HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from April 2002:
THREE QUESTIONS WITH DONNA KARAN.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... 1. What is your favorite house and why? "I love my beach house in the Hamptons. It's a spa house, it's very restful and it's a place that I can meditate in. It's very soothing because it's done in neutral colors, overlooks the bay and has beautiful gardens." 2. What ...
HOUSEWARES FACE-OFF.(disposables coming on strong)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-First the Swiffer came to battle traditional dust mop manufacturers, and now there is an onslaught: Consumer products companies are attacking the housewares industry with lower-priced, usually disposable goods in categories such as stick goods, food storage and cookware. ...
LET THE APRIL SHOWS BEGIN...(textiles show (New York) ,furniture market (High Point) and Gourmet Show San Francisco)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002 ... NEW YORK-Is the recovery for real? The home furnishings business is about to find outfor real. Starting next week with the textiles show in New York and the furniture market in High Point, N.C., and continuing later in the month with the Gourmet Show in San Francisco and then ...
UPSCALE GOODS TREAD ON BASIC TURF.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... For all the talk about disposable products challenging durable goods in the marketplace, there's seemingly no end to the reverse -- but with more than a little difference in the prices. One of the more controversial examples is a Sanyo clothes washer available in Japan that uses ...
MARTHA STEWART AND SHAW TO LAUNCH FLOORING COLLECTION.(Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Shaw Industries)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002 ... NEW YORK-Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and Shaw Industries are launching their new flooring collection, a partnership that capitalizes on Shaw's broad product assortment of broadloom, porcelain tile, hardwood and linoleum. The collection, called Martha Stewart Signature ...
SHOPPING WITH THOMAS O'BRIEN IN THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-A bed ensemble is like a symphony of tricky notes: They must work together in perfect harmony. HFN set out to uncover the makings of the perfect bed with designer Thomas O'Brien during a visit to Manhattan's ABC Carpet & Home's textile floor. O'Brien counts ...
SIX IN THE CITY.
Apr 08, 2002 ... 1 Surreal Situation Take a walk on the wild side: Visit "Surrealism: Desire Unbound" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibit explores the works of the Surrealist artists and their vivid inspirational dreams. The Met is at Fifth Avenue and 82nd St. 2 Where There's Smoke ... ...
BED BATH POSTS PROFIT INCREASE FOR THE 10TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR.(Bed, Bath and Beyond)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 08, 2002 ... UNION, N.J.-Bed Bath & Beyond posted a 27.7 percent increase in earnings for fiscal 2001, marking the 10th consecutive year of earnings increases since the company went public in 1992. Earnings for the year were $219.6 million, or 74 cents per share, up from $171.9 million, or ...
NEWS BRIEFS.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002 ... Kmart Asks Approval on Pay Plan for Adamson Kmart Corp. is seeking U.S. bankruptcy court approval to pay James Adamson, its chairman and chief executive officer, $1 million in salary and an additional $4 million if the discounter emerges from Chapter 11 before July 2003, ...
TARGET'S STOCK IN STARCK TO RISE WITH NEW LINE.(from designer Philippe Starck)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... MINNEAPOLIS-Target will kick up its hip quotient even further next month with the debut of Philippe Starck-designed exclusive home, kitchen, bath, office and baby products that reflect the designer's mission to bring good design to everyday items. The collection, called Starck ...
VENDORS' OPINIONS SPLIT ON JAVITS CENTER RUG PAVILION.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Maximizing traffic was behind several rug vendors' decisions to join -- or not to join -- the new area rug pavilion at the New York Home Textiles Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Although some retailers thought gathering the rug vendors in one spot would ...
SOME FAVORITE THINGS ARE POPPING UP IN ACCENT RUGS.(coastal and garden themes)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-If there was a theme song for this spring's new accent rugs, it would be the Julie Andrews classic "My Favorite Things" from "The Sound of Music." Suppliers are trying to connect with consumers and stir up nostalgia by designing rugs that feature consumers' favorite ...
PORTUGAL'S HABIDECOR, AT 25, SEEKS GREATER U.S. PRESENCE.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... VISEU, Portugal-Habidecor has come a long way since its beginnings in a small garage in northern Portugal. This year the company is celebrating its 25th anniversary -- a decade after its entry into the U.S. market. Habidecor was created a quarter of a century ago by ...
SENSUAL BECOMES ESSENTIAL IN THE NAMING OF RUGS.(rugs from Carpet-Art-Deco and Lacey Mills)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Rugs are becoming sensual and hip -- characteristics not normally associated with floor coverings -- if the names of some of this year's introductions are any indication. Seduction is the name of one Lacey Mills' newest rugs (see page 42). In a company statement, Lacey ...
MOHAWK INDUSTRIES MOVE UP ON FORTUNE 500 LIST.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002 ... CALHOUN, Ga.-Mohawk Industries moved up from 491 to 455 in the Fortune 500 listing of largest American companies for 2001. The annual report listed the company's revenue as $3.45 billion, up from $3.26 billion in 2000. Mohawk was also on the magazine's listing of America's most admired ...
LINN LEAVES PARK B. SMITH.(Valborg Fletre Linn, Park B. Smith Ltd.)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002 ... NEW YORK-Valborg Fletre Linn has resigned as director of design and merchandising for Park B. Smith Ltd. "She was an extremely dedicated employee and contributed enormously to the company," said Park B. Smith Jr., president and chief executive officer. ...
IN AREA RUGS, A LIMITED PALETTE SPOTLIGHTS PATTERNS.(Ebisons Harounian Imports, Momeni Inc. rugs)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Limiting the color palette to a few subtle shades puts the spotlight on the intricacy of traditional Oriental patterns. Such is the case with new area rug styles from Momeni and Ebisons Harounian Imports, which will be on display at the New York home textiles market. ...
TOLAND TURNS FLOORS MATS INTO AREA RUGS.(Toland Enterprises Inc.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-The polyester-face floor mat with rubber backing is often confined to doors and sinks, and is seldom seen elsewhere in the home. Now, Mandeville, La.-based supplier Toland is attempting to change that by making this highly functional construction more versatile, ...
RUG SUPPLIERS TRY THEIR LUXE AT TURNING THE BATH INTO A SPA.(products from Glenoit Corp., Habidecor U.S.A. Inc., and Park B. Smith Inc.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-When is the bath not a bath? When there's a luxurious bath mat on the floor, because then it's a spa. New collections being shown at the New York home textiles market have the neutral color palette and subtle details associated with the spa trend toward products that ...
VETERAN STEUBEN DESIGNER LLOYD ATKINS DEAD AT 80.(Brief Article)(Bibliography)
Apr 08, 2002 ... CORNING, N.Y.-Steuben designer Lloyd Atkins has died at the age of 80. Atkins, one of Steuben's most versatile and prolific designers, joined the company in 1948. He was responsible for designing scores of representational and decorative crystal objects, but perhaps is best ...
MINI DRIVERS.(Mini vehicle launched in New York)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... Enthusiasts of the Mini, a car that was once found only on the other side of the Atlantic, will be happy to know it is now available in the United States at a starting price of $16,850. A recent New York launch party was held for the car with the ...
U.S. HOME IMPROVEMENT CHAINS RULE.(Lowe's Companies Inc., Home Depot Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Inc., company sales)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 08, 2002 ... NEW YORK-Eight of the top 12 home improvement retailers worldwide are U.S.-based companies, according to a recent Retail Forward report. As expected, Home Depot tops the list with $43.4 billion in home improvement category sales. Lowe's came in second with $16 billion, and ...
NEWS BRIEFS.(various department stores, earnings predictions and forecasts)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 08, 2002 ... Analyst Ups Cost Plus Estimate Lehman Bros. analyst Alan Rifkin raised Cost Plus' earnings estimate last week after the retailer brought in better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings. Rifkin said the retailer is well positioned "for the spring selling season with clean ...
PAYING POLITICS: RETAILERS HELP TO FILL THE COFFERS OF KEY ELECTED OFFICIALS.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... WASHINGTON-In the current election cycle, the retail industry has given out more than $4.95 million in political contributions. More than half is in the form of soft money, which will be banned after this coming Election Day. The remainder, about $2.1 million, is funneled through political ...
SILICONEZONE AIMS TO BE A HOT COMMODITY IN BAKEWARE MARKET.(SiliconeZone U.S.A. Inc.)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Once the secret weapon of starlets, silicone is now likely to be found in home kitchens as baking mats and other kitchen tools made of silicone are being embraced by consumers. The market for silicone products -- which consumers like because they are heat-resistant and ...
CATS RULE OFFERS ITEMS FOR THE FELINE WITH FLAIR.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Looking to bring a portion of the $28 billion pet-product market to housewares departments, a new company called Cats Rule has developed a line of goods with both fashion and functionality in mind. "I wanted to look at a category where design has been ignored," said ...
HEAVY INTO METAL; IN PHOTO FRAMES, STAINLESS STEEL AND SILVERPLATE ARE GAINING A SOLID FOOTING.(metal products industry)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Regardless of the retail channel or department, metal remains a mainstay of the photo frame category. In upstairs tabletop departments, most of the frames are supplied by the traditional silver companies, such as Wallace, Towle, Lenox and Lunt, and sterling silver and ...
ALESSI MAKES A HOME FOR ITSELF AT THE MICHAEL C. FINA STORE.(Alessi store advertising)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Over the past three years, Alessi's presence at Manhattan specialty retailer Michael C. Fina has grown from a mere two shelves to a cabinet space fronted by Alessi-designed display tables that were introduced last month. There are also plans for a front window display and a ...
SALES OF HOUSEWARES DINNERWARE BOXED SETS OUTPACE OPEN STOCK, NPD REPORT FINDS.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-With open stock accounting for only 16 percent of housewares dinnerware pieces sold, according to NPD Hometrak, and sets representing 80 percent and multipacks 4 percent, are boxed sets the more popular choice for consumers or retailers? Sal Gabbay, executive vice ...
HIGHER HOPES HOME DECOR VENDORS ARE ANTICIPATING A SOLID SPRING MARKET.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... HIGH POINT, N.C.-From all indications, the spring market will be a strong one for the decorative home business. The International Home Furnishings Market, which officially opens Thursday, April 18, is expected to draw many more buyers than the October market, and thanks to ...
KICHLER MOVES THE PRODUCTION OF WESTWOOD LAMPS TO ASIA.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... JUAREZ, Mexico-In its final phase of exiting the manufacturing business, Kichler has subleased its enormous lamp factory here to a company outside the home furnishings industry and has begun sourcing Westwood lamps from Asia. The zinc casting, plating and finishing facility and ...
NEWS BRIEFS.(Magnussen Presidential Furniture, Bailey Street Trading Co.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 08, 2002 ... Bailey Street Signs On for Vegas Bailey Street Trading Co., the wholesale subsidiary of The Bombay Co., said it has signed a lease for the proposed home furnishings market in Las Vegas. The company plans to open its showroom at the World Market Center in conjunction with the ...
A RENAISSANCE FOR TAPESTRY.
Apr 08, 2002 ... For textile aficionados, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art's new exhibit, "Tapestry in the Renaissance," is a must-see. With rare examples of handwoven ...
SEALING THE DEAL; ALLTRISTA'S ACQUISITION OF TILIA IS EXPECTED TO CREATE A NEW FORCE IN FOOD PRESERVATION.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 08, 2002; ... SAN FRANCISCO-Two leaders in food preservation, Tilia and Alltrista, will become one as the deal for Alltrista to purchase Tilia awaits final approval. The purchase, expected by the close of the second quarter, will find Tilia operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Alltrista. ...
SEARS SHOWS WHAT'S IN STORAGE WITH CLOSET SHOP.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.-Sears will unveil its exclusive Closet Shop this August in nearly 600 stores nationwide. The department will focus on the burgeoning closet and laundry organization category with a line of private-label products under Sears' Whole Home brand, confirmed Rebecca Hary, a ...
VAC MAKERS SPRING INTO NEW PROMOTION.(vacuum cleaner makers, various products)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-The daffodils are out, spring training is done, but the pitches for vacuum cleaners continue. In this business, it's always time for a promotion, and spring has its own particular messages. Spring cleaning, Mother's and Father's Days, and bridal registries command their ...
CROWNING ACHIEVEMENTS: HELEN OF TROY, ROYAL GAIN IN '01.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-An economic slowdown and several retail failures made 2001 a year most housewares suppliers would rather forget, but two major companies turned a profit. It was a year when more value-conscious shoppers prowled the aisles and retailers slashed prices, which pushed down ...
DAN RIVER SET TO INTRODUCE TWO COMFORTER ENSEMBLES.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Dan River is introducing two comforter ensemble programs for the upcoming textiles market. "We have not marketed it significantly in the past. We have not done it as a collection," said John Hall, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Dan River. He said that ...
PACIFIC COAST'S NEW FILL IS FROM A DIFFERENT CROP.(NatureWorks fiber from Cargill Dow L.L.C.)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... The newest fill in Seattle-based Pacific Coast Feather's basic bedding products spans the gap between natural and synthetic, creating a new category in the bedding world. Called NatureWorks, the fiber is derived from corn and was developed by Cargill Dow LLC. Pacific Coast is ...
GROUP LAUNCHES SUPIMA AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.(Supima Association of America)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... PHOENIX-"Supima is not a household word," said Jess Curlee, president of the Supima Association of America. Not yet, at least. The Supima Association hopes to boost awareness for the luxury cotton fiber with a new advertising campaign that targets home fashions products. ...
NEW YORK'S NEW LOOKS; VENDORS ARE GOING BEYOND THE BASICS IN BEDDING INTRODUCTIONS AT THIS MARKET.
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Anticipating a strong market and a rosy fall selling season, suppliers are incorporating such luxuries as higher thread counts, expanded offerings in fill types, and new pillow and pad construction technologies into their basic bedding product introductions. Pacific ...
BLASS FROM THE PAST: SPRINGS BRINGS DESIGNER BACK.
Apr 08, 2002; ... FORT MILL, S.C.-Springs is resurrecting the Bill Blass designer brand. Among the mill's introductions for the April market are two bedding ensembles from the apparel designer, which are positioned as part of the company's luxury collection, called Ce Soir. Ce Soir, ...
DESIGN WORKS IS TRADING UP THREAD COUNT IN ROYAL SATEEN.
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Design Works is upgrading its Royal Sateen sheets in time for the New York home textiles market. Marcia Brandwein, director of design, said the company is phasing out its 310-thread-count, solid-color Candlelight sheeting program in favor of expanding its existing ...
STROUDS TO RELOCATE CORPORATE OFFICE; CATALOG GETS REVAMP.
Apr 08, 2002; ... CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif.-Strouds, a regional bed and bath retailer, is consolidating its headquarters in a new facility about 3 miles east of its current corporate offices here. The company will move in July. "We currently have three buildings that support our corporate offices ...
MARKET FIRST-TIMERS TO MAKE THEIR MARK.
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Buyers have plenty of opportunities to check out first-time exhibitors at the New York Home Textiles Show and in market showrooms. Each exhibitor has its own take on what will be popular on retail shelves. Here's a rundown of who's making news this market. Tommy Bahama ...
HOME TEXTILES SHOW AT JAVITS CENTER GAINS INTERNATIONAL CLOUT.
Apr 08, 2002 ... NEW YORK-Nearly 200 international companies from 30 countries will exhibit at the 20th semiannual edition of the New York Home Textiles Show, which runs April 12 to 15 here at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Show organizer George Little Management said international ...
SLIPCOVER LEADER SURE FIT STILL SEES ROOM FOR GROWTH.
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Visitors to Sure Fit's showroom during the New York home textiles market next week will be dining on caviar and barbecue. An incongruous combination, perhaps, but one that aptly reflects the company's move to diversity in slipcover styles. While trying to offer ...
POISED FOR A REBOUND; SIGNS INDICATE THIS NEW YORK TEXTILES MARKET WILL BE MORE UPBEAT THAN THE ONE LAST FALL.
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Tune in to see if six months have made the difference at the spring 2002 New York home textiles market. After Sept. 11, the fall market was a quiet affair, with low attendance and no show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. But there are several indicators ...
FEDERATED'S MENDOZA: EYES ON THE BRIDES.
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Peter Mendoza is on a mission to transform Federated Department Stores' bridal business into a national brand. In February, the $15.7 billion department store conglomerate named Mendoza to the new position of senior vice president of bridal strategy and development for ...
ANALYSTS ARE MIXED ON KMART'S FISCAL FITNESS FOLLOWING LOSSES.
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-After Kmart filed for bankruptcy protection the last week in January and then posted a $753 million loss for February, some industry observers wondered if shoppers had abandoned the retailer. But some are quick to note that a loss was expected and the retailer is ...
CONAIR FOUNDER PLEADS GUILTY TO TAX EVASION; FACES PRISON.(Lee Rizzuto)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y.-Lee Rizzuto, Conair's founder and former chairman and chief executive officer, pleaded guilty to tax evasion in a federal court here last week. Rizzuto, who founded the company from his parents' Brooklyn, N.Y., home more than 40 years ago, acknowledged he had ...
A BEAUTIFUL MIND-SET.(Letter to the Editor)
Apr 08, 2002 ... To the editor: I've come to the sad realization that my picture could never grace the pages of your fine publication. I am not one of the beautiful people. My hair style emulates Rob Petrie's and coincidentally hasn't changed since "The Dick Van Dyke Show" went off the air in ...
SEARS RESTRUCTURES HOME DIVISION.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002 ... HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.-Sears has retooled the organization of its home fashions division, splitting the business into two categories. The growth of the home business and the addition of mattresses and closet organization necessitated the move, according to the company. Mark ...
CULINARY CENTER ON GOURMET SHOW MENU.(in San Francisco)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002 ... SAN FRANCISCO-To emphasize the culture behind the name, the Gourmet Products Show will present a new Culinary Center at the show here later this month. The center provides exhibiting manufacturers a venue for demonstrating their most innovative products, as well as additional ...
TYLER JOINS SAKS AS VP, HOME CREATIVE DIRECTOR.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002 ... NEW YORK-Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises has named Corky Tyler vice president and creative director for home, a new position. Tyler will join the company April 22. She will report to Wayne Meichner, executive vice president of merchandising. Tyler joined Bergdorf Goodman in 1987 ...
TEXTURE WITS.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... Touch factor is what it's all about. Whether warm and fuzzy or cool and sleek, the warp and weft are getting serious attention from designers. The textures to especially look out for ...
A BEG TO DIFFER.(give consumers reason to shop)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... As I travel from city to city, shopping mall to shopping mall, department store to department store, I feel as if I am drowning in the middle of a beige sea. Big can be good, uniformity can make operations more economical, companies may be able to function more efficiently, but ...
HOME ALONE.(Kmart)(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... Mea Kulpa ...Kind of Let the following serve as a confession for the crime of giving bad advice ...sort of. It's not that I caused them to go bankrupt or cost the guy his job, but about a year ago, in this very space, I gave some advice to Kmart and its then-chief ...
PILLOWTEX NET LOSS NARROWS IN FOURTH QUARTER AND YEAR.(Brief Article)
Apr 08, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Pillowtex Corp. reported sales declined during the last quarter of 2001, but its losses have been cut sharply, and it even reported a gross profit. According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Pillowtex said sales in fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 ...
APRIL POWERS.(Brief Article)
Apr 15, 2002 ... AS THE HOME INDUSTRY gathers this week for its big markets, name-based programs -- designers, artists, literary figures and rock 'n' roll stars alike -- are playing an increasingly major role in product introductions ....
NEWS BRIEF.(multiple news briefs)(Brief Article)
Apr 15, 2002 ... Young In, Grow Out at Drexel Heritage Jeff Young has been named president and chief executive officer of Drexel Heritage, the upper-end home furnishings vendor owned by Furniture Brands International. He succeeds Dan Grow, who has left the company. Young, 51, was ...
RAISING EYEBROWS, PODANY RESIGNS AS SHOPKO CEO.(Bill Podany)(Brief Article)
Apr 15, 2002; ... GREEN BAY, Wis.-Did Bill Podany leave ShopKo for personal reasons, as the company said, just as the retailer seems to be on the verge of a rebound? Some analysts think so. Podany surprised the investment community last week, resigning from his position as president, ...
BLOOMINGDALE'S BRINGS DIRECT APPROACH TO CONSUMERS.(Brief Article)
Apr 15, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Bloomingdale's wants its catalogs and Web site to have the same panache as its stores. That makeover mission is what's been keeping Marilyn Carracino busy as senior vice president of merchandising for Bloomingdale's Direct, a newly created position at the ...
GIORGIO ARMANI SEEKING TO DISTRIBUTE EXPANDED CASA LINE TO OTHER RETAILERS.(furniture and textiles)(Brief Article)
Apr 15, 2002; ... MILAN, Italy-Designer Giorgio Armani announced last week that he is looking for a distributor to channel his Armani Casa line of home fashions to furnishings stores. Armani opened five Armani Casa stores last year featuring goods such as furniture and textiles. In ...
LA-Z-BOY PLANS TO SHUT DOWN TWO CASE GOODS FACTORIES.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Apr 15, 2002 ... MONROE, Mich.-Hammary and American of Martinsville became the latest victims of the rush to imports in the U.S. furniture industry when parent La-Z-Boy Inc. announced plans to close two factories, which will eliminate 327 jobs. At the plant in Granite Falls, N.C., which makes ...