Furniture Today - February 27, 2006

James Bartholomew Metsch, a longtime sales representative and retailer in the Northeast and Canada, has died. He was 83. Metsch served in the Army during World War II and saw combat action in Normandy, France. After his discharge, he worked in furniture sales for retailer W&J Sloane for more than 24 years.

• Special Report
• Bedding innovatons abound
• Latex's new line rolls out sheets in big way
• Irish foamer targets hot U.S. visco market
• Kaymed senses success in the air for nest-like foam
• Latex International lauds success of partnership

• Industry Numbers
• Havertys 4Q earnings down
• Aaron profit up 6.1% in 4Q
• Leon's 4Q sales up 11.2%; plans capital projects in '06

• Store Openings
• Iowa retailer Kinneer opens 83rd Best gallery
• Bedmart has 24th store in Arizona
• Everton launches furniture store

• People Today
• People Today

• Opinion Today
• Financing shouldn't be main selling point

• Insider's View
• Good show, but Vegas organizers still learning

• Editor's Desk
• Tupelo builds a better show

• Bedding Today
• Unger set a wise example on mattress flammability

• News
• Big mattress makers applaud national FR regs
• Circuit City survey links TV purchase to furniture buys
• 'Manutailer' H.D. Buttercup expects to blossom
• Tofu-pholstery?
• Importers eye duties
• Traffic modest in Tupelo
• City brings design to masses
• Retailer Dufresne launches buying group
• IFDA elects officers; Jeross is 2006 president
• Loloi rug wins People's Choice Award in Atlanta
• Fun-loving Pilgrim wins NHFA's highest honor
• La-Z-Boy promotes Hoyas to VP
• Cantrex won't alter strategy
• Mega sees alliance with Dufresne as benefit
• Belgian foam supplier Latexco expands in U.S.
• Sigla shifts sourcing to China
• FIT to honor Webster
• Decosit launches fabric show in Hong Kong
• WMC reports attendance dip, strong activity
• Suppliers adjust to lean mfg., fewer factories
• Heirloom Traditions doesn't show in Tupelo
• Pre-registration open for universal H.P. passes
• MMPI razing building for buyer parking
• Mischen Glabman, Joan create new fabric source
• Broyhill taps Gould for supply chain
• Our Community
• Flexsteel prize changes woman's life
• CA Hoitt helps furnish N.H. governor's office