HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from June 2002:
LAZY, HAZY, CHAISEY DAYS OF SUMMER.
Jun 03, 2002 ... SUMMERTIME is almost here, and the living is always easier outdoors. It's time to get ...
WORLD KITCHEN, IN CHAPTER 11, VOWS TO KEEP BRANDS.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Jun 03, 2002; ... ELMIRA, N.Y.-No one touches our brands. That's the message from World Kitchen after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week. "We don't have any plans to sell off any brands," said David Lanzillo, director of corporate communications for World Kitchen, ...
FEDERATED BRAND STAND HAS HOME VENDORS SPLIT.(Federated Department Stores to discontinue products sold to mass merchants)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-When Terry Lundgren, president and chief operating officer of Federated Department Stores, revealed that the retailer was dropping goods that are also sold to mass merchants, it sent a collective shiver through much of the home furnishings industry. Some vendors with ...
SAKS, MARSHALL FIELD'S ALSO LIKE EXCLUSIVITY, BUT POLICIES AREN'T FIRM.(Policy on exclusive merchandise under review)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... Although executives from Saks Inc. and Marshall Field's regard differentiated, exclusive merchandise as crucial to the success of their home businesses, neither chain has established a firm policy on what to do when traditional department store resources open their distribution to mass ...
RETAILERS AT IMRA BANKING ON NEW LINES FOR SECOND HALF.(International Mass Retail Association's convention )(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Jun 03, 2002; ... ORLANDO, Fla.-Retailers are counting on fresh assortments, such as the launch of Joe Boxer home products at Kmart and a test-run of mattresses in select ShopKo stores, to help drive their home businesses in the second half of 2002. Since the mass channel has outperformed the ...
GLM EYEING A NEW JANUARY HOUSEWARES EVENT.(Housewares-oriented trade show planned)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-George Little Management announced the possibility of another housewares-oriented trade show, which would make its debut in January 2004, the same month the International Housewares Association will abandon a January show date after more than 60 years. Alan Steele, ...
REID NAMED PUBLISHER OF HFN.(Kris Reid appointment)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... NEW YORK-Kris Reid has been named publisher of HFN, effective immediately. Reid was most recently acting publisher of the publication, a position she had held since February, when Ralph Erardy, the former publisher, reassumed the position of publisher at Women's Wear Daily, ...
PILLOWTEX, OUT OF CHAPTER 11, EXPECTS TO POST PROFIT IN 2002.(Retains its four major power brands)(Legal Beat)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Jun 03, 2002; ... KANNAPOLIS, N.C.-Pillowtex has emerged from Chapter 11 largely intact and in possession of its four major power brands, succeeding where other struggling home textiles companies have not. According to the reorganization plan the company submitted to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, it ...
HOME DEPOT TARGETS THE FEMALE SHOPPER.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... ATLANTA-Robert Nardelli, chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Home Depot, laid out plans to attract more female consumers to the home improvement behemoth at the company's annual stockholders' meeting here. The nation's number-two retailer, with $53.6 billion ...
DESIGN-DRIVEN.
Jun 03, 2002 ... Cutting-edge style took center stage last month at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York. Deconstructed forms and unexpected materials dominated the show, though a strong contingent of naturalists ...
FEDERATED FLAGSHIPS TAKE DIFFERENT DINNERWARE TACKS.(Federated's department store chains)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Bloomingdale's and Macy's are two upper-end department store chains owned by Federated that, in some ways, may be seen as competing with one another. In casual dinnerware, how do they differentiate themselves? Taking a look around the two flagship stores in Manhattan, ...
TARGETED INSPIRATION.(Target marketing campaign launched in consumer magazines)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... Target's new ad campaign featuring exclusive Wilton Armetale products has just broken in consumer magazines (this one ran in Elle Decor). The new line, placed in March, is called Wilton Armetale Inspirations and includes a total of 17 pieces in two patterns: Pizzazz and ...
ONE SMALL STEP FOR AMANA; THE COMPANY LICENCES ITS BRAND NAME FOR A MOVE INTO SMALL APPLIANCES.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... SEATTLE-Amana is joining the ranks of numerous companies eager to become one-stop shopping for consumers as it licenses its brand name for use on small appliances scheduled to hit stores this fall. The idea for the small-appliance line was devised by Shae Hong, president of ...
ALL-CLAD TO SPRING INTO EUROPE WITH ACQUISITION OF SWISS FIRM.(Waterford Wedgwood acquires Spring AG)(International Pages)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... CANONSBURG, Pa.-Waterford Wedgwood's deal to buy Swiss cookware maker Spring AG gives All-Clad Metalcrafters a leg up on the European consumer market, even as it bolsters All-Clad's presence in the commercial cookware market in the United States. Under terms of the agreement, ...
DOLLARS TO DOUGHNUTS: KMART'S CREDITORS RUN THE GAMUT, FROM SMALL TO LARGE FIRMS.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Jun 03, 2002; ... CHICAGO-When Kmart submitted its massive, 11,000-page financial status report to the court last month, the filing showed a large number of unsecured creditors in the home furnishings, consumer goods and apparel industries. But it also revealed vendors holding unsecured, non-priority claims ...
HOME GOODS SPENDING MAINTAINS UPWARD PACE.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-The home goods spending boom continues. Sales of home furnishings remained robust in the first quarter, according to recent government data, while sales during the second quarter appear to be equally strong. A virile housing market and renewed consumer ...
THE HFN LIST; TOP 15 HIGHEST PAID HOME RETAIL EXECS IN 2001.(Brief Article)(Illustration)(Statistical Data Included)
Jun 03, 2002 ... Rank Name Title Company Total Compensation Salary Bonus Other Annual Compensation 1 Robert Nardelli chairman, president, CEO Home Depot $13,779,602 ...
NEWS BRIEFS.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... Analyst: May Sales Fail to Bloom Deborah Weinswig, equity analyst with Salomon Smith Barney, said in her weekly retail sales report that May sales have been disappointing for retailers, "with the third week's unseasonable weather compounding the negative trend." The analyst said ...
ALPHA RECEPTORS.(third annual Alpha Workshops Awards )(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... The third annual Alpha Workshops Awards reception was a real treat for the 250 guests who braved the pelting rain to get to Gracie Mansion on the far reaches of New York's Upper East Side. This year's awards recipients -- Susan Becher of Susan Becher Public ...
A FIFTH AMENDMENT.(recently opened Washington Park restaurant )(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... Looking for a new place to try on lower Fifth Avenue in Manhattan? The recently opened Washington Park restaurant should fit the bill. Chef Jonathan ...
THE MOMA OF ALL PARTIES.(annual George Little Management and House & Garden Museum of Modern Art party )(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... The annual George Little Management and House & Garden Museum of Modern Art party during the International Contemporary Furniture Fair was again the place to be out of all of the ...
LIGHTS SHINE IN DARK ECONOMY.(overview of lighting industry)
Jun 03, 2002; ... The lighting business is resilient. When the United States was hit with the double whammy of an economic downturn and a national tragedy, some industries were decimated. But not the residential lighting business, which showed slight growth, to $4.59 billion in retail sales last year, up ...
SOURCING SHOWS SIGNS OF SLIPPING.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... The Industry's shift from domestic manufacturing to imports has been steady over the pst decade, but slowed some last year. After several years of double-digit gains in total imports of lamps and lighting fixtures, 2001 saw the first dip, according to data from the U.S ....
WHY TARGET'S TOPS IN TOUTING ITS STYLE.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... While advertising can be a major expense, it's also a real investment that can pay big dividends. Certain retailers believe in the power of putting their brands and products in front of consumers on a regular basis. It's no wonder these retailers also belong to the elite ranks of HFN's top ...
THE SALES FORECAST APPEARS TO BE BRIGHT.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... Light bulbs are on the rise. In its comprehensive report, excerpted here, The Freedonia Group forecasts that U.S. demand for light bulbs, known in the industry as "lamps," is projected to increase by 3.9 percent per year through 2005, to $5.4 billion. This survey encompasses the whole ...
EFFICIENCY TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT.(compact fluorescent lamp sales soared in the United States last year)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... After years of consumer resistance, compact fluorescent lamp sales soared in the United States last year. Compared with 2000 levels, national retail sales of CFLs more than doubled, California sales increased by more than four times and Northwest sales jumped by roughly 10 ...
HALLS OF FRAMES; AT THE STATIONERY SHOW, EXPANSION INTO WALL DECOR WAS A KEY OBJECTIVE.
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-The buzzword among frame manufacturers at the National Stationery Show here last week was category expansion. For most, that meant strengthening or delving into wall decor assortments. "Our driving force is key items," said Barry Gordon, general manager of Melannco ....
MANUFACTURERS LOOKS TO BREAK THE GLASS CEILING BY EXPANDING.(dinnerware vendors add glass beverageware to assortments)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Hoping to expand their offerings and increase their tabletop market share, some dinnerware manufacturers are either adding coordinating glass beverageware to their assortments or bulking up their existing glassware line. "We're trying to broaden our base," said Paul ...
NEWS BRIEFS.(Herend appoints Maureen Burns; Syratech Corp. names Tom Mirabile vice president of creative development)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... Herend Names Burns To Product Manager Post Herend has appointed Maureen Burns product manager, a newly created position in which she will work closely with Dianne Murphy, president, in developing new products bearing the Herend hallmark. Burns reports to Lisa Behe, marketing ...
MAYTAG FORMULATING STRATEGY TO BUILD UP THE AMANA BRAND.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... Amana's positioning in the marketplace is being addressed on multiple fronts by the brand's new owner. Ten months after Maytag acquired the respected refrigeration maker and began integrating the two Iowa companies' operations, the question remains how to maximize the Maytag and ...
VAC MAKERS ARE REITERATING THE BENEFITS OF ACCESSORIES.(vacuum cleaning accessories marketed)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Vac wars are not fought by machines alone. As manufacturers and retailers battle to sell floor-care products, they're contesting a second front. Accessories sales total several hundreds of millions in dollars, are growing and command better margins. Bags, filters and ...
CARPETSPLUS BUYS COLOR TILE; MEMBERS NOW TOP 400.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... NEW YORK-The retail buying group CarpetsPlus has finalized the purchase of Color Tile, a retail buying group that specializes in hard surfaces, for an undisclosed price. The acquisition includes licenses for more than 90 Color Tile members, the registered trademark and ...
THE PITTS.(generation differences in the home furnishings industry)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... Let's say that unlike the rest of the country, you did not stay home and watch the "one-hour blessed event" where Jennifer Aniston's character Rachel gave "fake-o" birth on the TV show "Friends." Let's say that's because you were not born between 1970 and 1985, and you are not part of the ...
DESIGN WORKS OFFERS ROYAL SATEEN LABEL BED-IN-A-BAG.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Royal Sateen is in the bag. Michael Bernstein, chief executive officer of Design Works, said this is the first time a bedding ensemble will be introduced under the Royal Sateen label. "For the bed-in-a-bag, it is a premium product. For Royal Sateen, it is a ...
WILL SHOPPERS SPEND GREEN ON ORGANIC SHEETS?(Gaiam Inc. plans to go mainstream with organic cotton sheets)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-If you spend a third of your life in bed, shouldn't you be concerned about the chemicals on your sheets? You should, according to Gaiam Inc., a Broomfield, Colo.-based provider of goods, services and information to environmentally and health-conscious customers. The ...
THE SPIN ON MICROFIBER; UPHOLSTERY RETAILERS ARE BOOSTING AWARENESS OF THE FABRIC BY TOUTING ITS BENEFITS.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... HIGH POINT, N.C.-Microfiber may be today's miracle upholstery fabric, with its soft, suedelike hand, brilliant colors and remarkable cleanability. Upholstery manufacturers seem to think so, and they're putting microfiber fabric on everything from stationary sofas to motion ...
RETAILERS REPORT VARYING RESULTS ON HOLIDAY SALES.(Memorial Day furniture sales)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Jun 03, 2002; ... HIGH POINT, N.C.-Memorial Day sales seemed to be a mixed bag for furniture retailers hoping to get a boost headed into summer. Warren Malkerson, president and chief operating officer of Gabbert's Furniture & Design Studio, said sales were slightly off in the company's Minnesota ...
NEWS BRIEFS.(lighting industry contracts and executive appointments)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... Natuzzi Unveils Revamped Galleries Two furniture giants kicked off the summer with a new partnership when Natuzzi Americas opened the first of its redesigned galleries at FurnitureLand South in High Point, N.C., over the Memorial Day weekend. The new gallery program ...
ALA EVENT ADDRESSES PROFITABILITY, ENERGY.
Jun 03, 2002; ... AMELIA ISLAND, Fla.-The waning profitability among independent lighting showrooms and the surge in demand for better-designed energy-saving fixtures topped the list of concerns at the American Lighting Association's annual conference here. Most debates centered around improving ...
NAMES IN LIGHTS.(leading lighting retailers ranked)(Statistical Data Included)
Jun 03, 2002; ... These are the stars of the show in lighting. HFN's second annual ranking of the leading retailers reveals that nine of the top 10 grew their businesses while others dropped out completely. Absent are House2Home and Wards, whose demise erased them -- and their combined $126 ...
THE LIGHTING REPORT; AN EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT INFORMATION, STATISTICS AND TRENDS.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... Overall retail lighting sales grew to $4.59 billion in 2001. Fashion shades and value prices drove decorative lamp sales ....
SHEDDING NEW LIGHT.
Jun 03, 2002 ... Welcome to HFN's second annual Lighting Report, a comprehensive source of data and information on this essential business. Unlike many other home businesses, overall lighting sales grew during the economic downturn of 2001 and despite the national tragedy of Sept. 11, which put ...
YARD GOODS.
Jun 03, 2002; ... With the hot days of summer fast upon us, it's time for some new outdoor living products. This summer offers a plethora of goodies for home entertaining, from the outright practical but necessary to ...
TRADE SHOW CALENDAR.
Jun 03, 2002 ... June 2-5 Lightfair International 2002 Moscone Convention Center San Francisco (800) 450-1106 10-12 NeoCon World's Trade Fair The Merchandise Mart Chicago (800) 677-MART 11-13 Licensing 2002 International ...
A MARKET IMPROVEMENT.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-With two show cycles behind us, is market attendance back to normal? Most shows experienced significant rebounds for the spring 2002 markets, especially when compared with the sparsely attended fall 2001 markets that unfortunately fell closely on the heels of Sept. 11. But is ...
NEWS BRIEFS.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... May to Test Small-Store Strategy May Department Stores Co.unveiled a prototype strategy for building smaller department stores that emphasize lifestyle-driven assortments to reach a broader consumer base -- especially younger shoppers -- easier shopping and centralized ...
TERRY AND THE PIRATES.(Federated Department Stores to start dropping brands and products)(Brief Article)(Column)
Jun 03, 2002; ... "Give the lady what she wants." John Wanamaker "Give the lady what we want." Terry Lundgren Right at the start, let me say I don't think what Terry Lundgren and Federated Department Stores are doing is wrong. When Lundgren, president ...
OVERLAP OF LUXURY; SPECIALTY STORES ARE SEEING BIG BOXES MOVE INTO THEIR TERRITORY.(Frette, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Peacock Alley, Scheuer Linens)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-When it comes to luxury, it seems there is room for everyone. There are luxury products to be found in a Bed Bath & Beyond store here on the corner of 61st Street and First Avenue. Not far from the store, on 59th Street, is Peacock Alley, a boutique and label ...
ATMI URGES WEAKER DOLLAR, LOWER TARIFFS TO BOOST EXPORTS.(American Textile Manufacturers Institute)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... WASHINGTON-In the face of mounting job losses and declining exports, the American Textile Manufacturers Institute is leading the chorus of voices in the textiles industry asking the U.S. government to abandon its policy of a strong dollar and help it weaken by at least 30 percent in value ....
[0] NEWS BRIEFS.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002 ... Karen Neuburger Enters Partnership Karen Neuburger said Manual Woodworkers and Weavers Inc. will produce its tabletop line and other home products. The company's tabletop line includes placemats, table runners and napkins made from Tencel, chenille and other specialty ...
TIBETAN TAKEOVER.
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Sci-fi fans, rejoice. There's a rug for you. Looking like topographic maps of a fictional land, Utopia, a new collection of rugs by Angela Adams, was one of several striking exhibits at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair here. This new line from ...
KOHL'S REPLACES RUG RACKS WITH NEW DISPLAY FIXTURES.(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis.-Demonstrating Kohl's view that rugs are a healthy business, the retailer has replaced its area rug racks with two-sided display units in each of its stores. Although executives would not comment for this story, an industry insider said the units were tested ...
BIG DISCOUNTS MARK SUMMER PROMOTIONS.(carpet and rugs)(Brief Article)
Jun 03, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Memorial Day may be the traditional start of summer, but many stores started their seasonal promotions even earlier. Retailers know that rug sales slow down after June so they hold promotions in late spring. Other stores respond with attractive financing, such as no ...
THREE OF A KIND.(Brief Article)
Jun 10, 2002 ... Restoration Hardware, Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn: If you're seeing things in triplicate, ...
WILL INDIA TENSIONS PULL RUG OUT ON IMPORTS.(Brief Article)
Jun 10, 2002; ... NEW YORK-The threat of war between India and Pakistan has caused some importers to take precautions to protect their business in India while others played down the risk. The State Department has issued a strongly worded warning against travel to India, especially the disputed ...
HOMEGOODS TO THE MAXX: 500 MORE UNITS BY 2011.(Brief Article)
Jun 10, 2002; ... FRAMINGHAM, Mass.-TJX Cos. said at its annual shareholders meeting here last week that it will grow its HomeGoods home furnishings chain from 112 stores to 650 stores by 2011. About 500 of those will be freestanding units and the other 150 will be paired with either a T.J. Maxx ...
NEW SEMINARS ARE SLATED FOR THIS WEEK'S LICENSING SHOW.(Licensing 2002 International)(Brief Article)
Jun 10, 2002; ... NEW YORK-Licensing 2002 International, scheduled for June 11 to 13 here, features the debut of the seminar program "Licensing University: Solid Solutions for Today's Business Realities." Attendees will have 10 seminars to choose from during the show: "The Basic Course in ...
DON'T GO EMPTY-HANDED.(gift giving)(Brief Article)
Jun 10, 2002; ... Immediately after accepting a gracious invitation to a friend's summer home, the hunt begins. What gift do you buy for the host or hostess who has it all? Think out of the box and ...
ATTACK OF THE CLONES; THE THREE BIG HOME CATALOGS LOOK A LOT ALIKE--AND IT'S ALL BY DESIGN.(Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware)
Jun 10, 2002; ... NEW YORK-What's that home furnishings catalog in the mailbox? Could it be Crate & Barrel? Or is it Pottery Barn? Then again, it might be Restoration Hardware. Cover up the name on the cover and only the most devoted customer would be able to identify the retailer. Point of ...
AD HOC SOFTWARES TO CLOSE ITS DOORS.(Brief Article)
Jun 10, 2002 ... NEW YORK-After a 26-year run, Ad Hoc Softwares, a seminal store here specializing in modern and industrial design, has begun its going-out-of-business sale and will close its doors June 23. When owners Judy Auchincloss and Julia McFarlane first opened, they built an assortment ...
UNDERWOOD IN, KEARSE OUT AT KMART.(William Underwood, Cecil Kearse)(Brief Article)
Jun 10, 2002; ... TROY, Mich.-Kmart, restructuring its merchandising operations, named William Underwood executive vice president of sourcing and global operations, a new position. At the same time, Cecil Kearse, executive vice president of merchandising, has left the company. A 28-year Kmart ...
LOWE'S RESETS LIGHTING AREA ADDS KICHLER BRAND PRODUCTS.(Brief Article)
Jun 10, 2002; ... WILKESBORO, N.C.-Lowe's is resetting its lighting department to include Kichler brand lighting for the first time. This also marks the first time Kichler, one of the oldest and largest residential lighting suppliers, has sold its brand through the home center channel, which ...
CORRECTION.(Brief Article)(Correction Notice)
Jun 10, 2002 ... Leonard Florence was incorrectly identified in HFN's 75th anniversary issue. Although he ...
BLOOM OPENS UP.(Mona Nerenberg's Bloom)(Brief Article)
Jun 10, 2002; ... The hottest new store to hit the Hamptons this summer, Mona Nerenberg's Bloom, also hosted one of the best early-summer parties. Aside from ...
THE NORTH CORK.(Bedell Cellars winery)(Brief Article)
Jun 10, 2002 ... Looking for something to do when the South Fork of Long Island gets to be too much? Then point the car north and head over to the North Fork to Bedell Cellars for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting. An array of wines is offered in a beautiful, serene environment ....