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Furniture|Today -- 09/30/2002
Bedding Today
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Herman's untimely death leaves lessons for us all
As the bedding industry gathers in the mountain splendor of Aspen, Colo., this week, an important figure will be missing. Andrea Herman, who put her heart and soul into her work with the International Sleep Products Assn. and its Better Sleep Council, lost her fight with leukemia earlier this month. There are lessons in how she lived her life, and what she fought for, that we should all take wi...
Business Today
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Vaughan's 3Q sales down, net income up
Galax, Va.— Case goods manufacturer and importer Vaughan Furniture Co. reported sales dropped 6.9% to $33.7 million in its third quarter, but net income more than doubled to $975,130 compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date, Vaughan's sales of $102.3 million and net income of $2.1 million are up 1.
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Consumer confidence continues slide in Sept.
New York— The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index continued its four-month slide in September, slipping 1.2 points from August. The Present Situation Index dropped to 88.5 from 93.1, while the Expectations Index rose slightly to 96.5 from 95.5. Looking ahead six months, fewer consumers are planning to buy big-ticket items.
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Rowe's 3Q sales rise 3.8%
McLean, Va.— Manufacturer and retailer Rowe Cos. rebounded to a $554,000 profit in its third quarter as sales rose 3.8%. In the same quarter a year ago, the company reported a net loss of $1.1 million. For this year's first three quarters, Rowe reported a net loss of $113,000 compared with a loss of $6.
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Prillaman, McAllister join Culp board
High Point— Fabric supplier Culp's shareholders have elected two new board members. Albert Prillaman, chairman and chief executive officer of Stanley Furniture and chairman of the American Furniture Manufacturers Assn., was elected to a three-year term. Kenneth McAllister, a retired executive with banking company Wachovia, was elected to fill a term that expires in 2004.
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Rent-Way exploring debt refinancing
Erie, Pa.— Rent-to-own operator Rent-Way has hired Salomon Smith Barney to help it develop and evaluate plans to refinance about $300 million in bank debt. Bill Morgenstern, chairman and chief executive officer of the 1,062-store company, said Rent-Way has done a good job of paying off some debt and wants to refinance the remainder at a lower interest rate.
News
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Costs, hacking halt Gallery's online selling
Houston— Gallery Furniture pulled the plug on online sales last year after a hacking scare and the realization that the costs of delivering some Web-bought goods were too high to support the venture. "The bottom line is the Web is an advertising tool and not a sales tool," said Jim McIngvale, Gallery owner and president.
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NHFA meeting set for Oct. 19
High Point— The National Home Furnishings Assn. will host members at the group's annual meeting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19 in the seminar room of the Retailer Resource Center, 12th floor, Main building, International Home Furnishings Center. The main order of business will be election of new officers and members of the board of directors.
- Obituaries
Obituaries
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N.J. suing Sofa Showcase under consumer laws
Freehold, N.J.— The New Jersey attorney general and its Division of Consumer Affairs is suing bankrupt retailer Sofa Showcase and its principals, charging they violated consumer protection laws by selling defective merchandise, failing to deliver items ordered, improperly billing consumers and improperly denying refunds, among other things.
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Nourisan will produce Waverly rugs
New York— Under a new licensing agreement, Nourison will produce hand-made and machine-made rugs under the Waverly brand. The first collection will be introduced in spring 2003 and will include area, accent and scatter rugs in six to eight patterns that will coordinate with other Waverly products.
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Thai Furniture Mart slow in drawing foreign buyers
Bangkok, Thailand— A centerpiece of the Thai government's strategy to boost furniture exports, the 60,000-square-foot Thai Furniture Mart here is well into its first year with mixed results. After opening with great fanfare in January, the Mart has been quiet. Traffic has been slow, about 200 foreign visitors per month, and the three-floor building gets low marks from exhibitors as a driv...
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Weir's taps Moore, Weir
Dallas— Weir's Furniture Village has promoted Mark Moore and Brad Weir to executive vice presidents. Moore, eldest grandson of Weir's founder J. Ray Weir, has worked for the company for more than 18 years in sales, buying and accounting systems management. With the promotion, he assumes responsibility for supervising the Dallas and Plano, Texas, store operations, as well as the Thomas Kin...
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Dinner theater will debut at market with Elvis tribute
High Point— Marketgoers will have one more option for entertainment at the end of their workdays this October. Centennial Station Dinner Theater officially launches its inaugural season Nov. 8 with a production of "Sanders Family Christmas." Starting Oct. 15, however, the theater will present "All Shook Up! A Tribute to the King of Rock-n-Roll," running through Oct.
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American Drew taps Etheridge
Greensboro, N.C.— Kennieth Etheridge has been promoted to vice president of marketing at case goods producer American Drew. He assumes marketing duties President Jack Richardson has been handling for several years after Dennis Ammons left to join Sumter Cabinet. Etheridge, who had been a sales representative for the La-Z-Boy division in Tennessee and western North Carolina since July 2001...
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Hemingway Collection moving to Steele space
High Point— The Ernest Hemingway Collection is moving to a new market showroom. It will occupy 1,500 square feet in Suite 141 at 200 Steele Street, a new building opening to High Point market visitors Oct. 17. A grand opening ceremony for the showroom is set for Friday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m.
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Gallery clone planned for SF area
Houston— Two employees of Gallery Furniture here plan to open a similar store in the greater San Francisco Bay area with some help from Jim McIngvale, owner of the Top 100 company. Grover Geiselman and Sharm Scheuerman, both Stanford University business school graduates, expect to open Today Furniture next April, somewhere in the East Bay area.
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Arbek selling assets
Chino, Calif.— Case goods manufacturer and importer Arbek Furniture is in the process of selling off its assets after ceasing operations last month. Carlos Morales, co-founder and president of the 20-year-old company, said that he and his partner, co-founder and vice president Daniel Torres, had held on to the business as long as they could in hopes of an upturn in the industry.
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12 named finalists for WithIt awards
High Point— Twelve people have been selected as finalists for the annual WOW Awards, the program by Women in the Home Industries Today, or WithIt, which recognizes "WithIt's Outstanding Women" in four categories. Winners will be announced and honored Oct. 18 at a gala reception at Market Square during the fall market.
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Keveryn leaves Universal post
High Point— Joe Keveryn has left case goods resource Universal Furniture International to pursue other opportunities in the furniture industry. He had been at Universal for over 11 years, most recently as vice president of sales. "Joe has made significant contributions throughout his years at Universal," said Randy Chrisley, senior vice president of sales and marketing.
Opinion Today
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CEOs, put your CIOs in the executive suite
A war is raging over the heart, soul and future of the Internet, one that pits open-source libertarians against coldly commercial enterprises that want us to pay to play. But that's not what this column is about. It's about another war, the one being waged over the heart, soul and future of the furniture industry, pitting the U.
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Ready for market, but expecting the unexpected
I think it's safe to say that Roger Von Oech is not a household name, and probably won't ring a bell in the furniture industry. OK, you may be wondering, who is Roger Von Oech? He is the author of a host of books with such thought- provoking titles as "A Whack on the Side of the Head," "A Kick in the Seat of the Pants," "Expect the Unexpected" and others.
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How to be cautious but outstanding
After about a month of traveling through five European countries and visiting seven home furnishings trade shows, one point stands out. We're in a period where excess in design and presentation is taking a back seat to conservatism and caution. But unlike what would typically be the case in the United States, this is not to say that everything looks same-old, same-old in the boutiques and major...
People Today
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Dunlop, Smith promoted to Sealy internat'l posts
Trinity, N.C.— Craig Dunlop and Tony Smith have been promoted to key international posts at Sealy Inc. Dunlop has been named corporate vice president, Canada and Europe, and will continue to report to Larry Rogers, president of the International Bedding Group. He previously was vice president and chief operating officer of Sealy Canada.
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Himmel named senior VP at Gordon Bros. Wholesale
Boston— Robert Himmel has been named senior vice president of Gordon Bros. Wholesale, which buys and sells excess consumer goods in a variety of industries. He has 16 years experience in senior management, sales and marketing, product development and trademark brand management in consumer products.
- People on the Move
People on the Move
Executives Sleepmaster/Serta West Palm Beach, Fla. — John Czajkowski has been promoted to president and general manager of Serta West Palm Beach, a subsidiary of Sleepmaster, bedding maker Serta's largest licensee. He will oversee plant operations and reports to Kyle Boyle, president and chief operating officer of Sleepmaster.
Special Report
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Ka-ching! Take a look at your market tabs
High Point— A business card and tax ID number will get buyers a ticket to most U.S. furniture markets, but that doesn't mean the cost of attending these wholesale trade shows is free. In fact, it's just the opposite. Attending a market is one of the most costly trips a buyer makes in a given year.
- Product Trends
New at market: Motion upholstery
• All prices retail • In-depth stories on motion upholstery introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's Oct. 14 issue • Berkline IHFC C752 Catnapper IHFC W348 Introductions include five motion sofas at $699 to $999, and a pair of reclining sectionals at $1,299 and $1,699. Flexsteel IHFC C558 Franklin IHFC W746 La-Z-Boy FP 103 Lane IHFC C800 Emphasizing the $799, $899 and $9...
- Product Trends
New at market: Motion chairs
• All prices retail • In-depth stories on motion chair introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's Oct. 14 issue • Berkline IHFC C753 Brooks FP 515 Catnapper IHFC W348 Coja Leather HS 211 Directions East C&D 7-O Dutailier IHFC M910 Introductions include a lineup of fully upholstered metal glider rockers that glide, swivel and recline.
- Product Trends
New at market: Wicker & rattan
• All prices retail • In-depth stories on wicker & rattan introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's Oct. 14 issue • Ficks Reed HM 119 J.J. Hyde Co. PS 1-613 Maine Cottage Furniture IHFC H-149 Ratana Trading Co. IHFC C-535 The company has expanded outdoor resin and accent pinewood offerings.
- Product Trends
New at market: Area rugs
• All prices suggested retail for approximate 6' by 9', except where noted •• In-depth stories on area rugs introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's Oct. 14 issue • AMS MS 390 Aura FDC, 101 W. Green St Exhibiting at High Point for the first time, this California importer is showing a preview of all the new constructions and collections that will be introduced in Ja...
- Product Trends
New at market: Bedding
• All prices retail • In-depth stories on bedding introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's Oct. 14 issue • Bemco Sleep Products 111 E. Green Dr. The company's fall sales incentives include a vacation at the Bellagio resort in Las Vegas, the 39th Annual Bemco Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Whispering Pines, N.
- Product Trends
New at market: Metal beds
• All prices retail • In-depth stories on metal bed introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's Oct. 14 issue • Amisco IHFC H-504 Company's set to expand offering of contemporary beds, its strength in the U.S. market. All beds are now in a special order, quick-ship program. Comfort Designs IHFC D-729 Expanding its 21-day Comfort Express shipping program.
- Product Trends
New at market: Home office
• All prices retail • In-depth stories on home office introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's Oct. 14 issue • Altra 401 S. Wrenn Introductions include a computer armoire in the Carina line, made with solid-wood, raised-panel door facades priced at or below standard RTA product, according to the company.
- Product Trends
New at market: RTA
• All prices retail • In-depth stories on RTA introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's Oct. 14 issue • Altra 401 S. Wrenn Ameriwest Inds. Radio Building 712 Showing a variety of new pieces, including the 20-piece Euro series with double-coated lacquer finish and most priced to retail below $99, including computer carts and workstations.
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Information booths
For more information, call
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Showplace sets plans to socialize
High Point— Showplace will feature a variety of cuisines at a number of different venues throughout the building. The showroom building will also host opportunities for marketgoers to socialize and relax throughout market. Music and beverages Social Events
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'A Taste of C&D' planned
High Point— The C&D Building will host "A taste of C&D," featuring fine wines, great food and smooth jazz on Friday, Oct. 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. Each floor of the C&D Building will feature a different food station and artisan. 1st floor Food: Antipasta; Italian meats, breads and cheese; selection of wines and sparkling water Artisan: Pianist and vocalist 2nd floor Food: Domestic...
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Hamilton Square hosting market parties
High Point— Hamilton Square will host a variety of social events during the October International Home Furnishings Market here.
- Shanghai Report
Best of Shanghai show
Shanghai, China— Winning entries in the fourth edition of the China Furniture Design Competition reflect a diversity of styles, from pieces that salute China's heritage to others that would work well in American homes. That's by design, since the contest was established to encourage better furniture designs for both the domestic and overseas markets.
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Market seminars, workshops on tap in Oct.
Marketgoers will have a wide selection of seminars and workshops to choose from during the International Home Furnishings Market here next month. Seminars are sponsored by the National Home Furnishings Assn., the International Home Furnishings Center and others. Unless otherwise noted, all events are held in the NHFA's Retailer Resource Center, IHFC Main Wing, 12th floor.
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Table set at market
High Point— Showroom buildings will feature a wide variety of food services available throughout its venues here. Market Square, courtyard Market Square, ground and mezzanine Market Square, 1st level Market Square, 2nd level Suites at Market Square Mezzanine level First Level Plaza Suites Club level First Level Second Level Furniture Plaza, 2nd level Hamilton Market 220 Elm Showplace
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Concerts, parties, food on tap at MMPI market venues
High Point— Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. will host a variety of special events at its various market venues here at the upcoming International Home Furnishings Market. Thursday, Oct. 17 Friday, Oct. 18 Saturday, Oct. 19 Sunday, Oct. 20
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Shuttle services available throughout market
High Point— Visitors to the High Point International Home Furnishings Market here have a variety of options for transportation to and from the market, as well as within the market. Route A: Charleston Forge, Lexington Furniture, Michael Thomas, Miles Talbott and Thomasville Furniture. Route B: Albert's Arts & Mirrors, Henredon, Latin American Home Furnishings Center, Maitland Smith.
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Shuttle routes
The new gold "Rapid Ride" route serves the Hamilton-Wrenn area, Market Square/S. Elm Street area and IHFC/Showplace/Transportation Terminal area. Check the gold route on the map to see the exact location of the three stops. Both the gold and the blue routes may be accessed at the Market Express tent in the 100 block of East Commerce Street.
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IHFC sets stage, schedule of range of market socials
High Point— The International Home Furnishings Center is planning a wide variety of entertainment events during October International Home Furnishings Market here. Friday, Oct. 18 Saturday, Oct. 19 Sunday, Oct. 20 Monday, Oct. 21 Tuesday, Oct. 22
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200 Steele exhibitors to host furniture trend report
High Point— Exhibitors at 200 Steele will kick off the Oct. 17 opening of the International Home Furnishings Market with a forecast on upcoming trends. Susan Schultz, editorial director for Loop Magazine, will discuss her insights at 2 p.m. during a presentation titled "What's next: An insider's view of trends.
Up Front
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Thailand gearing up to drive exports
Bangkok, Thailand— A gleaming, new, 72-showroom furniture market building here; a global network of export offices, seminars and training programs; a maturing international furniture fair; and an expanding Internet presence are among the resources the Thai government is deploying to drive furniture exports.
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BDO: July orders down 5%
High Point— New orders in July were down 5% from the same month last year at U.S. residential furniture factories, according to BDO Seidman's monthly survey. Shipments, however, were up 2%. For the first seven months of the year, orders were running 4% ahead of the 2001 pace and shipments were up 2%, according to the accounting and consulting firm.
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Retailer Mattress Giant appoints Brown as CEO, succeeding Lang
Addison, Texas— Bedding retailer Barrie Brown has been named chief executive officer and president of Mattress Giant, a Top 100 company based here. He succeeds Phil Lang, who left the retailer several months ago. Brown comes to Mattress Giant from Sleep Country USA, based in Seattle, where he was president and chief operating officer.
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57 finalists vie for Pinnacles
New London, N.C.— Fifty-seven finalists in 15 categories will vie for the Pinnacle Design Achievement Awards, with winners to be announced Oct. 18 in a ceremony at the High Point market. The American Society of Furniture Designers presents the awards to promote better design and encourage the recognition of furniture designers.
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Buyers cautious at Quebec show
Quebec City— Retailers throughout French Canada are uncertain about the remaining months of 2002, and that was reflected in cautious buying at the Salon du Meuble de Québec, which ended its three-day run here last week. "Even though most of them said they're ahead of last year, I don't think most retailers are all that optimistic going into October, November and December," said Gerry...
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Scarsella named to top post at Durham
Durham, Ontario— John Scarsella has been named president and chief executive officer of solid-wood bedroom producer Durham Furniture. He succeeds Derek Ashton, who left to pursue other interests. Scarsella has been in charge of Durham's sales and marketing in the United States and is widely credited with driving its success in that market.
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Slavin joins Wickes
Wheeling, Ill.— Industry veteran Howard Slavin has joined retailer Wickes Furniture as executive vice president, a new post, and will be groomed to take over as chief executive officer. He reports to CEO John Klein and will oversee everything from merchandising and advertising to store operations, Klein said.
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Paige named Sleepmaster VP
West Palm Beach, Fla.— Serta licensee Sleepmaster has named bedding veteran Lou Paige to the newly created position of vice president of marketing and merchandising. He will report to Kyle Boyle, Sleepmaster's president and chief operating officer, and will be based at company headquarters here.
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MacGregor resigns OFMA post
Mississauga, Ontario— Kathryn MacGregor has resigned as general manager of the Ontario Furniture Manufacturers Assn. OFMA President Hugh Owen, also president of Kingsdown Canada/Owen & Co., said candidates are being interviewed and a successor should be appointed shortly. MacGregor succeeded Linda Smith about 18 months in the OFMA post after the latter became national accounts manager...
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West Coast lockout avoided
Los Angeles— A work stoppage at major ports here and at nearby Long Beach was avoided Sept. 20 when terminal operators withdrew a threat to lock out union members after dock-workers ended what operators said was a three-day work slowdown. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union said there was no slowdown and accused employers of manufacturing a crisis.
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Liddell promoted at Powell
Culver City, Calif.— Importer Powell Co. has promoted Tom Liddell to vice president of sales for the Southeast. He is based at his home in Franklin, Tenn., and reports to Reb Nicholson, senior vice president of sales. Liddell joined Powell in August 2000 as sales representative for Tennessee. In 2001, he was named Sales Associate of the Year.
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