HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from February 2007:
Making the grade: Building B gets an A at January Las Vegas Market.(news)
Feb 05, 2007 ... HFN Staff Report LAS VEGAS -- Price tag for Building B: $345 million. Cost for huge opening night party: big bucks. Capturing the current imagination, and maybe the future heart, of the home furnishings business: priceless. The bigger and arguably better Las Vegas ...
Can new CEO handle Pier 1 pressure?(the markets: business & finance)
Feb 05, 2007; ... FORT WORTH, Texas -- Does Alex Smith, the British TJX merchant Pier 1 Imports named chief executive officer last week, have the turnaround skills to reverse the retailer's diminishing market share and profit losses? That's the question analysts want answered. While ...
A look ahead.(home page)
Feb 05, 2007 ... The Consumer Price Index for January will be released by the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics on Feb. 21. The International ...
A look back.(home page)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Seventy years ago this week, home furnishings factories and retailers situated within the multistate Ohio River Valley were wondering if they could survive after suffering one of the most devastating floods to hit the region in decades, Numerous stories in the Feb. 1,1937, issue of ...
Mediums.(home page)
Feb 05, 2007 ... "Inspirations" By Preston Bailey Bulfinch, 192 pages, $45 A lush sourcebook of ideas for creating the perfect ambience for any major party ...
The HFN stock index.(home page)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Manufacturers led H FN Index gains for the Jan. 25 to Feb. 1 period with a 3.26 percent increase. Mohawk Industries topped the group with a 7.83 percent gain to close at $85.79. Retailers were also in the black with a 1.37 percent gain ...
Target brings back Global Bazaar with a more moderate feel.(news)
Feb 05, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MINNEAPOLIS -- Target is going global again. The upscale discounter relaunched the third installment of Global Bazaar, its limited-edition, direct-import home program, revamped with lower price points and a more mass, less upmarket, refined ...
Penney, Lauren to launch brand.(news)
Feb 05, 2007; ... PIANO, Texas -- Polo Ralph Lauren's new Global Brand Concepts division is partnering with J.C. Penney to launch the exclusive American Living program, a lifestyle brand that includes home goods and apparel that will bow in spring 2008. The news confirms longtime rumors that J.C ....
Rosenzweig family back at Euro-Pro.(news)
Feb 05, 2007; ... BOSTON -- Euro-Pro's founders and executive vice presidents, husband-and-wife team Max and Aviva Rosenzweig, along with their sons Mark Rosenzweig, co-chief executive officer, and Stan Rosenzweig, co-CEO and president, have returned to the company following resignations less than four ...
More American manufacturers eye Ambiente as a source for exporting.(news)
Feb 05, 2007; ... FRANKFURT, Germany -- For American tabletop and housewares companies hoping to establish or expand their business overseas, Ambiente has become the premier export market. Scores of companies are here this week to pursue markets as far-flung as Latin America, Australia and ...
Costco CEO: home store growth halted.(news)
Feb 05, 2007; ... BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Costco has no concrete plans to expand its Costco Home stand-alone stores, Jim Sinegal, president and chief executive officer of the warehouse club chain, told HFN following the company's annual meeting here last week. "We have the land [for the third Costco ...
New York Gift show proves rewarding.(news)
Feb 05, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Last week's New York International Gift Fair gave many attendees a much-needed boost of confidence, as they reported relatively strong business and renewed product interest among retailers in the initial days of the show here, one of the last ...
Pickard.(NY GIFT NOTES)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Andrew Morgan has been named chief executive officer of ...
Rosanna.(NY GIFT NOTES)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Rosanna has entered the melamine dinnerware ...
Architect and designer Patrick Jovin could be the next designer of the moment.(NY GIFT NOTES)
Feb 05, 2007 ... architect and designer Patrick Jovin could be the next designer of the ...
Gien.(NY GIFT NOTES)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Gien is also reissuing its Tamarin pattern, offering a baby ...
iittala.(NY GIFT NOTES)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Helsinki, Finland-based iittala is looking to 90 public. The company had its best ...
Gift industry gives big.(news)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Gift for Life, the organization of gift and home accessories companies dedicated to raising money for AIDS research, raised $295,000 during a gala held late last month in conjunction with the New York gift show. The total donation ...
Both parties deny exploring Williams-Sonoma sale.(news)
Feb 05, 2007; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- Williams-Sonoma last week adamantly denied a Reuters report that it had retained Goldman Sachs to explore strategic alternatives, including a possible sale of the company. "We generally do not comment on these types of rumors. However, we are compelled to do so ...
Turning the page on 2006: shelter and women's service magazines look to revamped Web sites and other strategies in an effort to reinvigorate flat ad sales and readership trends.(top story)
Feb 05, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Even the success of newcomer domino couldn't help the shelter magazine category last year, as growth in advertising pages was flat, compared ...
Trade show calendar.(Calendar)
Feb 05, 2007 ... february 4-8 Spring Fair Birmingham NEC Birmingham Birmingham, England 011-4408450512610 springfair.com 7-9 Surfaces Sands Expo & Convention Center Las Vegas (972) 536-6323 ...
Paree Maison.(trends)
Feb 05, 2007; ... Maison et Objet, held last week in Paris, continues its march toward becoming the most complete design-oriented home show in Europe. The use of optic white on furniture, which looked so great when it debuted several seasons ago, continues to play on, with whispers of color as accents. This ...
Falling into the Gap trap.(opinions: home alone 2)
Feb 05, 2007; ... There is no shortage of people out there ready to offer up testimony on what's wrong with the Gap and how future management should fix the apparel retailer's problem. The number of sidewalk retailers continues to grow even as the number of real ones declines. ...
What's cooking in kitchen design for 2007: a blend of old and new is expected to create a stunning look for the "furnished room".(Forecast: HOUSEWARES AND TABLETOP)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HFN Staff Report THE KITCHEN OF TOMORROW SOUNDS incredibly futuristic and overly technical but many of the anticipated kitchen trends for the coming year actually take their cue from the past, enhanced by new finishes and materials. ...
Chinese takeaway: as labor wages climb in China and the value of the yuan rises, companies begin to explore other Asian nations as cost-effective sourcing options.(FORECAST: HOUSEWARES AND TABLETOP)
Feb 05, 2007; ... CHINA REMAINS THE HOT SPOT FOR low-cost sourcing and manufacturing for housewares and tabletop companies. But as Chinese wages gradually increase and the value of the yuan rises, manufacturing costs are following. As production costs climb, these companies have opened their eyes to ...
Designing minds.(FORECAST: HOUSEWARES AND TABLETOP)
Feb 05, 2007 ... Anyone that thinks there's never anything new under the sun hasn't taken a recent look at the housewares or tabletop categories. New materials, new colors, new functions--these items practically scream the word "new." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Embrace Yourself ...
That's entertainment: as consumers' tastes become more informal, designs are changing to fit the occasion.(FORECAST: HOUSEWARES AND TABLETOP)
Feb 05, 2007; ... THE FORMAL CHINA CONTINUES TO GET dusty. Casual entertaining is growing by tiered trays and tapas plates, as consumers prefer to have more informal gatherings, rather than the formality of yesteryear. All areas of entertaining are getting big, including everything for eating and ...
Counter toppers: consumers vote for convenience, innovation and design in electrics.(FORECAST: HOUSEWARES AND TABLETOP)
Feb 05, 2007; ... CONVENIENCE, INNOVATION, LOOKS and a new stress on entertaining at home will be the major forces in the kitchen electrics market in 2007. Because of these factors, the expectations for business in small kitchen electrics are positive. "With all of the excitement in design and ...
From the floor up: stick and hand vacs could boost sales for the year.(FORECAST: HOUSEWARES AND TABLETOP)
Feb 05, 2007; ... TWO COMMODITY FLOOR CARE categories that have not seen much change in recent years, hand and stick vacuums, are expected to help boost overall vacuum growth in 2007. While upright vacuums remain the dominant seller, sticks in the past year have been a key growth area, said Jim ...
Shaving graces: makers of hair- and skin-care products predict it will be a man's world in personal care in 2007.(FORECAST: HOUSEWARES AND TABLETOP)
Feb 05, 2007; ... MANUFACTURERS OF SHAVERS AND hair- and skin-care products are looking forward to a strong year of sales growth, boosted in large measure by the male of the species. Not only are men more interested in expressing themselves in the way their facial hair looks, they are also driven ...
Finding a comfort level: new entrants and digital proliferation will make an impact in the home.(FORECAST: HOUSEWARES AND TABLETOP)
Feb 05, 2007; ... THE HOME COMFORT SALES PICTURE COULD BE A ROSY one in the year ahead, spurred by everything from an influx of new entrants in the air purifier segment to new digital features for humidifiers to the positive impact of rising energy costs on heater sales. Air Purifiers ...
A look of solidarity on display: in sheet assortments, Linens 'n Things and Bed Bath & Beyond boast one major similarity.(HEAD)
Feb 05, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA -- In a sea of white and cream sheets, there's still room for solid colors--even if the majority of the hues in both category killers run more toward neutrals and pastels. Still, at a Bed Bath & Beyond ...
Springs plans royal party for Versailles anniversary.(the markets: textiles)
Feb 05, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- Springs Global US Inc. is having a royal celebration during the New York Home Textiles Market, honoring the 25th anniversary of its Court of Versailles brand with a collection of home textiles spanning the entire home. Springs holds the license for luxury bedding and bath ...
Albany International Awards PrimaLoft license to Down Lite.(the markets: textiles)
Feb 05, 2007 ... ALBANY, N.Y. -- Albany International Corp. awarded an exclusive license to Down Lite International for the use of its PrimaLoft down alternative in Down Lite's home textiles products. While PrimaLoft is currently available in other companies' products, Down Lite will be the sole U.S ....
New York Home Textiles Show honors innovative new products.(the markets: textiles)
Feb 05, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- V Rugs & Home's U-shaped Bedwrap rug was awarded Best of Show at the New York Home Textiles Show, at New York's Metropolitan Pavilion. Best New Product Award honors were presented in the bed, dining and home accessories categories. Winners were selected by a panel of ...
Sferra mimics grand estates for Cotswalds collection.(the markets: textiles)
Feb 05, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- Sferra turned to the rambling estates of the landed gentry for The Cotswolds, one of the latest collections to come from the fine linen company. Designers for the collection were inspired by the large-scale homes, noting aspects such as fragrant gardens, labyrinthine walking ...
Eileen West readies bedding, bath line for market homecoming.(the markets: textiles)
Feb 05, 2007 ... SAN FRANCISCO -- Designer Eileen West is poised to re-enter the home textiles market after a six-year hiatus. She will launch a full collection of bedding and bath products at this month's New York Winter Market. Once a mainstay in home textiles fashions, West abandoned the ...
Surfaces retention: the broadloom industry hits Las Vegas hoping to build on the momentum of a profitable '06.(the markets: floor covering)
Feb 05, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LAS VEGAS -- Broadloom vendors headed to Surfaces this week are hoping the momentum of 2006 keeps building. Most manufacturers reported double-digit sales increases for the year and said they are excited to kick off this year with their big market. ...
Sharing suits showroom mates.(the markets: floor covering)
Feb 05, 2007; ... LAS VEGAS -- Foreign Accents headed into permanent space for the first time at this Las Vegas Market, sharing its new showroom with Linea, a contemporary furniture and decorative accessories company. Laura Munzlinger, in charge of marketing for Foreign Accents, said the decision ...
Sphinx sets up cozy Vegas home.(the markets: floor covering)
Feb 05, 2007; ... LAS VEGAS -- Trying to make customers feel at home was the top priority for Sphinx as the staff set out to design the company showroom in the World Market Center's newly opened Building B. Mike Reilly, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Sphinx, and Jonathan ...
Functional furniture gets Vegas showcase.(the markets: furniture & lighting)
Feb 05, 2007; ... LAS VEGAS -- Furniture makers have found new ways to add functionality to their pieces, as demonstrated in several introductions at the Las Vegas Market. It's not enough that the dining room table serves as an eating area. Now it has wine storage and drawers for silverware and ...
New leader brings change to Catalina.(the markets: furniture & lighting)
Feb 05, 2007 ... MIAMI -- Catalina Lighting, under new leadership, is working to become more consumer-focused in its product design and marketing, as well as more profitable as a company. After only a short time at the helm, A. Corydon "Cory" Meyer, Catalina's president and chief executive ...
Henredon's high-end launch.(the markets: furniture & lighting)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Under a new high-end partnership, furniture maker Henredon has launched an upholstery collection featuring rich fabrications ...
Haier pushes higher in white goods.(the markets: major appliances)
Feb 05, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- Haler is gearing up to take the high ground as it makes its first push into the mid- to high-end major appliance arena. Since stepping onto American soil about seven years ago, the Chinese white goods manufacturer has been chiefly known for "basic, commodity ...
Broan-NuTone hopes Builders Show boosts outdoor offerings.(the markets: major appliances)
Feb 05, 2007; ... HARTFORD, Wis. -- As outdoor kitchens grow in size and popularity, so has Broan-NuTone's range hood lineup. The company is stepping up its outdoor assortment at this week's International Builders Show with the launch of its first professional series outdoor range hood under the ...
Report: merchandising, customer focus could help Lowe's catch up to Home Depot.(the markets: business & finance)
Feb 05, 2007; ... COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Number-two home improvement player Lowe's may narrow the market-share gap with category sales leader The Home Depot within the next three years, due in part to a mix of new merchandising initiatives, store format enhancements and a continued focus on the female consumer. ...
1 Infinity instruments.(the markets: hfnew)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Multiple patriotic balloons take to the air on this ...
2 Encompass Lighting Group.(the markets: hfnew)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Encompass Lighting Group's Wilmette is making such period looks as restoration, ...
3 BagelPod.(the markets: hfnew)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Slicing bagels, buns, muffins and rolls is easy and effortless ...
4 Mr. Coffee.(the markets: hfnew)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Mr. Coffee Classic Edition Coffeemaker has been introduced for consumers who want to enjoy a contemporary version of a brand ...
5 Aimara Masterpieces.(the markets: hfnew)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Aimara Masterpieces' Dali Coffee Table has an exquisite iron table top with ...
B-hive of activity.(hfend)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Anyone who was anyone showed up for the big opening-night party to officially launch the new ...
Into the wood.(hfend)
Feb 05, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Furniture becomes fashion and vice versa with this convertible skirt table designed by Husseln Chalayan now on display in the exhibit "Skin and Bones: Parallel Practices In Fashion and ...
Designer Tracy Porter was at Freizy Rugs.(hfend)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Designer Tracy Porter ...
Tennis greats Andre Agassi, and Steffi Graf were on hand with Mike Kreiss at the Kreiss Furniture showroom.(hfend)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tennis greats Andre Agassi, center, and Steffi Graf were on hand ...
Very entertaining indeed was the lineup of talent at the big party.(hfend)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Very entertaining indeed was the lineup of ...
TV star Candice Olson held court at the Cashman Center for a presentation.(hfend)
Feb 05, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TV star Candice Olson held court at the Cashman ...
Wal-Mart to supplier: we're back to the basics.(news: quick takes)
Feb 12, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- We' re not Target, and we're not trying to be Target. That was a key part of Wal-Mart's message at the retailer's recent vendor summit as senior executives hammered home the theme that the world's largest discounter aims to be the "smart" place to shop, suppliers ...
Applica-Salton deal cooks up a $1b player.(news: quick takes)
Feb 12, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- The long-awaited, much-anticipated merger of Salton and Applica is on, creating a kitchen electrics powerhouse with a slew of recognizable brand names and annual sales of about $1.2 billion. According to a Salton statement, the company's wholly owned subsidiary, SFP ...
A look ahead.(home page)
Feb 12, 2007 ... New home sales for January will be released by the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau on Feb. 28. The High Point Market ...
A look back.(home page)
Feb 12, 2007 ... Seventeen years ago this week, HFD recognized the 60th birthday of a famous tiny-voiced actress whose name appeared on sheets, towels, clocks, ceramics and gifts. Her career began the day she was born, in 1930, and stopped nine years later. It revived in 1974, and she ran for president in ...
Mediums.(home pages)
Feb 12, 2007 ... Home Depot's latest catalog, The Home Enthusiast, combines upscale furniture, housewares and home decor styles from the defunct 10 Crescent Lane catalog and Web site, with home and garden products ...
The HFN stock index.(home page)
Feb 12, 2007 ... Retailers pushed the HFN Stock Index into the black for the Feb. 1 to 8 period, creeping upward 0.49 percent. Bon-Ton Stores helped buoy the sector with a 16.92 percent stock gain to $43.33 on news of a January same-store sales gain in the wake of three straight ...
WestPoint Home, Rachael Ray partner on exclusive bedding, bath collection.(news: quick takes)
Feb 12, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- WestPoint Home has collaborated on an exclusive bedding and bath collection with Food Network personality and cookbook author Rachael Ray. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The collection will be produced by WestPoint Home under an exclusive licensing agreement and ...
Wal-Mart.(RETAIL)
Feb 12, 2007 ... WAL-MART'S home ranks have undergone a management shakeup. Paul Beahm, senior vice president and general merchandise manager of hard home for Wal-Mart, has been moved to the pharmacy division as senior vice president and GMM ...