HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from July 2007:
Container Store execs: new owner, same plan.(news)
Jul 09, 2007; ... COPPELL, Texas -- Even though lead ownership may be changing at The Container Store, the chain's unique culture and, most importantly, its longtime management team, is staying in place, according to store executives and the new owners. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The ...
HFNdex shows Q2 confidence remains low.(news)
Jul 09, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- Retailers of home products, especially furniture, again had low confidence in the economy, as the HFNdex slipped to 46.3 in the second quarter, down from 47.0 in the previous quarter. Any measure below 50 reflects a more pessimistic than optimistic outlook. The ...
A look ahead.(home page)
Jul 09, 2007 ... The Consumer Price Index for June will be released by the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics on July 18. The California Gift Show will be held at the Los Angeles ...
A look back.(home page)
Jul 09, 2007 ... Twenty years ago this week, glassware manufacturers learned firsthand of the ever-growing power of mess merchants. Vendors who had retooled for higher-end products found themselves forced to reverse course, at least partially. "Unfortunately," said a story in HFD on July 13, 1987, "the ...
Mediums.(home page)
Jul 09, 2007 ... "Shop America: Midcentury Storefront Design 1938-1950" Edited by Jim Heimann Essay by Steven Hiller Taschen, 246 Pages, $49.99 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Midcentury modern isn't ...
The HFN stock index.(home page)
Jul 09, 2007 ... Retailers led HFN Index gains for the June 28 to July 5 period with a 0.27 percent increase. The Bombay Co., which is now trading on the OTC Bulletin Board, topped the group with a 9.30 percent increase to close at 47 cents per share. Manufacturers inched up 0.09 percent, led by Culp's ...
Lighting industry remembers George Kovacs, the innovator.(news)
Jul 09, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- Family and friends, many from the lighting industry, gathered June 24 at the Riverside Memorial Chapel here to remember the life and career of George Kovacs. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After a long battle with emphysema, Kovacs, age 80, died here on June 22. ...
The Martha watch.(news)
Jul 09, 2007; ... Beginning this week, HFN will follow the rollout of the new Martha Stewart program at Macy's with weekly on-the-floor reports from the Herald Square flagship store in New York City. This series will run through the official introduction of the program later this summer. THE ...
Iittala acquired by Fiskars.(news)
Jul 09, 2007; ... HELSINKI, Finland -- Fiskars Corp., a Finnish consumer products company best known for its orange-handled scissors, has agreed to acquire Iittala Group PLC and its subsidiaries from private-equity investor ABN AMRO Capital and the group's management. A preliminary agreement was ...
Correction.(news)(Correction notice)
Jul 09, 2007 ... In the Mattress Report in the June 18 issue of HFN, Tempur-Pedic's sales figures were incorrect. The story should have stated that the company reported a 13 ...
Trade show calendar.(Calendar)
Jul 09, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] july 13-17 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market AmericasMart Atlanta Atlanta (800) ATL-MART americasmart.com 15-18 Atlanta International Area Rug Market AmericasMart Atlanta Atlanta (800) ATL-MABT americasmart.com ...
Bed Bath's next step: thinking inside the box.(top story)
Jul 09, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UNION, N.J. -- Bed Bath & Beyond, in the wake of its first downward same-store sales revision, enters the next step of its lifecycle: maturation and a slowdown of store growth. This year, the retailer celebrates its 15th anniversary as a public company. ...
Bed Bath & Beyond means different things to different vendors.(BBB top story)
Jul 09, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Want to start a heated discussion among home furnishings vendors? Just mention Bed Bath & Beyond. Similar to religion and politics, the category killer is a lightning rod for widely varied--and strongly felt--opinions. To some vendors, Bed Bath is a ...
Ex-retail CEOs wax on Bed Bath.(BBB top story)
Jul 09, 2007; ... Bed Bath & Beyond would be wise to take its venerable brand abroad, launch a new kitchenware concept or do nothing at all. Those are some of the observations of former retail CEOs, who offered their thoughts on the home specialty powerhouse. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...
Going above and beyond.(BBB trends)
Jul 09, 2007; ... Need something for the kitchen? A gift for mom? A toothbrush? If it's for the home, Bed Bath & Beyond probably has it, which is why it appeals to shoppers young and old. Though known for its breadth of brands, it also offers its own private and proprietary items in a number of categories ....
Presents diverse product opportunities: retailers will gain insight from crossover between textiles, accessories and gifts.(new york home textiles market week[R])
Jul 09, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Retailers in every major channel of distribution will benefit from the comprehensive product assortment offered during the Home Textiles Market Week[R] Aug. 9 to 16 in New York. The New York Home Textiles Market Week is the new semi-annual market for better home ...
BBB's b-day.(BBB opinions / home alone 2)
Jul 09, 2007; ... Bed Bath & Beyond, it turns out, is entering middle age ... at least middle age for retailing. As the company hits its 15th year as a public concern--and 22nd under the superstore format that has become its trademark--BBB is showing many of the signs of a maturing retailer. ...
Turning the tables: as the casual dining trend continues to grow, table linen manufacturers are catering to consumers' needs.(the markets / textiles)
Jul 09, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Table linen manufacturers are responding as many Americans are showing a preference toward more casual in-home dining. "People aren't really building dining rooms anymore; they're building great ...
Veratex unveils Jennifer Gucci line.(the markets / textiles)
Jul 09, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Veratex broke from tradition recently, showing the new Jennifer Gucci home textiles collection at its New York showroom in the middle of the Licensing International Show instead of during the August textiles market. The entire showroom was redone to make room ...
Southern slowdown continues.(the markets / textiles)
Jul 09, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- Springs Global's recent announcement that it plans to close its bedding manufacturing facilities in South Carolina was the second big hit to the Southern textiles market in the past month. At the end of May, WestPoint Home announced it was closing five plants in ...
'Extreme' measures: Karastan gets a role on hit show "Extreme Makeover' by donating carpet for a renovation.(the markets / floor covering)
Jul 09, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Karastan carpets played a starring role on a recent episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The company donated 150 square yards of wool carpet to be used in several locations throughout the home. The home itself was ...
Armstrong headquarters honored for environmental leadership.(the markets / floor covering)
Jul 09, 2007; ... LANCASTER, Pa. -- Armstrong World Industries' corporate headquarters building has received Platinum Certification from the United States Green Building Council under its LEED Green Building Rating System for existing buildings. The headquarters, which was built in 1998, is only the sixth ...
Surya rugs to open permanent showroom in New York's 7W building.(the markets / floor covering)
Jul 09, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Surya Rugs is set to open the doors next month to a new showroom at 7W New York. The 3,000-square-foot showroom will be located on the fourth floor of the building owned by Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. It marks Surya's first appearance, in permanent space, on the New York ...
The talk of Texas: industry concerns, such as the business climate and consolidation, took center stage at the Dallas summer lighting market.(the markets / furniture & lighting)
Jul 09, 2007; ... DALLAS -- The tough business climate--coupled with consolidation in the lighting industry--was top-of-mind for retailers at the Dallas Lighting Market, which wrapped up here last month. Buzz in the hallways focused on speculation about which vendors--and retailers--have put ...
Simmons buys Comfor-Pedic.(the markets / furniture & lighting)
Jul 09, 2007; ... ATLANTA -- With its acquisition of the Comfor-Pedic brand, Simmons believes it is near to reaching two goals prescribed by its chairman and chief executive officer, Charlie Eitel: to become a larger player in specialty sleep, and to overtake Sealy as the number-one bedding manufacturer in ...
Atlanta abundance: a variety of trends, from floral to gold, will be on display at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market.(the markets / tabletop)
Jul 09, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- The holidays will be in full swing in Atlanta as manufacturers at this week's Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market debut a number of products aimed at fourth-quarter events. In addition, red ...
Waterford tests its metal with Michael Aram.(the markets / tabletop)
Jul 09, 2007; ... WALL, N.J. -- Waterford and Michael Aram have entered into a licensing partnership that will result in the launch of a full tabletop collection at the New York tabletop show in October. Aram, a well-known metals designer, will fill a gap in Waterford's metals assortment and ...
Godinger gears up with NASCAR deal.(the markets / tabletop)
Jul 09, 2007; ... ATLANTA -- Godinger heads into the International Gift & Home Furnishings Show here this week with a newly signed NASCAR licensing agreement it hopes will drive sales and rev interest in the tabletop category among a new group of consumers. In the works for several months, the ...
Macy's employees walk the aisles, receive training at retailer's new bridal 3D program.(the markets / tabletop)
Jul 09, 2007; ... ORLANDO, Fla. -- They played air guitar, donned black T-shirts with a single red star on them and gave PowerPoint presentations. They tried every type of display to help Macy's Home "discover, deliver and delight" in their individual tabletop brands as part of a massive undertaking that ...
Private-label frames: weighing pros and cons.(the markets / tabletop)
Jul 09, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- As appealing as the private-label frame business may be to retailers, it tends to succeed only in the basic, commodity area, according to photo frame vendors, who prefer to focus on their own brands rather than aid any private-label efforts. Nonetheless, ...
Baccarat to decorate The Plaza in New York.(the markets / tabletop)
Jul 09, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- Baccarat has been selected to create an 80-light, 10-foot-high crystal chandelier and four companion 48-light crystal chandeliers for the lobby of the restored Plaza Hotel. "The restoration of The Plaza is being designed and carried out to reflect the highest ...
The bar has been raised again.(BARWARE REPORT)
Jul 09, 2007; ... BARWARE SALES, WHICH SOARED in recent years, have settled into a strong, solid business with nominal year-over-year growth. Barware, which for the purposes of this report encompasses stemware as well as the traditional barware shapes in drinkware, ice buckets, chillers, ...
Help for healthful habits: housewares manufacturers blend functionality with flair in a variety of new products for the health-conscious consumer.(the markets / housewares)
Jul 09, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- While many people know eating healthy is the way to go, many have a hard time following through as temptations or time constraints get in the way. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mothers who work full time, in fact, spend only 38 ...
New opportunities for De'Longhi as McCusker stays on.(the markets / housewares)
Jul 09, 2007; ... SADDLE BROOK, N.J. -- Jim McCusker, as it turns out, is not the retiring type. With the departure of Paolo Cravedi, who had been designated to succeed him at the end of this year, McCusker, De'Longhi USA's longtime president, has established a new course for the American arm of ...
Pouring outside: some wine cooler makers are beginning to produce units suitable for use outdoors.(the markets / major appliances)
Jul 09, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- The growing trend of outdoor kitchens is reaching the wine cooler industry, as some manufacturers lay out plans to launch patio-friendly units. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The outdoor wine cooler segment is somewhat narrow due to the costs and challenges of ...
Best buy boosts its growth plans for the United States and Canada.(the markets / major appliances)
Jul 09, 2007; ... RICHFIELD, Minn. -- Best Buy Co. has increased its growth plans for its United States and Canadian stores and acquired Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers. The big-box retailer plans to ultimately open 1,800 stores in the United States and Canada, up from prior growth plans ...
Bath, body products to appear at Pier 1.(the markets / business & finance)
Jul 09, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FORT WORTH, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports will add new classifications to its mix, including bath and body and Halloween merchandise, said Alex Smith, chief executive officer, at its annual shareholders meeting late last month. The addition of new ...
Credit manager's index hits 1-year high in June.(the markets / business & finance)
Jul 09, 2007; ... COLUMBIA, Md. -- Manufacturers' credit health improved in June, hitting its highest level in at least a year, thanks in part to improved credit-based sales. The National Association of Credit Management's Credit Manager's Index for the manufacturing sector improved by more than ...
Report: Macy's could be headed for a turnaround.(the markets / business & finance)
Jul 09, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- Amid takeover target rumors and despite weak sales, Macy's business could improve on the heels of the back-to-school season, according to a Goldman Sachs report. The investment firm said Macy's heightened promotional cadence and the much-anticipated launch of the ...
Texas-sized parties.(hf end)
Jul 09, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Dallas Market Center feted its 50th anniversary during the June Super Market with an all-market party with refreshments and music. The lovely and talented DJ Lady Bunny spun '80s tunes in the Trade ...
Betting on Keno.(hf end)
Jul 09, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Twin brothers Leslie (left) and Leigh (right) Keno, stars of "The Antiques Roadshow," are Traditional Home magazine's newest contributing ...
Woolrich reaches the Summit.(hf end)
Jul 09, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Woolrich's Summit V was held recently at the Brayton Lodge in, not coincidentally, Woolrich, Pa. The theme this year was "Opportunities: Discovering the Woolrich in ...
Shift happens as forecast darkens for second half.(news)
Jul 16, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- Lowered earnings estimates by Sears Holdings, The Home Depot and Macy's foreshadow a tougher back half of the year than retailers--particularly home merchants--expected. The culprit is a familiar one: a weak housing market that many thought would perk up by late ...
Bed bath plans better boxes to boost business.(news)
Jul 16, 2007; ... MORRISTOWN, N.J. -- Bed Bath & Beyond is counting on enhancing its current big-box base for much of its future growth, the company said following its annual meeting here last week. The retailer, which celebrated its 15th anniversary as a public company, has increased its ...
A look ahead.(home page)
Jul 16, 2007 ... Sales of newly constructed homes for June will be released by the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau on July 26. The San Francisco Home ...
A look back.(home page)
Jul 16, 2007 ... Fifty-five years ago this week, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill exempting manufacturers from antitrust violations for setting retail prices that stores were required to accept. The McGuire Fair Trade Act, passed to overcome the Supreme Court's ruling that previous fair trade acts ...
Photo OP.(home page)
Jul 16, 2007 ... Welcome Back, Paul! [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Who better to show up on the doorstep of Broyhill Furniture than its namesake Paul Broyhill, who helped build the company into a powerhouse in the 1970s and 1980s but has been ...
The HFN stock index.(home page)
Jul 16, 2007 ... Retailers lifted the HFN Index for the July 5 to 12 period as they recorded a total average gain of 1.76 percent. Target topped the group with a 9.08 percent increase to close at 70.04 following news that it met its June same-store sales increase forecast. Gottschalks did not ...
New ShopKo home GMM looks to revitalize business.(news)
Jul 16, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Rod Ghormley will leverage his diverse merchandising background--which includes stints at department stores, a home shopping retailer, an online giant and a mattress supplier--to help jumpstart ShopKo's home business. ...
The Martha watch.(news)
Jul 16, 2007 ... HFN is following the rollout of the new Martha Stewart program at Macy's with weekly on-the-floor reports from the Herald Square flagship store in New York City. This series will run through the official introduction of the program later this summer. THE SCENE Macy's housewares ...
Former Linens 'n Things president Moore joins Burlington Coat Factory.(news)
Jul 16, 2007; ... BURLINGTON, N.J. -- Burlington Coat Factory last month named former Linens 'n Things president Jack Moore president of merchandise, planning, allocation and marketing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] His new title at Burlington was provided to HFN by the front-desk ...
Trade show calendar.(Calendar)
Jul 16, 2007 ... july 17-24 L.A. Mart Gift & Home Furnishings Market L.A. Mart Los Angeles (800) LAMART-4 lamart.com 20-23 July Temporaries at L.A. Mart L.A. Mart Los Angeles (800) LAMART-4 ...
Lifetime licenses Lenox's roster of sterling silver brands.(news)
Jul 16, 2007; ... GARDEN CITY, N.Y. -- Lifetime Brands now corners the market in sterling silver flatware, having last week picked up the rights to produce items in this area using Lenox's brands: Gorham, Kirk Stieff, Whiting and Durgin. "We already have the lion's share of the sterling silver ...
Home source expands with Terrisol buy.(news)
Jul 16, 2007; ... ATLANTA -- Home Source International Inc. has acquired Terrisol Corp. from Karsten America, the wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Karsten Brazil. The acquisition was made with intention of expanding Home Source's operations and increasing its supply-chain and logistics ...
This year's model: from apparel to home goods: Synergy abounds as styles mix and mingle between.(top story)
Jul 16, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Blacks and grays with a pop of color, metallics, old-Hollywood looks: These are some of the ready-to-wear themes from last winter's New York Fashion Week that are making their way to home goods now. ...
Opinions: home alone 2.
Jul 16, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] So, Martha finally sold her house in Westport, Conn. But she had to mark it down to move it out. Let's hope the same thing isn't necessary at Macy's. Later this summer, Macy's will officially introduce its Martha Stewart home ...
More than a pretty package: environmental concerns of companies are spreading from the products themselves to the items that hold them.(the markets: textiles)
Jul 16, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- For the textiles industry, eco-friendly often translates into all-natural bamboo towels, organic cotton sheeting or recycled glass bath accessories, but consumers and retailers are also starting to ask serious questions about the packaging of ...
GLM lines up seminars for its Market Week.(the markets: textiles)
Jul 16, 2007 ... NEW YORK -- George Little Management's inaugural New York Home Textiles Market Week is fast approaching, and tickets are on sale for the show' s seminar program. The seminars at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center will focus on trend forecasts, color information and insights ...
Edie, Inc.'s designs head outdoors.(the markets: textiles)
Jul 16, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Edie, Inc. is venturing outdoors with a new line: Edie, Inc. Outside. "I have a house in the Hamptons, and I wasn't finding what I wanted to help decorate outdoors," said Edie Roberts, vice president of design and product ...
Designers Guild: a colorful lifestyle.(the markets: textiles)
Jul 16, 2007; ... NEW YORK -- In 1970, when Tricia Guild started the Britain-based Designers Guild, a company best known for its use of bright color in bedding and textiles, she already had a clear vision of what she wanted it to become. "I wanted to do more than create beautiful fabric; I wanted ...
The turning point: amid a conservative buying climate, vendors see the Atlanta market as a step in the right direction for the industry and are optimistic that retailers will be ready to spend.(the markets: floor covering)
Jul 16, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA -- Now is the time for a turnaround. At least that's what area-rug vendors are hoping will stem from the summer markets, beginning this week with the International Area Rug Market here. Conversations with their dealers have left ...
Sphinx adds new series to Warhol Collection.(the markets: floor covering)
Jul 16, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA -- Sphinx by Oriental Weavers has added a new series of designs to its Andy Warhol Home Collection, infusing the line with a fresh crop of bold hues and varying takes on contemporary design. Both machine-made and handmade pieces have ...
Hellenic boosts Olson with gallery program.(the markets: floor covering)
Jul 16, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA -- In the spotlight for Hellenic Rug Imports this week will be a gallery program developed for its Candice Olson Collection of area rugs. Steve Mazarakis, chief executive officer of Hellenic, said it was the "huge success" of the ...
Teach them well.(opinions)
Jul 16, 2007; ... Consider this: Two modernized Persian designs with similar colorways hang side-by-side in a rug gallery. The one on the left is labeled something along the lines of "724-b" and is counting on its good looks for a sale. The one on the right is from something called "The Peshawar ...
Sunrise to sunset.(the markets: floor covering)
Jul 16, 2007; ... ATLANTA -- Is it the fading glow of the warm summer sun or foreshadowing of autumn's changing foliage that has brought such a wealth of glowing earthy shades to this market's introductions? It's likely a combination of both as nearly every designer has offered up his or her ...