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Furniture|Today -- 04/13/2005
Market Daily
- High Point Market
Celebs get Simmons HealthSmart bed in Fashion Week
promo
New York— Almost two dozen celebrities will have a chance to try out a new
Simmons HealthSmart bed, thanks to a special promotion the bedding maker
unveiled during Fall 2005 Fashion Week here. Gift certificates for the beds were put in the "Bed in a Bag"-themed
goody bags given out during the event, which attracts international media
coverage.
- High Point Market
Hickory White offering retail package
At the Market— Hickory White has created Hickory White Home, a retail concept to
display best-selling collections from the full-line high-end manufacturer and
importer's revamped product line. The program is on display along with new product at Hickory White's
showroom at 206 East Green Drive.
- High Point Market
Sherwin-Williams updates guidebook
Cleveland— Sherwin-Williams' Chemical Coatings Division has updated its guide
for manufacturers on selecting factory finishing systems that meet
Architectural Woodwork Industry standards. For more information about the guide, visit the company's Web site at
www.sherwin-williams.com/oem or call (800)
524-5979.
- High Point Market
Taylor King celebrates 30 years in business
Taylorsville, N.C.— Upper-end upholstery and occasional manufacturer Taylor King marked
its 30th anniversary with a celebration at company headquarters here. "Our company's stellar growth can be attributed to an extensive product
offering, superior customer service and outstanding quality," said President
Del Starnes, speaking to 190 company employees, "We owe our success to each...
- High Point Market
Taylor King expands space in 200 Steele St. showroom
At the Market— High-end upholstery manufacturer Taylor King has expanded its
showroom on the second floor of 200 Steele St., gaining 3,000 square feet
previously occupied by Lloyd Buxton Furniture. The addition brings Taylor
King's space to 15,000 square feet. A portion of the additional square footage will be devoted to a
freestanding occasional furniture gallery.
- High Point Market
Taylor King, Decorating Den join forces to fight
cancer
At the Market— Upholstered furniture manufacturer Taylor King will host a seminar
at the April market for consumers here, proceeds from which will benefit the
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The seminar, titled A Day at the Market, is co-sponsored by Interiors by
Decorating Den, a franchise-based interior design business.
- High Point Market
Dobbins joins Kemp Enterprises
At the Market— Jim Dobbins has been named vice president of sales at case goods
importer Kemp Enterprises. He replaces Ted Philpott, who joined Pennsylvania
House earlier this year. Dobbins, a 32-year industry veteran, most recently was director of East
Coast sales for Kimball Home Furnishings.
- High Point Market
Powell Co. hires De La Cruz
At the Market— Jose De La Cruz, a former furniture designer for retailer The Bombay
Company, has been named vice president of merchandising at Powell Co. In the newly created post, De La Cruz will concentrate on
ready-to-assemble accent furniture, beds and home entertainment furniture. He
reports to David Walker, senior vice president of merchandising.
- High Point Market
Consolidated Bedding taps Russo
Tampa, Fla.— Consolidated Bedding, Spring Air's largest licensee, has promoted
Steve Russo to president to replace Les Ayers, who has left the company. Russo had been chief operating officer. Steve Antinori, chairman and
CEO, announced the change. Consolidated Bedding, a new entity, was created last month in a merger
of Spring Air Partners and American Bedding Inds.
- High Point Market
Upholstery
ACME Brand Couch IHFC D-817 American Upholstery SP 5000 This division of American Leather is adding several pieces: Ashley IHFC H-900 Berne MS 228 Bernhardt IHFC D-601 Adding more traditional upholstery and sectionals, including a
wood-frame sofa with exposed arms and rails with cane on back and sides,
$1,199.
- High Point Market
Home entertainment
AICO IHFC G-777 Bassett IHFC C-1200 Expanding the Elway home entertainment program with the 5th Avenue
group, in birch solids and cherry veneers with sliding doors and a custom
bridge option; two finish options: light cherry and dark cherry. Available to
ship in July. Club 8 220 Elm 310 Concordia PS C-110 Gautier 220 Elm 326 Golden Oak CP 1110 Harden Mfg.
- High Point Market
OFMA, Cantrex team up for Toronto June market
Toronto— A small group of manufacturers with permanent showrooms in and
around the International Center here will hold a three-day mini-market this
summer from Tuesday, June 21 to Thursday, June 23. The Toronto Summer Furniture Show is being organized by the Ontario
Furniture Manufacturers Assn.
- High Point Market
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 April 25 issue. To be considered for this section, products must be well-received
introductions at this market. Furniture and rugs in all categories and price
points will be considered.
- High Point Market
Domain's George speaking at ASFD dinner
At the Market— Judy George, chairman and CEO of Top 100 store Domain Home Fashions,
will speak at the American Society of Furniture Designers' market dinner
Thursday evening in the High Point Country Club. George, the founder of Norwood, Mass.-based Domain, long has been a
spokeswoman for the industry and a promoter of design concepts for the home.
- High Point Market
Durham launches licensed George Washington line
At the Market— Durham Furniture is launching here its licensed George Washington:
Architect line, the first in a series of furniture collections inspired by the
life, home and character of the famed U.S. Founding Father. The initial effort, Durham's first licensed furniture, encompasses 20
bedroom pieces, including four bed styles, at retail price points of US$1,249
to US$1,499.
- High Point Market
L'Origine debuts transitional line
At the Market— High-end Italian case goods manufacturer L'Origine is expanding its
classic traditional European offerings this week to include a transitional line
of wall systems and occasional. The products are offered in cherry and walnut, and also use other
materials such as metal and leather.
- High Point Market
Mega named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan— For the fifth consecutive year, Mega Group, this country's largest
furniture and bedding buying group, has been named one of Canada's 50 Best
Managed Companies. Also on the 2005 list were The Brick, the retail banner operated by The
Brick Group Income Fund; Dufresne Furniture & Appliances, a regional chain
in western Canada; and Quebec case goods p...
- High Point Market
Amisco launches Transitions dining
At the Market— Metal casual dining and bed manufacturer Amisco Inds. is launching a
special-order dining program at the April market that lets consumers choose
thousands of design options. At premarket, the company unveiled Transitions by Amisco, a new division
that will offer transitional dining sets through a point-of-purchase display
called "My Design.
- High Point Market
L&P offers improved foam product
Fort Worth, Texas— Leggett & Platt's Urethane Division said it has created a
"breakthrough" foam product that provides improved resiliency and durability,
and is marketing Acella-Flex Urethane Foam with SRT to the furniture and
bedding makers. SRT stands for Strut Reinforcing Technology, which allows the new foam
to retain its resiliency, comfort and durability over the li...
- High Point Market
Educational seminars on tap during market
At the Market— All market seminars are free and in the National Home Furnishings
Assn.'s Retailer Resource Center on the 12th floor of the International Home
Furnishings Center's Main wing, unless otherwise noted. Thursday, April 14 8:30–9:30 a.m. Where is the M.E.A.T. (More Effective Advertising
Today)? Philip Gutsell, Gutsell & Associates Gutsell will outline the 10 c...
- High Point Market
Social activities on tap for High Point
Wednesday, April 13 6 – 7:30 p.m. IHFRA Open House IHFRA office, IHFC Main wing, space M001, LL Welcome new executive director Kathy Parks. 5 – 7 p.m. NHFA-IFSA Market Kickoff party Front entrance of Showplace Sponsored by BenchCraft, Berkline, Citifinancial Retail Services, EZ
Process Pro, Truck Skin 5 – 7 p.
- High Point Market
Food, beverages available
At the Market— A variety of food and beverage will be for sale at numerous
locations throughout the spring International Home Furnishings Market. The
following includes some of the outlets. Market Square Boiler Room Bar &
Grill G & M floors Featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, wings, fresh deli sandwiches and fresh
salads.
- High Point Market
Natuzzi adds wall units for gallery settings
At the Market— Dissatisfied with the types of wall units its dealers were showing
in its branded gallery settings, upholstery giant Natuzzi has introduced its
own line of wall units. Designed to complement the Natuzzi upholstery, rugs, lighting and
accessories already presented in the gallery mix, the clean, contemporary wall
systems are offered in several SKUs.
- High Point Market
Tomlinson plans new 20,000-sq.-ft. showroom for
October
At the Market— Owners of manufacturers Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth and Directional plan
to build a 20,000-square-foot showroom building at Hamilton and Wrenn streets,
to open in time for the October market. Business partners Rod Lambeth and Howard Williams said the companies'
new showroom address will be 531 N.
- High Point Market
Silver taps Nicholson
At the Market— Industry veteran Reb Nicholson has joined dining and occasional
furniture source Silver Furniture as vice president of sales and marketing for
the eastern United States. Nicholson has more than three decades in the industry, including stints
at The Powell Co., Magnussen Home and Stoneville Furniture.
- High Point Market
New leather sources making market debuts
At the Market— The leather seating category this market welcomes newcomers, new
neighbors and new concepts, ranging from formal debuts to domestic
expansions. At the high-end, Classic Chesterfield USA, the U.S.-owned marketing unit
of Classic Chesterfield Mfg. Ltd., one of Australia's largest leather
upholstery manufacturers, is debuting.
- High Point Market
Case goods
A-America CP 201, 213 Marketing programs: Placement promotions on four promotional solid-wood
bedrooms. New High Point warehouse shipping by mid-June. Acacia Traditions 101 South Hamilton St. 102 Eight new collections in linear, transitional, traditional and
architectural themes, including Acacia Traditions: Afecom SP 3415 Consortium of Brazilian furniture manufacturers offering a selecti...
- High Point Market
Winans Furniture closing 2 Nevada stores
Reno, Nev.— Winans Furniture has filed for bankruptcy and will close its two
remaining stores in the Reno area. The family-owned business, which was facing new competition from R.C.
Willey, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection under the Carson Furniture
name, listing assets of $1.
- High Point Market
Winans makes good on pledges to several local charitable
groups
Reno, Nev.— In the midst of financial struggles, Winans Furniture made good on
its promises to charity. Early last year, the retailer partnered with the Reno Housing Authority,
providing $55,000 worth of living room, bedroom and dining room furniture for
first-time, low-income home buyers with the help of vendors A-America and
Woodmarc.
- High Point Market
Red Cross offers help cleaning after market
At the Market— The High Point-Thomasville Chapter of the American Red Cross wants
to help exhibitors clean up after market this week by offering to pick up
showroom samples, to be used for the group's fundraising activities. The chapter's annual Red, White & Blues Gala is set for May 21 at
the International Home Furnishings Center Ballroom, and Jim Ledbetter,
executive dir...
- High Point Market
Amisco 1Q sales, earnings drop
L'Islet, Quebec— Rising steel prices and heightened competition from Asian-made
product contributed to lower sales and earnings for metal furniture
manufacturer Amisco in its first quarter ended Feb. 26. Sales in the quarter came to C$10.1 million, down 12.2% from the C$11.5
million recorded in the same period last year.
- High Point Market
February furniture indicators mixed
High Point— February furniture economic indicators finished in almost a dead
heat, with three up from January results, three slightly down and one basically
flat. Measured against February 2004, all seven indicators were up. Compared with January, sales of new single-family homes in February
jumped 9.
- High Point Market
Financial results
Earnings per share are fully diluted, and all figures in parentheses are
losses or declines.
- High Point Market
Stanley adding to youth plant
At the market— Case goods manufacturer and importer Stanley Furniture has broken
ground on a $1 million expansion of its Robbinsville, N.C., plant, which makes
furniture for the Young America line. The company is adding 25,000 square feet, which will bring the plant to
about 586,000 square feet.
- High Point Market
WHFA names Cavitt Retailer of Year
Roseville, Calif.— Dave Cavitt, president of the seven-store Furniture Enterprises of
Alaska, has been named the 2005 Western Retailer of the Year by the Western
Home Furnishings Assn. The annual award recognizes a retailer who is exemplary in
merchandising, advertising, store design and betterment of the industry.
- High Point Market
Mattress Giant completes long-term refinancing
Addison, Texas— Mattress Giant, one of the country's largest bedding retailers, has
completed a long-term refinancing that it says positions the chain for
growth. In a letter to the company's business partners, CEO Barrie Brown didn't
reveal specifics but said that CIT Retail Finance is the new senior lender for
the company, with additional financing from Laminar Direct Capital.
- High Point Market
Dufresne Group closing 2 Palliser Rooms stores
Winnipeg, Manitoba— The Dufresne Group will close its two Palliser Rooms stores as part
of a strategy shift that will also see it roll out nine Ashley Furniture
HomeStores across western Canada in the next few years. The Palliser Rooms stores are here and in Calgary, Alberta. Dufresne was
the first retailer to sign up for the freestanding store program, created four
years ago ...
- High Point Market
Hickory Hill debuts Jaclyn Smith upholstery
At the Market— After a soft launch of her new collection in October, actress Jaclyn
Smith is at market this week to help introduce her line of upholstery
manufactured by Hickory Hill Furniture. The first collection of Jaclyn Smith Home by Hickory Hill, a subsidiary
of Norwalk Furniture, includes 10 upholstery groups and eight accent pieces,
with seating pieces priced at $799 t...
- High Point Market
Thurmo-Pudic offering advanced visco foam
At the Market— Thurmo-Pudic USA said the death of visco-elastic foam pioneer
Charles Yost will not slow the company's development of advanced visco
foams. Thurmo-Pudic founder Tom Morgan said his company will continue to work
with Dynamic Systems, the North Carolina-based company Yost headed.
- High Point Market
Select Comfort leaving BB&B
Minneapolis— Select Comfort, the nation's largest manufacturer and retailer of
airbeds, says it will close its leased departments in Bed, Bath & Beyond
stores by midyear. The company said sales from the nine leased locations represent only 1%
of Select Comfort's total sales, and no longer fit in its long-term
distribution strategy.
- High Point Market
Talking to consumers
Galax, Va.— Vaughan Furniture took a ground-up approach to make its new Guest
Quarters line of second-bedroom furniture consumer-friendly. Vaughan hired a research firm to talk to 500 consumers before it even
began designing Guest Quarters, which debuts this week with product and
retailing concepts in the case goods manufacturer and importer's showroom in
the International Hom...
- High Point Market
Century's new Heirloom
At the Market— Century is capping the high end of its good-better-best pricing for
upper-end goods with the debut this week of Heirloom by Century, a program
aimed at the design trade and select high-end retailers. The initial round of Heirloom product includes 26 items, many with
function options, such as an armoire that can be outfitted as a bar, or a
headboard with fabric a...
- High Point Market
Havertys sales rise in March
Atlanta— Full-line retailer Havertys posted positive same-store sales and
total sales for March, while Fort Worth, Texas-based specialty retailers Pier 1
Imports and The Bombay Company had declines in both measurements. March sales at Atlanta-based Havertys came to $73.2 million, up 16.2%
from year-ago sales of $63 million, as same-store sales surged 10.
- High Point Market
Berkline/BenchCraft IPO
Morristown, Tenn.— Upholstery major Berkline/BenchCraft is set to go public later this
year with a common stock offering that could raise as much as $138 million. Proceeds from the initial public offering, disclosed in a filing Monday
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, will be used to repay debt and
preferred stock, as well as make a cash payment to the company's curren...
- High Point Market
H&S goes to bed for mattress line
At the Market— Hamilton & Spill got retailers ready for bedtime by hosting a
pajama party here. Company executives, both male and female, put on their best PJs and
served cookies and milk to guests. Several wore sleeping shirts with "Sleep
Team" logos. The Monday evening party highlighted the company's launch of a line of
Chinese-made mattresses that target premium price p...
- High Point Market
DeCoro will dive into case goods
At the Market— Italian-owned, China-based leather upholstery manufacturer DeCoro
will enter the case goods segment "as soon as" October market, with production
set to begin in late May, said President Luca Ricci. Ricci, who set himself apart from other Italian leather upholstery
makers six years ago by producing in China, plans to produce occasional tables,
home entertainment,...
- High Point Market
Allen McDaniel launches high-end import program
At the Market— Allen McDaniel, a high-end importer of case goods and occasional, is
making its High Point debut this week with a case goods offering — the Morgan
McDaniel collection — as well as 13 accent pieces and 26 metal items. The company is showing on the ground floor of Market Square in spaces
G1-3.
- High Point Market
Thistledew featuring Urgelles line of Costa Rican case
goods
At the Market— Thistledew Sales is making its first appearance in High Point this
week with the Urgelles Fine Furniture Collection. The company is the exclusive U.S. distributor for Urgelles, a high-end
case goods manufacturer established in 1906 in San José, Costa Rica. The collection consists of hand-crafted bedroom and dining, as well as
complementary occasional and home ...
- High Point Market
Elway to donate portion of revenues from Bassett line to Cancer
Society
At the Market— Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway will donate a portion of the
sales of his Elway Home collection by Bassett to the American Cancer
Society. Elway, whose twin sister died of lung cancer in 2002, will officially
announce the Cancer Society partnership Thursday during a visit to Brenner
Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.
- High Point Market
Storis demonstrates Vision R8 software
At the Market— Retail technology vendor Storis Management Systems is demonstrating
its latest software application, Vision R8, in the International Home
Furnishings Center, space M-1210. The software gives retailers the ability by navigating freely through
Vision R8 to create purchase orders, check inventory, create reports and more,
the company said.
- High Point Market
Magnussen reorganizes product team
At the Market— Case goods and occasional importer Magnussen Home Furnishings says
it has reorganized its product development and merchandising team the way a
retailer would. The move is intended to help the company hit targeted market segments,
track emerging trends and meet retailer needs.
- High Point Market
Market providing free medical care
At the Market— Free minor medical care is once again available to market attendees
at a mobile health unit parked on Wrenn Street behind the Radisson Hotel. The mobile unit, a joint venture of High Point Regional Hospital and
Cornerstone Health Care, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through April 19.
- High Point Market
Nominations sought for 1st Rising Star Award
At the Market— Furniture/Today and the International Textile Market Assn. are
accepting nominations for the first Rising Star Award, which will be presented
on opening night of the Winter Showtime fabric fair in High Point in
December. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 12. The Rising Star Award will be
presented annually.
- High Point Market
Wood Traditions appoints Johnson, promotes Winans
At the Market— Case goods importer Wood Traditions has named Gary Johnson national
sales manager. He takes over from Jeff Winans, who has been promoted to vice
president of sales and marketing, a new position. Johnson, formerly national sales manager for University Loft Co.,
reports to Winans.
- High Point Market
Florida rep group honors Bacon
St. Petersburg, Fla.— The Florida Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. has honored Bill
Bacon, owner of Bacon's Furniture Galleries, as its 2005 Distinguished Retailer
of the Year. The annual award goes to a retailer who has contributed to and enhanced
the furniture industry in Florida through creative skills, management
expertise, hard work and loyalty.
- High Point Market
Foss Mfg. taps Dellinger to lead fiber business unit
Hampton, N.H— Jeff Dellinger has joined Foss Mfg. Co., a producer of synthetic
fibers and nonwoven fabrics, as managing director of its fiber business
unit. Dellinger was previously director of sales for Solutia's acrylic fiber
division, which is closing this month. At Foss, he is responsible for global sales and marketing, technical
service, customer solutions and business su...
- High Point Market
Comfort Designs adds transitional products
At the Market— Contemporary furniture manufacturer Comfort Designs is moving into a
more transitional footprint this market with some new occasional and bedroom
products. Usually, the company's designs include metal-frame tables, beds and
dining sets. Metal also is a key ingredient in its bar-height tables and
occasional products.
- High Point Market
LeatherTrend promotes Parker
At the Market— Brian Parker has been promoted to national sales manager for
upholstery manufacturer LeatherTrend. Parker, who joined the company two years ago, was sales representative
for the Northern Texas area. Earlier, he was involved in retailing in Oklahoma
City. His new responsibilities at LeatherTrend include managing the sales
organization and broadening the dealer ba...
- High Point Market
McAdams joins Pacific Rim Import
At the Market— Sherry McAdams has joined Pacific Rim Import as national furniture
sales manager, a new position. She will work to increase Pacific Rim's business with furniture
retailers, and help create product suited to that segment of its business. The
company also offers decorative accessories, garden and lighting products.
- High Point Market
Four Hands auction to help tsunami victims
At the Market— Want to help victims of December's tsunami? Bid on some artifacts in
the showroom of Four Hands here. This evening, the case goods importer will auction off artifacts and
reproduction pieces that CEO Brett Hatton has collected from India, Thailand,
Burma, Ethiopia, the Congo and New Guinea, Africa in the past year.
- High Point Market
Wristbands back cancer research
At the Market— Marty Libowsky, a sales representative for Powell Co. and
Progressive Furniture and head of the industry charity 100 Angels Foundation,
is spearheading a drive to sell wristbands to raise funds for cancer
research. Proceeds from the sale of the Conquer Cancer Now! wristbands, available
for a suggested minimum donation of $1, will go to the Concern Foundation, a
...
- High Point Market
Gift for Life event supports AIDS work
New York— The gift and home décor industries will celebrate Gift for
Life's 13th anniversary with an annual gala May 16 at the Copacabana Club
here. The funds raised will benefit AmfAR, the American Foundation for AIDS
Research. Gift for Life is a volunteer group in the gift and home décor
industry that supports AmfAR.
- High Point Market
Momeni introducing Antiques Roadshow line
At the Market— Rug importer and manufacturer Momeni is introducing its first
licensed line here, the Antiques Roadshow Estate collection. A portion of the proceeds will help support public television, which
broadcasts the popular "Antiques Roadshow" program. People bring their antiques
to the show for professional appraisal.
- High Point Market
Howard debuts chemical-free line of care products
Paso Robles, Calif.— Howard Products is rolling out a new line of Howard Naturals
furniture care products to its distribution network of more than 7,000
furniture and antiques dealers. The company said the new Howard Naturals Furniture Care Collection
includes a Wood Cleaner & Polish, a Wood Preserver and an Upholstery
Cleaner.
- High Point Market
Collezione Europa adds home office program
At the Market— Importer Collezione Europa is introducing a home office program at
the April market that includes 14 groups. The program was previewed to retailers at last month's premarket and
drew a "terrific" response, said Bill Carpenter, vice president of key accounts
and merchandising.
- High Point Market
Customs group endorses new trade standards
Amman, Jordan— A global organization of customs administrations for the first time
has endorsed standards to secure and facilitate trade. In a meeting here, the World Customs Organization approved a framework
of standards based on principles implemented by the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection department after the Sept.
- High Point Market
Connie Post creates home decorating book
Barboursville, W. Va.— Connie Post believes that a beautiful room can change your life. She
believes it so strongly that she has just published a book by that name. "I truly believe that a beautiful home enhances how everyone inside it
feels," Post writes in the new book. "It is the one, true, safe place to escape
the world's pressures.
- High Point Market
Home cleaning products to benefit cancer research
At the Market— Designer Connie Post and retailer Bill Huseby are introducing a line
of home cleaning products to furniture retailers here. A portion of the sales of the line, called Naturally Beautiful for Home
& Family, will benefit breast cancer research at the City of Hope
Center.
- High Point Market
NFM rolls out Cristina Ferrare collection
Kansas City, Mo.— Cristina Ferrare marked the retail debut of her first furniture
collection by importer Magnussen Home Furnishings with talk show-style consumer
events at Nebraska Furniture Mart here and in Omaha. Ferrare, a talk show host, author, jewelry designer and former
supermodel, took to the "stage" with Stephan Zweifler, visual merchandising
manager for NFM.
- High Point Market
Retail Pro offers loss-prevention software
Glendale, Calif.— With interest in retail loss prevention at an all-time high, store
operators are looking for ways to cut employee and consumer theft. But with
traditional analog closed-circuit TV video systems, managers must spend hours
viewing recorded tape to find evidence. Now, store software supplier Retail Pro has developed loss-prevention
video software called Remote M...
- High Point Market
Flexsteel, Wis. store set Wrangler model home
Madison, Wis.— Flexsteel Inds. is teaming up with one of its Midwest dealers to
generate consumer interest in the Wrangler Home licensed collection. In June, it plans to show Wrangler upholstery and case goods in a
two-story model home in the Madison area's 2005 Parade of Homes. The June
11–26 event is expected to draw 25,000 to 30,000 consumers.
- High Point Market
Montalbano founder, 94, 'never worked a day'
Bellwood, Ill.— Thomas Montalbano Sr. says he's never worked a day in his life. But
at age 94, he's never failed to show up for work at Montalbano Majestic
International here, the furniture manufacturer he founded in 1929. "He says he's never worked a day in his life because he loves what he
does; it isn't work to him," said his son, Richard Montalbano.
- High Point Market
Oceanparkstudio opens PR firm for industry in L.A.
Los Angeles— The furniture and home accents industry now has another option when
it comes to marketing and public relations. Oceanparkstudio, a marketing and strategy firm specializing in furniture
and home accents, launched here last month. The company offers a range of marketing services, including creating
brand names, developing launch strategies, writing copy and coordinatin...
- High Point Market
Market spotlight
Flexsteel IHFC C-558 Flexsteel's Durham traditional sofa, with fabrics from Jacelyn/Marek
and Zanong, is expected to retail for $999. Stanley IHFC C-1100 The eclectic Galway Bay collection draws upon Irish antiques in
hefty-scale pine. Some pieces are available in a black accent finish. Elysee Collection Hamilton Market 214–218 True platform configurations are gaining more accep...
- High Point Market
Cook volunteers on 'Extreme Makeover'
At the Market— He might work hard at his usual day job, but nothing prepared Jeff
Cook, president and CEO of Magnussen Home Furnishings, for the rigors of
rebuilding a house as a volunteer for ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home
Edition." The reality television series constructs dream homes for deserving
families.
- High Point Market
Thomasville, Breuners make gifts
High Point— In addition to providing furniture for television shows,
manufacturer Thomasville and retailer Breuners Arizona are allowing the
products to be auctioned off to raise funds for charity. Thomasville home office desks from the British Gentry and Mission Arts
collections, featured on "The Contender," have been autographed by the
celebrities on the show.
- High Point Market
Furniture companies donate goods, time
High Point— Furniture companies are increasingly donating goods, and even their
executives' and employees' time, to television shows as part of a win-win
situation. Product placement on TV shows is nothing new, but shows like ABC's
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" allow manufacturers and retailers to get
exposure for their products and also help families in need.
- High Point Market
Furniture Fun Factory teaches children about furniture
At the Market— When Tim Goetz was developing programs for a children's museum in
nearby Greensboro, he wanted kids to have fun while learning about their
hometown and the region. "I looked at things that would represent the community, and furniture
certainly does," said Goetz, executive director of the Greensboro Children's
Museum.
- High Point Market
Pillow talk spices up upholstery
At the Market— Toss pillows abound as playful props this market, adding a colorful
punch to this spring's assortment of both fabric and leather upholstery
frames. Used to heighten visual impact, add a textural element or enhance
comfort by compensating for deep seating configurations, pillows are performing
a key role on this market's upholstery introductions.
- High Point Market
Containers2Go refocuses on large programs
At the Market— When he started Containers2Go in 1997, Matthew Baerg wanted to carve
a niche for himself in accent furniture. As the name implies, the goal was to offer container-direct service to
large and small retailers. By ordering in such quantities, they could buy at
prices 30% to 40% below those of competing importers.
- High Point Market
Grow launches sales, marketing consultancy
High Point— Industry veteran Dan Grow has formed a company to advise domestic
and overseas high-end furniture producers on design, marketing and distribution
strategies. D.M. Grow launches with two primary clients, a Chinese case goods
producer and a North Carolina upholstery manufacturer.
- High Point Market
U.S. factory orders down 1%
High Point— U.S. furniture factory orders in January were down 1% from the same
month in 2004, but the performance was better than it looked, according to BDO
Seidman. Orders in January 2004 were up 11% from 2003, so factories this year
nearly kept pace with a strong month, the accounting and consulting firm
said.
- High Point Market
Armen Art grows business with Chinese container line
At the Market— Importer Armen Art says it is meeting customer demand with its
year-old leather upholstery container program based in China. A 60,000-square-foot plant in Guangzhou province has been shipping goods
since August. It produces such leather upholstered pieces as sofas, sectionals,
three-piece sets, leather beds, dining chairs, ottomans, storage benches,
swivel chair...
- High Point Market
Nourison adds power to Calvin Klein line
At the Market— Nourison has added power-loomed constructions to its line of
licensed Calvin Klein rugs. Calvin Klein Loom Select is a high-density, machine-made wool collection
with a suggested retail of $700 in a 6 by 9 size. The new group brings a moderate price tier to Nourison's Calvin Klein
program.
- High Point Market
Kurt Altenberg, Palliser sales rep, industry vet
Palos Verdes, Calif.— Kurt Altenberg, a sales representative for Palliser Furniture and
35-year veteran of the furniture industry, has died of cancer. He was 61. Altenberg, a former football player for UCLA, is remembered for a
game-winning touchdown catch he made against USC in 1965 that took his team to
the Rose Bowl.
- High Point Market
Sales specialist Rosenberg strengthens team
Enfield, Conn.— Sales specialist Gene Rosenberg Associates and Planned Furniture
Promotions has retooled in management with an eye on expansion opportunities,
adding a tier of regional managers and bringing back a former employee. The company also aims to reduce confusion by putting the emphasis on the
latter part of its name.
- High Point Market
Correction
The Calia Italia USA sofa that appeared on page 112 of the April 11
issue was incorrectly identified. The correct photo and caption appear here.
Calia shows in 220 Elm, space 200.
- High Point Market
Primo International offers 'Sell Strong' wrist bands
At the Market— Primo International, a leading Canadian home furnishings source, is
hoping to sell more than bedding, futons and casual dining at this week's
market. Taking a cue from world champion cyclist and cancer survivor Lance
Armstrong, who popularized a Live Strong wrist band, Primo is selling Sell
Strong wrist bands at its showroom on the third floor of the National Fu...
- High Point Market
Capel gives a scoot(er)
Need to scoot home after market? Rug supplier Capel has the answer — a
Vespa Stella Scooter with sidecar, which it will give away in a market
sweepstakes, along with a Finesse outdoor rug. C. Allen Robertson, vice
president and national sales manager, shows off the vehicle above. Retailers
can enter through Tuesday morning, April 19, at the Capel showroom in Market
Square, ...
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