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Furniture|Today -- 02/01/2006
Market Daily
- Las Vegas
Wiseway expands service
At The Market— Furniture delivery specialist Wiseway Transportation is expanding into three more states and adding a service center in Chicago. Starting March 1, the Hudson, Wis.-based furniture carrier will start serving Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. It now serves retailers and other clients in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, the Dakotas and Nebraska.
- Las Vegas
WHFA announces speakers
At The Market— The Western Home Furnishings Assn. has added Michael Sloopka and Sarano Kelley as showcase speakers at its annual conference and trade show, set for May 21–23 in Hawaii. Sloopka is the practice director of negotiatingcoach.com. In "Secrets of Power Negotiating," he will show retailers how negotiating tools can add value to their businesses.
- Las Vegas
Eclipse adding value as it seeks further growth
At The Market— Eclipse International is bringing some of its premium features down to more popular price points as it bids to further boost its mattress brand. The North Brunswick, N.J.-based bedding producer is showcasing its lines here, making its first showing at a major U.S. market. Eclipse has been a regular exhibitor at one of Larry Karel's regional furniture shows in Edison, N.
- Las Vegas
KNF introduces steel, glass office/wall line
At The Market— Casual furniture manufacturer KNF Designs is introducing here a steel and glass home office and home entertainment line. Marketed under the KNF Designs Home division, the products are on display in space 66853 in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center The company sources some goods from Mexico but makes as much as 90% of its product mix domestically, said Simon Scott, a consult...
- Las Vegas
Bedding producers roll out innovations
At The Market— The traditional sleep set is seeing big changes in some showrooms here. Beds on display at this bedding-rich market offer unusual storage features and innovative new designs. And some of the cool new mattresses feature Cool Max ticking. Seahawk Designs (Pavilion 2, space 6715), a bedroom furniture producer, is showing its Sto-A-Way mattress foundation.
- Las Vegas
Jamaica store wins top Therapedic sales award
Kingston, Jamaica— Therapedic licensee Therapedic Caribbean has presented its top sales award to Singer Jamaica Ltd., the bedding producer's largest retailer on the island. Aswad Morgan, vice president of Therapedic Caribbean, and Michael Pino, director, Therapedic International, presented the honor to Sharon Spence, general manager of Singer.
- Las Vegas
Industry tees off against pancreatic cancer
Phoenix— The purely factual side of the ravages of pancreatic cancer was laid out neatly on a sheet of paper that greeted participants at the Seena Magowitz Golf Classic here. And the facts were sobering: But that litany of bad news did not dampen the soaring spirits of the 180 people who gathered here on a beautiful day in December to raise more than $160,000 for pancreatic cancer research.
- Las Vegas
Uph. imports winners
At The Market— Upholstery imports, coming front and center at the market here this week, are garnering strong response from retailers for their value. Universal, an import major in case goods as well as upholstery, was "thrilled with the response" here, said Roy Calcagne, who heads the company's upholstery division.
- Las Vegas
Motion buyers upbeat
At The Market— Upbeat retailers are crowding into motion furniture showrooms here, searching for products and promotions that will enable them to build on the improved business conditions that have been evident in the first month of 2006. Producers say many dealers have seen an uptick in business since Christmas, but most are skeptical about its longevity, given the rollercoaster sales pa...
- Las Vegas
Wall takes WithIt helm
Greensboro, N.C.— Kathy Wall, a 28-year industry veteran and president of marketing firm The Media Matters, is the new president of WithIt, or Women in the Home Industries Today. Outgoing President Robin Campbell of Stanley Furniture becomes board chairman of the trade group, which is dedicated to the support and development of female professionals in the home furnishings industry.
- Las Vegas
Bedding bounces higher
At The Market— Bedding is even stronger at the second market here than the first, according to bedding majors who said they enjoyed another stellar show, one that featured a broader assortment of heavy hitters. Sealy made a strong showing with the debut of its new Posturepedic line of fire-resistant mattresses, as well as its launch of new specialty sleep models cushioned with visco and l...
- Las Vegas
Neon Museum sheds light on city's colorful past
At The Market— In the vast, pulsating sea of neon that brings light to the night in downtown Las Vegas, these particular signs stand apart from the crowd. Far from the madding crowd of lights, a collection of venerable neon signs speaks of forgotten chapters of this city's colorful history. It is at the Neon Museum, a fascinating attraction on historic Fremont Street, where modern Las Veg...
- Las Vegas
Our hungry man hunts out cheap eats downtown
At The Market— It has become part of the lore of Vegas: Cheap steaks. Bargain cuts of prime rib. Shrimp cocktails for pocket change. But are those tasty visions leftovers from a bygone era? Does this ever-changing city, which now boasts world-class chefs galore and pricey restaurants a-plenty, still include cheap eats on the menu? My limited research on this critical question reveals that...
- Las Vegas
Aaron Rents outfits home for Arizona mom, two teens
Mesa, Ariz.— Major rent-to-own and rental chain Aaron Rents has donated furniture in conjunction with Homes for the Holidays, a program founded by pro football player Warrick Dunn that provides deserving single mothers with a completely furnished home. In Mesa, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner surprised single mother Jewel Ochoa with her new home filled with furniture, appliances...
- Las Vegas
Lofgren's furnishes an ABC 'Extreme Makeover' home
Salt Lake City— Utah retailer Lofgren's Classic Contemporary Furniture agreed to furnish an entire home in Sandpoint, Idaho, when ABC-TV's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" came calling. The episode involving Lofgren's featured bachelor Eric Hebert, who took in his twin niece and nephew, Kyler and Keeley, when their mother died in April 2004.
- Las Vegas
Biltmore licencees giving away stay at N.C. estate
At The Market— Biltmore Estate is offering a three-day stay at the famous western North Carolina estate as part of a promotion here. Visitors to the showrooms of seven Biltmore licensees here may drop off business cards for a drawing to be held in a couple weeks. The winner will receive a three-night stay for two at the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, as well as meals and a guided tour.
- Las Vegas
What bedding execs learned from last fall's foam shortages
High Point— Bedding producers learned a wide variety of lessons from the unprecedented foam shortages and price hikes they encountered this past fall. While it was a time of challenge for the bedding makers, the experience was not without its silver linings. Producers said they learned several valuable lessons during the weeks of uncertainty about foam supply and prices.
- Las Vegas
Douglas uses own products to create art
El Segundo, Calif.— When Douglas Furniture moved into new corporate offices here late last year, the 130-year-old furniture producer took a decidedly unorthodox approach to selecting artwork. Instead of buying generic framed art, the company ran with an idea from Lenn Grabiner, principal of the marketing, design and public relations firm Grabiner/Hall.
- Las Vegas
Muirhead expanding U.S. presence
At The Market— Scottish luxury leather producer Andrew Muirhead is looking to expand its presence in the American market with a U.S. debut here this week. The company, showing in space 65056 at Mandalay Bay, is spotlighting a number of high-performance leathers designed for contract applications.
- Las Vegas
Youth sources draw crowds
At The Market— Youth vendors here are pleased with what has shaped up to be a bustling first few days of market, with most reporting brisk business and good retailer attendance. While new offerings at this first winter market are somewhat limited, most vendors have brought at least one new introduction.
- Las Vegas
MicroD appoints Nigam CEO
Hickory, N.C.— Manoj Nigam has been named CEO of retail technology company MicroD, and also retains his title of president. Mary Martell, former chairman, will serve as secretary, and Ron Martell, former CEO, will become chairman. The reorganization gives Nigam the responsibilities for all business activities as Mary and Ron Martell plan to retire soon.
- Las Vegas
Office additions winning praise
Las Vegas— The market got off to a busy start in home office, with exhibitors looking to lift sales in the small but growing category. At Aspen, dealers are applauding a group of new writing desks sized for smaller workspaces. Ranging from 48 to 64 inches wide, they broaden the company's line beyond larger executive desks.
- Las Vegas
Coaster adds distribution hub
At The Market— Importer Coaster has opened a new warehouse and adjoining showroom in New Jersey that will operate as an East Coast distribution hub. The 440,000-square-foot facility opened in January in Cranbury, east of Princeton, and replaces a 180,000-square-foot facility in Piscataway. "We will have more direct containers shipped to this location, as opposed to being transferred from ...
- Las Vegas
Powell introduces 3 youth bedroom-in-a-box groups
At The Market— The Powell Co. is debuting a new youth bedroom-in-a-box concept at the market here, which will include a twin headboard, dresser, nightstand and mirror all packed in one box. While Sean Slack, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing, said he technically sees the company's all-in-one-loft as the first bedroom-in-a-box concept for Powell, this introduction inc...
- Las Vegas
Kids accents on hand in Vegas
From Lite Source Kids, this new table lamp features soft colors and different patterns. Groovystuff's vintage motorcycle, made of Asian mahogany, is perfect for little biker fans. It retails for $237. Creative Images' Heritage group features distressed frames on the print, corkboard and mirror — a new category for the décor manufacturer.
- Las Vegas
Making a difference against a deadly cancer
Today we do something different in this column: We talk about what we are doing to make this a better industry. To be candid, we are far more comfortable talking and commenting about what others are doing in the exciting world of mattresses. But sometimes we become part of the story itself. And this is one such instance.
- Las Vegas
New product, promos stir accent action
At The Market— Occasional and accent furniture sources are offering a mix of new product, promotions and price points to lure customers into their showrooms here this market. Based on initial reactions, the efforts are paying off. Bailey Street Trading, which just unveiled a new company logo, had a promotion in November that awarded free airline tickets to dealers that placed orders befor...
- Las Vegas
Tempur's GrandBed: She liked it, and it's only $6K!
At The Market— Tempur-Pedic's plush $6,000 GrandBed, unveiled here with much fanfare, got a glowing review from the first retailer to lie down on it. "You can feel it contour to every curve in your body," said Lori Dyson, new products buyer for Las Vegas-based Relax The Back. "The cover has a very luxurious feel.
- Las Vegas
FMG members learn, network and buy in Nevada
Henderson, Nev.— Some 125 members, vendor partners and guests of the Furniture Marketing Group got together for educational programs, networking and deal-making during FMG's three-day symposium here at the Green Valley Ranch casino and resort. The buying group drew about two-thirds of its 70-retailer member base for a program packed with educational sessions, idea swapping, an update on i...
- Las Vegas
Leather sources enjoy positive reception
At The Market— Leather sources are writing orders briskly here despite a more staggered buyer traffic pattern than they saw in July. With long registration lines on opening day Monday, and some buyers shopping the exhibits at Mandalay Bay, which opened Tuesday, some World Market Center showrooms at times lacked the overflow crowds seen in July.
- Las Vegas
Question: What's the best thing you've seen at market?
A: "Aspen's imported desk line, particularly the Nano desk built specifically for laptops. The price is good. They built it to go with the desk groups and it's something that's not in the marketplace yet. It's brand new." Bonnie Eelkema, Whidbey Furniture, Oak Harbor, Wash. A: "The new Lane upholstery introductions — fresh new looks, new fabrics, updated styles.
- Las Vegas
Product spotlight
Amisco Mandalay Bay 62470 The Annabelle set features stylishly curved chairs that also are comfortable. The chairs and 48-inch round table come in a choice of 10 metal finishes, 5 wood options and more than 35 fabrics for a retail price of $999. Durham Funiture Mandalay Bay 60672 The No. 358 collection was inspired by the South of Market district in downtown San Francisco.
- Las Vegas
Two minutes with Harvey Dondero, Broyhill president
Harvey Dondero, president, Broyhill Furniture Inds. Brief resumé: Two degrees in economics; 25 years in home furnishings. What is the biggest issue you are facing today? "The changing distribution channels for our products and how to reach the consumer effectively." How is that affecting your current strategy? "Strategy must be responsive to this change, and that means paying attention to ...
- Las Vegas
Vegas offers advantages for importers
At The Market— Importers showing Asian furniture here have a logistical advantage — Las Vegas is relatively close to California ports, so it's cheaper and quicker to ship product here than to the East Coast. But there's another, smaller group of importers that also says the Las Vegas market makes geographical sense.
- Las Vegas
Help1Up execs at market
At The Market— Executives from the home furnishings industry's united charitable effort, Help1Up, are here with information about how to take part in the program. As part of the effort to help families in need of essential home furnishings, the World Market Center has provided information stands in the WMC Registration Pavilion and at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
- Las Vegas
Edwards joins Aspen as VP
At The Market— Home office and home entertainment specialist Aspen Furniture Designs has hired Bryan Edwards to the new position of vice president of sales for the eastern region. Edwards, who is based in High Point, reports to Dave Heard, executive vice president of sales. Edwards previously worked as senior vice president of sales for importer Mirador and as vice president of sales at y...
- Las Vegas
Buyers pulling the trigger on dining orders
At The Market— The furniture market here is still in its infancy, but already some dining sources say they're writing many more orders than at the High Point market. It's hard to call it a trend after just two shows, but manufacturers are pleased at the way buyers are committing here. In High Point, exhibitors said, many retailers don't place orders, preferring to shop the market, gather ...
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