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Furniture|Today > Archives > 01/16/2006 Issue
Table of Contents
Furniture|Today -- 01/16/2006

Bedding Today
  • Latex, visco majors add more pizzazz at high end
    Is the high end of the bedding marketplace headed for high adventure? Two recent developments answer that question in the affirmative. The first is the release of a provocative study of the bedding market from Latex International, the nation's only producer of latex mattresses. The study, done for the company by a major consulting firm, predicts that bedding selling for $1,000 and up will grow ...

Editor's Desk
  • What you need to know in 2006
    As 2006 unfolds, most of us will be looking for that competitive edge. For retailers, it might be a hot new product, a stunning store display or a backroom enhancement that fattens your bottom line. For suppliers, perhaps it's a new factory, a new line or new retail relationships that blossom into steady business during the year.

Industry Numbers
  • Bassett's yearly sales up 6.2%, profits slip 7.9%
    Bassett, Va.— Bassett Furniture said sales rose 6.2% in fiscal 2005, but net income slipped 7.9% due to several one-time charges. The sales gain for the year ended Nov. 26 was driven largely by its proprietary Bassett Furniture Direct stores, which accounted for 68% of the year's total shipments of $335.
  • Jennifer posts 3rd straight profit
    Woodbury, N.Y.— Jennifer Convertibles earned a profit for the third consecutive quarter and posted a double-digit same-store sales increase, citing the payoff of merchandising, supply chain and other strategies the Top 100 chain has implemented. In its first quarter ended Nov. 26, the 193-store retailer based here reported net income of $848,000, a turnaround from a net loss of $2.
  • Private equity firm to buy CFC
    Chicago Heights, Ill.— Specialty coatings manufacturer CFC International has agreed to be taken private in a buyout valued at about $75 million. According to the buyout agreement, Quad-C Management, a private equity firm with offices in Charlottesville, Va., and New York, will acquire all of CFC's outstanding stock for $16.
  • Hooker earnings down
    Martinsville, Va.— A steep decline in shipments of its domestically made wood furniture resulted in reduced sales and earnings at Hooker Furniture in fiscal 2005. The manufacturer and importer of wood and upholstered furniture said sales totaled $341 million for the year ended Nov. 30, down 1.4% from fiscal 2004.

Insider's View
  • It's not easy to define that luxury consumer
    My new car has satellite radio. I didn't expect to hear as much advertising as there is on many of the stations. Maybe this is a new opportunity to reach affluent consumers in a very segmented way — 150 channels! On my drive in today, I heard a comedian explain the difference between "rich" and "wealthy.

News
  • Our Community
    Grand Home Furnishings helping Roanoke schools
    Roanoke, Va.— Retailer Grand Home Furnishings is stepping from the grandstand and into the spotlight at financially strapped Roanoke high schools. At the urging of its Southfield, Mich.-based marketing firm, Yaffe & Co., Grand is running a marketing program through March to help support high schools and their athletic programs.
  • Our Community
    Ashley contributes to library
    Arcadia, Wis.— Ashley Furniture has donated $750,000 to its hometown to help construct a new library. Arcadia's Carnegie Library is housed in a 100-year-old building, which is on the National Register of Historic places. The city has not chosen a site for the new facility, although construction is expected to begin in the summer.
  • 3 seminars on tap for S.F. winter market
    San Francisco— Several seminars are slated during the San Francisco Mart's winter show. Mastering Color: The Art of Choosing Ideal Palettes is a trade-only presentation scheduled for 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 3. Award-winning designer Joann Eckstut will tell how to determine a palette for a room by assessing the context in which a makeover or renovation occurs, and how to identify ...
  • Distributor to feature Universal gallery program at SFM
    San Francisco— Furniture Forum will showcase Universal Furniture products in a gallery format at the Feb. 2–5 San Francisco Winter Home Furnishings Market. Ernest and Robert Legnitto of Furniture Forum will manage the display, in spaces 470 and 476 of the San Francisco Mart. Furniture Forum is a San Francisco-based wholesale distributor of midpriced to high-end bedroom, living room,...
  • Gujarat buys Dan River, will move it to India
    Danville, Va.— Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd., an Indian producer of chemicals and textiles, has acquired Dan River Inc., a Danville-based producer of home textiles products, primarily top-of-the-bed and window coverings. Dan River's production, currently in the southeastern United States, will be moved to India.
  • Mini-market to draw 300
    High Point— More than 50 manufacturers and importers are opening their showrooms here this week and at least 300 retailers are expected at an unusual mini-market, initiated by importer Lifestyle Enterprise. While everyone attending hopes to benefit from it, the event also raises some questions about this city's furniture future.
  • Century pushing customization
    Hickory, N.C.— On a sunny afternoon in mid-November, Century Chair Plant Manager Kevin Boyle gathered his employees outside for a picnic and post-furniture market update. He congratulated them on a job well done, saying Century received positive reaction on more of its October introductions than usual.
  • Rowe shuffles execs, adds division
    McLean, Va.— Upholstery maker and retailer Rowe Cos. has created a third division and restructured upper management team as it prepares to undertake a refinancing plan. In addition to Rowe Furniture and the Atlanta-based Storehouse retail chain, the Rowe Cos. will now include a division called Rowe Sourcing, focusing on the acquisition of raw materials and imported products.
  • PeopLoungers to debut quick-ship effort in Vegas
    Nettleton, Miss.— Upholstery producer PeopLoungers is set to unveil its first-ever quick-ship program at this month's Las Vegas market. The program, which promises two-week shipping on 10 of the company's best-selling frames, allows dealers to choose from a variety of leather, faux suede and fabric covers.
  • MGM readies Vegas booth
    Las Vegas— MGM Transport will have a booth at the Las Vegas market to provide information on its home furnishings transportation and logistics services. It will be in the Retailer Resource Center, space 21, on the second floor of the World Market Center. "As manufacturing and supply chain fulfillment continue to evolve, we've stepped up to meet the industry demands by offering customized ...
  • Trend-setting designs on tap at Mandalay Bay
    Las Vegas— A centerpiece of the temporary exhibits at Mandalay Bay here during the winter market will be the Design Gallery, featuring stylish products and trends. A committee of show management chose the suppliers represented in the gallery. Those selected are: Antiques 2000, Bojay, Bull & Stein, Charles Carol Design, CTC/Chicago, Dare Deco, IDS Interior Design Source, Ital Art Desig...
  • Kornmeyer's to use CDS Solutions Retail 6 software
    Baton Rouge, La.— Midpriced to high-end retailer Kornmeyer's, a 125-year-old landmark here, has signed on with CDS Solutions Group to use Retail 6 software. Recently launched after five years in development, Retail 6 provides what CDS describes as an easy-to-use, cost-effective retail management solution.
  • AF&Y expands Georgia plant, adds employees
    Chapel Hill, N.C.— Fiber and yarn source American Fibers and Yarns is expanding its capacity and adding employees at its plant in Bainbridge, Ga., to meet increased demand for its products. AF&Y said it will increase its fiber extrusion capacity by about 30% and its texturing capacity by about 25%, and will hire 25 to 30 people.
  • Rio show plans kick-off gala Jan. 29
    Las Vegas— After its debut last summer at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, the Las Vegas Furniture Show has relocated to the Rio Pavilions. The event will kick off on Sunday, Jan. 29, with a gala from 5 to 7 p.m. The show runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. beginning Monday, Jan. 30, through Thursday, Feb.
  • Surfaces show set
    Las Vegas— This city will host dozens of shows and conventions that will overlap the furniture market in late January and early February, from the Hobby Industry Assn. expo to a meeting of the Assn. of State Dam Safety Officials. One that might interest furniture retailers is Surfaces 2006, the floor coverings show, set for the Sands Expo & Convention Center Jan.
  • Aronson unveils new prototype in Chicagoland
    Oak Lawn, Ill.— Aronson Furniture has opened a new-format store here designed to play up its strengths as a whole-home retailer while reaching out to a broader consumer base. The 40,000-square-foot Aronson Rooms & More is a Connie Post Cos.-designed prototype in this southern suburb of Chicago on Cicero Avenue.
  • Kas Rugs celebrates 25 years
    Atlanta— "When you don't keep up with change, you're in trouble. If you resist it, you can't grow." That's the message from Rao Yarlagadda, president of Kas Rugs. Yarlagadda and his wife Kas founded the rug resource 25 years ago. Its continued growth amply demonstrates how company principals have embraced rapid changes in the rug industry during the quarter century.
  • Businessman buys Hamilton Square
    High Point— Hamilton Square, a two-story showroom complex at 101 S. Hamilton St., has been sold to a company headed by a High Point businessman who owns five other showroom buildings in the downtown area. The new owner, McDonald Capital Properties Alpha, is getting a 113,000 square-foot building that is fully leased to about 20 tenants.
  • Dinec seeks bankruptcy protection
    Trois-Rivières, Quebec— Casual dining specialist Dinec is seeking bankruptcy protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, a procedure similar to a Chapter 11 filing in the United States. In a letter written in French to the industry in Quebec, Dinec President and CEO Patrice Gervais said the move was necessary to give the company time to restructure and refinance.
  • Mancini to leave Home Fabrics
    Charlotte, N.C.— Fabric designer Wesley Mancini has given a six-months notice that he will not renew his contract with Home Fabrics. "I have designed the Home Fabrics line for over 23 years. A non-required six month notice was given at the end of last year to assist Elkin (McCallum) in hiring a new design team before my absence," Mancini said.
  • Feinblum marketing 34 closing Levitz stores
    Plainview, N.Y— Julius M. Feinblum Real Estate is marketing the closing Levitz Home Furnishings Inc. stores to the furniture industry. Hilco Real Estate, the real estate consultant to LHFI's new owner Prentice Capital Management, hired Feinblum to market the 34 closing stores and "any future closing properties," said President Julius Feinblum.
  • Robert Allen promotes Tarver
    New York— Fabric supplier Robert Allen Group has promoted industry veteran Greg Tarver to the newly created position of executive vice president, manufacturing and operations. Tarver has been with the company since 2003 and previously was senior vice president of manufacturing and operations. He will add responsibility for supervising operations, in addition to managing manufacturing, dis...
  • Showrooms open during Lifestyle's mini-market
    High Point— More than 50 companies are planning to open their showrooms here Jan. 16–18 for the mini-market initiated by Lifestyle Enterprise, which is flying in a number of retailers for the event. Showrooms to be open include: Andrew Pearson Design, 116 E. Commerce Ave. AGR Reeditions, Hamilton Market, 115 Ardley Hall, Hamilton Market, 109 A.
  • Shoemaker joins Kingsdown as West sales VP
    Mebane, N.C.— Top 10 bedding producer Kingsdown has named bedding veteran Owen Shoemaker vice president of sales for its western U.S. division, a new position. Shoemaker previously held a similar position with specialty bedding company Nature's Rest. Kingsdown will bolster its West Coast growth plans with its first showing in Las Vegas.
  • McGuinness to sell new Fjords brand in U.S.
    Sykkylven, Norway— Norwegian upholstery producer Hjellegjerde has changed its brand name to Fjords and has hired former Ekornes and Palliser executive Kevin McGuinness to oversee sales and marketing in North America. The new branding strategy will eliminate the four brand names previously marketed by Hjellegjerde and establish Fjords as a single worldwide brand.
  • Upholstery, chair plants lead way
    Hickory, N.C.— In creating a custom-order driven wood furniture plant, Century had two key models for success — its own upholstery and chair plants. For years, both plants have been successful in the special order business, offering dozens if not hundreds of options in their respective product lines.
  • Company also focuses on speed, delivery
    Hickory, N.C.— As they pursue a customization strategy, Century Furniture officials say that delivery is an equally important part of the equation. So as it has shifted toward smaller cuttings and the use of many different finishes, it also has striven to turn orders around faster. Today, more than 80% of the company's configurable case goods are shipped in an average of three weeks from ...
  • Flexible plants keep Century competitive
    Hickory, N.C.— Century Furniture knows that remaining competitive isn't just about offering consumers choices. It's also about having enough flexibility in its plants to make those choices possible. To achieve that, the company has developed a mindset that's open to change and continuous improvement.
  • Ikea to build Georgia distribution center
    Plymouth Meeting, Pa.— Swedish home furnishings retail giant Ikea plans to build a 1.76 million-square-foot distribution center in Savannah, Ga., to support its growing network of stores in the Southeast and Texas. Ikea will build on 115 acres in the Savannah International Trade Park, with a first-phase, 785,000-square-foot facility expected to be on line by summer 2007.
  • Outstanding rug designs to be honored Jan. 21 at Atlanta gala
    Atlanta— The Magnificent Carpet Awards, the rug industry's highest tribute to design, will be presented at a gala on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Atlanta. The all-industry event will include a floor show, called The Grand Mysterium, and is open to everyone at the International Rug Market, Jan.
  • Armenian rugs in spotlight
    Atlanta— Armenian Odyssey, an exhibit that tells the story of Armenia's tradition-rich rug industry, will be a featured attraction at AmericasMart during the International Rug Market here Jan. 19–22. A grand opening reception is set for Thursday, Jan 19 at 4 p.m. on the second floor of AmericasMart Armenian rugs also will be featured in a seminar on Friday, Jan 20 at 10 a.
  • FurnishNet eyes supplier, mfr. linkages
    San Diego— After building a strong base of retailers and manufacturers, FurnishNet is emphasizing the manufacturer-supplier connection for its next phase of growth. A provider of Internet-based supply chain solutions, FurnishNet is marketing its SupplierConnect service that automates the paperwork-intensive processes of manufacturer-to-supplier ordering, shipment tracking and invoicing.
  • Texas store, liquidator at odds over GOB sale
    Longview, Texas— The owner of the former ADA Wholesale Furniture here is suing sales specialist Planned Furniture Promotions, claiming breach of contract, fraud and other charges in a case set to go to trial in May. PFP has countersued ADA with claims including breach of contract and fraud. ADA's initial suit, filed more than a year ago in District Court in Gregg County, Texas, said that ...
  • Verdeck gets Good Cos. sales post
    Carson, Calif.— Darrell Verdeck has joined manufacturer and importer Good Cos. here as executive vice president of sales. In addition to his sales responsibilities, he will oversee product development, both at the company's plant in Tijuana, Mexico, and from overseas sources. Verdeck was president of importer Lifestyle Enterprise's U.
  • River Forks taps Schreibfeder
    Geneva, Ala.— Industry veteran David Schreibfeder has joined furniture importer River Forks Imports as director of sales. He reports to President Ron Thames, and will be responsible for the company's sales team. River Forks, which shows at the Tupelo and High Point markets, imports wood furniture, leather upholstery and rattan and woven furniture from Indonesia and China.
  • Lannertone named Fiamma VP
    Houston— Jon Lannertone has joined upholstery maker Fiamma Leather as vice president of sales and marketing for the East Coast. Fiamma Leather represents the newly created domestic arm of Chinese leather upholstery producer Man Wah Holdings. Lannertone, based in Detroit, has been in sales management and retailing for about 20 years.
  • Esposito promoted at Anthem
    High Point— Lucio A. Esposito has been promoted and given new responsibilities at leather supplier Anthem Leather. Esposito, who moved to North Carolina two years ago, has spent his entire career in his family's tannery business in Argentina, the parent company of Anthem Leather. He had been vice president of sales and now assumes the dual role of vice president and director, reporting to...
  • United looks past foam
    Okolona, Miss.— Upholstery maker United Furniture Inds. believes the timing couldn't be better for a new cushioning product it has developed. The company has developed and has a copyright pending for Poly Plush, a cushion material that combines fibers and poly foam into a product that United President Larry George said has the look and feel of down, at a lower cost.
  • Tupelo gets state funds
    Tupelo, Miss.— The Tupelo Furniture Market has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the state of Mississippi to assist with marketing and promotion of the twice-yearly event. State officials said the money, which market organizers must match dollar-for-dollar, will help the market compete with the new Las Vegas market and demonstrates the state's continued commitment to the furniture industry.

Opinion Today
  • The many challenges of differentiation
    Differentiation is a word used more and more by folks in furnitureland these days as they grapple with what's going to keep them going in this business — and even more importantly, what's going to set them apart and help them grow. Many agree the old ways of selling furniture aren't going to cut it with today's consumers, no matter what their ages.

People Today
  • Art Van names design director, new store managers
    Warren, Mich.— Retailer Art Van Furniture has filled a new position to create and manage a staff of designers, and has promoted several employees to store managers. Bill Robinson, newly hired as director of design/business development, joins the company after 25 years at La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries in Canton, Mich.
  • People on the Move
    People on the Move
    Executives Milliken Spartanburg, S.C. — Roger Milliken has stepped down as CEO of the giant textile company Milliken, founded by his family 140 years ago. Milliken, who is 90, will continue as chairman of the company, which he has run since 1947. Ashley Allen, who had been president and chief operating officer, became CEO on Jan.

Special Report
  • Atlanta Rug Market
    Rug introductions
    Showrooms are for the Atlanta International Rug Market, Jan. 19–22 at AmericasMart. Prices are suggested retail for an approximate 5 by 8 size, except where noted. American Cottage 2nd Floor Temps 1403 Three hand-hooked wool collections featuring folkloric themes. Backing is latex and cotton. All are made in China.
  • Anatomy lesson: Best-selling dining rooms
    High Point— Formal dining room can be a challenging category. It takes a lot of floor space to show properly, and demand has been shrinking steadily as consumers gravitate to more casual settings with smaller footprints. But there's still plenty of life in formal, particularly when the design is fresh and the value sharp.
  • Market Events
    Educational seminars set for Vegas
    All seminars are held in WHFA's Retailer Resource Center, on floor 2 of the World Market Center, unless otherwise noted. Monday, Jan. 30 8:30–9:30 a.m. Branding Trends at Retail Martin Roberts , Grid2 This seminar will demonstrate the value of branded communication at retail. If information is power, what should stores be saying to their customers? Based on the award-winning Grid2's work ...
  • Market Events
    Las Vegas socials: From breakfasts to bashes
    Monday, Jan. 30 6–7:30 p.m. Market Kick-Off Party Furniture/Today and World Market Center will start the week with a Market Kick-Off Party. This special reception will be held in the atrium of WMC, and should serve as a perfect opening to an exciting market week. Tuesday, Jan. 31 8 a.m. Buyers Breakfast Buyers are invited to start the day at Mandalay Bay with a complimentary Continental b...
  • Atlanta Rug Market
    Bold designs help rug resources stand out
    Atlanta— Differentiation is the name of the game in the rug business. As rugs spread through every retail price point and distribution channel, vendors are relying on creativity to set their products apart from the competition. This season, producers are taking greater design risks to achieve the winning combination of beauty, salability and value.
  • Atlanta Rug Market
    Why Atlanta is the powerhouse rug market
    This week's Atlanta International Rug Market is make-or-break time for the rug industry. When it's a success, the rest of the year usually follows suit. When things go bad, the whole year can be a downer. Why does one market have so much power? Obviously, the fact that Atlanta is the first introductory event of the year carries a lot of weight.

Store Openings
  • Clayton Marcus adds 4 galleries
    Hickory, N.C.— Upholstery manufacturer Clayton Marcus has opened Home Expressions galleries in stores in Georgia, Arizona, Wisconsin and Maryland. In Cartersville, Ga., Discount City Furniture has installed a 2,500-square-foot Clayton Marcus gallery. Discount City was founded in 1966 and today has two stores.
  • Robb & Stucky has 3rd Ariz. outdoor unit
    Chandler, Ariz.— Upscale home furnishings retailer Robb & Stucky has opened an Outdoor Living store here. The store offers casual lifestyle and outdoor furniture along with KitchenAid outdoor grills and small appliances, and Gladiator garage organizing systems. This marks the company's third Outdoor Living store in Arizona's greater Phoenix market and its seventh overall.
  • England installs 2 galleries in Pa.
    New Tazewell, Tenn.— Upholstery manufacturer England has opened two in-store furniture galleries in Pennsylvania. Van Gorder's, in Honsedale, has a 5,125-square-foot Custom Comfort Center by England. In business for over 70 years, the store is owned by Scott Van Gorder. Also, Capperella Brothers has installed an England gallery in its Bellefonte store.

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