... DENVER -- Ultimate Electronics' deal to acquire Minneapolis-based Audio King Corp. is the latest step in a consolidation of the consumer electronics industry.Other recent moves on the consolidation front: Last May, Tweeter Etc. acquired Bryn Mawr Stereo and Video; in December, ...
Oreck to take Regina higher.(Oreck Corp. buys Regina vacuum-cleaner business from Philips Electronics Corp.)
Mar 10, 1997; ... LONG BEACH, Miss. -- The Regina vacuum cleaner business, shut down since last fall, is under new management, and about to take a sharp step up.Oreck Corp., a floor-care products marketer known for use of direct-response television, has purchased Regina from Philips Electronics ...
Foley at CHF looks to the window.(Frank Foley new CEO of CHF Industries)(Brief Article)
Mar 10, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Frank Foley, who will move to CHF Industries March 12 as the company's new chief executive, said part of his strategy will be to "enhance product development" under the company's upscale Cameo window and bed coverings brand.Foley noted, "The company has a history of ...
Winning battles, losing wars.(Column)
Mar 10, 1997; ... Today, managements of many publicly held companies typically are watchful of the advice analysts provide investors regarding when to buy or sell shares. This concern reaches especially intense levels whenever positive or negative news surfaces about their specific industry or about their ...
Taking stock: retailers' results for the three weeks ended Feb. 28, 1997.(Brief Article)
Mar 10, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Benefiting from solid fourth quarter profit and sales gains, shares of several retailers picked up speed on the HFN stock index for the three weeks ending Feb. 28.Advancers beat decliners on the index, 35 to 24, with the biggest increases from Strouds Inc., up 34.8 ...
Reaching consumers.(furniture industry)
Mar 10, 1997; ... TAMPA, Fla. -- Communicating with the consumer is a two-way street, a fact that can easily be ignored. Ignored, that is, until consumers start speaking with their dollars.Attitudes and priorities are shifting dramatically, and consumers are expressing themselves as much with the ...