Furniture|Today 07/15/2002 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Furniture|Today -- 07/15/2002

Bedding Today

Strong Spring Air portfolio generates sales momentum
Only one bedding producer managed to post double-digit sales gains last year, according to the market share report we published a few weeks ago. And that producer — Spring Air — says it is having an even better year this year. We checked in with Spring Air President Jim Nation the other day to get his views on why there is so much spring in Spring Air's business.

Business Today

Pier 1 posts strong June gains
FORT WORTH, Texas — Pier 1 Imports reported a 7.4% increase in June same-store sales, fueled by strong business in furniture and seasonal merchandise. The Texas-based company — one of three publicly held home furnishings retailers posting June results last week — said total sales were $158 million for the five-week period ended July 6, up 16.
Bestway's 3Q income rises 14.7%
DALLAS— Bestway, the smallest of the five publicly traded U.S. rent-to-own companies, said revenues dropped 8.1% to $8.4 million in its third quarter ended April 30 from $9.2 million in the previous year's period. But profitability improved in the quarter, with net income increasing 14.7% to $301,507 from $262,814 last year.
Amisco's 2Q earnings up 35.8%, 58.5% for 1st half
LISLET, Quebec— Metal furniture manufacturer Amisco Inds. said net earnings in its second quarter ended June 1 grew 35.8% to C$983,000 from C$724,000 in last year's quarter, while sales held steady at C$12.5 million. For the six months, net earnings spurted 58.5% to C$1.4 million from C$866,000 last year, with sales up slightly to C$22.

Insider's View

Industry can anticipate a more pleasant autumn
Since the April market in High Point, I've been out of the office four days out of five, week after week, a pace that's unusual even for me. I've made at least one speech every week, visited lots of retailers and a few manufacturers, attended the NeoCon show, and saw many institutional investors because of my firm's new affiliation with Ferris, Baker Watts — it's kept me busy.

News

Seeking values in SF
SAN FRANCISCO— Retailers will be arriving here for this week's market with smaller open-to-buys and less optimism for the short term than they had in January. "Six months ago I had this idea that we were going to have a very gradual improvement that would be noticeable by summer," said Howard Haimsohn, president of San Diego-based Lawrance Contemporary Home Furnishings, who will be here s...
Lexington expands education program
LEXINGTON, N.C.— Full-line manufacturer and importer Lexington Home Brands has expanded its Lexington Home Retail Graduate Program sales education curriculum and assigned two managers to run the program. Mike Pitman, formerly regional sales manager, has been named national manager for Lexington Home Retail strategic development.
Stanley rep wins MGM contest
HIGH POINT— Kim Smith, a Stanley Furniture sales representative, won the grand prize in MGM Transport's "See MGM on MGM" contest — a vacation for four to MGM Studios in Orlando, Fla. MGM held the contest for its customers, including retailers, manufacturers and independent reps, to celebrate the launch of its new Web site, www.
Regional Market Introductions
Accent Furniture SF 841-M1 The Vintage oak panel bed and matching Normandy case goods in oak solids and veneers over plywood, in polished natural finish; four-piece suite with queen bed, $899, chest optional. ACT Leather/ Pafco Importing SF 287, 289-M1 APA Marketing SF 622-M2 Artwood Fine Furniture SF 285-M1 Australian Furniture Collection SF 277-M1 An assortment of case goods from various manu...
Kincaid's revamped Web site gives dealers more options
HUDSON, N.C.— Kincaid's revamped Web site aims to give dealers more options and greater control in their advertising, with downloadable ad formats, product images and other ad materials available at www.kincaidfurniture.com. "Our customers are continuing to increase their usage of the Internet and related technologies to help manage their businesses," said Steve Kincaid, president and chi...
Kmart updates online look, name
TROY, Mich.— Kmart has renamed its Web site from BlueLight.com to Kmart.com and has updated its look and added products, with an expanded inventory of brands including O'Sullivan ready-to-assemble furniture. The retailer also plans to tie in the site's visual themes and brand positioning with its new "Stuff of Life" advertising program.
Cantoni to open 2nd Southern Calif. store
LOS ANGELES— Cantoni will open a second Southern California store here this fall, expanding its reach in a market that has been good to the upscale contemporary furniture specialist. The store at 420 North La Brea Ave. will be the retailer's smallest at 10,000 square feet. While it's not far from Cantoni's 25,000-square-foot Irvine, Calif.
Holland's new Web site touts branding
LENOIR, N.C.— Marketing communications agency Holland & Holland emphasizes its core competencies in building home furnishings brands with its new Web site, www.twohollands.com. In addition to providing an in-depth look at the company, the site offers a variety of information on brand building.
Canadian competition ready to roll
TORONTO— Entries are being sought for the 2003 Canadian Home Furnishings Award competition, which features new, pared-down categories that reflect how retailers sell furniture. The successor to the Trillium Awards, the CHFA contest, judged by Canadian retailers, is owned and organized by the Ontario Furniture Manufacturers Assn.
Ikea again eyes large Tokyo store
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa.— Swedish home furnishings retailer Ikea plans to re-enter Japan with a large Tokyo store within four or five years, after abandoning the market years ago. The giant retailer, with 165 stores in 31 countries, will open a Japanese office this month to support the planned 350,000-square-foot store in Tokyo, said Clive Cashman, public affairs manager of Ikea U.
Pennsylvania House hosts dealer training
LEWISBURG, Pa.— Pennsylvania House conducted the first of three "university" sessions at the company's factory complex here last month, bringing in 35 sales associates from a dozen furniture stores for factory tours, training and education. The Pennsylvania House University session is meant to give the manufacturer's dealers and sales representatives a first-hand look at how the furnitur...
TIP moving to larger expo site
BRUSSELS, Belgium— In its 10th year, the Textiles d'Interieur Premiere show, or TIP, is moving to the Brussels Kart Expo for its September run to accommodate growth, which has been more than 20% each year, according to organizer Trade Link. To celebrate the move, TIP's organizers will host the first TIP Grand Prix.
Buhler acquires upholstery producer Rathwell
WINNIPEG, Manitoba— Curio and occasional furniture maker Buhler Furniture has acquired stationary upholstery producer Rathwell Furniture from Thomas Rathwell. The upholstery products will be sold as Buhler Furniture and marketed as the d. buhler collection. "The Rathwell name is known for quality upholstery featuring solid-hardwood frames, drop-in coil suspension and high-resilience foam...
Shanghai show due to expand
SHANGHAI, China— Like virtually everything else connected with mainland China, the big furniture show here is growing. Furniture China 2002, which will run Sept. 11-15 in the Shanghai New International Expo Center, will feature over 800 exhibitors in about 800,000 square feet of show space, both records for the eight-year-old market.
Shaw Rugs widens Thompson's duties
DALTON, Ga.— Jim Thompson, director of national accounts for Shaw Rugs, has been given additional duties and will be in charge of sales to buying groups. He also heads Shaw Rugs' sales efforts to mass merchants and home centers. Thompson's new responsibilities were held by Ann Nusbaum, who left to join Sphinx by Oriental Weavers.
FurnitureFind.com gets capital infusion
BUCHANAN, Mich.— FurnitureFind.com has garnered additional financing from HQ Venture Capital, an Austin, Texas-based equity investment firm. The capital infusion will allow the Internet retailer to expand its sales force and invest in technology. Terms weren't disclosed. Founded in 1996 as the e-retailing division of 50-year-old furniture store Bookouts in nearby Niles, Mich.
Gennet expects buyers will be open to change
SAN FRANCISCO— Michael Gennet, president of the San Francisco Mart, expects buyers to come here with limited open-to-buy but highly curious and open to change. He expects accessories, home office and collections such as Standard's Kathy Ireland to "excite retailers and perhaps occasion some vendor changes.
High Point Chamber honors Mendenhall
HIGH POINT— Judy Mendenhall, president of the International Home Furnishings Market Authority, is the first recipient of the High Point Chamber of Commerce's Athena award. Mendenhall has been the Market Authority's top executive since the organization was formed in July 2001. She served as mayor of High Point from 1985 to 1987, as a City Council member from 1979 to 1985 and 1989 to 1998 ...
Nicolas is La-Z-Boy's dealer ad support mgr.
MONROE, Mich. — La-Z-Boy Residential has named Edouard "Ed" Nicolas as its new manager of retail advertising programs. Nicolas, a former divisional marketing manager and media planner with Valassis Communications in Livonia, Mich., oversees all retail advertising support for the company's in-store galleries and general dealers.
Obituaries
John E. Hooker, Hooker executive
MARTINSVILLE, Va.— John E. Hooker, a Hooker Furniture sales representative and executive until his retirement in 1990, has died after a long illness. He was 66. He began his tenure with Hooker in 1956 as a management trainee and became a sales representative in North Carolina. After a year, he was named assistant sales manager.
Corrections & amplifications
A story on page 23 of the July 1 issue gave incorrect titles for Domenico "Mimmo" Marinelli, who is president of Italian leather producer Marinelli U.S.A., and Tom Kopke, who is Marinelli's U.S. agent.
Russians tour Coconis Furniture
ZANESVILLE, Ohio— In the spirit of international cooperation, retailer Coconis Furniture here recently hosted a group of Russian advertising professionals. "We were amazed at how friendly and warm the group was," said store manager Randy Coconis, who led a tour of the store. "They were particularly impressed with our reclining furniture and asked a lot of questions about import items and...
McClurd to consult with Sansegal
SANDY, Utah— Doug McClurd has joined Sansegal, a specialist in high-end furniture production management in China. The company is based in this Salt Lake City suburb and has an office in the manufacturing center of Dong Guan, China. Most recently, McClurd was case goods product manager with Hickory White.
Isaacson joins Great American
DEERFIELD, Ill.— Furniture liquidation specialist Great American Group has named 20-year retail veteran Tom Isaacson to the newly created position of vice president/general merchandise manager. Isaacson, most recently vice president of merchandising at retailer Continental Furniture in Chicago, will manage the Furniture Division, including operations, expense control, advertising and merc...
Campell Leather creates brand, adds warehouse
WILMINGTON, N.C.— Campbell Leather Sales, a warehoused leather seating program, is creating a brand name and acquiring more warehouse space here. The four-year-old importer and distributor is promoting its finished Italian leather frames manufactured by Gold Comfort, CIAC and Mantellassi, under the newly created Leather Italia U.
Martinez to receive GNYHFA's Gans honor
MUTTONTOWN, N.Y.— More than 150 people attended the annual golf outing/dinner here sponsored by the Greater New York Home Furnishings Assn. At the dinner, Tom Martinez of Seaman's was named winner of the 2002 Jerry Gans Memorial Award, which recognizes an individual for distinguished service to the industry.
Fonseca forms alliance with Crest Leather
CONOVER, N.C.— Fonseca U.S.A., the marketing arm of tannery Curtiembres Fonseca, a major Argentine leather supplier, has formed a marketing alliance with London-based Crest Leather, one of Europe's largest manufacturers of finished upholstery leather. "This relationship will enable us to increase our U.

Opinion Today

Leaning to make simple things sound complicated
There I was at La Guardia, heading out to Chicago, when I spotted my old Brit buddy Carlton Chutney, the renowned international entrepreneur, scanning the candy inventory at the goodies stand. Knowing his history, I was sure he was hunting down a dark chocolate Milky Way. "Carlton!" I yelled. "Where have you been hiding these past months? I've really missed you.
Facing the China fabrics challenge
China was the single most discussed topic during Showtime in High Point last week. One of the interesting things was the different ways various company executives looked at the subject. Another was the level of mystique the subject has achieved within the marketplace. There clearly is no consensus on what to do or how to deal with the Chinese equation in the decorative fabric business.
Dear John: My, how things have changed
John Graham is retiring from day-to-day duties as president of Sphinx by Oriental Weavers. He came to the rug business after a long and illustrious career as a carpet mill executive with Burlington. But he will be remembered as the person who brought beautiful rugs to middle-class America. Such a simple idea.

People Today

Mastercraft Interiors honors Miller, Wright
BELTSVILLE, Md.— Retailer Mastercraft Interiors honored several employees at its annual sales award banquet here. Lola Miller received the Diamond Level Top Salesperson award for 2001 for sales of over $1 million for the year. Barbara Wright was presented with the Top Interior Designer award.
Greenbaum joins Natuzzi as Eastern VP of sales
HIGH POINT—Gary Greenbaum has joined Natuzzi Americas as vice president of sales for the Eastern region. Greenbaum most recently was merchandising consultant for 14-store, Hickory, N.C.-based Boyles Furniture and its Norris Furniture stores in Florida. Before that, he was senior vice president of sales and merchandising for manufacturer Sherrill.
People on the Move
People on the Move

Special Report

Showtime Report
Showtime buyers optimistic
HIGH POINT— There seemed to be fewer people in the hallways and aisles at Summer Showtime 2002, but exhibitors said they were busy with appointments, saw good traffic, and reported sampling was heavy. And most buyers were optimistic about the fall, exhibitors said. Rob Culp, president and chief executive officer of Culp, said that although business conditions are still tough, "traffic was...
Showtime Report
Leather tanneries tout Asia ties ... or not
HIGH POINT— The spotlight at Showtime last week shone brightly on leather tanneries with ties to Asia. While Asian suppliers typically stress price, Italian and South American leather resources highlighted fashion innovation, color and style. Italian and South American tanneries such as Tiger Imports, Arpel and Anthem also touted good prices on better leathers as a buffer against Asian co...
Showtime Report
Showtime gatherings shine
HIGH POINT— Showtime shoppers, including upholstery makers, retailers, jobbers and designers, mingled with textile executives from mills, converters and importers at a variety of private dinner parties, casual gatherings and events like the Runway Fashion Show held during the week of the semiannual fabric show.
Showtime Report
Exhibitors offer range of new products
Showtime Report
ITMA award winners honored at Showtime
HIGH POINT— Recipients of the Virginia Jackson Design Awards and the International Textile Market Assn. Scholar Award were honored at a Showtime dinner. Design award winners were Elizabeth Tuva, Philadelphia University, first place in the print category; Mee Ok Park, Rhode Island School of Design, first place in the woven category; and Rebecca Beahm and Lauren Tremaine, both Rhode Island ...
Clearing begins for Vegas mart
LAS VEGAS— Developers of the proposed World Market Center here have released a list of 150 signed tenants, revealed some details on financing and given a first look at site clearing work, moves they hope will eliminate any lingering skepticism about the $1 billion project. Seventy-three of the tenants for the 1.
Developers eyeing bigger industry game
LAS VEGAS— The World Market Center could prove to be just the first step in a bigger bid to bring the furniture industry here. WMC co-managing partners Shawn Samson and Jack Kashani say they are working with the nonprofit Nevada Development Authority and the Las Vegas city government to put together incentive packages that include low-interest bond financing help and job creation and tax ...
Some leaving San Fran for Vegas
LAS VEGAS— A number of San Francisco market exhibitors have either jumped ship for the proposed World Market Center or are on record saying they will eventually leave for the new market. Of the 150 tenants named for Las Vegas, seven are known to be leaving San Francisco behind — Kushwood, Arbek, Boyd, Pulaski and more recently Sandberg, Comfortaire (which showed in San Francisco wit...
Rug Report
Mfrs. play with scales, patterns
ATLANTA— The rug category has been bound by traditions thousands of years old. But now it is busting loose from the old formalities. The ancient rules of symmetry and form no longer apply. Contemporary design is enjoying an exultant day in the sun, selling in every venue and every part of the country.
Imports help correlated groupings gain ground
HIGH POINT — What goes around, comes around. A dozen or so years ago, manufacturers with the capacity to make tables often matched them with upholstery groups and merchandised the combination as a package. Companies like Riverside were masters at it. Then along came the eclectic look, and the matched look was out.
Vegas list
LAS VEGAS— Here is a list of all World Market Center tenants announced to date. Some others have signed leases but have not given permission for their names to be released, according to developers. Names in color type are those newly announced last week. A&B Hongda A.A. Importing Accessories by Sherwood Acme Adesso AGA Warehouse AICO Ambiente American Lighting Andre Originals APA Mark...
Marketing campaign says, 'See you in Vegas'
LAS VEGAS— The World Market Center says it is spending more than $100,000 on a new marketing campaign under a confident "See you in Vegas" theme. The effort, to run from now through mid-October, will give updates including new tenants, new renderings of the project and financing information, and will include a vacation giveaway contest.
Rug Report
Rug Introductions
AMS IMPORTS 6E5 Expands into popular priced merchandise with the J&T collection of machine-woven jute rugs. Made on a wilton loom in Turkey, Serape recreates the geometric look of tribal weavings, $189 in 5' by 7'. CAPEL 6F6 CARPET ART DECO 3A11 CENTRAL ORIENTAL 3A7 Central Oriental launches the first domestically made products from the company's newly acquired wilton looms in Maine.

Store Openings

Rettig debuts Lane gallery
FINDLAY, OHIO—Rettig Brothers Furniture here has opened a 6,000-square-foot Lane Comfort Showcase Gallery. Established in 1981, Rettig Brothers moved to a new 40,000-square-foot facility in January 2002. The family-owned store has 12 employees.
Shumaker's has Lea gallery
LEXINGTON, N.C. —Shumaker's Furniture here has opened a 6,000-square-foot La-Z-Boy Youth Collection with furniture from Lea Inds. Shumaker's facility is 33,000 square feet.
Broyhill opens in Bellelos
PORT ALLEN, La.— A 12,500-square-foot Broyhill Furniture Showplace gallery has opened in Bellelos Furniture here. This is the second Broyhill Furniture Showplace to open in the United States. The store, owned by Morris Bellelo, spans 35,000 square feet and employs three generations of the Bellelo family, including five of Morris and Doris Bellelo's six children.
Senate expands La-Z-Boy Gallery
SANTA CRUZ, Calif.—Senate Furniture Galleries on Soquel Avenue here has expanded its La-Z-Boy Gallery by 2,000 square feet, bringing the installation's total to 10,800 square feet. The gallery is part of Senate's 21,000-square-foot showroom. Chuck Berg is the store owner.

Up Front

Furniture Express enters Flint in former HomeLife
FLINT, Mich.— Promotional chain Furniture Express has opened a store here, its second outside the Detroit market. The new store is a 36,000-square-foot former HomeLife store that Furniture Express has leased with an option to buy. Along with the new Flint location, the company operates in Lansing, Mich.
Kraemer leaves RAC, joins Bestway
PLANO, Texas— David Kraemer has left his as executive vice president of Rent-A-Center to become chief executive officer of a smaller rival rent-to-own operator, Bestway, based in nearby Dallas. Rent-A-Center, with 2,635 stores and revenues of $1.75 billion in 2001, is the largest U.S. RTO operator.
Levitz launching TV ads
WOODBURY, N.Y. — Levitz Furniture will launch new TV commercials next month with a humorous twist on its longtime "You'll love it at Levitz" theme. The spots, conceived by David Goldstein, creative director for parent company Levitz Home Furnishings Inc., are described by the retailer as "stylish and edgy with a 'today' attitude.
Jasper Cabinet set to close in Sept.
JASPER, Ind. — Accent and occasional furniture manufacturer Jasper Cabinet Co. is closing its doors. The company attributed the shutdown, to be completed by mid-September, to declining sales. Jasper Cabinet has been a top producer of secretaries, and also makes curio cabinets, desks, entertainment furniture, gun cabinets and accent chests.
Dieterich resigns as River Oaks CEO
TUPELO, Miss. — Tom Dieterich has resigned as president and chief executive officer of River Oaks. Gary Vos of ABTV, a consulting firm in Greensboro, N.C., will assume control of the promotional upholstery manufacturer as chief operating officer. Dieterich said River Oaks officials had accepted an offer to purchase its operating assets and to continue the business as an ongoing entity, ...
Houston heads Vt. Tubbs
BRANDON, Vt. — Industry veteran Lee Houston has joined solid-wood bedroom manufacturer Vermont Tubbs as president. The company had been operating under the leadership of Harold Anderson, general manager of Vermont Tubbs for its corporate parent, Carris Reels, a manufacturer of industrial reels for a variety of applications.
Magnussen taps Carpenter
HIGH POINT — Magnussen Presidential has named Ron Carpenter vice president of marketing and business development, a new position at the case goods and occasional importer. He will oversee all aspects of marketing, brand development and management, and strategic planning, working closely with marketing communications agency Broach Kinley, recently hired to handle brand development, strateg...
Ireland to speak at SFM
SAN FRANCISCO — Designer and model Kathy Ireland will speak at the San Francisco Summer Market at a breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20, sponsored by WithIt, the San Francisco Mart, Standard Furniture and Shaw Rugs. Ireland will discuss her home products and will take part in a question-and-answer session.

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