HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from April 2001:
PENNEY ROMANCING ITS CYBER SHOPPERS WITH SITE REDESIGN.
Apr 02, 2001; ... DALLAS-J.C. Penney wants to romance cyber shoppers with its redesigned Web site. The retailer is positioning the site's home furnishings area, a whopping 40 percent of JCPenney.com's mix, as a destination for home solutions and decorating tips, with an accent on trends and ...
EDDIE BAUER, LOOKSMART FORGE ALLIANCE TO BOLSTER WEB SALES.
Apr 02, 2001 ... NEW YORK-Web directory LookSmart.com said last week it has struck a deal with EddieBauer.com that will bring the lifestyle retailer broader exposure to shoppers online. The arrangement allows Eddie Bauer to distribute content links throughout LookSmart's directory, enabling ...
MICHAELS CEO TAKING BROADER ROLE IN COMPANY.
Apr 02, 2001 ... IRVING, Texas-Michael Rouleau, chief executive officer of arts-and-crafts retailer Michaels Stores Inc., has taken on the additional responsibilities of president and chief operating officer while the company seeks a successor for John Martin, who resigned. Michaels' board of ...
STUDY: U.S., JAPAN FACE E-COMMERCE LAG.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-As the value of e-commerce explodes around the world at a rate of almost 200 percent a year, U.S. companies will watch their share of the market drop from 46 percent now to 38 percent in four years. Japanese companies will likewise see their share plummet by almost ...
HIGH POINT MEETS HIGH TECH.
Apr 02, 2001 ... GREENSBORO, N.C.-A software company is coming to the April High Point market in North Carolina with a new e-business software program designed to streamline order-writing at the show. Order Write Now, from iWork Software, transmits order information from the showroom floor ...
GUILFORD TO LAUNCH LICENSED BEDDING.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-At this week's market, Guilford Home Fashions will launch licensing programs with Jockey and Karen Neuburger, and has all the resources ready to support the growth surge it expects as it takes knitted bedding and sheets to a new level. Mason Carroll, who had been vice ...
BIDDEFORD'S REORGANIZATION REMAINS `TOUCH AND GO'.
Apr 02, 2001; ... BIDDEFORD, Maine-Biddeford Textile Corp. has hit a snag in its restructuring plan. Following its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection March 7, the company secured court approval for a revolving loan of about $3 million from the National Bank of Canada. But the bank ...
HOME DEPOT NAMES DONOVAN HUMAN RESOURCES CHIEF.
Apr 02, 2001 ... ATLANTA-Home Depot has appointed Dennis M. Donovan executive vice president of human resources. Donovan will report to Bob Nardelli, president and chief executive officer, and will be responsible for all human resources functions in the company's stores and store support centers. ...
REPORT: HOME GIANTS CAN DOUBLE U.S. STORE BASE DESPITE ECONOMY.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Room to grow. And grow. And grow. That's the outlook in a recent report on home center retailers Home Depot and Lowe's Cos. The study, by Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown retail analyst Dan Wewer, concludes that these retailers can more than double their U.S. store base and ...
BAKING POWER; DINNERWARE VENDORS ARE FINDING THAT BAKEWARE LINES CAN HELP BOLSTER SALES.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Established dinnerware companies looking to cook up extra sales have found that bakeware fits the bill. Bakeware can extend the life of a mature pattern or underline a company's commitment to a complete tabletop statement. And because a lasagna pan or casserole dish can ...
ROYAL CHINA GETS EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTION DEAL.
Apr 02, 2001; ... PRINCETON, N.J.-In a move to expand its customer base, Royal China & Porcelain Cos., parent of Royal Worcester and Spode, will soon become the sole distributor of Vista Alegre products in the United States. The Portugese tabletop company acquired 25 percent of Royal China in ...
MARIPOSA SUIT ALLEGES COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT.
Apr 02, 2001; ... MANCHESTER, Mass.-Tabletop manufacturer Mariposa has filed a lawsuit against Plano, Texas-based Confeti Gifts Inc. for alleged copyright infringement. Late last month the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted Mariposa a preliminary injunction, ordering Confeti to ...
SUCTION CUSP; INDEPENDENT VAC VENDORS ARE A DRIVING FORCE IN ADVANCED FEATURES.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Multitudes of consumers who frequent category killers might think there are only six brands of vacuum cleaners in the world. While Bissell, Black & Decker, Dirt Devil, Eureka, Fantom and Hoover pummel one another in a retail version of "Star Wars," there's a universe peopled by ...
AHAM MEETING TO EXAMINE INDUSTRY'S FUTURE.
Apr 02, 2001; ... WASHINGTON-Smart appliances and smarter business-government relations will top the agenda at the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers' Annual Member Meeting here beginning Thursday. Blending science and art, new technology and old issues, manufacturers of major appliances ...
BARWARE IN MANHATTAN: WHERE GLASS HAS CLASS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-As the warmer weather and more casual season approaches, retailers are stocking their shelves with barware. And the crisp, clean and classic look of clear glass seems to be the product of choice, with a few funky patterns and some color thrown in here and there to jazz up the ...
BULGARI TO EXPAND HOME DESIGNS GROUP THIS SPRING.
Apr 02, 2001 ... NEW YORK-Bulgari's expanding Home Designs collection, made by Rosenthal, is set to hit stores this spring. Two porcelain coffee sets will debut, along with a new range of giftware. Concerto strikes a sweet note with playfully decorated cups and saucers, a sugar bowl and creamer, ...
AREA RUGS GAINING APPEAL ACROSS RETAIL CHANNELS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Area rugs continue to expand their presence at retail in channels that just a few years ago limited their rug offerings to small accent/scatter styles and bath rugs. Big-box specialty stores and mass merchants are dedicating more floor space to these decorative accessories ....
FIXTURES FINDING A PLACE IN SPECIALTY STORES.
Apr 02, 2001; ... PARAMUS, N.J.-Lighting fixtures, including pendants, sconces and wall lamps, are gaining placement and acceptance in specialty retailers. Linens 'n Things, Bed Bath & Beyond, Pottery Barn and other home decor chains have moved further into lighting categories traditionally ...
KMART INTRODUCING FEATURED ARTIST PROGRAM.
Apr 02, 2001; ... TROY, Mich.-Kmart may not look like an art gallery, but soon, featured artists will be coming to a store near you. In collaboration with its vendor, Pinnacle Art & Frame of Fort Worth, Texas, Kmart Corp. this month is rolling out a new featured artist program in its framed art ...
FURNITURE INDUSTRY GETS BEHIND FED'S HALF-POINT RATE CUT.
Apr 02, 2001; ... WASHINGTON-It was less than analysts had hoped for, but furniture executives agree that the Federal Reserve's 50-basis-point rate cut will give a boost to housing starts and consumer confidence. Lower interest rates will help spur home building and home purchasing, two ...
STEELCASE, LIGHTOLIER FORM MARKETING ALLIANCE.
Apr 02, 2001; ... GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-Steelcase Inc., a leading commercial office furniture supplier, has teamed up with lighting manufacturer Lightolier to jointly market lighting solutions for the workplace. The deal is expected to increase sales for both and greatly expand distribution for ...
RETAIL INDEX: CONSUMERS TO TIGHTEN SPENDING HABITS.
Apr 02, 2001 ... NEW YORK-Four out of five creditworthy consumers in the United States, eyeing a rise in their fixed expenses of 13 percent, are likely to hold the line or even retrench on their discretionary spending during the year. According to the American Express Retail Index, more than ...
BANKRUPTCY REFORM: A GOOD BILL OR A BILL OF GOODS?
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-After three years of exhaustive lobbying, the bankruptcy reform bill is only a signature away from law. For retailers, it means an end to debtor abuse by consumers and, subsequently, less loss. But some industry analysts say the law could cause shoppers to spend more ...
SEARS ACQUIRES 18 WARDS SITES.
Apr 02, 2001; ... HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.-Sears, seeking to boost market share in multiple businesses, scooped up 18 former Wards stores with plans to convert them into Sears full-line stores and The Great Indoors superstores. The $40 billion retailer will also add 10 freestanding Wards auto ...
HFN BAROMETER RISES SLIGHTLY.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Retailers' views of the economy have improved slightly but remain well short of optimistic, according to HFN's quarterly survey. The HFNdex, a proprietary measure of how chief executive officers and presidents of the nation's leading retail establishments perceive the ...
YELLOW FEVER.
Apr 02, 2001; ... From cookware to textiles, the color yellow is adding zip and pizzazz to some cool new products this spring. It's known to be the color of some of life's most pleasant things: spring's jonquils, sunshine and, of course, "Yellow Submarine." Shades ranging from lemon to taxi cab are the way ...
NEWS BRIEFS.
Apr 02, 2001 ... Pillowtex Appoints CFO, Requests Plan Extension Pillowtex has named Michael Harmon as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Prior to joining Pillowtex, he was executive vice president and chief financial officer of Galey & Lord, a textiles manufacturer based in ...
HOUSE2HOME CONVERSION IS CUT BACK BY 26 UNITS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... IRVINE, Calif.-In a departure from the plan outlined in December, HomeBase will close its remaining 26 stores instead of converting them to the House2Home home decorating superstore format. The closures will result in the layoffs of 2,600 employees. The House2Home chain will now ...
STORING DEBT; MOST PUBLIC HOME GOODS RETAILERS ARE LEVERAGED, BUT AT A MANAGEABLE RATE.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Unlike other industries, retailers in the home goods segment tend to shy away from taking on too much long-term debt. And those that have heavy debt are working out ways to reduce it. As nonfinancial industries have seen debt-to-equity ratios climb to 80 percent from 70 ...
WESTINGHOUSE, OSTER LEAD IN KITCHEN APPLIANCE ADS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.-Westinghouse took the lead in the number of ads for food steamers and toasters placed in newspapers and fliers during February, an ongoing survey revealed. The brand was also the second most advertised food processor that month after Cuisinart. During the ...
TRADE SHOW CALENDAR.
Apr 02, 2001 ... march 28-31 Intertextile Beijing - China International Trade Fair China International Exhibition Center Beijing, China 011-49-69-7575-6738 (Germany) 28-4/1 HPA's Hearth & Home Show The Salt Palace Convention Center Salt ...
SORRY FOR THE PITY.
Apr 02, 2001; ... Pity the poor textiles market: All dressed up this week with no place to go. Yes, the economy is flat, retail sales are soft and the consumer has seemingly lost all of her confidence, a scenario being played out all up and down the home furnishings business. But no one segment ...
CHAIR PADS TAKE SEAT IN KITCHEN TEXTILES.
Apr 02, 2001; ... New York-The kitchen textiles category is expanding exponentially. Market introductions include extensions by major table linen manufacturers such as Bardwil Linens, Elrene Home Fashions and Trendex Home Designs. More companies are focusing on chair pads to coordinate with every ...
BUYERS APPROACHING MARKET WITH CAUTIOUS ENTHUSIASM.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Retailers are coming to this week's New York Home Textiles Market with pen and pad in hand, but not necessarily to write orders. Some are making checklists to review later, some are just taking notes on trends and some are not buying at all. But everybody is approaching with a ...
MARKET MADNESS.
Apr 02, 2001 ... NEW YORK-It's almost the second half of the year: Do you know where your business is? That's the question the home furnishings industry -- starting with the home textiles sector here this week -- will be asking during the month of April, the critical time in the merchandising ...
SUPPLIERS HOPING FOR SOFT LANDING, PICKUP IN 2ND HALF.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-"Have we reached the bottom?" This is one question suppliers would like to shrug off with a slew of new products for the New York Home Textiles Show. "No, we have not reached the bottom. The economy could get worse," said Dale Talbert, vice president of ...
THE ROYAL TREATMENTS; RICH REDS AND GLAMOROUS GOLDS TELL THE STORY IN TEXTILES THIS MARKET.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Deep, rich reds contrasted with luminous golds are leading shades in upcoming home textiles products. Not fire-engine reds, but wine reds and spicy carmines are dominating in draperies, top-of-the-bed and decorative pillows. Whether they show up as solids -- as in ...
LICENSED DRIVERS: KIDS STILL DRAWN TO CHARACTERS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-From tried-and-true characters that have been around for years to the very latest from movies and television, suppliers continue to find that licensed characters are an almost sure way to the heart of the juvenile market. At this week's New York Home Textiles Market, ...
PILLOWS, PADS TAKE ON NEW FILLS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-In pillows and pads, market introductions are combining fibers and fills with innovative constructions for the best of all worlds in comfort and support. DuPont fibers will be featured, both in its Bedding Textiles Division introductions and other collections. Its own ...
VERATEX ADDS FREE-STANDING WINDOW TREATMENT GROUP.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Veratex is broadening its line to include free-standing window treatments as well as bedding ensembles and full bath coordinates. "We believe that there is a void in the market for Veratex-type of windows," said Dale Talbert, vice president of Veratex. ...
GLOBAL EXHIBITOR LIST CONTINUES TO GROW AT THE JAVITS CENTER.
Apr 02, 2001 ... WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.-When the 19th semiannual New York Home Textiles Show opens its doors on March 30 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, it will present a total 450 exhibitors in 80,000 square feet of exhibit space, offering more than 1,000 lines of bed, bath, linen and ...
KENSINGTON LAUNCHES LINE.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW ORLEANS-Kensington Window Expressions, headquartered in Suwanee, Ga., launched a collection of branded window treatments exclusively for independent retailers and design professionals at the International Window Coverings Expo here last week. Marketed under the name Kensington Window ...
WINDOW EXPO OPENS TO SMALLER CROWD.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW ORLEANS-The theme was "Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler," or "Let The Good Times Roll." But at the International Window Coverings Expo held here in The Big Easy last week, the good times seemed to be rolling right on by. The show, which usually attracts approximately 275 ...
HUNTER GARNERS MOST AWARDS AT EXPO.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW ORLEANS-At the International Window Coverings Expo here last week, Hunter Douglas won seven awards, more than any other manufacturer, from the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA). The recognition was for new products, as well as Hunter Douglas' training, testing, ...
GINSEY'S LINE: SITTING PRETTY.
Apr 02, 2001; ... BELLMAWR, N.J.-One of the first things Harry Haber did after he bought Ginsey Industries Inc. in 1991 was come up with a new name for its main product category. "We call them `bath seats,' " said Haber, president and chief executive officer of Ginsey. Otherwise the products -- toilet seat ...
ADEPT ABILITY; RUG VENDORS EXHIBITING AT THE NEW YORK HOME TEXTILES MARKET THRIVE ON DIVERSITY.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Perhaps the single greatest reason rugs have enjoyed such phenomenal growth over the past 10 years is the versatility of the category. That full diversity is on display this week here during the New York Home Textiles Market. From accent, bath, comfort rugs and doormats ...
RUG SUPPLIERS ARE READY TO ROLL IN NEW YORK CITY.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Don't expect to see any long faces at this spring's New York Home Textiles Market. Although the robust growth in the economy has declined, it continues strong for home furnishings -- especially rugs, according to suppliers, who are optimistic. "There is a ...
RUG CATEGORY PUTS ACCENT ON NOVEL DESIGN.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-The accent rug segment has been growing ahead of full-size rugs recently, fueled by a diversity of styling that has opened many retail doors. Small rugs crafted in a multitude of shapes are appealing to just about everyone who ever had a special interest, while many ...
PENDLETON BROADENS LINE.
Apr 02, 2001; ... PORTLAND, Ore.-Pendleton, a private company owned and operated by the Bishop family for six generations, is expanding its reach into home with products that build on a foundation of quality and American design. A manufacturer that operates 55 company-owned retail stores and has ...
BUYERS LOOKING FOR VALUE AT NEW YORK HOME TEXTILES MARKET.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-If this spring's New York Home Textiles Market had a theme, it could be summed up in one word: value. Charles Boyter, buyer for rugs, towels and basic bedding at Burlington Coat Factory, is one of many buyers who will be scouting for competitive prices. "I ...
DOORMAT VENDORS STEP UP STYLE, USE.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-When it comes to doormats, consumers want to express themselves. Many current hits are novelty items that appeal to a humor, hobby or a holiday connection. Others are more practical, but the best offer both -- performance and styling. Mohawk Home is adding ...
DIFFERENT CONSTRUCTIONS ADDING VARIETY IN BATH RUGS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Rugs that are manufactured and marketed as "bath" rugs are a mature category, with 2 percent to 4 percent annual growth. Most of these rugs -- about 75 percent to 80 percent -- are solid-color nylon styles that are dyed to match the season's latest towel colors. While ...
CAPEL MAKES NEW YORK MARKET DEBUT AT JAVITS CENTER.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Capel, one of the oldest names in the U.S. rug manufacturing community, will show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for its first time participating in the New York Home Textiles Market. "We believe we have a program and the supply to make this [a push in the ...
KAS TO SPOTLIGHT FLATWOVEN RUGS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Kas Oriental Rugs will shine a spotlight on a group of products introduced at the January Atlanta rug market that the company thinks will be particularly appealing to buyers at the New York Home Textiles Market. "This is a part of the business that Kas wants to grow," ...
FLOOR COVERING BRIEFS.
Apr 02, 2001 ... Restoration Group, Institute Part Ways The Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration (ASCR) will conclude its shareholder stake and seat on the board with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The original investment ...
HAROUNIAN PUTS OUT WELCOME MAT -- AND MORE -- AT NEW SHOWROOM; HAROUNIAN'S LINE FEATURES A VARIETY OF SIZES AND STYLES, SUITABLE FOR MANY MARKETS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Harounian Rugs International started 2001 in a new showroom here on the ground floor at 261 Fifth Ave. For buyers in town for the New York Home Textiles Market, Harounian offers a wide range of fully programmed hand-knotted, hand-tufted and hand-hooked rugs in all ...
FURNITURE BRIEFS.
Apr 02, 2001 ... Rowe Reports Q1 Loss as Sales Lag The Rowe Cos. reported first-quarter net shipments of $80 million, down 7.6 percent from the prior-year quarter. The company reported a net loss of $806,000 for the quarter after posting net earnings of $2.8 million for the year-ago quarter. ...
CATALINA RESTRUCTURES ITS SALES AND MARKETING TEAMS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... MIAMI-Lighting supplier Catalina Industries is making changes to its infrastructure that executives say will improve responsiveness to retailers. Because Catalina's home center and mass customers want more customized products, the company has moved to an integrated approach to ...
FUTON ON THE RITZ; SPECIALTY BEDS ARE TAKING THE HIGH ROAD AT APRIL'S SHOW IN VEGAS.
Apr 02, 2001; ... LAS VEGAS-It's no surprise to anyone attending April's Futon & Specialty Sleep Show here that futons, airbeds, waterbeds and foam beds have gone upscale and are reaching an ever-wider audience. Exhibitors are betting that retailers will walk away with enough introductions to keep that ...
OWA: A COMPANY EXPERIENCING THE SEVEN-YEAR RICH.
Apr 02, 2001; ... DALTON, Ga.-For an industry in which many companies have been around more than 50 years, Oriental Weavers of America is a relative newcomer. Yet in the seven years since its establishment here as the U.S. rug manufacturing division of Egypt's Oriental Weavers, OWA has built a business and ...
HELLENIC SHOWING AT JAVITS AS WELL AS 295 FIFTH AVE.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-With a slew of new products, Hellenic Rug Imports is making sure that every buyer gets a glimpse. At the New York Home Textiles Market, the Brooklyn, N.Y.-based rug and textile importer will exhibit at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, booth 838, in addition to its ...
PARK B. SMITH EXPANDS ACCENT, BATH RUG LINES.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-Small rugs are becoming a big category for Park B. Smith. "The accent rug area is on fire at retail," said Valborg Fletre Linn, director of design and merchandising for the company. "We're going after the business with new creative constructions and Park B. Smith's ...
FUNCTION MEETS FASHION IN THE KITCHEN.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-The kitchen is the place for cooking and cleaning, but it's also an inevitable gathering space for family and close friends. With this in mind, suppliers are working to meet both the function and fashion needs of the kitchen. Burlington House Floor Accents ...
NOURISON ACCENTS ITS PRESENCE WITH 295 FIFTH SHOWROOM.
Apr 02, 2001; ... NEW YORK-It's been a year since Nourison opened its New York showroom at 295 Fifth Ave. in order to serve the market here, and specifically to reach out to the domestics retailers that shop the New York Home Textiles Market each spring and fall. "Even though our headquarters and ...
HOUSEWARES BRIEFS.
Apr 02, 2001 ... Panasonic Completes Restructuring Panasonic completed consolidation of its floor-care businesses in Elgin, Ill., over the weekend. It was part of a much larger company restructuring. Operations to develop, market and sell consumer models of vacuum cleaners shifted ...