HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from May 1997:
Gourmet choices: metals, color and tea heat up show. (Apr 1997 Gourmet Products Show in San Francisco, CA)
May 05, 1997 ... SAN FRANCISCO -- Colors, chrome, stainless and tea.That's the Gourmet Products Show in a nutshell, according to the retailers who shopped last week's event.While the annual refrain lamenting lack of newness was sung again, buyers found plenty of merchandise on hand to ...
Deals to buy 2 fabric mills. (acquisitions by Joan Fabrics Corp., Culp Inc.)
May 05, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Consolidation in the fabric industry intensified last week when Joan Fabrics and Culp Inc. each agreed to buy one of the top 10 mills.The deals promise to give Joan and Culp one-third of the $3 billion decorative fabrics business.For Culp, with sales of $395 ...
Spinning a Web; home goods firms see direct link to consumers. (Internet activity of home furnishings companies)
May 05, 1997; ... Two years ago, the World Wide Web was touted as the next great American gold rush, with Internet addresses popping up everywhere.Companies and analysts were predicting a motherlode of electronic commercelay just beneath the surface of the computer screen. Most home ...
Rossi and Bradshaw exit Home Express. (CEO Walter Rossi, exec VP Jody Bradshaw)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... NEWARK, Cal. -- Walter Rossi has resigned as president and chief executive of Home Express, after less than a year with the West Coast specialty chain, which is operating in Chapter 11.Jody Bradshaw, executive vice president and general merchandise manager who joined Home Express ...
Fields to Hudson's Bay. (William R. Fields named CEO of Hudson's Bay Co.)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- William R. Fields, who resigned as Blockbuster Video's chairman last month, will become president and chief executive of Hudson's Bay Co. on June 1.Hudson's Bay last week confirmed a report that circulated when Fields left Blockbuster last month.Fields will ...
Beyond crying 'sale:' change what you say to change how you sell. (home furnishings industry)(Column)
May 05, 1997; ... One advertising technique that has brought buyers through retail doors all across America is somewhat similar to yelling "fire." It's a single word: "sale."Many retailers swear by the word. Others swear it is killing our industry. Let's take a quick look at the situation, the pros ...
Make the add-ons add up; to dress your store for success, accessorize. (home furnishings stores)(Column)
May 05, 1997; ... In the fashion world, it's no secret that the right accessories can make or break an outfit. And it's no less true in the world of electronics retailing, where accessories can not only complement a purchase, but bolster bottom-line profitability for the retailer.Traditionally ...
Creating net worth: successful Web sites provide a two-way street. (home furnishings industry)(Column)
May 05, 1997; ... I am your customer. A forty-something working mother, I've got too much to do and too little time to do it. I'm impatient with the sales associate who can't tell me why one 27-inch TV costs $299 and another $699. I get crazy running from store to store to find a 28-inch-wide computer desk ...
The dangers of blending: when companies meld, special brand traits can be lost. (home furnishings industry)(Column)
May 05, 1997; ... I remember vividly when my husband and I married and had to blend our two home furnishings collections. Furniture, kitchen items and even textiles were consolidated.To this day, when my husband spreads out his office work on our dining table, he reminds me that it was I who said ...
EchoStar's retail boost in doubt. (low market share could threaten proposed EchoStar Communications Corp. deal with News Corp.)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- EchoStar, a satellite TV hardware and program provider, could lose its chance to create a presence with consumer electronics dealers if its $1 billion deal with Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. falls through.News Corp. began the process to purchase a 50 percent stake in ...
Trading in Bradlees' stock suspended. (Bradlees Inc. discount store chain)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... Trading in Bradlees' stock was suspended last week after the company said it expected to issue new stock and current holders were unlikely to share in the ...
The limits of property: lighting industry quarrels over handpainted finishes. (trademark infringement case)(includes related article)
May 05, 1997; ... THE FINISH IN QUESTION: FASHION OR INFRINGEMENT?NEW YORK -- Can a company lay claim to a handpainted finish and legally protect it from look-alikes? That is the center of a debate raging in the lighting industry, and it has caught the attention of outsiders because the outcome of ...
HFC sells its Haven; cash from TV show to go into promotion. (Home Furnishings Council, Haven television program and publications)
May 05, 1997; ... WILMINGTON, Del. -- The Home Furnishings Council has sold the production and publishing rights of the Haven television program and publications to Home Enterprises Inc. here, a new company formed to manage the properties.The Council has also approved a licensing program for the ...
Thomasville picks no. 2. (Chris Pfaff named exec VP of Thomasville Furniture Industries Inc.)
May 05, 1997; ... THOMASVILLE, N.C. -- Broyhill veteran Chris Pfaff has been named to the new position of executive vice president of Thomasville Furniture Industries Inc. and general manager, Thomasville Wood.Pfaff, who spent the last eight years at Broyhill, most recently as vice president and ...
Quality of sleep: Kingsdown ads stress well-being. (premium mattresses and box springs)
May 05, 1997; ... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Premium bedding maker Kingsdown wants to give consumers a wake-up call about sleep.With the introduction of its Passions Collection -- 12 models priced from $1,499 to $4,900 -- at the furniture market here, Kingsdown also launched a new consumer ad campaign. The ...
Primo recalling futon mattress.(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Futon manufacturer Primo International, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is recalling approximately 1,600 futon mattresses distributed in the U.S.The mattresses fail to meet mandatory Federal standards for flammability. The ...
Rug makers rushing to embrace licensing. (with rug designers)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Raymond Waites' link-up with Beaulieu Rugs is part of a "name-brand" designer trend in the rug business. Several vendors already have programs in place or say they have licensing agreements in the works.Word came out during the High Point market that Waites' ...
Status towels: vendors aim to lure with logos. (designers bath towels)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Logo towels are beginning to trickle into the home textile sections of several department stores. Manufacturers are boldly splashing the names of designers and upscale collections across bath towels in a more concentrated effort to attract the status-conscious consumer. ...
Kitchen, table lighten up. (table linens and kitchen textiles)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Casual styles and patterns in table linens and kitchen textiles are on the rise, showing how entertaining at home is becoming a less formal undertaking.At April market, Park B. Smith continued expanding its Eco franchise. New colors in its Eco-Chef line of natural ...
Home run: Johnson Industries brings furnishings score from $40M to $200M. (textile manufacturer successfully targets home furnishings market)
May 05, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- After some six years of major capital investments in operations and image-building, Johnston Industries has grown its home furnishings business from $40 million to $200 million. And with it, reported president and chief executive Gerald Andrews, the diversified textiles ...
Tomchin urges a rethink. (Macy's West Inc. executive Julian Tomchin tells housewares manufacturers to focus on design)
May 05, 1997; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- Julian Tomchin, senior vice president of special merchandising services at Macy's West, challenged a rapt audience at the Gourmet Products Show here last week to think in new ways about their business as the new millennium approaches.Speaking to a packed house the ...
Open stock fills floor. (tableware manufacturers shift away from boxed sets at 1997 Gourmet Products Show)
May 05, 1997; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- Open-stock dinnerware and glassware were piled high in the aisles of the Gourmet Products Show here last week.Dinnerware makers, whose strength has been in boxed sets, all showed open-stock collections, with a focus on coordinating tableware accessories, such as ...
Food prep splash. (colorful electric housewares at 1997 Gourmet Products Show)
May 05, 1997; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- Color and style jockeyed with function at last week's Gourmet Products Show, with manufacturers showing products that not only help consumers prepare food, but look good doing it.What's significant now about color, according to Al Coviello, chief executive of ...
Ross-Simons' 9th store due. (Atrium Mall in New England)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- As part of its long-term plans to expand its presence in New England, Ross-Simons is opening its ninth store here on May 10."This is a logical continuation of our desire to reach out and dialogue with the customer," said Darrell Ross, president of ...
Cookware color fest revs up retailers. (manufacturers brighten assortments at 1997 Gourmet Products Show)
May 05, 1997; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- The Gourmet Products Show proved to be the venue for an infusion of color, theme merchandising concepts as well as expansion of product and price points among several vendors in the cookware category.Retailers interviewed by HFN responded positively to the livelier ...
Stainless gadgets shine. (stainless steel kitchen utensils at 1997 Gourmet Products Show)
May 05, 1997; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- Gadget vendors were singing not "Silver and Gold" but stainless steel and translucent lemon at the Gourmet Products Show.The refrain was not a new one, though, as most manufacturers showed expansions of existing lines that already feature an industrial or citrus ...
Forged knives unsheathed. (Chicago Cutlery introducing high-priced collection for professional chefs)
May 05, 1997; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- Chicago Cutlery, a division of General Housewares Corp., ended longstanding speculation about its development of a forged-knife program with restricted viewings of the line at the Gourmet Products Show."The problem we had was at the higher end," said Marion ...
Mirro campaign for WearEver Air. (manufacturer advertises cookware's ability to prevent burnt food)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... Mirro aims to strengthen consumer awareness of the WearEver Air brand and technology with a television and print campaign centered around the company's guarantee of no more burning.The strategy differs for Mirro because in the past the company focused advertising on specific ...
Calphalon's first high-low pricing. (manufacturer to discount cookware by approximately 20% in fall of 1997)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... Calphalon Corp. has developed promotional pricing for the fall for its new Colors line and its existing Pots & Pans program."We want to take advantage of fall promotional books retailers do and be a little more competitive with other moderate lines," said Brian Samuelson, director ...
Trudeau appoints Simpson exec vp. (company names David Simpson as executive vice president of sales)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... David Simpson, formerly vice president of sales at Wilton ...
Corningware, Campbell's Soup promotion. (joint advertising campaign to target mothers)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... Corningware and Campbell's Soup have teamed up for a fall promotional program which features a full-page ad in women's service magazines, a freestanding insert and in-store promotions.The campaign's theme is the "one-dish meal," and targets ...
Tamor lifts HPI, formerly Selfix. (Home Products International Inc. financial results, first quarter 1997)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... CHICAGO -- Home Products International Inc., the former Selfix, is operating on a different scale since it acquired Tamor.Home Products reported a profit just over $1 million and sales up 16 percent to a record $31.7 million for its first quarter this year, the period in which the ...
Rubbermaid net falls as sales rise. (financial results, first quarter 1997)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... WOOSTER, Ohio -- Despite a 13 percent rise in sales, Rubbermaid Inc.'s net earnings fell 18.5 percent in the first quarter this year.The company attributed decreased earnings to a slow holiday season, which hit Little Tikes, its children's toy division, particularly hard, and to a ...
Hair dryer recall by Division Sales. (in conjunction with U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), Division Sales of Itasca, Ill., is recalling about 8,000 hair dryers that have a no ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug. Because of this plug, the dryers reportedly pose a risk of electrocution if dropped in ...
Vornado expands headquarters. (Vornado Air Circulation Systems)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... Vornado Air Circulation Systems is doubling the size of its headquarters in Wichita, Kan., to 60,000 square feet; construction is expected to be complete by August. The manufacturing demands of entry into new product categories has sparked the move, according to the ...
Extractors, uprights gain. (outlook for vacuum sales, second quarter 1997)
May 05, 1997; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- Vac vendors attending last week's Gourmet Products Show here, say retail planograms will be beefed up with larger selections of extractors, stick vacs and high-end uprights heading into the second half. To make room, canister assortments may be pared down as will duplicate ...
About-face for vac unit sales. (first quarter 1997)
May 05, 1997; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- Unit sales of vacuum cleaners, which have seen steady annual growth since 1992, dipped in 1997's first quarter, according to statistics compiled by the Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Association (VCMA).Unit sales of upright, canister and stick vacuums combined were ...
KitchenAid calls small retailers. (initiates tele-sales program)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- KitchenAid is focusing more on its small, independent retail customers, with a tele-sales program under way now that will give those customers more frequent, and more personal, contact with the company.KitchenAid will also drop the minimum order for these companies ...
Taking DVD to masses: Philips, PolyGram to offer rental kiosks. (digital video disk kiosks will offer rental players)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Philips Electronics and PolyGram Video are teaming up to bring the DVD experience to the mainstream consumer by offering a joint hardware-software rental program to video rental dealers beginning June 24.Under this first-of-a-kind rental program, video retailers can ...
Piece of 3DO to Samsung. (3DO Co. selling hardware systems division to Samsung Electronics Company Ltd.)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... REDWOOD CITY, Cal. -- The 3DO Co., which once attempted to launch a game platform to compete with those of Sega, Sony and Nintendo, has reported that it is selling its hardware systems division to Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.Samsung has signed a definitive agreement to pay $20 ...
At your service: retailers push the envelope in selling warranties. (consumer electronics retailers)
May 05, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Consumer electronics retailers have historically viewed extended service plans as a vital component of any sale; these warranties are growing even more important as retailers look for ways to combat sluggish sales.Extended service plans, or ESPs, offer profit margins of ...
Fall retail debut seen for the Pentium II. (Fall 1997, Intel Corp. microprocessor)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... SANTA CLARA, Cal. -- Intel Corp.'s fastest processor to date, the Pentium II, is expected to be incorporated into computer systems sold to retailers sometime this fall.Computer resellers and direct marketers will begin selling initial shipments of Pentium II-based PCs to the ...
Q phone go-ahead. (Qualcomm to begin production, temporary restraining order lifted)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... San Diego-based Qualcomm can begin commercial production and sale of its Q phone now that a preliminary injunction order requested by Motorola has been denied and a temporary restraining order lifted.The court's ruling is a preliminary determination. Motorola, following the March ...
Intelidata to supply Uniden. (InteliData Technologies Corp. to supply Internet services)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... Information services provider InteliData Technologies Corp., Herndon, Va., will supply its SmartTime Internet Services to Uniden's AXIS Internet phone, both the corded and 900MHz cordless versions.SmartTime will supply services such as e-mail, ...
Walt Disney to release sequel. (direct-to-video sequel of "Beauty and the Beast")(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... Walt Disney Home Video will release direct-to-video a sequel to Beauty and the Beast on Nov. 11.Disney will mark the launch of Beauty and the ...
Xerox versus U.S. Robotics. (Xerox Corp. files patent infringement lawsuit)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... Xerox Corp., Rochester, N.Y., filed a patent infringement lawsuit against U.S. Robotics Corp. last week, alleging the company illegally used its handwriting recognition technology in the Graffiti pen-based ...
Canon ink jet price cut. (Canon Computer Systems Inc. reduces printer's price to $329 from $399)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... Costa Mesa, Cal. -- Canon Computer Systems Inc. reduced the price of its color ink jet BJC-620 printer last week to $329 from $399. The ...
Primestar's new package. (direct broadcast satellite service offers access to cable and satellite programming, Internet)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Primestar, a satellite TV hardware and program provider, plans to go after a broader consumer base with its new "combo" set-top box and dish antenna that gives access to both satellite and cable programming and to the Internet.Primestar used the Satellite Broadcasting & ...
Roberds qtr. sales up, but comp-stores off. (first quarter 1997, comparable store sales)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... DAYTON, Ohio -- Roberds Inc. reported that sales for the first quarter ended March 31 increased 17.7 percent from the same period a year ago. However, sales for comparable stores declined 9.4 percent in the quarter.Roberds operates 25 stores in four marketing areas including Dayton ...
Frigidaire soars but fails to lift division. (AB Electrolux Household Appliances division's sales drop)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997; ... STOCKHOLM -- AB Electrolux said operating profits at its Household Appliances division fell 5.7 percent in the first quarter ended March 31 despite a significant improvement in profits at its Frigidaire subsidiary.Frigidaire showed growth while the industry's volume in North ...
Burlington plant closing. (Burlington House Area Rugs yarn plant in Monticello, Arkansas)(Brief Article)
May 05, 1997 ... MONTICELLO, Ark. -- Burlington House Area Rugs will close its polyester and nylon yarn plant here and buy yarns from Lees Carpet, another Burlington Industries division ....
We can do that. (clock and watch industry deals with category management)(Category Management: Is Housewares Ready?)(Buyers Guide)
May 05, 1997; ... While category management is a concept in its infancy for much of the housewares industry, clock vendors report that it's nothing new to them. In fact, they have been applying many of the precepts of category management for years."I can't remember a time when we didn't do it," ...
You gotta have "IT" in gadgets. (gadget suppliers use information technology to facilitate category management)(Category Management: Is Housewares Ready?)(Buyers Guide)
May 05, 1997; ... Gadget supplier Bradshaw International could not have known that can openers contribute 10 percent of sales and profits (to an unnamed but major retailer) and turn more than 11 times a year while using only 5 percent of shelf space without a category management system in place.Some ...
Good vibrations. (massagers and category management)(Category Management: Is Housewares Ready?)(Buyers Guide)
May 05, 1997; ... This is not the packaged foods industry.That is the assessment of massager suppliers who, as an industry, are grappling with the challenges of developing category management programs. Unlike business where there are mature product segments and few, but dominant players, the ...
Corning to divest consumer division; housewares set for 2 big shifts.(Corning Inc. to sell Corning Consumer Products Co.)
May 12, 1997; ... CORNING, N.Y. -- Now that Corning Inc. has reported its decision to sell its Corning Consumer Products Co. -- confirming a rumor that has been circulating for years in the housewares industry -- the question becomes who will step forward to purchase the company.Clark Kinlin, vice ...
Bassett helm to outsider.(Bassett Furniture Industries Inc. Chmn and CEO Paul Fulton)
May 12, 1997; ... BASSETT, Va. -- With last week's hire of former Sara Lee executive Paul Fulton as chairman and chief executive, Bassett Furniture, headquartered here, has turned to an outsider to lead its sales turnaround and polish its image with retailers and consumers.Although Bassett looked ...
Housewares set for 2 big shifts; Newell to acquire Rubbermaid unit.(Rubbermaid Office Products)
May 12, 1997; ... WOOSTER, Ohio -- Completing what it claims are the final steps in a two-year realignment process, Rubbermaid Inc. said last Thursday it has agreed to sell its office products division for $246.5 million to Newell Co.Rubbermaid also disclosed plans to combine its home and seasonal ...
Another side: freestanding home chain takes shape.(Sears, Roebuck and Co.)
May 12, 1997; ... CHICAGO (FNS) -- Sears plans to launch a freestanding home furnishings chain next spring that combines home textiles, appliances and selected consumer electronics, tabletop and furniture with home remodeling categories."The idea, if we can pull it off, is to provide for the woman a ...
Federated elevates Kronick and Orlick.(Federated Department Stores Inc.; Susan Kronick to become Chmn and CEO of Burdines; Arnold Orlick to be Pres and COO of Rich/Lazarus/Goldsmith's)
May 12, 1997 ... CINCINNATI -- Susan Kronick, second in command at Rich's/Lazarus/Goldsmith's, will take over as chairman and chief executive of Burdines June 1, when Howard Socol steps down. Arnold Orlick, Bloomingdale's director of stores, will move into Kronick's post as president and chief operating ...
Retail bright spots.(Brief Article)
May 12, 1997; ... NEW YORK -- Overall, April sales were weaker than expected, hurt by cool weather and shifts in the promotional calendar for many home furnishings retailers.Still, there were a few notable bright spots in an otherwise lackluster month.Topping same-store sales at most home ...
Flocking to dock at Pier 1.(Pier 1 Imports Inc.)
May 12, 1997; ... In the not so retail-friendly '90s, retailers from the most obscure niche stores to the largest department store chains have seen limited opportunities coming their way.Pier 1 Imports, the Fort Worth-based home furnishing specialty store chain, has taken advantage of virtually ...
Attitude adjustment: having the right one can make a difference.(in home furnishings industry)(Editorial)
May 12, 1997; ... There are two types of people in the world and fortunately, in most cases, opposites attract.For example, my husband's cynical, pessimistic approach to life is balanced out by my optimistic, trusting nature. One of my friends is convinced that every person he meets is a jerk, yet ...
Finding information, new uses for the Net.(Internet)
May 12, 1997; ... Retailers always are looking for the newest product information or the latest vendor promotion. Now, they can get these details in a whole new way: right off the Internet.One of the most interesting developments on the World Wide Web has been the creation of specific ...
King Koil scores at retail; replaces rival at 35 Mattress Giant.(King Koil mattress model replaces Springwall mattress model in bedding retail Mattress Giant's 35 stores)
May 12, 1997; ... DALLAS -- Mattress Giant, bedding specialty retailer with 55 locations in Florida, Texas and Missouri, is adding the King Koil brand to its Dallas, Houston and St. Louis locations. King Koil replaces Springwall in the 35 stores in those markets.Although King Koil has displaced ...
Higher office: furniture adds fashion to fit the home work space.(On Trend: Home Office Chic)
May 12, 1997; ... BOULDER, Colo. -- Americans are staying home in droves these days, and this is creating a booming business for home furnishings retailers.The latest figures from the National Association of Home Builders reveal that an estimated 45 million home offices are now in use on a full or ...