Furniture|Today 10/14/2002 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Furniture|Today -- 10/14/2002

Bedding Today

Flammability: What retailers should know
Amidst the mountain of technical points emerging from a mattress flammability meeting earlier this month — one that featured terms like "fire insult" and "side surface burners" and acronyms ranging from NIST, ANPR, NASFM and HRR to AB 603, TB 121 and TB 129 — someone asked a very important question of the flammability experts: What should we be saying about all this to retailers? Th...

Business Today

Havertys Sept. sales up 2%; same-store sales slip
Atlanta— Full-line retailer Havertys posted sales of $56.8 million for September, up 2% from September 2001. Same-store sales for the month were off 3.7% Third-quarter sales were up 3% to $175.7 million from $170.6 million a year ago, with same-store sales up 0.3%. Same-store sales for the first nine months grew 3.
August furniture indicators mixed; consumer spending rises
High Point— Compared with month-earlier and year-earlier figures, August economic indicators for the furniture industry were mixed, although two of the most important — consumer spending and new-home sales — showed marked increases. On the down side, both furniture factory indicators — employment and capacity utilization— were off against July 2002 and August 2001 ...
Rent-A-Center bias settlement approved
Plano, Texas— A U.S. District Court judge has approved the previously announced settlement of class-action gender discrimination lawsuits brought against Rent-A-Center. Under the settlement terms, the rent-to-own giant will pay $47 million to more than 5,300 female employees and women who were employed or applied for jobs during a four-year period beginning in April 1998.
Decorize posts $2M net loss
Springfield, Mo.— Decorative accessory resource Decorize said revenues for its fiscal year ended June 30 were $14.1 million, with fourth-quarter sales coming in at $4.7 million. Decorize posted a net loss of $2 million for the year, including a $753,893 pretax charge for stock-based compensation.

News

Hettich offering service package
Alpharetta, Ga.— Furniture hardware supplier Hettich has released its Selection 1.3 service package, a CAD-supported hardware catalog providing more products and functions than previous releases. Among the additions are folding and sliding door systems and plug-in technology for document management.
Craftex Mills wins Cotton Inc. fabric design award
New York— Craftex Mills won the Cotton Inc. Textile Designer Award for decorative fabrics, one of five design awards presented in the home furnishings segment in the annual Cotton Inc. contest, now in its 21st year. The Craftex winning fabrics by Allison Hocker and Kim Grimsley were cited for "interesting textures combined with intricate details in overscaled traditional designs in all-co...
BJ's Riviera group garners design award for Frinier
Long Beach, Calif.— The Industrial Designers Society of America has given one of its Industrial Design Excellence Awards to furniture designer Richard Frinier. Frinier was honored for his Riviera collection created for Brown Jordan, where until recently he was executive vice president and chief creative officer.
Cable TV show features H.P.'s Atrium Mall
High Point— The Atrium Furniture Mall here was featured in April on "Southern Living Presents," a half-hour home show broadcast on Turner South, a regional cable TV network. The show presented a segment on the Atrium's Shop 'n' Stay program and looked at a weekend of furniture shopping in High Point.
NHFA trial Web poll finds 76% in favor of Vegas market
High Point— Visitors to the National Home Furnishings Assn.'s updated Web site expressed strong support for a Las Vegas furniture market — even over a High Point market — in the organization's first online poll. When asked if they were in favor of a Las Vegas market, 76% of respondents said yes.
Winters named VP of sales for Globe Express
Charlotte, N.C.— Gene Winters has joined Globe Express Services, a provider of third-party logistics and information technology-based cargo management, as vice president of sales. Winters, an industry executive for 11 years, previously was vice president of operations for Pulaski Furniture. He played a key role in Pulaski's shift from domestic case goods manufacturing to imports, and in e...
Rudolphs wins Montana family business award
Bozeman, Mont.— Rudolphs Furniture of Butte, Mont., was one of the winners of 2002 Montana Family Business Awards, presented by Montana State University-Bozeman College of Business. The furniture store was one of seven state winners and took the Judges Special Recognition award. Rudolphs Furniture was founded in 1919 by Russian immigrant Kalman Rudolph.
TradeWinds Partners tourney raises $20,000 for Atlanta charity
Jonesboro, Ga.— TradeWinds Partners delivered a $20,000 check to the Atlanta Union Mission after the sales group's annual Charity Golf Tournament at Gold Creek Resort in Dawsonville, Ga. The Atlanta charity serves homeless and abused women and children. More than 120 players, friends and business partners from manufacturers Hooker, Paoli, Tellus and Sam Moore gathered for the tournament, ...
Donghia Foundation helps 10 interior design students
New York— The Angelo Donghia Foundation has awarded full scholarships to 10 interior design students. The scholarships are given to students entering their senior year in a bachelor's degree program in interior design at an accredited school. Each award fully covers senior-year tuition, room and board, books and other materials.
HPU senior receives first Bill Peterson Scholarship
High Point— High Point University senior Erin Turner is the recipient of the first annual Bill Peterson Scholarship. She will be honored at the Young Home Furnishings Executive breakfast on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. in Ballroom A of the International Home Furnishings Center. Turner was born and raised in High Point.
Case goods importers relocate
High Point— Sister case goods companies Rockford Furniture and American Woodcrafters have relocated offices and warehouses to a 90,000-square-foot facility here. Rockford, founded in 1997 by John N. Foster Jr., imports master bedrooms and accent pieces. American Woodcrafters, created in 2000 through a partnership of Rockford and Coupihue, a South American maker of wood furniture component...
Bernards has larger IHFC space
High Point— Promotional home furnishings importer Bernards is moving into a new, larger 10,000-square-foot showroom this market, on the second floor of the International Home Furnishings Center, space M230. "This move will enable us to display our entire product line in a tasteful setting," said Dale Ward, vice president of sales.
Wrought-iron mfr. back in High Point
High Point— VillageCraft, a manufacturer of upscale wrought-iron beds, chairs, pedestals, tables and wine racks, is back at the High Point market for the first time in five years. The family-owned company, based in Penn Furnace, Pa., has almost 5,000 square feet of showroom area in space C407 of Plaza Suites.
Qoro has Winterthur art
High Point— Qoro is introducing its first collection of Winterthur reproduction paintings at the October market, showing in the Kindel Furniture showroom at 242 North Hamilton St. Kindel has been a licensee of Winterthur furniture reproductions since 1980. "We are pleased to have a High Point presence in this market and to be able to offer buyers and interior designers reproduction painti...
New South Shore bedrooms target teens
High Point— Canadian case goods producer South Shore Inds. is unveiling at market eight bedroom groups targeted to teen-agers, a niche the company says is largely ignored in the marketplace. Known as the Freedom Collection, the bedroom offerings feature full-size beds grouped with case pieces that have light-finished drawer fronts and dark-painted hardware and side panels.
Furniture retailers using DealTime's search engine
New York— Several furniture retailers selling via the Internet are utilizing a search site called DealTime to boost sales. The DealTime Web site at www.dealtime.com aims to aggregate Internet traffic and facilitate comparison shopping by consumers among more than 800 retailers. Among those furniture companies using DealTime's services are Advanced Furniture Outfitters, Atrendyhome.
Online 'Made in USA' retailer includes furniture
Erie, Pa.— Selling a range of goods from home furnishings to gifts and pet supplies, BuyAmerican.com (www.buyamerican.com) is seeking to capitalize on some consumers' desires to buy domestically made goods, desires fanned by the events of Sept. 11. The site claims to sell only goods made exclusively in the United States.
RetailMetro's Nurse moves to Latin beat
Washington— Jeremy Nurse, former chief executive officer of business-to-business Internet company RetailMetro, is dancing to the beat of a different drummer these days, giving up high-tech to teach the cha-cha and waltz. Like most Internet companies serving the furniture industry, RetailMetro didn't make it, shutting down in April 2001.
CES show expects 10,000
Arlington, Va.— The Consumer Electronics Assn. will host its 2003 International CES trade show at the Las Vegas Hilton Jan. 9–12. Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman and chief software architect, will give the preshow keynote address on at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8. On Jan. 9 at 8:30 a.m, Sony President Kunitake Ando will deliver the keynote address.
Blair named Century's senior sales, mktg. VP
Hickory, N.C.— Full-line high-end manufacturer and importer Century Furniture has promoted David Blair to senior vice president of sales and marketing. In addition, Brandon Hucks has been named controller, and Randy Wells appointed national accounts manager for Century's contract division. Blair has been vice president of sales for the past two years.
WMC advisory board meets
Las Vegas— The World Market Center's board of advisors has met here for the first time, looking at the construction site and discussing the first market's dates. WMC developers released the names of 13 of the 18 board members. Five wish to remain anonymous for now. Those named are Michael Amini, Aico; Ken Kallett, Dale Tiffany; Dan Kush, Kushwood; Irwin Allen, Michels-Pilliod; John Sandbe...
Storehouse awards $10K
Atlanta— Amy Bradley of Leesburg, Va., won $10,000 in home furnishings and professional design services in a contest by Atlanta-based retailer Storehouse. Bradley was among the Storehouse customers throughout the chain who entered the contest during a July 27 event celebrating the merge of Storehouse and Home Elements.
Aktrin guide to licensed home furnishings offered
Toronto— Aktrin Furniture Information Center has published a guide to licensed home furnishings that details trends, analyzes successes and failures, and provides several categories of resources for companies exploring licensing. The 70-page report, "Licensed to Sell," is intended for manufacturers seeking opportunities in licensing, retailers attempting to discern the good licensed colle...
Bowden new ASID president
Washington— H. Don Bowden became president of the American Society of Interior Designers as the new ASID board took office this month. Other board members are President-elect Linda Elliott Smith, past President Barbara Nugent, industry partner representative David M. Kaplan Jr., Chapter Support Team representative Gera King, and directors-at-large Edward S.
DeCoro launches Web site
High Point— Italian leather upholstery manufacturer DeCoro has launched a Web site at www.decoro.com. The launch follows a revamping of the company's visual identity and logo in April. DeCoro has hired Burson-Marsteller and its sister branding consultancy, Landor, to help reposition its brand. The Web site is divided into segments.
Eau Claire Mattress aids tornado relief efforts
Ladysmith, Wis.— Eau Claire Mattress Mfg. has donated a truckload of mattresses and box springs to the Ladysmith, Wis., relief effort following a Labor Day tornado. Eau Claire, the supplier of Lady Americana Bedding for FS Furniture & Appliance here, delivered more than 125 pieces of bedding to the Salvation Army's emergency warehouse.
Excelsior to give away $10K diamond
High Point— Excelsior Designs, an Italian manufacturer of contemporary case goods, is highlighting its October market theme, "Elegance Defined," by giving away a diamond worth almost $10,000 at its market party. The first 150 people to arrive at Excelsior's party, set for Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 5 to 8 p.
In Home marks relocation
Sag Harbor, N.Y.— Mitchell Gold of upholstery maker The Mitchell Gold Co. was guest of honor, along with Margaret Russell, editor-in-chief of Elle Décor magazine, at the grand opening of the In Home store here. The evening benefited the Empire State Pride Agenda. In Home is a high-end home furnishings specialty shop that relocated from its six-year home in East Hampton to a larger, 2...
Oriental Weavers sets new N.Y. space
Dalton, Ga.— Rug resource Oriental Weavers has signed a lease for a new 5,300-square-foot showroom on the fifth floor of the Textiles Building at 295 Fifth Ave. in New York. The Sphinx import division and the Oriental Weavers USA manufacturing division will share the space. This will be the first New York showroom for Sphinx, said Mike Riley, executive vice president of sales and marketin...
Nov. 15 conference to examine luxury home market
Stevens, Pa.— The Sixth Annual Unity Marketing Executive Conference, called Luxury Home: Consumers Pursuing Their Passion Buying Luxuries for Their Home, will be held Nov. 15 at the Newark, N.J., Airport Marriott. The conference is open to executives and owners of luxury home furnishings businesses.
Marshfield memorializes 9/11 victims
Marshfield, Wis.— Upholstery manufacturer Marshfield Furniture participated in a community memorial on Sept. 11 honoring the victims of the 9/11 tragedy. Balloons, each carrying the name of one victim, were released at 9:03 a.m., the time the second building of the World Trade Center was hit. Marshfield was responsible for 333 of the balloons released.
Bareville wins honors in home show
Leola, Pa.— Bareville Furniture and Flooring, a division of Quality Custom Cabinetry, provided design services, furnishings, flooring and custom kitchen and bath cabinetry for the top Fulton Award home, and for four Best of Show homes in Lancaster County, Pa.'s 2002 Parade of Homes. The Parade of Homes was sponsored by the Building Industry Assn.
Kathwari won't let Ethan Allen rest on laurels
Danbury, Conn.— Some might wonder why a company like Ethan Allen would look to change a thing, but Farooq Kathwari, chairman and chief executive officer, believes the best time to shake things up is when you're at the top of your game. "You need to shock your organization positively and create an attitude that reinvention is important even in those areas where you're doing well," he said.
Berkline, BenchCraft revamp business model
Morristown, Tenn.— Berkline and BenchCraft executives say the merger of the two former LifeStyle Furnishings International units has been a big job, but worth the effort. They believe a revamped business model that emphasizes service, selection and efficiency will keep the company among the leaders in stationary and motion upholstery.
Ethan Allen targets young families
Danbury, Conn.— Ethan Allen is making an extra effort to attract young families to its store network with a combination of sharper pricing and a renewed focus on youth and baby furniture. The idea is to generate brand loyalty early on. The approach is two-pronged: On the one hand, Ethan Allen looks to provide young adults with stylish product they can afford, with the possibility of tradi...
Milliken to market Murray rugs
Osterville, Mass.— Under a new licensing agreement, Milliken will manufacture and market rugs designed by Claire Murray. Michael Blackman, president of ANB International, parent of Claire Murray, said the first rugs will be introduced in January at the Atlanta rug market and the Las Vegas floor covering show.
Storis attracts record number
Parsippany, N.J.— Embrace change, take risks, instill values, have fun. That was the message in the keynote address at the annual Storis Management Systems users' conference here and one of the few sessions not laced with the language of software and its applications. A record 175 people attended the three-day conference, where sessions focused on topics ranging from client education to d...
Conference goers enjoy Carnival social, banquet
Parsippany, N.J.— Storis folks took their keynote speaker's advice to have fun, and did it one night with a Carnival social and another night with a concluding banquet.
Delma Arredo debuts wood BR
High Point— Delma Arredo, a specialist in contemporary Italian lacquer case goods, has formed a wood bedroom furniture division under the name Portofino Collection. Portofino is debuting at the market here with 12 wood and veneer styles at the Old Guilford County Courthouse at 258 South Main St.
AICO expands showroom
High Point— Amini Innovation Corp., or AICO, is adding to its showroom space for the October market. The California-based resource for case goods and accent furniture has added 6,000 square feet of display space across the hall from its showroom in space G777 of the International Home Furnishings Center.
Obituaries
Obituaries
Natuzzi readies trendy N.Y. boutique
High Point— Natuzzi will open its first boutique this year, possibly as early as mid-November, in the trendy Soho section of Manhattan. The upholstery producer says the presentation at the shop at 101 Greene St. in New York will express the brand's tagline, "It's how you live." "Mr. (Pasquale) Natuzzi calls it 'our window to the world'," said Fred Starr, president and chief executive offi...
QFMA, OFMA launch 'era of cooperation'
Montreal— The Quebec and Ontario furniture factory associations have signed a long-term agreement to work together on a variety of programs, services and issues. "This marks the start of an era of cooperation that will benefit the two associations and their members while contributing to the strategic development of the Canadian industry as a whole," said Jean François Michaud, presid...
Caron elected QFMA chairman
Montreal— Yves Caron has been elected chairman of the board of the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Assn. He is president of bar and counter stool producer Trica of St-Antoine, Quebec, and has served on QFMA's board for the past three years. Caron succeeds Michel Deveault of Canadel. The board also named the association's long-time executive vice president, Jean François Michaud, presi...
Ball named Drexel Heritage senior designer
High Point— Ed Ball has joined full-line manufacturer and importer Drexel Heritage as senior designer. He has more than 35 years of design experience and thousands of products to his credit, and comes to Drexel from Lexington Home Brands, where he spent 22 years. "Ed is a talented designer who has helped create some of the most successful furniture collections in the industry," said Jeff ...
Corrections & Amplifications
The listing for Hon in Furniture/Today's The Book 2002 Buyer's Guide was incorrect. The correct listing is: The Hon Co. 200 Oak St. Muscatine, Iowa 52761 Toll-free phone: (800) 553-8230 Fax: (563) 262-4530 Contact: Audrey Hecht www.hon.com
ISPA execs gather to compare notes
Aspen, Colo.— Bedding suppliers and producers had plenty of chances to catch up on the latest happenings at the International Sleep Products Assn.'s Industry Conference. The two-day event, held here Oct. 3–4, focused on mattress flammability issues, the No. 1 issue facing the bedding industry, according to bedding producers.
Z-Line opens China plant to make melamine line
High Point— Z-Line Designs, a producer of solid-wood and mixed-media home office furniture, has opened a 250,000-square-foot plant in China to produce melamine products. The new line, debuting at market here, includes four collections, a total of 25 pieces, in contemporary and traditional styling.
Drakeford has new Main St. showroom
High Point— Case goods company Drakeford Furniture has a new 4,400-square-foot space for this market. It is showing at 101 South Main St., next to Noble's Restaurant on the plaza level. "If you're going to be in High Point, you want to be on Main Street," said President Billy Curtright. "Being between Noble's and the Radisson Hotel should provide high traffic at market.
Bush debuts assembled case goods collection
High Point— Ready-to-assemble furniture major Bush Furniture is launching a line of assembled case goods here. Called Eric Morgan, the new program includes five collections, three that are assembled versions of best-selling Bush RTA products and two drawn from successful collections in Bush's European division.
Brazilian RTA resource makes High Point debut
High Point— Brazilian ready-to-assemble furniture producer Madellegno Moveis is making its High Point market debut in space 4241 of Showplace. The company, which produces contemporary home office and entertainment furniture, is working with HCL International Business, an export sales company, to develop business in the U.
Progressive moves to spacious showroom
High Point— To show an expanded line of products, case goods and occasional resource Progressive Furniture has moved to a spacious 35,000-square-foot showroom in Plaza Suites here. The new location, space 400 at 222 South Main St., replaces the Jacobs Street building the company had used for the past decade.
Saloom to double space with move to PCH Centre
High Point— Saloom, a design leader in the dining furniture category, will more than double its showroom space at the October market when it moves to a 3,500-square-foot location in the PCH Centre. Previously, Saloom had 1,400 square feet in the International Home Furnishings Center. The PCH Centre at 135 S.
Cambridge promotes 3 execs
Granite Falls, N.C.— Cambridge Chair, a glider rocker producer based here, has named Reba Price operations manager. She assumes many duties formerly held by managing partner Alan Wood, who has left the company. Price is Cambridge Chair's primary contact with dealers and others in the industry. In addition, the company said David Watson is now overseeing wood-frame manufacturing operations...
McNeilly-Champion launches upholstery line
Fallston, N.C.— New manufacturer McNeilly-Champion will launch its middle to high-end upholstery line this market. Owners and boyhood friends Jack McNeilly, president, and Mike Champion, vice president, have more than 70 years of industry experience between them with stints at such high-end manufacturers as Bradington-Young, Sherrill and Bernhardt.
Selva America moving to 200 Steele
High Point— Selva America, the U.S. marketing arm of Italian bedroom, dining room and living room furniture manufacturer Selva Style International, is looking to a new showroom here to boost U.S. business. At the October market, Selva America will unveil a 5,000-square-foot showroom in suite 132 of the 200 Steele Building to replace the 2,100 square feet it had in the Bevan Funnell Building.
FROG's Trefry: You must work at technology
Las Vegas— Technology is fraught with difficulty, but companies can use it to their advantage — if they're willing to work at it. That was the main message delivered to nearly 100 attendees representing 53 furniture companies that gathered here at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino for the annual users' conference of store software supplier Furniture Retail Operations Group.
Users enjoy Bellagio socializing
Las Vegas— Users of Furniture Retail Operations Group's software didn't spend all their time soaking up information on technology at their convention here. Store representatives took time out to enjoy the opulent Bellagio, and to socialize on the colonnade overlooking the hotel's swimming pool and arboretum.
Lexington offers wood warranty
Lexington, N.C.— Lexington Home Brands is instituting its first large-scale, direct-to-consumers warranty for wood products, a move it says supports its confidence in the quality of its furniture. The limited warranty on all case goods and Henry Link Trading Co. casual product is expected to take effect in January.
475 exhibitors set for Canada show
Montreal— The 2003 edition of the Canadian Home Furnishings Market is a sellout and should be the largest market ever held in Canada, according to the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Assn. The CHFM is set for Jan. 11–14 at the Toronto International Centre of Commerce and will have about 475 exhibitors in every major product and service category needed by furniture retailers.
British exhibitor offers Indian case goods
High Point— A new exhibitor at the market here is hoping to build India's reputation as a source country for case goods. Indus Valley, based in Nottingham, England, imports handmade bedroom, dining and occasional furniture in solid sheesham wood from factories in the Rajasthan region of northern India.
South Sea Rattan has hardwood
High Point— South Sea Rattan has moved to a larger showroom for the October market and is rolling out a new division of imported hardwood furniture. Fairfax Home Furnishings, the new division, will offer about nine bedroom suites, dining room furniture and about 50 SKUs of hand-painted occasional items such as armoires, folding screens, buffets, clocks and curios.
ChairWorks relocates to 220 Elm
Lawrenceville, Ga.— Office chair and recliner producer ChairWorks has moved its High Point showroom to 220 Elm for the October market. At 5,000 square feet, the new showroom in space 302 is about 10% bigger than the company's previous showroom in Market Square. Other exhibitors in 220 Elm include major home office players such as Palliser, Sauder, O'Sullivan and Z-Line, as well as seating...
RTA importer Ameriwest brings line to High Point
Ontario, Calif.— Ameriwest Inds., a new player in the ready-to-assemble furniture arena, is targeting national discount chains and office-product superstores with its imported line, which is strong in small office/home office. "Between our current items and our new product launches in October and again in January, we anticipate SOHO will represent about 70% of our furniture business," sai...
Four outdoor food vendors authorized for market
High Point— Four outdoor food vendors are open for business during the October market in the first test of a new city ordinance allowing them to operate under the auspices of the International Home Furnishings Market Authority. Although the new city ordinance allows vendors to operate as many as seven days prior to the official opening day of market, the Market Authority told them they co...
Market seeking state aid
High Point— The International Home Furnishings Market Authority is seeking $100,000 in state assistance next year to help promote the High Point market, which draws tens of thousands of visitors to North Carolina every April and October. Market Authority President Judy Mendenhall described the talks with state officials as "very preliminary," but she believes some assistance could be incl...
Liquidator wins Andersen job
Chicago— Great American Group has won the job of auctioning off the office furniture of the disintegrating accounting giant Arthur Andersen, a project expected to involve at least 50 offices around the United States. "We are excited about the project and hope to raise as much cash as possible," said Jeff Yellen, who heads Great American's Furniture Division.
Berkline, BenchCraft integrate product lines
Morristown, Tenn.— Berkline and BenchCraft have integrated their product lines in what the company says is a quest for efficiencies that will yield bottom-line gains for the manufacturers and their dealers. Berkline/Benchcraft, formed earlier this year with the breakup of former parent LifeStyle Furnishings International, will show retailers the new positioning in marketing and merchandis...
Moh scholarship winners attending market
High Point— Winners of Celia Moh scholarships, who are studying for careers in the furniture industry, are attending the October market to get a first-hand look at the industry in action. Laurence Moh, chairman of case goods and flooring manufacturer Fine Furniture Group, established the Celia Moh Scholarship Fund last year to encourage exceptionally talented students to choose careers in...
Lowe's eyes 60 more units in metro N.Y.
Wilkesboro, N.C.— Home improvement chain Lowe's said it plans to add more than 60 stores in the greater New York City area over the next several years. Lowe's has just opened stores in Roosevelt Field, N.Y., and Holmdel, N.J., and began construction on its first store on Staten Island. Stores are under construction at seven area locations, and several proposed sites are under contract pen...
ISPA tackles burning issues with regulators
Aspen, Colo.— Bedding industry leaders met here this month with state and federal regulators in a collaborative session that reflects the partnerships the industry has established as it tackles tough new flammability standards. California will put a new open-flame mattress flammability law into effect in January 2004, and the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued an advanc...
Furniture industry pasted, ISPA praised
Aspen, Colo.— The president of the National Assn. of State Fire Marshals, an influential group promoting fire-safety issues, fired a blistering broadside at furniture manufacturers who are fighting new fire-safety standards. Those manufacturers are not being honest and fair in their arguments, said Donald P.
Flammability picture comes into focus
Aspen, Colo.— Leading bedding producers say they're beginning to get a clearer picture of the mattress flammability issue that looms large for the bedding industry. The International Sleep Products Assn.'s Industry Conference, held here Oct. 3–4, devoted one day to flammability issues, with presentations by several flammability experts.
High-end bedding line fit for royal slumber
High Point— With this bedding line, consumers can literally sleep like a queen. The Queen of England, that is. English bed producer Hypnos is partnering with Jamison Bedding to bring U.S. consumers a luxury bedding line that boasts a royal pedigree. The Royal Comfort line, which consists of three beds retailing from $2,400 to $6,000, is making its U.
O'Sullivan develops exclusive RTA lineup for furniture stores
Lamar, Mo.— O'Sullivan Furniture has introduced new product with a different strategy, developing a home furnishings line exclusively for furniture retailers. O'Sullivan is one of the big three ready-to-assemble furniture manufacturers, but has little presence in furniture stores. Furniture/Today ranks the company as the 10th largest manufacturer for the U.
Ide tapped for Relax-R sales post
Milton, Vt.— Relax-R, a producer of recliners and glider rockers, has named Daniel Ide national sales manager. Ide most recently was national account manager for Riverside Furniture, and previously was vice president of sales at upholstery producer River Oaks. He began his home furnishings career at bedding major Simmons.
Thomasville selects Exim for B2B with stores
Thomasville, N.C.— Thomasville Furniture has selected Exim Technologies to enable business-to-business transactions between the furniture maker and its retail network. Exim's XM Commerce platform will be used to make electronic communication easier and affordable for retailers. Under the agreement, Thomasville will license the platform to connect electronically with an unlimited number of...
Kornblatt joins Feinblum firm
Bethpage, N.Y.— Rich "Kaye" Kornblatt has joined Julius M. Feinblum Real Estate as a retail furniture site locator and real estate consultant. Kornblatt, an industry veteran, will specialize in inner city retail furniture locations across the country for Feinblum, which specializes in the industry.
Retailer group honors Pilgrim
Southington, Conn.— The New England Retailers Assn. has voted Pilgrim Furniture City here the top company in the region. Pilgrim is a fourth-generation, family-owned furniture retailer. The current owners are Mike Albert and Steve Bichunsky. "We have reached this mark by hard work and dedication," said Albert.
Wood mfr. focuses on domestic production
High Point— MacKenzie-Dow, which showed in High Point for the first time last October, is running counter to the trend toward imported case goods. In August 2001, the company opened a 27,000-square-foot plant in Huntington, W.Va., where it began manufacturing its English Pub collection, a traditional series of solid-wood bedroom, dining and occasional, primarily in Appalachian cherry.
Myriad unveiling enhancements
High Point— Myriad Software is unveiling at market here various enhancements to the latest versions of its big-ticket furniture retail software, Eclicktic 3.0.20 released in May and Eclicktic 3.0.30 released in July. Along with the new technology, Myriad is offering gourmet coffee, cappuccino and espresso at its 12th floor space in the International Home Furnishings Center.
New Bassett Bedding Web site offers information on options
High Point— Bassett Bedding has launched a new Web site at www.bassettbedding.com with the help of Symetri, a technology company that focuses on the furniture industry. Sealy makes and distributes Bassett mattresses and foundations under licenses from Bassett Furniture Inds. Symetri designed the Web site to give consumers information and direction in bedding options.
HFIA board meets in Nov.
Dallas— Las Vegas will be the setting for the fall board meeting of the retailer group Home Furnishings International Assn. In addition to the association's board, other attendees at the Nov. 10–12 meeting will be past presidents and members of the HFIA's Talent Team. Developers of the proposed World Market Center in Las Vegas will host the HFIA group on a tour of their future site.
HFIA's Haven kit available
Dallas— The Home Furnishings International Assn. is making the Haven room planning tool available to home furnishings professionals. HFIA, a national retail association, recently acquired the assets of the Home Furnishings Council, which previously produced Haven materials for furniture professionals and consumers.
Firm offers employee relations help to stores
High Point— A former Bassett Furniture executive and a Colorado professional have formed a partnership to help small to medium-sized home furnishings businesses deal with employee relations issues. Steve Rindskopf, Bassett's former vice president of administration and human resources, and Dr. Debra Gentry have launched a venture called ER Director.
AP system aims to cut lead times
Quebec City— After a year of preparation, case goods manufacturer Generations by AP Inds. has gone live with a manufacturing system it says reduces lead times by 25% to 40%. AP had to resolve software glitches in the J.D. Edwards manufacturing system that initially caused delayed shipments, and deleted orders and reports.
Ethan Allen holding Dream Room contest
Danbury, Conn.— In honor of its anniversary, Ethan Allen will make over one room in the home of the winner of its 70th Anniversary Dream Room contest. Contestants must submit seven reasons why their room needs an Ethan Allen makeover; describe their room's current problems, their decorating style and their favorite color; and send photographs of the room.
Davis opens showroom adjacent to Center Point
High Point— A vacant factory behind the Center Point showroom has been transformed into a two-story showroom building that is open for the October market. The new facility, named Center Point on Manning, has leased all 90,000 square feet of exhibit space to 10 tenants. Manning is the street the new showroom building faces.
Primo Designs moves to new Manning space
High Point— Case goods source Primo Designs has moved its showroom here to the new Center Point on Manning building, space 165 on the first floor. The showroom is about 12,000 square feet and features the company's 10 current lifestyle collections, including bedroom, dining room and occasional, as well as four collections showing in High Point for the first time.
AFMA annual meeting set for Nov.
High Point— Top manufacturers and retailers will examine industry issues and strategies for addressing emerging challenges at the American Furniture Manufacturers Assn.'s 2002 Annual Meeting next month. The meeting, open to AFMA manufacturer members and its Supplier Division board members, is set for Nov.
Oct. 29 seminar will examine import issues
High Point— Common pitfalls of shipping to and importing from overseas markets will be discussed during the American Furniture Manufacturers Assn.'s ABCs of Importing seminar Oct. 29 at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro. The 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seminar features three speakers, each with expertise in aspects of international trade.
Anteks names Gill president as chain gears up for growth
Dallas— Anteks Home Furnishings, a chain of stores specializing in "American" home furnishings, has named Mike Gill president and chief operating officer as the company prepares for expansion. Gill, whose background includes 15 years in operations with importer El Dorado Furniture Co., is part of an investor group that bought a minority stake in Anteks, which is pronounced like "antiques.
Furniture to fit my TV? Sauder site finds it
Archbold, Ohio— The interactive "TV Size Furniture Finder" on Sauder Woodworking's Web site is making it easier for consumers to determine which entertainment center or universal stand is right for their television. The finder walks consumers through the process of selecting entertainment furniture in four simple steps.
SCFM honors casual manufacturers
Chicago— The Summer & Casual Furniture Manufacturers Assn. presented eight casual furniture manufacturers with Design Excellence Awards during the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market here at The Merchandise Mart. The awards honor manufacturers whose products demonstrate innovation, fine craftsmanship and engineering in eight product categories.
Robb & Stucky ranks high
Fort Myers, Fla.— Retailer Robb & Stucky received high marks in two publications' rankings of the best companies. Florida Trend Magazine ranked the company 85th out of the top 200 privately held companies in the state. Phoenix Business Journal's annual survey listed Robb & Stuck as No. 5 among the top 25 interior design firms in greater Phoenix.
A tale of two cities: In this 'battle' of East vs. West, High Point edges Shanghai
Shanghai, China— Look out, High Point. This booming metropolis, the "Pearl of the Orient," is serious about furniture. It may come as a shock to High Pointers, who already are fretting about the supposed threat posed by a planned market in Las Vegas, but there is another city out there that could affect High Point's future.
AFMA, regulators working toward ergonomic guidelines
High Point— The American Furniture Manufacturers Assn. is partnering with federal and state regulators to develop voluntary guidelines to help furniture producers recognize and control ergonomic hazards and injuries. According to the participants, this alliance of federal and state government and industry in developing ergonomic guidelines is the first in the United States.
AFMA backs ASU program
Boone, N.C.— The Furniture Foundation of the American Furniture Manufacturers Assn. has contributed $50,000 to Appalachian State University here. The gift will fund eight $3,000 scholarships for students pursuing a double major in furniture studies in the Department of Technology and either management or marketing in the Walker College of Business.
Textiles Hall of Fame inducts new members
Lowell, Mass.— DuPont and the founder of Burlington Inds. were among those inducted into the American Textiles Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame, in its second year, is housed at the American Textile History Museum here. DuPont, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, was honored for its contributions toward improving the standard of living for millions worldwide by delivering comfort, ...
Maffei-Toolan named design VP at Waverly
New York— Pamela Maffei-Toolan has been promoted to vice president of design for the Waverly Lifestyle Group division of F. Schumacher & Co. Maffei-Toolan, who will oversee the design, development and improvement of all product lines including fabric, wall coverings and finished home fashions in the Waverly Lifestyle Group, reports to Dale Williams, president and general manager of th...
Michelangelo Designs takes traditional tack with Marco Polo line
High Point— Italian case goods and upholstery manufacturer Michelangelo Designs is unveiling a more traditional leaning collection called Marco Polo at market here. The initial round of product includes dining room and occasional in wood, and leather-, nubuck- and chenille-covered upholstery, all produced in Italy.
Bernie & Phyl founders honored by association
Boston— Bernie Rubin and Phyllis Rubin, co-founders of Bernie & Phyl's Furniture, based in Norton, Mass., have received the Home Furnishings Assn. of New England's Robert E. Richmond Award of Eminence. The award is given to companies that exemplify strong ethics and professionalism, and has been awarded 12 times since 1977.
AFMA sets credit seminar for Oct. 30
High Point— The American Furniture Manufacturers Assn. will offer a Credit Applications Seminar Oct. 30 at the Ballantyne Resort and Conference Center in Charlotte, N.C. The seminar, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will cover issues such as information that should be required on the credit application, forms of guaranty, representations by customers that can be included on the credit application,...
'04 casual show dates changed
High Point— The Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Assn. has changed the dates for the 2004 International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market in Chicago. The show will be Sept. 18–22, 2004, a Saturday-to-Wednesday schedule. The SCFMA board elected to change the dates to avoid a conflict with the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Chain finds catalog, online links
Corte Madera, Calif.— New findings from Restoration Hardware's tracking of sales show that its printed catalog is driving a significant amount of traffic to its Web site and that catalog customers spend more online than do those who do not receive it. The lifestyle-oriented home furnishings specialty retailer's study determined that catalog mailings are driving as much as 40% of online tr...

Opinion Today

Support a great charity and possibly win a car
This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so while you're in High Point for market you should plan to attend the big industry kick-off for The Common Thread for the Cure at 7 p.m. Sunday night at Showplace. Suzann Burkhead-Bray, president of International Fabrics and founder of Common Thread, says a 2003 Thunderbird convertible will be given to a lucky ticket-holder, and if you don't win the car y...
Give 'em more, or slash the price?
One of the most important, and probably less thought about, challenges facing furnitureland as market begins is the issue of devaluation or deflation, depending on your point of view. As the industry's manufacturing capacity continues to migrate to Asia — or wherever the next cheapest production locale may be — the folks here apparently have not looked too closely at what happens wh...
Why this is no longer your father's market
Not that long ago, you didn't need the credentials of a rocket scientist to see that most retailers flocked to market with the primary objective of seeing hot new product. But this is not your father's furniture market. Not by a long shot. Oh, enough things are similar enough to lull you into a sense that this is essentially the same old High Point: the anticipation of seeing new product and gr...

People Today

Grant appointed Midwest marketing manager at Cory
Jersey City, N.J.— Bob Grant has been named marketing manager for the Midwest division of Cory Home Delivery Service. He will be responsible for new account development as well as for growing and servicing Cory's existing business in the Midwest. Grant is a retail industry veteran in transportation and distribution logistics, operations management, warehousing and home delivery, as well a...
People on the Move
People on the Move
Officers/Directors SCFMA High Point — The Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Assn. has elected its 2002–2003 officers. Dudley K. Flanders of Lloyd/ Flanders Inds. in Fort Smith, Ark., is the new president. Other officers are Merv Conn, Minson Corp., Montebello, Calif., first vice president; Rory Rehmert, Meadowcraft, Birmingham, Ala.

Special Report

Market Guide
Case goods flex more muscle
High Point— Armed with what may be the most new product in recent years, case goods exhibitors are pushing new price points, new categories, fast-track cutting schedules and new services at the October market. Drexel Heritage, where 45% of the showroom consists of new product, is focusing on middle prices in an effort to round out its line to fit a good-better-best branding strategy.
Market Guide
Asian wood mfrs. step into leather
High Point— Several existing Asian case goods importers and manufacturers, in a calculated move to expand room package offerings and to further enhance marketplace visibility, will launch companion leather seating programs this market. Aside from wreaking havoc with their Italian competitors, such Asian-based leather newcomers as Collezione Europa, Emerald Home Furnishings, HomElegance an...
Market Guide
Stationary vendors roll out promos, programs, product
High Point— Upholstery buyers should find what they're looking for this market, as manufacturers offer strong promotions, trot out extensive collections and launch programs that border on fresh and innovative. The latter best describes a strategy by upper-end contemporary maker Preview, which is offering a container program that cuts the price by 20% to 30% on best selling products.
Market Guide
Vendors put emphasis on occasional
High Point— Occasional furniture can bring excitement to a showroom floor, a major reason why many manufacturers are emphasizing the category for this market. Importers and domestic manufacturers are introducing products with lots of look for the dollar across a wide variety of styles and price points.
Market Guide
It's only rock and roll
Some say rock and roll music is the same three chords in different combinations, and the same could be said for furniture, especially at this market where many collections are an amalgam of styles built around an individual's design sensibility, or a geographic or period theme. Other important areas are French in two accents, relaxed, mostly provincial or Louis Philippe; contemporary-leaning tr...
Market Guide
Style directions: Trending toward contemporary
N o-nonsense, straightforward, simple lines abound in this sampling of timely contemporary and transitional introductions. These uncomplicated furnishings reflect a well-defined sense of order as typified by Huppé's finely curved aluminum bed, the spare subtleties of Leathercraft's sofa or the deftly bowed dresser from American Drew.
Market Guide
Style directions: Antique inspirations
The number of collections of "collectibles" this fall should be no great surprise. Take a style library of tried-and-true looks that consumers have proven they'll go for, toss in the increasing importance of eclecticism even at mass market price points, and you have the ingredients for strong sales potential.
Market Guide
Style directions: Cottage grows up
It's a little bit casual, a little bit formal and has quite a bit of floral. But however it's described, the cottage look clearly is gaining strength. Upholstery pieces are dominated by fabrics with soft floral prints and relaxed slipcover looks, while wood pieces often have a traditional flair, but with lighter finishes.
Market Guide
Style directions: Tidal attraction
Ocean themes play a strong part in this market as island and coastal styles flourish. Palm leaves, coco bark, crushed bamboo and abaca are some of the mixed media used in the island collections, while nautical themes inspire creations with plank tops and washed or rub-through finishes. East Indies/West Indies FINE FURNITURE DESIGN & MARKETING'S Plantation Home combines British Colonial them...
Market Guide
Style directions: Town & country French
Most of the French styles at market this week are more at home in the vintner's house than Versailles. Country French in many translations predominates, but it appears no suppliers want to be without some take on Louis Philippe, as well. The latter, however, shows up in lighter, clearer tones than usual, with an emphasis on showing off the wood grain.
Market Guide
Upholstery
Comfort Designs IHFC D-729 This classically styled sofa in polished steel with tight back from Comfort Designs has a companion chair. John Richard Furniture H/W 200 Steele St. Functionality with a flair is the key to this ottoman from John Richard. Lazar Inds. IHFC D-817 The Gia chair is one of the latest additions to Lazar's contemporary dining chair collection of small-scale chairs.
Market Guide
Leather upholstery
Elite Leather 135 S. Hamilton St. The Studio City sectional is among the offerings included in Elite's rollout of Ultrasuede covers. All leather frames are now also offered in 96 colors of Ultrasuede. Niroflex MOG 302 A product of Brazil, this beefy 90-inch transitional silhouette is set to retail from $899 to $999.
Market Guide
Wicker & rattan
Palecek IHFC D-202 Part of San Remo collection, this chair, ottoman and table feature a lattice open weave rattan and an overstuffed design in upholstery. Finish is mottled umber; cover is Indigo Oriental Toile. JJ Hyde Co. PS 1-613 The Bahama Club sofa mixes rattan and leather for this casual island look.
Market Guide
Motion upholstery
Brooks FP 515 A massage unit is featured in this contemporary swivel/glider rocker. Natale 400 English Rd. The Key West motion sofa uses the company's highest grade of leather. Best Chairs 239 S. Main St. The well-known recliner and glider rocker producer makes its debut in motion sofas. La-Z-Boy FP 103 The new Delta rocker/recliner features a power reclining mechanism.
Market Guide
Area rugs
Shaw Rugs MS 204 Windward Island is a breezy big-border pattern in the Tommy Bahama collection. The machine-woven rugs retail at $600 in 5′5″ by 7′9″. Nejad IHFC D-343 Easy living large scale floral in The Bright Rug collection is hand-tufted of modacrylic yarns, $299 in 5′ by 8′.
Market Guide
Bedroom
Blackhawk FP 302 A grand sleigh bed with heavy molding, strong base and carved side rails is an addition to the Covington collection in oak. Wood Bros. MS 300 Additions to the Old Charm collection include an oak bed with delicate hand-carving on headboard and footboard, and details on side rails. Oakwood Interiors FP 600 Alder Rose includes the panel bed shown here, as well as a mansion bed and...
Market Guide
Youth bedroom
Stanley IHFC C-1158 The latest youth group is Harbor Town, 35 pieces with a nautical and rustic feel. The generously scaled pieces feature antique brass hardware, rustic rogue cherry solids and veneers with lightly distressed, low-sheen and a casual cherry finish. Carey More Designs IHFC H-147 New youth products include this boat crib with teething rail, adjustable bedsprings and optional wheels.
Market Guide
Metal beds
Elliott's Designs IHFC M-938 Detailed castings and clean lines combine to make a style statement in this new metal bed. Founders Furniture IHFC M-530 The Broadway collection includes beds in a brushed platinum silver finish. Fashion Bed Group IHFC C-700 The Wilmington features an open-toe footboard and is done in transitional styling.
Market Guide
Dining room
Leda IHFC G-576 A contemporary hutch and cabinet in cherry veneers and hand-selected solids in a Scotch mist finish is part of the Uptown collection. Indus Valley SMS 1338 This table and chairs are from a company sourcing furniture in solid sheesham wood from northern India making its first High Point appearance.
Market Guide
Casual dining
Serra Designs This teacart comes from the Spiral collection and features glass top and bottom shelves, wrought iron and bronze or silver powdercoat finish. Charleston Forge 1690 English Rd. Graceful curves mark this server/hutch from the Formations collection. The cabinet of solid white oak has a natural European oiled finish and metal in Antique Pewter finish.
Market Guide
Home office
Calligaris IHFC H-524 The castered Avante Garde desk features an aluminum frame and glass top. Shown here with the Spin office chair. Novimex CP 101 This shapely executive chair combines rich leather with a contemporary, blue powder-coated base and arm frames. Gautier 220 Elm, 326 The Web Line of computer workstations sports a light, apple-wood finish, with casters and handles in gray aluminum.
Market Guide
Home entertainment
Eagle Inds. 130 S. Main St. This entertainment unit is comprised of two end units with bridge, to accommodate almost any size floor model television. Creations MFG. CP 217 Blairwood is a corner entertainment unit in transitional style with twin bi-fold raised-panel doors and twin lower storage doors.
Market Guide
Occasional
CBK SMS MSG-95 CBK offers these trunks with curved sides in brown and cream finishes. A set of two retails for $135. Universal I-85 & Uwharrie Rd. From the Alexander Julian line comes the Post Road collection, including this oversized legged nightstand with butler tray-styled raised lip. Butler Specialty IHFC M-239 Butler Specialty moves up in size, style and price points with Connoisseur's...
Market Guide
Occasional tables
Hammary IHFC D-104 The Westbury Manor collection includes this lift-top cocktail table interpreted from 17th century English design. Collection elements include barley twist legs, bobbin turnings and geometric moldings using ash solids and oak veneers in a Burnished Oak finish. Union City Mirror & Table IHFC M-710 The 533 console/mirror set has a French Provincial style, a 13-step Antique G...
Market Guide
This & that
Founders Furniture IHFC M-530 Additions to the step-up Vignettes division include this sleek modern bedroom. Hickory Chair IHFC C-800 An addition to the Winterthur collection, this gilt-decorated tilt-top table with chinoiserie is based on Winterthur archives. Legacy Leather International 224 E. Kivett Dr.
Market Guide
SOHO mfrs. seek to energize biz
High Point— Small office/home office producers are jazzing up their lines this market with new styles, sizes and features in an effort to jump-start what has been relatively flat business for many. Among the most noteworthy introductions: As has been true of the past few markets, resources are emphasizing value, function and versatility in their bid to gain dealers' attention and floor sp...
Market Guide
Motion keys on development
High Point— Although motion upholstery and recliners have been two of the furniture industry's few bright spots this year, producers aren't taking anything for granted with their latest round of market introductions. They're still concerned that the falling stock market, talk of war with Iraq, fears of more terrorist attacks, or a host of other contingencies could put a choke-hold on cons...
Market Guide
Metal beds spark with textures
High Point— Mixed-media looks continue to spark interest in the growing metal bed arena. Fashion Bed Group, one of the industry's largest and best-known players, is featuring mixed-media styles in a number of introductions this market. The name says it all in the Leggett & Platt company's Tahiti Collection, which features a rattan weave and metal combination.
Market Guide
Casual dining intros to spark interest with mix of style, function
High Point— Casual dining producers are adding creativity to draw attention from retailers, mixing styles and functions. Castered tilt/swivel chairs look to be making a comeback, but at better prices, said Kelly Smith, vice president of sales and marketing for Stoneville Furniture. Promotional models, however, appear to have worn out their welcome, he believed.
Market Guide
RTA vendors expand menu of choices
High Point— Entering a third year of sluggish demand and a dwindling distribution base, flat-pack furniture makers are searching for ways to stimulate demand, offering an expanding menu of products they hope will pique the interest of buyers and consumers. The sad truth, however, is that there's no substitute for a percolating economy combined with a soaring stock market.
Market Guide
O'Sullivan spotlights storage
High Point— Storage — for the garage and in the — is the innovative thrust for RTA major O'Sullivan Furniture. While O'Sullivan is also expanding its television stands and its Digital Dock desk options, the company's biggest new push is in the storage category, with modular systems that the company would like to place with home-improvement stores.
Market Guide
4D's hollow-core boards a winner
High Point— Offering a substantial and stylish look, 4D Concepts believes it has found a winning program with its collection of ready-to-assemble furniture constructed from hollow-core boards. 4D, which imports flat-pack furniture from Asia, brought out its first hollow-core product last October with a series of bookshelves, available in veneer or laminate, and for this market, the compan...
Market Guide
Rug vendors go for fresh, salable
High Point— Good looks and good value are the twin goals for rug vendors coming to the October market. There may be fewer introductions this fall, but major vendors say they are working overtime to develop items that are fresh and salable. It's not a season for the faint of heart. "There aren't any easy answers for restarting the economy," said Paul D'huyvetter, senior vice president of s...
Market Guide
Youth comes on strong in style, prices
High Point— Youth bedroom, which took a backseat to master bedroom at the spring edition of the International Home Furnishings Market, is back in full force with a wealth of introductions to meet a variety of style tastes and price ranges. The category, still seen as a must-have instead of a luxury, is weathering the economic storm better than other categories, according to major manufact...
Market Guide
Glider rockers dance to market beat
High Point— New mechanisms, more fully upholstered looks and wider seating are taking center stage in glider rocker introductions here, and manufacturers are bullish about this fall's edition of the International Home Furnishings Market. The relatively new category is still undergoing growth, despite the weakened economy, and manufacturers say that bodes well for the comfortable chairs th...
Market Guide
Broad range of bedding on tap in H.P.
High Point— Two of the bedding industry's biggest guns are adding their firepower to the broad range of new bedding products being shown here. No. 2 Serta and No. 3 Simmons are both showing new bedding models at market. Sealy, the industry's No. 1 producer, continues to exhibit at its corporate headquarters in Trinity, a short drive from downtown High Point.
Retailer Profile
It's all-for-one and one-for-all at Rotmans
Worcester, Mass.— While there are many special and significant furniture stores, it's still rare, as it probably is in any industry, to find a place where all the individuals in the organization seem to be wholly committed to the company's success. Rotmans is such a place. Rotmans creates an enjoyable shopping experience for consumers with staff and managers who accept and embrace the com...
Retailer Profile
Rotmans to open new warehouse, convert old facility to retail space
Worcester, Mass.— After nearly 30 years of moving merchandise in and out of the tight confines of a converted carpet mill, Rotmans has committed to a new warehouse, which will allow the company to expand its retail space. The 86,000-square-foot facility, with 38-foot ceilings, will eliminate much of the double and triple handling the company had been doing between its three off-site stora...
Market Guide
Manufacturer's in the Market Guide

Store Openings

Breuner's Arizona sets 3rd unit
Glendale, Ariz.— Breuner's Arizona will open its third store here in November. Designed by Fief/Walls of Port Charlotte, Fla., the 30,000-square-foot store will serve the fast-growing Arrowhead area of northwest Phoenix. "The customer demographics of Arrowhead exactly fit our concept of fashion-forward home furnishings at affordable prices," said Tom Daley, executive vice president of Bre...
Furniture Direct readies No. 2
Las Vegas— Furniture Direct is set to open its second store here in December, a 20,000-square-foot showroom on Industrial Road along Interstate 15. The retailer opened in Las Vegas in 1994 and its current showroom is on Rainbow Boulevard. Furniture Direct specializes in special-order, brand-name furniture from North Carolina manufacturers, including Lexington.
Greensboro La-Z-Boy reopens
Greensboro, N.C.— The La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries store on Landmark Center Drive has been revamped and reopened. The 13,500-square-foot store is owned by Art Clayton and features a full selection of furniture from La-Z-Boy and its subsidiaries.
La-Z-Boy installs 5 youth areas
Greensboro, N.C.— La-Z-Boy Youth Collection displays have opened in five stores, featuring furniture from La-Z-Boy subsidiary Lea Inds. In Elkins, W.Va., Cupps Furniture has opened a 9,000-square-foot addition to its store featuring a La-Z-Boy Youth Collection area of about 1,000 square feet. Chucks Furniture in Morgantown, W.
Lexington to roll out 3 galleries
Lexington, N.C.— Lexington Home Brands is set to roll out three in-store galleries as part of its Lexington Home Retail program. Classic Interiors of Long Island, N.Y., Hufford Furniture in Chicago, and Bacon's Furniture Galleries of Port Charlotte, Fla., will each add dedicated Lexington areas between now and January 2003.
Broyhill opens two galleries
Lenoir, N.C.— Broyhill Furniture galleries have opened in stores in New Hampshire and Maryland. In Claremont, N.H., Furniture Plus has installed a 10,000-square-foot Broyhill Showcase Gallery. Henry and Wendy Tunkle are owners of the 27,000-square-foot store, where their son Eric assists with operations.

Up Front

Hooker acquiring Bradington-Young
Martinsville, Va.— Case goods manufacturer Hooker Furniture has agreed to acquire upholstery maker Bradington-Young in a deal expected to be complete by year-end. Based on projected 2002 sales, the companies would have combined annual revenues of about $300 million. Hooker reported that it will acquire the company from the Young family and Ben Causey, Bradington-Young's chief financial of...
Buyers still crave imports
High Point— Furniture dealers, reporting everything from sluggish to strong business, are heading to market with eyes peeled for value, fighting for a leg up with consumers who continue to clamp down on spending. Almost unanimously, retailers contacted equated value with imported goods. For high-end stores, imports are putting increasing pressure on profits.
Bacall coming to High Point
Thomasville, N.C.— Thomasville Furniture is turning up the star power on its Bogart Collection introduction with a market appearance by Lauren Bacall, the late actor's favorite leading lady onscreen and off. Bacall and her son, Stephen Bogart, will attend an invitation-only dealer event in the showroom here on Wednesday evening, Oct.
River Oaks down for count
Tupelo, Miss.— River Oaks, the struggling promotional upholstery producer that recently shut down its remaining plant in Baldwyn, Miss., will not reopen. "The (two-person) board of directors has entered into a resolution to permanently close the company and cease production," said Mark Gillis, a vice president at Anderson, Bauman, Tourtellot, Vos & Co.
Give us your best shot
High Point— Furniture/Today is soliciting photographs of product introductions for its Best of Market section, to appear in the Oct. 28 issue. To be considered, products must be well-received introductions at this market. Furniture and rugs in all categories and price points will be accepted. The deadline for submitting products for the Best of Market section is 10 a.
La-Z-Boy hits 300 mark
Peoria, Ill.— La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries hit the 300-store mark with the launch of a 15,500-square-foot unit here owned by a schoolteacher turned retailer. The store, opened Oct. 10, is the fourth in central Illinois for dealer Sande Hilst and the 27th in the La-Z-Boy network under the New Generation format — the name for the concept introduced last year as the "Store of Tomorrow.
Natuzzi sets 100-gallery '03 rollout
High Point— After testing its in-store gallery program in about 10 North American markets, Italian upholstery giant Natuzzi plans an aggressive rollout of the concept with more than 100 galleries opening next year. "We will start rolling it out in numbers in 2003," said Fred Starr, president and chief executive officer of Natuzzi Americas.
Some exhibitors plan to airlift market samples
High Point— Dockworkers at West Coast ports returned to work last week, but that might be too late to get some samples here in time for market without expensive airfreight. A federal judge last week granted President Bush's request to end a 10-day lockout at 29 major Pacific ports, where the labor dispute left a lot of High Point-bound furniture stranded on ships or docks.
Petril is North America sales VP at Incanto
Iesce, Italy— Robert Petril Jr. has joined Italian leather upholstery producer Incanto Divani as vice president of sales and marketing for the United States and Canada, a new position. Incanto, a 13-year-old company, plans to launch its line in the Americas next year, showing in High Point for the first time in April.
Retooled Riverside ready to grow
Fort Smith, Ark.— As it approaches its second anniversary as a management-owned company, manufacturer Riverside Furniture says it has found its financial footing. Despite flat sales, the company has invested millions in operational improvements and is reaping the benefits in profitability, said Buddy Spradlin, president and chief executive officer.
H&S moving toward total packages
High Point— Canadian case goods importer Hamilton & Spill has forged alliances with two lighting producers, an upholstery manufacturer and an area rug distributor, and is showing and selling the entire package in its newly expanded Center Point showroom here. "We want to give retailers a better idea of how the product will look, not only in their stores but in the customer's home as w...

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