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Furniture|Today > Archives > 03/19/2007 Issue
Table of Contents
Furniture|Today -- 03/19/2007

Bedding Today
  • Buying gap data reveal big bedding opportunities
    Our report on the buying gap in home furnishings offers good and bad news for the bedding industry. The report, published in the Feb. 26 issue, shows that bedding has the third-highest buy-shop ratio, trailing only infant cribs and glider rockers. That ratio is the percentage of buying households compared with the percentage of shopping households.

Editor's Desk
  • Why our glass looks half full
    Don't even think about calling me the industry's cheerleader. I don't carry pom-pons, I look terrible in a short skirt and I couldn't do a split if my life depended on it. However, I do admit that I see our industry's glass as half full. Given the continued sluggishness at retail, one easily could see our glass as half empty.

Industry Numbers
  • FBI cuts 1Q profit estimate
    St. Louis— Citing continuing softness at retail, Furniture Brands International has cut its first quarter sales and earnings estimates. The company said last week it expects sales for the quarter to be about 15% below last year's first quarter, while net earnings are projected at 3 cents to 7 cents per share, after an estimated 5 cents per share in one-time charges.
  • Dorel 4Q income slips 3.9% despite sales gain
    Montreal— Despite declines in sales and earnings in its home furnishings segment, Dorel Inds. solidified its position as Canada's largest producer and distributor of household furniture in 2006. For the fourth quarter, the consumer goods giant had revenues of $447.9 million, up 4.1% from 2005, thanks to the continuing strong performance of its juvenile products segment.
  • 4th quarter profit keeps Amisco in black for year
    L'islet, Quebec— Metal furniture specialist Amisco Inds. reported it salvaged a meager profit in the year ended Nov. 30 as sales dropped 20% to C$35.3 million. A profitable fourth quarter kept Amisco out of the red for the year. A net profit of C$181,855 during the final 13 weeks brought earnings for fiscal 2006 to C$19,214, compared with C$2.
  • BMTC Group's sales, earnings climb in 4Q and year
    Montreal— Despite what it described as a difficult environment, retailer BMTC Group reported sales and earnings gains for the fourth quarter and year. In the quarter, revenues were up 5% from the same period a year earlier to C$220 million. Net earnings nearly doubled, to C$16.5 million from $8.

Insider's View
  • Attention, all number lovers! Here's a bunch
    In our work we use a lot of numbers, and this column is chock full of them. (By the way, they're from the American Home Furnishings Alliance, the International Sleep Products Assn. and our own government.) In 2006, total U.S. consumption of furniture and bedding was $83.9 billion, a 6.2% gain over 2005's $79 billion.

News
  • Sauder call center again receives certification
    Archbold, Ohio— Sauder Woodworking's customer call center has earned the Center of Excellence certification from BenchmarkPortal, which oversees the world's largest database of call center performance metrics. It marked the second consecutive year Sauder's call center received the certification, awarded to the top 10% of companies that apply for the designation.
  • Simmons Janesville plant wins award for third time
    Janesville, Wis.— Simmons presented its bedding manufacturing plant here with the 2006 Tony Saliture Award for Operational Excellence, making it the only plant to win the award three times. The annual award recognizes a Simmons plant with superior performance in safety, quality, customer service, cost and productivity.
  • Woodworking event open for registration
    City of Commerce, Calif.— The Woodworking Industry Conference, set for April 25–28 at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg, Fla., is open for registration. Following its theme of "Retooling America — Business Practices to Maximize Your Success," the conference will provide education, discussions, forums and networking to executives, directors and manage...
  • Rodriquez heads world furniture group
    Paris— Furniture industry leaders from around the world have named Rodrigo Rodriquez, honorary president of the European Furniture Manufacturers Federation, or UEA, as the first president of the newly formed World Furniture Confederation. He was chosen earlier this year to serve a three-year term by industry associates gathered at the Salon de Meuble here.
  • Obituaries
    Roswell Brayton Jr., Woolrich president, CEO
    Woolrich, Pa.— Roswell Brayton Jr., president and CEO of venerable outdoor lifestyle brand Woolrich, has died. He was 55. Brayton collapsed last week at Woolrich headquarters here. He was rushed to the hospital but could not be revived. A sixth-generation member of the founding Rich family, Brayton joined the company in 1978.
  • Valdese to expand domestic fabric output
    Valdese, N.C.— Major fabric supplier Valdese Weavers will expand its domestic manufacturing operations following the acquisition of a 198,000-square-foot plant, the company's third facility here. President and CEO Mike Shelton said the company evaluated expansion sites overseas or in other domestic regions, but decided "to make this commitment to grow our business in Valdese, where we hav...
  • Crisp promoted to global VP post at Valdese
    Valdese, N.C.— Industry veteran Joel Crisp has been promoted to the new position of vice president of global operations at fabric supplier Valdese Weavers. Crisp, previously director of global operations, will continue to manage the Valdese International Product, or VIP, brand, in which products are designed and developed in the company's North Carolina facilities, then sourced offshore.
  • Rooms To Go plans Gulf Coast distribution center
    Slidell, La.— Rooms To Go is negotiating to build an 850,000-square-foot distribution center with an attached clearance outlet here to serve its Gulf Coast stores. The Seffner, Fla.-based Top 100 company wants to open the facility in less than two years "pending successful discussions with the state," said Jeff Seaman, RTG's president and CEO.
  • Sept. casual show to be extended a half day
    High Point— The Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Assn.'s board has voted to extend the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market by a half day. The 2007 show will run Monday, Sept. 17, through Friday, Sept. 21, in the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Hours Monday through Thursday will be 8:30 a.
  • IHFRA to honor Shoemaker, Amini at gala
    High Point— Paula Shoemaker, a longtime sales representative, and Michael Amini, CEO of importer AICO, will be honored by the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. at this month's High Point Market. Shoemaker, a former IHFRA president, will receive the group's highest honor, the Harold P.
  • Waverly to be sold
    New York— NexCen Brands has agreed to acquire the Waverly brand of decorative fabrics and other home furnishings products from F. Schumacher & Co., the companies said last week. Publicly held NexCen said it will pay $36.8 million in cash and issue 50,000 stock warrants to acquire the Waverly brand.
  • 2nd Hike for Hope set
    High Point— Marketgoers and local businesses will hit the pavement here the morning of Sunday, March 25, in the industry's second annual Hike for Hope. The hour-long event starting at 7:15 a.m., a two-mile walk through downtown High Point, is a fundraiser for City of Hope, a research and treatment center for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
  • L&P unveils R&D center
    Carthage, Mo.— Home furnishings supplier Leggett & Platt pulled back the curtain last week on its new corporate research and development center here, a key element in a strategy to reassert its leadership in product innovation. The supplier, with a long tradition of selling wire-based products to bedding and upholstery producers, said its innovations won't be confined to those fashion...
  • Cohenour gets Hooker post
    Martinsville, Va.— Hooker Furniture has named Bruce Cohenour senior vice president of national accounts and business development, a new position with the company. For the past 12 years, Cohenour has been a sales representative for Hooker in northern Texas and Oklahoma. Before that, he was a regional sales manager for La-Z-Boy.
  • Carmel is sales VP at BnT
    Piscataway, N.J.— Gary Carmel has joined furniture manufacturer and distributor BnT Furniture U.S.A. as vice president of sales and marketing. With over 40 years of industry experience, primarily in contemporary furniture, he has been sales manager for Sharut Furniture, Designer Woodcraft and, most recently, Polaris Leather of Italy.
  • Moran leaves B&B Italia
    New York— Industry veteran Valerie Moran has stepped down as chairman of B&B Italia USA here after five months. She has not been replaced, but Daniela Coletta, former director of sales, was to be promoted to managing director of the high-end Italian furniture producer, according to an e-mail from Moran to her friends and associates.
  • Bedding Benchmarks
    Specialty sleep sources join forces in Las Vegas
    Las Vegas— Amid all of the high-profile ('S' brand) bedding producers here, a group of mattress and sleep accessory companies joined forces to make buyers' shopping trips here a little easier. The Specialty Sleep Assn. once again hosted an eclectic mix of companies offering everything from silk-cushioned mattresses to sturdy sheets, and from natural latex beds to bed frames.
  • Bedding Benchmarks
    Stylution USA adds Privileged Class bedding line
    High Point— Stylution USA, aiming to grow its U.S. bedding business with an expanded product lineup, is targeting high-end price points with its new Privileged Class collection. The importer of Chinese-made mattresses, showing in space 201 in the Furniture Plaza at the upcoming High Point Market, now offers four distinct collections, each with different constructions and features.
  • IHFRA to offer several services at market
    High Point— The International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. again will offer an array of services during this month's High Point Market. The organization's office in the International Home Furnishings Center's Main Wing, lower level, will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. from Saturday, March 24, through Sunday, April 1.
  • IHFRA's New Members Day scheduled for March 27
    High Point— Tuesday of market will be New Members Day for the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. Reps who are not affiliated with the professional group can visit its office in the International Home Furnishings Center (Main Wing, lower level) to learn about the benefits and networking opportunities available with membership.
  • L&P changes focus to promote innovation
    Carthage, Mo.— Components giant Leggett & Platt has announced an innovation strategy, including leadership changes designed to support CEO Dave Haffner's vision to heighten the company's focus on product and technology development to drive organic growth. "L&P's future success in the global marketplace will depend heavily on our ability to fully leverage our broad and deep resourc...
  • IFTLC meeting to target evolving import trade
    Gardner, Mass.— The International Furniture Transportation and Logistics Council will hold its 47th annual International Conference of Furniture Transportation and Logistics Managers May 2–4 at Lago Mar Resort and Club in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This year's theme is "How your company can take the greatest possible advantage of the ongoing transition in the transportation, warehousing ...
  • WHFA offers discounted conference travel rates
    Roseville, Calif.— The Western Home Furnishings Assn.'s 2007 Conference and Tradeshow is scheduled for May 6–8 at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Palm Springs, Calif. Group rates are available for travel to the golf resort, which is accessible from the Los Angeles International Airport, the Ontario Airport and Palm Springs Airport.
  • Natco to open second plant in Ningbo, China factory
    West Warwick, R.I.— Natco Home Fashions, parent company of Central Oriental Rugs, will open its second factory in Ningbo, China, according to President Michael Litner. The facility will employ about 500 workers and manufacture products including window treatments, floor covering products, tabletop items and pillows.
  • Howard Miller using retail incentive program
    Zeeland, Mich.— Howard Miller expects to spend as much as $500,000 over the next year on a new incentives program aimed at retail salespeople. The program, which started March 1 and runs through February 2008, is called Sell to Win. It offers retail sales staff a chance to win instant cash prizes of $25, $50 and $1,000 for each Howard Miller floor clock they sell.
  • Firm touts 'on-target' branding services
    Philadelphia— Product messages can miss the mark badly, according to a branding firm that's offering its services in the home furnishings industry. Some manufacturers might promote product "benefits" that actually have a negative impact on sales, say consultants at Hunter, a strategic marketing company based in Chester County, Pa.
  • Florida sales climate cools
    Miami— Florida, for years one of the hottest retail furniture markets, has cooled so dramatically that at least one Top 100 player is thinking of getting out, and others are counting their blessings when business is flat or just a little worse than a year ago. Battered by hurricanes and a stalled housing market, consumers here have tightened their purse strings on those big-ticket items t...
  • Love those licenses
    High Point— Several major licensed collections will make their debut at the upcoming High Point Market, while other companies will expand existing licensed brands. Sure to grab buyers' attention are lines from four new licensers: Better Homes & Gardens at Universal, Royal Manner at Highland House, The Smithsonian at Bernhardt and Donald Trump at Lexington.
  • U.S. furniture imports up 7% in 2006
    High Point— Sluggish retail conditions and a good deal of reshuffling in where importers are sourcing their product kept growth in imported furniture and furniture parts in the single digits last year. U.S. imports grew 7% to nearly $22 billion in 2006, up from $20.6 billion in 2005. The still-healthy gain compares with an 11% expansion in 2005, which came largely because of China's 18% s...
  • New management team in place at Gabberts
    Edina, Minn.— Gabberts, which unveiled a redesigned store here last month, also has remade its organization in the past 18 months by adding several executives. Taking over as CEO in 2005 was Michael Knight, the founder and principal of turnaround specialist Alliance Management, which Gabberts first took on in January 2005 to help right the retailer's struggling business.
  • Reps can win free parking on weekend before spring market
    High Point— Members of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. can enter a drawing for free parking spaces at the International Home Furnishings Center on the weekend prior to the spring market. As many as 200 spaces will be available in the Green Drive lot, the building's truck staging area across from the High Point post office.
  • U.S. exports climb 13%, but it's unclear just why
    High Point— Are U.S. furniture manufacturers getting serious about selling the world, and therefore becoming more globally competitive? Or is the domestic furniture manufacturing scene transitioning from finished goods to merely supplying parts to other countries? A rather dramatic 13% jump in furniture exports from 2005 to 2006 is surprising, and the reasons behind it are mysterious.
  • Huffman Koos name to be reborn at market
    High Point— One-time Northeast retailer Huffman Koos will be reborn officially here next week with the opening of a 14,000-square-foot wholesale furniture showroom for the High Point Market. Anthony Mehran, who acquired the rights to the Huffman Koos name and Internet domain out of bankruptcy in 2005, said the showroom at 209 N.
  • Moda to become Huffman Koos
    Passaic, N.J.— Anthony Mehran likes the Huffman Koos name so much he's decided to convert his own Moda Furniture stores to it. The founder and CEO of seven-store Moda, based here, acquired the rights to the Huffman Koos name out of bankruptcy in 2005 and originally planned to open in-store galleries in Moda stores.
  • Duralee's new Long Island showroom will quadruple space
    Syosset, N.Y.— Fabric and furniture source Duralee is moving its showroom from corporate headquarters in Bay Shore, N.Y., to a larger facility here to support its sales growth. The new showroom, opening this spring, will have 4,200 square feet, compared with the current showroom's 1,000 square feet.
  • Former Thomasville CEO Pfaff starts import company
    Greensboro, N.C.— Chris Pfaff, a former president and CEO of Thomasville Furniture Inds., has formed an import company called Bernard Christianson. The company, based here, will specialize in high-end occasional and accent furniture, mainly sourced from the Philippines, with a smaller amount from China.
  • Bolicks, English launch furnishings ventures
    Hiddenite, N.C.— Former Hickory Hill president Lew English and Paladin Inds. founders Tim and Elaine Bolick have started two home furnishings ventures, one in occasional and the other in upholstery. VillaBella, an occasional collection featuring specialty finishes, initially will correlate with the midpriced to high-end Paladin upholstery line, and eventually will be expanded with dining ...
  • Brazilians tap Williams
    High Point— Hooker Furniture veteran Doug Williams has joined Brazil Furniture Group of North Carolina as president of a new division called BFG Distributing. The division will distribute product from Brazilian wood furniture manufacturers Rotta Furniture and Renar Furniture, stocking goods in a 45,000-square-foot warehouse here.
  • Furniture Classics drops Morgan Hill line
    Norfolk, Va.— Accent and occasional furniture specialist Furniture Classics has told its customers that it will no longer distribute the Morgan Hill furniture line. First developed by Theodore Alexander CEO Paul Maitland-Smith in the mid 1990s, Morgan Hill was a high-end, European-influenced reproduction line of case goods, accents and accessories.
  • IHFRA to install officers, present awards at gala
    High Point— Richard Gillispie will be installed as the 69th president of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Assn. at a gala here on Saturday, March 24. Other officers also will start their terms at the annual Presidential Gala and Awards Ceremony in the International Home Furnishings Center Club.
  • Corrections
    A photo caption on page 60 of the March 12 issue gave incorrect information about where Bentbrook Furniture has a showroom. The company doesn't show at the Las Vegas Market. A story on page 6 of the March 5 issue failed to mention one of the sponsors of a furniture show in Orlando, Fla., operated by Karel Exposition Management.
  • Culp revamps upholstery fabrics management team
    High Point— Fabric supplier Culp Inc. has given new or expanded roles to several executives in its upholstery fabrics division, reflecting a revised manufacturing strategy that puts more emphasis on China-sourced product and less on domestically produced goods. Rob Culp, chairman and CEO, and Frank Saxon, president, announced the changes in a memo to employees.
  • Lexington suggests price floor
    Thomasville, N.C.— In an effort to stem declines in retail profitability, Lexington Home Brands has adopted a Suggested Minimum Retail Price policy. The SMRP policy applies to its entire line of bedroom, dining room, living room, home office, home entertainment and occasional furniture, including branded products such as Tommy Bahama.
  • Baker joins Schnadig
    Des Plaines, Ill.— Jerry Baker has joined manufacturer and importer Schnadig Corp. as vice president of sales. Baker most recently was executive vice president of marketing, merchandising and national accounts for motion upholstery producer PeopLoungers. Previously, he held sales management positions at Berkline, Ashley and Stanley Furniture.

Opinion Today
  • Rudwall wins Palliser's first Arctic Adventure
    Winnipeg, Manitoba— Chuck Rudwall, owner of LeatherOne Furniture, Chattanooga, Tenn., is heading to polar bear country, courtesy of Palliser. He is the first winner of the leather upholstery producer's Arctic Adventure sales contest, which gives winners a chance to view bears in the Canadian wild.
  • AmericasMart: Atlanta shows drew 100,000
    Atlanta— The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings and International Area Rug markets drew over 100,000 visitors during their Jan. 9 to 21 runs, said organizer AmericasMart. Officials said the attendance set a record, with buyers coming from all 50 states and 80 countries. The consecutive January shows typically attract 93,000 to 95,000 buyers and other visitors, said Keri Han...
  • Letters to the Editor
    Let's replace the High Point Market 'wizard'
    Recently, questionable decisions have been made for the furniture industry. The decision to, first, change the month of the High Point Market and, second, alter the days of the week that comprise the market are of particular importance. These decisions are not to be taken lightly. In this letter, I am not going to debate all the particulars, but I will state a fact, which is that the weather in...
  • Green is good, but must be affordable
    We've been interested in what seems to be the newest buzz in furniture — "green" products. That topic is expected to be much discussed at next week High Point Market, as well it should be. We all need to be aware of and perhaps participate in this effort. Almost nothing in our industry is truly new, and green marketing long has titillated many furniture folks.

People Today
  • People Today
    Marketing/Sales American Leather Dallas — Custom upholstery specialist American Leather has honored Mitch Zerg & Associates as the leading sales representatives in 2006 for its hospitality division. Mitch Zerg and Shauna Mauro of the rep company cover California and Nevada for American Leather.
  • Rowsey retires from La-Z-Boy
    Greensboro, N.C.— Industry veteran Harry Rowsey has retired from his post as vice president of information technology, case goods, for La-Z-Boy Greensboro after 41 years in the business. Rowsey started his career at Lea Inds., now a division of La-Z-Boy Greensboro, as a programmer. A retirement party held for Rowsey at the Four Seasons Sheraton here drew key executives from his past, incl...

Special Report
  • Market Showrooms
    Market showrooms
    IHFC Plaza Suites C&D Hamilton/Wrenn Market Square Showplace Suites at Market Square 220 Elm Hamilton Square Furniture Plaza Mill on Centennial Center Point Center Theater Tower Union Square
  • New at Market: Leather Furniture
    Leather furniture
    All prices retail • In-depth stories on leather introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's opening day issue. American Leather SP 5th floor Marketing programs: New point-of-sales system for retailers includes new displays for leather and fabric swatches. Company news: The showroom space has been redesigned by Garry Mertins.
  • Accessories Today
    Wall decor, accent furniture producers expect solid 2007
    Research: wall decor Research by Home Accents Today and New York-based Easy Analytic Software projects U.S. consumers will spend 30% more this year on wall decor than the $6.14 billion spent in 2006. The biggest gains are expected in the West and South, with Nevada's 47% projection leading the U.S. states.
  • New at Market: Case Goods
    Case goods
    All prices retail • In-depth stories on case goods introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's opening day issue. AICO IHFC G-777 Archatrive 108 Lindsay, 3rd floor Aspenhome IHFC M-604, M-1301 Austin Gray 100 S. Main St. Strategy: Strengthening its bedroom category at middle price points. Suites start at $999 for bed, dresser and mirror.
  • New at Market: Home Entertainment
    Home entertainment
    All prices retail • In-depth stories on home entertainment introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's opening day issue. Apa Marketing IHFC W-547 Adding the Normandy Park plasma TV console to its Encore line of entertainment furniture. The console features a motorized lift, a surge protector in the cabinet and ventilated audio compartments.
  • New at Market: Home Office
    Home office
    All prices retail • In-depth stories on home office introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's opening day issue. Aspenhome IHFC M-1301 Broyhill IHFC C-600 Strategy: Broyhill unveils six new home office groups that are additions to best-selling whole home groups. Styles range from casual to traditional.
  • New at Market: Occasional Furniture
    Occasional furniture
    All prices retail • In-depth stories on introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's opening day issue. Allan Copley Designs 135 S. Hamilton St. Ancient Mosaic Studios SMS 1-302 Featuring tabletops of hand-crafted Italian marble and travertine. Made in the United States and available in 19 different sizes.
  • New at Market: Stationary Upholstery
    Stationary upholstery
    All prices retail • In-depth stories on introductions will appear in Furniture/Today's opening day issue. Advantage by Fraenkel 120 S. Main St. Avenue Six 220 Elm 100 Barclay Butera IHFC H-163 Bauhaus FP 511 A number of transitional frames in velvets and chenilles in the $599 to $799 range, along with two or three new sectionals in the $1,299 to $1,899 range, including a leather/fabric tw...

Store Openings
  • Conlin's installs Broyhill galleries in six stores
    Billings, Mont.— Conlin's Furniture, a key Broyhill Furniture retailer with stores in Montana, the Dakotas and Wyoming, has installed Broyhill galleries in six of its stores. In Kalispell, Mont., a 32,000-square-foot Conlin's houses a 6,500-square-foot Broyhill gallery. The 33,000-square-foot Conlin's store in Bozeman, Mont.
  • Broyhill adds galleries in Alabama, Ohio stores
    Lenoir, N.C.— Broyhill Furniture, based here, has installed galleries in stores in Ohio and Alabama. Cedar Hill Furniture in Huber Heights, Ohio, has added a 7,500-square-foot Broyhill gallery in its 20,000-square-foot store. The retailer also operates two other stores, in Springfield and Dayton, Ohio.
  • Hollandia opens first U.S. store
    King of Prussia, Pa.— Hollandia International, designer, manufacturer and marketer of high-end bedding systems, has opened its first U.S. store here at the King of Prussia Mall. The flagship store is located on the mall's second floor between Bloomingdale's and the furniture pavilion, and features Hollandia's line of patented Gravity Zero luxury bed systems.

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