HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network back issues from June 2008:
In tough business climate, retailers turn to accessories.(home page)
Jun 02, 2008; ... NEW YORK -- Accessorize: That's what home retailers are urging shoppers to do as the downturn in the economy and housing malaise has taken the wind out of home goods sales. The implicit message is that while cash-strapped shoppers won't plunk down thousands of dollars for a ...
Is GE appliances headed abroad?(news)
Jun 02, 2008; ... FAIRFIELD, Conn.-The General Electric appliances division, manufacturer of one of America's iconic product lineups for more than 80 years, could be headed for foreign ownership. The mid-May announcement that the industrial giant is considering "strategic options" for the ...
Experts: Linens' interim CEO will take financial approach.(news)
Jun 02, 2008; ... NEW YORK -- Michael Gries, the interim chief executive officer and chief restructuring officer of bankrupt Linens'n Things, is no merchant. He's a restructuring executive with an accounting background, whose specialty is examining the operations of troubled companies to hash ...
Correction.(news)(Correction notice)
Jun 02, 2008 ... The rug licensee for the Walt Disney Signature collection was ...
Target's home sales tepid in Q1.(news)
Jun 02, 2008 ... MINNEAPOLIS-Target posted "disappointing" sales dues to the weak economic environment for its first quarter, with home pulling in "essentially flat" results, said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman and chief executive officer, during a conference call with analysts. Target's net ...
Very Vera: Wang's partnership with Kohl's exposes the designer's style to a wider audience.(licensing)(Cover story)
Jun 02, 2008; ... NEW YORK -- Vera Wang is a study in contrasts. She made her name in high-priced, near-couture-level wedding gowns, yet her newest success is several layers down the retail food chain at midtier Kohl's. She is very much the epitome of fashion, yet she clearly realizes ...
Captive audience: retailers are finding success with licensed products kept exclusively in-house.(licensing)
Jun 02, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Captive brands--well-known licensed brands that are exclusive to specific retailers--are the latest chapter in a long history of licensed products in home furnishings. As is often the case with history, the angle of the current ...
Quite Contemporary.(trends)
Jun 02, 2008; ... The International Contemporary Furniture Fair, the quintessential domestic show for daring and dramatic design, more than lived up to its reputation this year. The green theme was not lost on this crowd, with companies around every bend calling attention to the eco-friendly nature of their ...
Bringback the basements.(HOME ALONE 2)
Jun 02, 2008; ... Sometimes an oldie is still a goodie. That's why department stores should bring back their bargain basements. I know, I know. They've spent years trying to trade up and get rid of their images as purveyors of schlock. And yes, back in the bad old days of bargain ...
On the road again.(trade show preview)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Home furnishings vendors and retailers will soon start packing their bags for the next round of trade shows. HFN's exclusive Trade Show Preview lists all of the important events and updates on changes and special programs as, like a band of gypsies, you go down the highway. ...
United States of aspirations: exhibitors at the Global Home Textiles/Global Home Decor shows were optimistic about building their U.S. business.(textiles)
Jun 02, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LAS VEGAS -- Despite the uncertainty over both the U.S. and world economies, exhibitors at the combined Global Home Textiles/Global Home Decor shows in Las Vegas last month said they think the time is now right for growth of their American business. ...
Perchance to dream.(opinions)
Jun 02, 2008; ... The media has been blanketed with articles and research about how consumers are worrying more about the quality of their sleep. Mattress vendors have responded with advertising directing shoppers toward their mattresses as ways to improve their sleep. So why aren't we also ...
1 Calvin Klein Home.
Jun 02, 2008 ... 1 Calvin Klein Home [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The imported Palm bed ensemble by Calvin Klein Home follows the minimalist design orientation established by this collection when it was launched in ...
2 Springs.
Jun 02, 2008 ... 2 Springs [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Twilight colors of silver and pale lilac provide the palette for Court of Versailles' new Aurora bed ensemble. Pucker effects enhance and add ...
3 Croscill.
Jun 02, 2008 ... 3 Croscill [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Ashwin ensemble from Croscill features an allover stylized print, along with a flange of sage green faux silk that surrounds three sides of the ...
4 Ralph Lauren Home.
Jun 02, 2008 ... 4 Ralph Lauren Home [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Retro is the style that characterizes the Ralph Lauren Home Barrymore collection. It's designed with a clean navy blue and white palette that complements the simple ...
5 Nautica home.
Jun 02, 2008 ... 5 Nautica home [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fresh and contemporary is the style point behind Nautica's Westwind bed ensemble ....
The name almost says it all: while more licensed products are making their way to the floor, many say it's the item's quality that makes the difference.(floor covering)
Jun 02, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Licensed rugs are on the rise as everything from magazine titles, interior designers and celebrity chefs find a home in the floor covering industry. "Licensing gives more attention to a particular rug line within a store because ...
Woolshire unveils new eco-friendly carpet backing.(floor covering)
Jun 02, 2008 ... CALHOUN, Ga. -- Woolshire Carpet Mills is upping the green factor of its already sustainable wool carpets by offering an optional EnviroCel backing. The soy-based backing from Universal Textile Technologies is designed specifically for the installation and performance ...
Artistic Tile to open 2nd NY showroom.(floor covering)
Jun 02, 2008 ... NEW YORK -- Artistic Tile is set to open another retail showroom in New York this summer. The 3,500-square-foot showroom will be located in Manhasset, on Long Island's North Shore. The opening comes quickly on the heels of the opening of Artistic's flagship retail ...
NY Historical Society hosts Exotic Rug Exhibit.(floor covering)
Jun 02, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] NEW YORK -- The New York Historical Society is currently hosting an exhibition that explores New Yorkers' longtime fascination with Oriental rugs. Woven Splendor From Timbuktu to Tibet: Exotic Rugs and Textiles from New York Collectors ...
Homefires gets a jump on the holidays.(floor covering)
Jun 02, 2008 ... ATLANTA -- Following a successful pre-booking program last spring, Homefires is offering the same early-look option to its customers for the upcoming holiday season. The Holiday PreBook program offers retailers an early glimpse of the company's new Christ mas designs, coupled ...
Attractive ImmCologne: the home fair uses high technology and enhanced design and business trend forecasting to lure more American buyers.(furniture & lighting)
Jun 02, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] NEW YORK -- As trade shows feel the effects of a challenging global economy, they must constantly reinvent themselves with new features to offer the best experience for their guests. ImmCologne, is doing just that, with added high-tech ...
Furniture Brands wants to focus on the brands.(floor covering)
Jun 02, 2008; ... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- While the battle goes on at the corporate level for who will ultimately control Furniture Brands International, at the furniture level the new executives running the business said they are making progress in their efforts to get the company moving in the right direction ...
Can brighter days return? As economic conditions worsen, both vendors and retailers try to adapt.(LIGHTING REPORT)
Jun 02, 2008; ... THE OUTLOOK HAS dimmed in the residential lighting market, as vendors and retailers come to grips with the most challenging economic environment in memory. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What's different today from past recessions is the depth of the housing and credit ...
Fixtures in a fix: as consumers do less remodeling, the hardwire segment is feeling the impact.(LIGHTING REPORT)
Jun 02, 2008; ... THE HARDWIRE LIGHTING BUSINESS has fallen on hard times. Directly attributable to the sharp decrease in new home construction and a subsequent decline in remodeling, the lighting fixture business plummeted 15 percent in 2007, to $2.6 billion, from more than $3.1 billion in 2006 ....
Dimming the lights: the portable lamp business saw a decrease in sales, compared with the prior year.(LIGHTING REPORT)
Jun 02, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE PORTABLE LAMP business decreased by 8 percent in 2007 as a reflection of the overall malaise at retail. The category, which encompasses all manner of styles, from basic student desk lamps to high-end crystal designs to statuesque floor ...
Should the buyers beware?(LIGHTING REPORT)
Jun 02, 2008; ... LIGHTING RETAILERS ACROSS THE channels are being affected by today's tough economy. The two lighting market-share leaders, Home Depot and Lowe's, have cut back on store growth and are focusing on managing inventories, according to vendors. Extreme sales weakness in lighting is ...
The impact on imports.(LIGHTING REPORT)
Jun 02, 2008; ... THE DOMESTIC HOUSING DOWNTURN, WHICH has had a predictably harsh impact on retail sales of home furnishings in general, has finally put a dent in imports of lighting fixtures. That is somewhat surprising, because imports to this country do not necessarily follow the trajectory ...
Wal-Mart lights the way: compact fluorescents gain ground in unit sales and market share, thanks to the retailer.(LIGHTING REPORT)
Jun 02, 2008; ... LEAVE IT TO WAL-MART TO TRANSFORM A MARKET. By setting a goal to sell 100 million compact fluorescent light bulbs in 2007, and then exceeding it, the mega-retailer helped catapult the overall retail market and market share of CFLs. Sales of Energy Star-rated CFLs ...
The great divide.(opinions)
Jun 02, 2008; ... On its surface, a three-day, midweek tabletop show is a great idea. The new schedule, the result of a well-intentioned poll by 41 Madison Ave., creates a concentrated time flame that imparts a sense of urgency and vitality to a sluggish market. More importantly, it gives most of ...
Lalique looks ahead.(tabletop)
Jun 02, 2008; ... NEW YORK--As he develops the Lalique brand around the world, Silvio Denz, the new chief executive officer, is hewing close to the philosophy of company founder Rene Lalique, who believed in "art in every place." Denz, chairman of Art & Fragrance, the Swiss-based perfume company ...
Clarification.(tabletop)(Correction notice)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Oneida's new Culinaria dinnerware program is made of ...
Vibrant Vegas: colorful statements were made in the product introductions at the Gourmet Housewares Show.(housewares)
Jun 02, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Though many stars shine in Las Vegas, inside the Sands Convention Center it was all about color, as companies included a vibrant range of hues in their product lines at the recent Gourmet Housewares Show. While many companies ...
Henckels looks to go premium with deal for Staub.(housewares)
Jun 02, 2008; ... SOLINGEN, Germany -- J.A. Henckels' plan to acquire French cookware manufacturer Group Staub is near completion, according to the company. Final details were expected to be resolved at the end of May, but were unavailable at press time. Henckels hopes to complement its premium ...
Quickie addresses environmentalism, bacteria with new products.(housewares)
Jun 02, 2008; ... CINNAMINSON, N.J. -- Quickie is addressing today's hot topics in the cleaning category and beyond with new product lines that battle bacteria, are kind to the environment and even have a fashionable edge. Michael Magerman, chief executive officer of Quickie, acknowledged stick ...
1 Emerilware.(housewares)
Jun 02, 2008 ... 1 Emirilware The new Emerilware enameled cast iron line includes four pieces such as this 5quart Cassoulet soup pot. Finished with a Gulf blue high-gloss enamel and having an ivory interior, ...
2 Linden Sweden.(housewares)
Jun 02, 2008 ... 2 Linden Sweden The Cut N Roll cutter has a plastic blade that is sharp enough to cut through pizza, dough, sandwiches, vegetables and more, but not sharp enough to be dangerous to kids. Its palm shape makes it fit easily into one's hand ...
3 Bugatti.(housewares)
Jun 02, 2008 ... 3 Bugatti Making coffee in the morning just got a little more fun. The VuIcano coffeemaker is constructed of aluminum with a heat-resistant lid and ...
4 Norpro.(housewares)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Norpro Ice cream gets easier to scoop out with the GRIP.EZ Aqua Ice Cream Scoop, as its handle can be filled with warm water for effortless use. The 7-inch handle is of non-skid ...
5 Mark Feldstein & Associates.(housewares)
Jun 02, 2008 ... 5 Mark Feldstein & Associates This travel-size UV-C Light Sterilizer--also available in a cell-phone.like size--kills 99 percent of germs, bacteria and viruses in seconds. Regular ultraviolet can take up to three hours to eliminate ...
South Korea emerging as key exporter to the U.S.: the tiny nation dominates exports of laundry equipment to the U.S.(MAJOR APPLIANCES REPORT)
Jun 02, 2008; ... IS SOUTH KOREA BECOMING THE NEW China? Not in overall economic power, certainly, but perhaps in major appliances, where the tiny nation--less than 1 percent the size of its gargantuan neighbor in square miles--already dominates exports of laundry equipment to the United States, ...
Destination gap narrows between Sears, Home Centers: Lowe's and Home Depot continue to gain market share.(MAJOR APPLIANCES REPORT)
Jun 02, 2008; ... IT WAS NOT TOO LONG AGO THAT THE overwhelmingly favorite destination for major appliances by consumers was Sears. Over the past decade, however, that institution, an icon of American retailing, has watched the destination gap shrink between itself and its ever-growing home ...
Muji opening U.S. flagship in New York.(news)
Jun 02, 2008 ... NEW YORK -- Muji U.S.A. Limited was scheduled to open Muji Times Square, its U.S. flagship store, in the New York Times Building at 620 Eighth Ave. on May 30. The store marks the second Muji location in the United States for the Japanese specialty retailer, which opened a store ...
Housing downturn, price increases lead to drop in Lowe's profits, sales.(news)(Financial report)
Jun 02, 2008 ... MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Pointing to the housing meltdown, fuel and food price increases, and rising unemployment, Lowe's reported an 18 percent drop in net earnings to $607 million for the first quarter ended May 2. During the same period a year ago, earnings had been $739 million. ...
Blooming design.(HFend)
Jun 02, 2008 ... Traditional Home and the New York Design Center hosted their fourth annual Design in Bloom party at the ...
Locally grown talent.(HFend)
Jun 02, 2008; ... Adding to Brooklyn's growing reputation as a New York creative hub, BKLYN Designs 2008 showcased the talents of the borough's ...
Difficult Climate Slams Williams-Sonoma in Q1.(home page)
Jun 16, 2008; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- West Elm and Williams-Sonoma Home were bright spots in an overall dreary report from Williams-Sonoma Inc. regarding its first quarter ended May 5. The corporation's lackluster performance was more a reflection of the poor economic environment for home goods than ...
Traditional home's best.(home page)
Jun 16, 2008 ... Traditional Home recently conducted an extensive research study to determine what brands consumers consider as the best style icons. The research helped editors formulate the annual "Best of Everything" June/July issue currently on newsstands. Brands With Best Iconic Style ...
New owners set to shape a different Sharper Image.(news)
Jun 16, 2008 ... NEW YORK -- What does the future hold for Sharper Image? Will it be a retailer again or will it just be a brand? Sharper Image was purchased by a joint-venture group consisting of Hilco Consumer Capital, Gordon Brothers Brands and Bluestar Alliance in early June. The ...
Muji makes Manhattan site of its U.S. flagship.(news)
Jun 16, 2008 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Muji U.S.A. Limited recently opened Muji Times Square, its U.S. flagship store, in The New York Times Building at 620 Eighth Ave. The store marks the second Muji location in the United States for the Japanese specialty retailer, which opened a ...
Correction.(news)(Correction notice)
Jun 16, 2008 ... In the May 19 issue of HFN, on page 28, a photo of a ...
The Yankees are going abroad to build business.(news)
Jun 16, 2008; ... NEW YORK -- As U.S. consumer spending continues to slow, retailers across distribution channels are setting their sights abroad. Merchants such as Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond and Crate & Barrel are laying the groundwork for international expansion with some already opening stores ...
Trade--offs.(HOME ALONE 2)
Jun 16, 2008; ... In this election year, all kinds of people are saying all kinds of things about world trade, free trade, trade restrictions, rejections, inspections, and all kinds of mean and nasty things about trade. Some of it may actually be true. But a whole lot of it is not only not true, ...
Passing the Torch: Murray Feiss and family are stepping back from one of the most successful residential lighting companies in the industry.(tribute)
Jun 16, 2008; ... NEW YORK -- Lighting giant Murray Feiss and his family have stepped back from the company they built over the past six decades, and are leaving a legacy of hard work and dedication. Feiss, 81, has been praised as a visionary, whose foresight led him to transform his mother's ...
Industry colleagues share warm feelings for Feiss family.(tribute)
Jun 16, 2008 ... Godfather of the lighting industry, icon, mentor: These are just a few terms of endearment for Murray Feiss by his competitors, customers, sales representatives and friends. "Murray's my business hero," said Bill Winsor, Dallas Market Center president and chief executive ...
CEO Vandia: keeping 'family feel' is key.(tribute)
Jun 16, 2008 ... NEW YORK -- As the Feiss family steps aside, Greg Vandia, president of Murray Feiss Lighting, is striving to maintain the family atmosphere and strong relationships, while constantly looking for ways to improve the company. In a recent interview during a business trip in China, ...
The shinning star: more visitors and products will be lining the aisles at the Dallas market.
Jun 16, 2008; ... ATTENDANCE AT THIS WEEK'S Dallas Total Home & Gift Market is expected to be light, but vendors are hopeful that quality time spent with buyers will translate to sales and improved relationships. In such a tough business climate, buyers might not be coming so much to buy as to ...
Opulence is best.(TOTALLY DALLAS)
Jun 16, 2008 ... The high end is in vogue, as designers pour on the style in the upper price ranges. But the look of luxury can also be had at a price, as buyers will find this market. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Trump Home's Segovia chandelier from Elk Lighting features crystal ...
Performance matters.(TOTALLY DALLAS)
Jun 16, 2008 ... Technology advances are making the lighting business more exciting these days, and are giving consumers more choices. New dimmable LED and fluorescent options are out, as are higher-efficacy halogen and incandescents, not to mention high-performance fans. But the high-tech look is equally ...
Design, naturally.(TOTALLY DALLAS)
Jun 16, 2008 ... Natural materials continue to dominate in fresh designs throughout the home, as this market reveals. While real bamboo, natural grasses, shells, stones and other media add interest to the pieces, so do close imitations. Dick Idol's new Pine Cone Glow sconce from Pacific Coast ...
Light & artistry.(TOTALLY DALLAS)
Jun 16, 2008 ... Designers have worked their magic for this market, creating unique works of art, some of which combine art and light. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hubbardton Forge creates drama with its Silhouette sconce with blue light. Wilmette Lighting's Holophane prismatic ...
In Bed at Macy's and Bed Bath.(HEAD to HEAD)
Jun 16, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- The contrast between Macy's bed-ensemble department and that of Bed Bath & Beyond reflects the differences in the merchandise offerings of the two major retailers. The Macy's space is dominated by the major designers' shop concepts ....
Christy looks to build brand in American market.(textiles)
Jun 16, 2008; ... NEW YORK -- Can a towel translate overseas? Christy is confident that it can and, two years after being acquired by Welspun, the former British company is primed to build its brand name in the United States. Christy's 150-year-plus heritage and history of innovation ...
A soft spot for cotton.(floor covering)
Jun 16, 2008; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK-Long a staple for kitchens and bathrooms, cotton rugs are gaining presence throughout the home, and insiders say it has a lot to do with the eco-friendly nature of the products. Those in the business say the interest in cotton rugs is ...