HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from April 1998:
BIG BEAULIEU REELS IN TWO CARPET MILLS GAINS SHARE, PRESENCE IN POLYESTER.(Beaulieu of America acquires two carpet mills)
Apr 13, 1998; ... DALTON, Ga.--Beaulieu of America has again shifted into acquisition mode with the proposed purchases of two top 25 carpet mills -- Marglen Industries of Rome, Ga., and Columbus Carpet Mills of Columbus, Ga.The acquisitions, expected to be completed by July 10, will add more than ...
GOURMET SHOW BUYERS HUNGRY FOR PRIVATE LABELS.(San Francisco Gourmet Products Show)
Apr 13, 1998 ... SAN FRANCISCO--Last week's Gourmet Products Show here provided a forum for retailers to expand their private label offerings and vendors to increase their channels of distribution.Private labels are growing as retailers use them to build their own special merchandise mixes in ...
SEISMIC RETAIL SHIFTS DUE VISIONARY: CONSUMERS IN CHARGE NOW.
Apr 13, 1998; ... CHICAGO--Picture a brand new world of retail, one driven not by the wants and needs of the stores, but by those of the shopper.Consumers are starting to call the shots, and retailers -- big and small -- are taking notice.Retail industry visionary Anthony Stokan, author of ...
INDULGENCE.(consumers buying more health and personal care products)
Apr 13, 1998 ... THE HEARTBEAT OF HEALTCAREHealthcare is a hot topic no matter who you talk to these days. Consumers are snapping up information and products at an unprecedented rate and the media is nearly obsessive in reporting the latest trend or discovery. Related products are some of the ...
CONSUMERS TAKE MASSAGERS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS.
Apr 13, 1998 ... Next to the common cold, Americans suffer most from back pain -- with about 80% of the adult population reporting significant difficulty. The ability of new massage products and declining prices to win over the four out of five Americans doubled over with back pain is proven in the double ...
Pottery Barn's Unique Alchemy Transmutes Red Ink Into Gold.
Apr 13, 1998 ... How does a $40 million retail operation, losing $7 million annually, morph into a $550 million business that turns a profit?It's all in the mix, said Pottery Barn president and chief merchandising officer Gary Friedman. As the retailer approaches its 50th anniversary, it has ...
Conair Inks Deal to Acquire Waring. (Waring Products Division of Dynamics Corp.)
Apr 13, 1998 ... Conair Corp., parent company of Cuisinart, has reported an agreement to acquire the Waring Products Division of Dynamics Corp. of America. Waring, a manufacturer of kitchen electrics, is known for commercial and high-end consumer blenders and mixers. The acquisition includes the Acme brand ...
A WEEK'S FULL OF HOME FURNISHINGS FESTIVITIES: NEW YORK TEXTILES BLITZ.(1998 New York Home Textiles Show)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Retailers and vendors had plenty of partying to do during the New York Home Textiles Show held here last week.Retailers honored by GLM and the HFPA as Retailers of the Year were Arrelle Fine Linens, Eddie Bauer, Kmart Corp. and Pottery Barn for their innovative and ...
WATER FILTRATION POURING IN SALES.
Apr 13, 1998 ... "WATER FILTRATION IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CATEGORY THAN MOST BECAUSE WE'RE DEALING WITH HEALTH. THERE'S AN AWFUL LOT OF PRESS RUNNING REGARDING WATER IMPURITIES AND PEOPLE ARE ACTING ON IT, " AVERS STEVE PELTIER OF SINGER.At $350 million in sales, up 53% over 1996, the degree of ...
PARTNERS IN SALES FORECASTING WAL-MART, SARA LEE TRADE DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET.
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--In efforts to develop a system for sharing critical sales and forecasting information electronically, foster stronger retailer-supplier relationships and greatly improve in-stock positions, Wal-Mart and Sara Lee are piloting a program expected to have broad industry implications. ...
COMPUTER DESIGN GETS IT TOGETHER.(Lectra Systems acquires Computer Design)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK-In a move that caught computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing companies by surprise, Lectra Systems, a supplier of CAM software and automatic cutters, acquired Computer Design Inc. (CDI), a CAD supplier.Lectra, which is based in Bordeaux, France, has its ...
SPICING THE TEXTILES MARKET.(New York Home Textiles Show)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Retailers shopping last week's textiles market were looking for strong basics, textured products and colorations such as eggplant and brown.Micro-denier fibers were used to create soft suede-like top-of-the-bed fabrics while silk brought sophistication to upscale beds. ...
SINGULAR SENSATIONS: JAVITS CENTER INTRODUCTIONS HIT NEW HEIGHTS AS INNOVATIONS JOIN LUSH CLASSICS.(New York Home Textiles Show)(Brief Article)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--While retailers like Sears and Wal-Mart have been known to shop the Javits Center during the home textiles market for inspiration and an occasional sharply priced well-designed item or two, the products shown here are developed and priced for the high-end boutique, specialty and ...
BIG & SOFT AND UNDERFOOT.(bath rugs at the New York Home Textiles Show)(Brief Article)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEWYORK--Pillowtex/Fieldcrest/Cannon made big waves in the bath rug area at last week's market.Under its Royal velvet brand, it hopes to parlay the success of its Big & Soft towel program to bath rugs. The Big & Soft bath rug measures 27 by 48 inches. "It is heavier, with a higher ...
HOME ENVIRONMENT PRODUCTS.(marketing)
Apr 13, 1998 ... BREATHING FREELYConsumers are recognizing that they can control their home environment. And if they do, they'll be healthier, " says Jim Perella at Lasko.Humidifiers and air filters are the primary products consumers rely on to modify the environment of their homes ....
LESHNER LICENSES STYLE TEACHING TOGS AND ALEXANDER JULIAN ENLIVEN ARRAY OF NEW OFFERINGS.
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Leshner Corp. has added three new licensees to its introductions this market, bringing the total number of licensees to five.Teaching Togs, designed by ready-to-wear designer and educator Geraldine A. Mulhern, includes different themes that are both fun and educationally ...
SPRINGS' BASIC BUYOUT AHEAD MILL'S COMPLETE ACQUISITION OF AMERICAN FIBER SLATED FOR 1999.(Springs Industries, American Fiber Industries)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--American Fiber Industries, the nation's fourth-largest pillow maker, is preparing for an inevitable total buyout by Springs Industries early next year.In the meantime, the basic bedding manufacturer has rolled out a new line of branded products for its parent-to-be, ...
TOPPING BEDDING WITH TEFLON.(from Dupont)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--DuPont will be marketing its Teflon protection to the bedding market -- the logical next step for the product, according to Jennifer Heller, furnishings account manager for DuPont Teflon fabric protector."It makes sense for comforters because they are an extension of ...
MARTEX SINGS LULLABY, EMBRACES BABY LINES.(WestPoint Stevens to introduce baby lines of linens)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--WestPoint Stevens is bringing up baby with the introduction of Lullaby Dreams and Baby Martex.The collections, with a total of 15 ensembles, will retail in the moderate to upper-moderate price category to baby superstores and independent retailers.Baby Martex's ...
BETTING ON BABY: CANNON INTRODUCING COMPLETE PROGRAMS.(linens)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Pillowtex/Fieldcrest/Cannon has entered the infant bedding market. At last week's textiles show, the mill introduced a line of infant bedding products under the Cannon Classic Baby label.The line ...
SINGULAR SENSATIONS: JAVITS CENTER INTRODUCTIONS HIT NEW HEIGHTS AS INNOVATIONS JOIN LUSH CLASSICS.(home textiles)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--While retailers like Sears and Wal-Mart have been known to shop the Javits Center during the home textiles market for inspiration and an occasional sharply priced well-designed item or two, the products shown here are developed and priced for the high-end boutique, specialty and ...
INFORMATION IS THE STRONGEST HEALTHCARE SALES TOOL.(for home health care equipments)
Apr 13, 1998 ... Education is the watchword in all discussion of merchandising and promoting the sale of healthcare products at retail. Some of the factors contributing to customer confusion are: intense, and often conflicting, media coverage of health hazards; increasing environmental hazards; aging of the ...
MONKEYING AROUND: CURIOUS GEORGE LINE BOWS.(Belinda Barton and Universal Studios to develop children's linens)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Belinda Barton, a home furnishings design company, signed with Universal Studios to do a multi-tiered line of Curious George infant and juvenile products which debuted at the textiles market here last week.The home textiles designer showed a new line of 100 percent cotton ...
BASIC BEDDING: STRIKE UP THE BRAND.
Apr 13, 1998 ... MERCHANDISE THE CATEGORY SO THAT CONSUMERS FORGET IT'S A COMMODITY BUSINESS, SAY INSIDERSNEW YORK--Merchandising basic bedding presents a constant quandary: How do you present perennially white products in a way that both romanticizes them and thoroughly explains their attributes? ...
THE CRITICAL NAME GAME IN BASICS.(marketing brand name beddings)
Apr 13, 1998 ... In almost every area of home textiles, branding has become a key issue in building retail assortments. The basic bedding area of pillows, pads and comforters is no different and brand names -- whether from the fashion bedding and bath arena or the mattress area -- are becoming increasingly ...
IT'S RAINING RUGS: NEW LICENSES, BETTER PRODUCTS ABOUND AT TEXTILES SHOW.(New York Home Textiles Show)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--After a quick perusal of a few of the major area rug, scatter and bed/bath mat exhibitors' showrooms at the New York Home Textiles Show, it's safe to say the rug business is booming.Most echoed John Azzolino, vice president of merchandising and product development for ...
'WIN-WIN' FOR RETAILERS, SUPPLIERS: QUEEN CARPET FORGES 38-COMPANY FLOORING ALLIANCE.
Apr 13, 1998; ... DALTON, Ga.--While some major carpet manufacturers have purchased large retail operations to drive growth, Queen Carpet is pursuing a different strategy that in some ways is even more revolutionary.Through an initiative first reported at Surfaces '98, Queen has forged an alliance ...
CATALOGS MAKING BOOK ON RUGS WIDER ASSORTMENTS ARE FILLING THE PAGES.
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Traditional catalogs featuring apparel, jewelry, home furnishings, sporting goods and home office products are continuing to grow. So, too, are hybrid publications that cross categories.This distribution channel is an effective venue for area rugs, decorative mats and ...
Haney Gets Top Sales Spot at Karastan.(Phil Haney)(Brief Article)
Apr 13, 1998 ... Phil Haney, who has been Southwest regional vice president of Karastan, has been appointed vice president of sales and ...
Burlington House Reassigns Execs.(Ralph Grogan becomes vice president for the Area Rugs Div.)
Apr 13, 1998 ... Ralph Grogan, former executive vice president and general manager for broadloom at Lees, has been made executive vice president of sales and marketing for Burlington House's Area Rugs division. Grogan had worked at Burlington for eight years early in his career and then rejoined ...
BEEMER'S RX FOR RETAIL.(Britt C. Beemer on marketing furniture)
Apr 13, 1998; ... PHOENIX, Ariz.--"Change should be embraced, not feared."That was the message delivered by C. Britt Beemer, chairman of America's Research Group during his annual CEO Client Conference here last week, which focused on issues critical to a successful retail operation. ...
ENLIGHTENED APPROACH IS PURE GOLD.(Mitchell Gold Co.)
Apr 13, 1998; ... TAYLORSVILLE, N.C.--The handful of cutting-edge lifestyle retailers -- Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware -- that have dominated furniture trade and consumer press stories for the past year all have one thing in common. His name is Mitchell Gold.The upholstered ...
NOT STRICTLY BUSINESS BEDDING RETAILERS HEAD TO MARKET WITH A SOCIAL AGENDA.(High Point Market)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--The bedding industry's top retailers attend the High Point Market for a variety of reasons, but the opportunity to view new products is not chief among them.Many leading retailers are able to view new merchandise before it hits the showroom floor, according to executives, ...
MAJOR THRUST IN THEATER/OFFICE RTA. (at the International Home Furnishings Market)
Apr 13, 1998; ... HIGH POINT, N.C.--Home theater/home office RTA furniture, which continues to drive industry growth, will be a major focus at the International Home Furnishings Market here next week.Two of the three leading suppliers of ready-to-assemble furniture -- Bush Industries and O'Sullivan ...
GIANT STEPS IN HIGH END.(Mattress Giant adds high-end lines)
Apr 13, 1998; ... CARROLLTON, Texas--In keeping with current buying trends, bedding retailer Mattress Giant is adding high-end lines to its selection.New bedding products will include mattresses from Kingsdown and Simmons' Beautyrest Crescendo line. Other manufacturers carried by Mattress Giant's ...
RTA DEMAND FUELS CONSOLIDATION.(ready-to-assemble furniture)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Consolidation is gaining steam in the RTA industry.Dorel Industries and Bush Industries are on the verge of gobbling up Ameriwood Furniture and Fournier Furniture, respectively.In the past year, Trendlines and Royal Creations closed their doors. About four years ...
QUOIZEL CUTS RIBBON ON NEW S.C. FACILITY.
Apr 13, 1998; ... GOOSE CREEK, S.C.---Quoizel has seen the light in South Carolina.The $60 million manufacturer of decorative lamps and light fixtures has completed the consolidation of its headquarters, factory and warehouses into a new $10 million facility in Crowfield Commerce Park here. ...
NEW BLOOD IN BUYING OFFICES.(for residential light fixtures)
Apr 13, 1998; ... HIGH POINT, N.C.--Lighting industry executives have high hopes for the upcoming selling season and home furnishings market, as more than half of the major retailers have new buyers for the category.New lighting buyers have been assigned at Wal-Mart, Target, Montgomery Ward, ...
CROSCILL ADDS FURNITURE TO MIX TOTAL HOME CONCEPT FUELS GROWTH FOR THE COMPANY.
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Recognizing tremendous growth potential in the home accents business, Croscill Home Fashions has added several pieces of handpainted accent furniture to coordinate with its bath line. The items were unveiled during the Home Textiles Market here last week.The company also ...
MONTAAGE ON THE MOVE RELOCATES TO ACCOMMODATE EXPANSION, ITS FOURTH IN 10 YEARS.
Apr 13, 1998; ... DALLAS--Montaage, known for its accent pieces inspired by Greece and Rome, is moving operations to a new facility here in June 1998. This marks the company's fourth expansion in 10 years."We've dramatically increased our product line over the past two years and customer response ...
ERCOLE'S MOSAIC FURNITURE, ACCENT PIECES MAKE DEBUT.
Apr 13, 1998; ... HIGH POINT, N.C.--Ercole, the high-end home accents supplier known for its innovative use of antique china in mosaic and faux mosaic, will unveil new furniture and vases at the market which opens here next week.Until now, the firm's furniture had been limited to tables. Market ...
PACKAGING GETS MORE FLEXIBLE.(selling tableware)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW CONFIGURATIONS PROVIDE ALTERNATIVES TO OPEN STOCKSAN FRANCISCO--Tabletop vendors are tweaking their dinnerware, glassware and flatware packaging to reflect consumers' desire to buy exactly what they need.The open-stock format, a concept that most dinnerware vendors ...
ONEIDA SECURES POSITION WITH GUESS LICENSE.(Guess Home Collection)
Apr 13, 1998; ... SAN FRANCISCO--Oneida is moving at warp speed.The flatware powerhouse's latest feat, acquiring the Guess Home Collection's license for dinnerware, flatware and glassware, came quickly on the heels of Oneida launching its own line of housewares dinnerware -- in January. ...
CANDLES FIRE UP RETAIL STORES AIM TO CASH IN ON CONSUMERS' DESIRE FOR NATURAL LIGHTING.
Apr 13, 1998; ... SAN FRANCISCO--Housewares and gift departments are redefining lighting.The non-electric lighting variety -- candles and related accessories -- is a leading growth category throughout all retail channels of distribution.Specialty stores, such as Sur La Table, use candles ...
GUESS WHO'S STILL TOPS IN FLATWARE. (Oneida)
Apr 13, 1998 ... NEW YORK--It should come as no surprise that Oneida, the number-one flatware supplier, holds the top-10 posts in the Macomber Report for bestselling flatware for the fourth quarter of last year.The report is prepared quarterly by Macomber Associates, which tracks the performance of ...
KRUPS' PLEDGE: NO MASS.
Apr 13, 1998; ... VENDOR TELLS SPECIALTY AND DEPARTMENT STORE RETAILERS THEY'RE THE NO. 1 PRIORITYSAN FRANCISCO--Krups has pledged its renewed support to the gourmet specialty retailers who have been battered in recent years in the price competitive world of small kitchen electrics.In a ...
LATEST VACUUM INNOVATIONS OFFER RETAILERS NEW FEATURES, PRICES.(at the San Francisco Gourmet Products Show)
Apr 13, 1998; ... SAN FRANCISCO--Floor care vendors opened the doors and showcased their latest and greatest vacuums at the Gourmet Products Show.The year's newest machines -- which were kept under wraps at the Housewares Show in January -- boasted an array of features. Recent technology was at the ...
SUNBEAM SEES DIP, SWINGS AX.
Apr 13, 1998; ... DELRAY BEACH, Fla.--As it girds for a first-quarter sales dip, Sunbeam Corp. is taking steps to both restructure and build its executive team.The small-appliance company reported that it now expects first-quarter sales to be approximately 5 percent below 1997's first quarter ...
HOME SAFETY OUTLOOK UPBEAT.(security systems)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--The home safety segment had a less than stellar year last year and in the beginning of this year; say retailers and manufacturers.However, as new laws that affect the categories are mandated and educational awareness programs increase, industry executives are optimistic ...
CALPHALON TESTS CUTLERY ON SHARPENED WEB SITE.
Apr 13, 1998; ... PERRYSVILLE, Ohio--Calphalon Corp. plans to test the cutlery waters this month by taking its first line of knives directly to consumers via the Internet. If the line, which is made by Friedr. Dick, is successful, it will be rolled out to retail customers.To prepare for the launch, ...
VIRTUAL KITCHEN, BATH DESIGN.(partnership between Hunter Douglas and Autodesk)
Apr 13, 1998 ... UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J.--Window treatment supplier Hunter Douglas has partnered with Autodesk to be featured in new kitchen and bath design software programs called Picture This Home! Kitchen and Picture This Home! Bath.Hunter Douglas is the latest of several home furnishings ...
STORE'S PAINT PARTY.(Janovic Plaza)(Brief Article)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Hoping to revolutionize the way New Yorkers shop for paint, the regional Janovic Plaza is overhauling its flagship store in Manhattan to unveil a new merchandising scheme.The company's new endeavor, expected to be completed in May, is called the Color Rotunda, which will ...
HARDWARE CO-OP'S BIG-BOX STRATEGY INDEPENDENTS SEEK TO DELIVER SERVICES MAJOR CHAINS CAN'T.(TruServe)
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Fighting to stay relevant against encroaching Goliaths Home Depot and Lowe's, the TruServe hardware cooperative has added two regional independent home improvement chains to its growing affiliate family.The cooperative's goal is to build on its strengths: knowledgeable ...
PANASONIC ADDS LIFE.(to introduce new batteries)
Apr 13, 1998; ... SECAUCUS, N.J.--The competition for longer-life batteries is taking on a life of its own.The increasing popularity of cellular phones, digital cameras and palm-top computers are helping energize demand for batteries that last longer. In response, Duracell -- and now Panasonic -- ...
ROBERTS SETS SERVICE COURSE FOR RADIOSHACK.(Len Roberts)
Apr 13, 1998; ... DALLAS--Len Roberts, who will become chief executive of Tandy Corp. on Jan. 1, 1999, said that an expansion of the services RadioShack offers will be a key strategy.Roberts, currently president of both Tandy and RadioShack, will assume the role of chief executive when John V ....
KITCHEN/BATH SHOW AN INCREASINGLY UPSCALE BAZAAR.(Kitchen and Bath Industry Show to open in Chicago)
Apr 13, 1998; ... CHICAGO--Springtime in the city of zephyrs, a booming first quarter, a growing upscale market: what more could a major-appliance dealer desire?How about more products and more features to sell?The annual bazaar of white goods, and stainless steel, and even a few colors ...
THE 'GRANDADDY' OF SATELLITE PROMOS.(RadioShack and Primestar Inc. marketing campaign for direct broadcast satellite television service)
Apr 13, 1998; ... FORT WORTH, Texas--DBS could get a major boost at retail due to a promotion between RadioShack and Primestar Inc. that the companies are calling their largest co-venture ever.To help promote the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon -- and as part of an ongoing marketing ...
NATM TAPS VIDEO ONLY AS 15TH MEMBER.
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Following the drafting of regional chain Video Only, a NATM Buying Corp. official here refuted a published report that the group is actively seeking additional members, including Tops Appliance City.Group director Warren Mann told HFN that NATM had been in discussions ...
SHARP ADDS PIZAZZ WITH COMPUPIZZA.(microwave ovens)
Apr 13, 1998 ... SAN FRANCISCO--Sharp shows no letup in developing automated cooking processes for its microwave ovens.To CompuCook, CompuDefrost and a keypad's worth of other programs, here come CompuPizza and CompuGrill. They're on a multifeature machine containing 0.9 cubic feet and rated at 900 ...
"GIANT" PROMO AT P.C. RICHARD.
Apr 13, 1998; ... NEW YORK--Cinephiles shopping at P.C. Richard & Son got a break last week.The retailer's Manhattan store at East 14th Street offered customers tickets to an advance screening of the new Billy Crystal film, "My Giant." An ad in the "Daily News" touted complimentary passes, good for ...
GE FINDS A DIAMOND IN THE WATER.(licensed salt from Cargill)
Apr 13, 1998 ... LOUISVILLE, Ky.--GE Appliances revealed last week it signed another cross-brand agreement -- for Cargill Salt's Diamond Crystal water-conditioning salt.The deal enhances GE's entry into water softening and filtration with its SmartWater systems early in 1997. A statement from the ...
THERMADOR'S SMORGASBORD GETS COOKING.(home appliances)
Apr 13, 1998 ... HUNTINGTON BEACH, Cal.--That product barrage from Thermador at The Builders' Show in January was just one course in an appliance feast.Not content with the outdoor grills, dishwashers, dual-fuel cooktops, gas ranges, glass gas cooktops and commercial-style hoods introduced in ...
BOSCH BUYING THERMADOR?(Robert Bosch)
Apr 13, 1998 ... BROADVIEW, Ill.--Robert Bosch will acquire Thermador shortly, several industry sources said last week.According to reports, an agreement has been reached and attorneys were working on contract language. Formal disclosure of the deal might come as early as this week, it was said. ...
Montgomery Ward Bolsters Credit Card.
Apr 13, 1998 ... Montgomery Ward reached an agreement with GE Capital Corp.'s Monogram Bank and Montgomery Ward Credit Corp. units for uninterrupted operation of its private credit card.Montgomery Ward said the agreement, which it cited as a ...
MiniDisc Sales Nearly Double in Japan.
Apr 13, 1998 ... MiniDisc is rapidly replacing audio cassette tapes in Japan.MD sales in 1997 nearly doubled from those of the previous year. Japan's Recording-Media Industries Association forecasts that by the ...