Furniture Today - March 1, 2004

Across a variety of styles, casual dining sales are increasing for both domestic and import sources. Importers are driving orders with low price points, while U.S. and Canadian manufacturers are remaining competitive through versatility and innovation. Selling options Canadel, the biggest casual dining producer, continues to grow on the strength of its many options.

• Bedding Today
• Ex-con man adds spice to ISPA's upcoming Expo

• Business Today
• Hooker getting stock story out to investor community
• Leon's 4Q sales slip 0.9%, net income grows 14.6%
• Aaron Rents profits jump 26.7% in 4Q, 32.7% for yr.
• Masco 4Q sales increase 18.2%

• News
• Sphinx, OWA: Two rug brands, one company
• Fla.'s Kane's installs upscale GuildCraft galleries in all units
• Buyers beef up inventories in Tupelo
• RTG, Wickes to split
• Textile workers urged to speak with votes
• Importers hail letter on end of textile limits
• Scoperta sets digital printing demonstrations
• Whimsical, themed youth pieces trigger smiles plus sales
• Rosson gets marketing post at Thomasville Upholstery
• Loomcraft shutting down European imports division
• Main Street plant closing rethought?
• George is Sunrise EVP
• Storis names DeMatteo national sales manager
• Catalano takes Bracciale duties at Nicoletti

• Opinion Today
• What the coffee culture can teach the industry

• People Today
• WHFA adds four board members

• Special Report
• Expo Mueble exhibitors see reason for optimism
• Contemporary styles on rise
• Expo to expand space, update show's image
• Americans, other foreigners pleased with show results
• Market Report
• Upholstery makers enjoy sales uptick
• Wood sources explore new niches in Tupelo
• Queen City receives appreciation award
• Leather still has kick
• Quantum to import leather chairs, sofas
• United motion sofas feature easy setup

• Up Front
• New trade group seeks to bolster U.S. textiles
• Breuners set to replace, upgrade big store near San Jose
• Bassett to kick off John Elway line
• EQ3 takes off in San Fran
• Dec. factory orders up 10%
• Bestar brings in Hetu as CEO
• Ikea evaluating site for 1st Florida store
• Cohen is Coaster sales VP
• Dutailier revamps line
• Toronto attendance drops 5%