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Furniture|Today -- 03/10/2008
Bedding Today
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Private equity, positive or negative for industry?
I hear a lot of private equity bashing when I make my rounds in the industry. Thus, I was more than a little surprised when I recently asked 19 producers to give me their thoughts on the presence of private equity players in the mattress industry. Here's a quick summary of their responses to my question: Has the entry of private-equity firms in the bedding business been a positive or a negative...
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Private equity, positive or negative for industry?
I hear a lot of private equity bashing when I make my rounds in the industry. Thus, I was more than a little surprised when I recently asked 19 producers to give me their thoughts on the presence of private equity players in the mattress industry. Here's a quick summary of their responses to my question: Has the entry of private-equity firms in the bedding business been a positive or a negative...
Editor's Desk
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Does Fluffy need a chair?
When people tell you that this business is going to the dogs, they may not be kidding. A growing number of retailers, including Wal-Mart, Target and Pottery Barn, are hot on the scent of a new category: pet furniture. Think I'm kidding? Check out Target's Web site. You can buy one of 147 pet products, including a Barn Pet House, priced at $322.
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Does Fluffy need a chair?
When people tell you that this business is going to the dogs, they may not be kidding. A growing number of retailers, including Wal-Mart, Target and Pottery Barn, are hot on the scent of a new category: pet furniture. Think I'm kidding? Check out Target's Web site. You can buy one of 147 pet products, including a Barn Pet House, priced at $322.
Industry Numbers
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Restoration rejects Sears Holdings bid
Corte Madera, Calif.— Home goods retailer Restoration Hardware has announced that it will stick with a management-led buyout proposal backed by Catterton Partners, rejecting a bid by Sears Holdings, parent of Sears and Kmart. Restoration said an independent committee of its board found that a revised Sears Holdings bid "was not reasonably likely to result in a superior proposal.
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Restoration rejects Sears Holdings bid
Corte Madera, Calif.— Home goods retailer Restoration Hardware has announced that it will stick with a management-led buyout proposal backed by Catterton Partners, rejecting a bid by Sears Holdings, parent of Sears and Kmart. Restoration said an independent committee of its board found that a revised Sears Holdings bid "was not reasonably likely to result in a superior proposal.
Insider's View
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You can't get a new Lexus for a used Taurus price
Nat Ancell, co-founder of Ethan Allen, continued to come to markets and industry events long after he retired. He made many in the industry uncomfortable by asking questions like, "What do you sell?" Most said "beautiful furniture" or "a great value in furniture." Nat would argue vigorously that they were wrong.
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You can't get a new Lexus for a used Taurus price
Nat Ancell, co-founder of Ethan Allen, continued to come to markets and industry events long after he retired. He made many in the industry uncomfortable by asking questions like, "What do you sell?" Most said "beautiful furniture" or "a great value in furniture." Nat would argue vigorously that they were wrong.
News
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Craftmaster to market Lacquer Craft upholstery
Taylorsville, N.C.— Universal has merged its imported upholstery line into sister company Craftmaster Furniture, creating a standalone upholstery company for parent Lacquer Craft. "We are now one upholstery company," said Roy Calcagne, president and CEO of Craftmaster. "It's one-stop shopping at the Universal showroom in High Point.
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Nebraska enjoys record year
Omaha, Neb.— Investor Warren Buffett said in his annual letter to shareholders that in a down year for some retailers, earnings at Nebraska Furniture Mart hit a record at its Omaha and Kansas City, Kan., stores. Buffett did not quantify the earnings. But he said the stores each had sales of about $400 million.
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New Classic honors top reps, employees
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.— Case goods importer New Classic Home Furnishings has named David Rickel as its sales representative of the year. Rickel handles the Midwestern sales region and was recognized for his sales volume, customer service satisfaction and other contributions. Classic Home also recognized other reps for outstanding achievement: Matt and Todd Nash, Texas; Mike Foster, Ariz...
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New Classic to expand product line
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.— Case goods importer New Classic Home Furnishings will add occasional and upholstery to its expanding line of product categories. The company said it plans to launch six to eight occasional groups and six to eight upholstery groups at the July Las Vegas Market. Occasional offerings will cover a variety of styles and will include end, cocktail and sofa tables.
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F/T Bedding Conference set for May 14–16
High Point— Green living guru Danny Seo is the headline speaker at Furniture/Today's third Bedding Conference, set for May 14–16 at the Ritz-Carlton golf resort in Naples, Fla. "Better sleep equals better sales" is the theme. Seo, one of the nation's top environmental lifestyle experts, heads a slate of retail-oriented speakers for the event, which once again will be co-sponsored by...
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Craftmaster to market Lacquer Craft upholstery
Taylorsville, N.C.— Universal has merged its imported upholstery line into sister company Craftmaster Furniture, creating a standalone upholstery company for parent Lacquer Craft. "We are now one upholstery company," said Roy Calcagne, president and CEO of Craftmaster. "It's one-stop shopping at the Universal showroom in High Point.
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Nebraska enjoys record year
Omaha, Neb.— Investor Warren Buffett said in his annual letter to shareholders that in a down year for some retailers, earnings at Nebraska Furniture Mart hit a record at its Omaha and Kansas City, Kan., stores. Buffett did not quantify the earnings. But he said the stores each had sales of about $400 million.
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Collezione files Chapter 11
Newark, N.J.— Furniture importer Collezione Europa has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing a sharp drop in sales after the failures of two of its biggest retail customers, Rhodes and Levitz. Collezione said in the Feb. 29 filing that it owed more than $5.2 million to its largest unsecured creditors.
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Many find value in premarket
High Point— More than 60 furniture companies opened their doors to retailers during last week's premarket here to get feedback on new product and pave the way for orders during the April High Point Market. The list included two dozen official event sponsors that contributed money to pay for lodging, car rentals and meals for some 70 retailers to attend the March 3-4 event.
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Gala to spotlight retailers, leaders
High Point— Midwest retailers Morris Furniture and Great Lakes Home Furnishings, along with longtime sales rep Thomas Schuckert and retired International Home Furnishings Center CEO Bruce Miller, will be honored next month at the 14th Annual Furniture Industry Awards Gala here. Morris, based in Fairborn, Ohio, and Great Lakes, based in Holland, Mich.
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Collezione files Chapter 11
Newark, N.J.— Furniture importer Collezione Europa has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing a sharp drop in sales after the failures of two of its biggest retail customers, Rhodes and Levitz. Collezione said in the Feb. 29 filing that it owed more than $5.2 million to its largest unsecured creditors.
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Many find value in premarket
High Point— More than 60 furniture companies opened their doors to retailers during last week's premarket here to get feedback on new product and pave the way for orders during the April High Point Market. The list included two dozen official event sponsors that contributed money to pay for lodging, car rentals and meals for some 70 retailers to attend the March 3-4 event.
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Gala to spotlight retailers, leaders
High Point— Midwest retailers Morris Furniture and Great Lakes Home Furnishings, along with longtime sales rep Thomas Schuckert and retired International Home Furnishings Center CEO Bruce Miller, will be honored next month at the 14th Annual Furniture Industry Awards Gala here. Morris, based in Fairborn, Ohio, and Great Lakes, based in Holland, Mich.
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City of Hope golf tourney to honor Lawrence
Coto De Caza, Calif.— Bob Lawrence, CEO of buying group Brand Source, will be honored June 2 at the West Coast Golf and Tennis Tournament to raise money for City of Hope. After a day on the fairways and courts of the Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club here, industry members will raise their glasses at a dinner and reception to toast the philanthropic and professional achievements of Lawre...
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California's Urner's taps Connie Post for redesign
Bakersfield, Calif.— Furniture, appliances and electronics retailer Urner's, based here, has selected the Connie Post Cos. to redesign its store inside and out. The project, now in the design phase, aims to enhance the store's architectural features through trim, moldings,color andother residential design elements applied for commercial use.
-
New Classic honors top reps, employees
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.— Case goods importer New Classic Home Furnishings has named David Rickel as its sales representative of the year. Rickel handles the Midwestern sales region and was recognized for his sales volume, customer service satisfaction and other contributions. Classic Home also recognized other reps for outstanding achievement: Matt and Todd Nash, Texas; Mike Foster, Ariz...
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New Classic to expand product line
Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.— Case goods importer New Classic Home Furnishings will add occasional and upholstery to its expanding line of product categories. The company said it plans to launch six to eight occasional groups and six to eight upholstery groups at the July Las Vegas Market. Occasional offerings will cover a variety of styles and will include end, cocktail and sofa tables.
-
F/T Bedding Conference set for May 14–16
High Point— Green living guru Danny Seo is the headline speaker at Furniture/Today's third Bedding Conference, set for May 14–16 at the Ritz-Carlton golf resort in Naples, Fla. "Better sleep equals better sales" is the theme. Seo, one of the nation's top environmental lifestyle experts, heads a slate of retail-oriented speakers for the event, which once again will be co-sponsored by...
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CPSC offers uph. FR reg
Greensboro, N.C.— A proposed federal standard on upholstered furniture flammability issued last week should be effective in preventing fires and not too difficult or costly for manufacturers to comply with, industry sources said. The proposal from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission details how upholstered furniture manufacturers must protect their products from catching fire, cau...
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Graydon leaving Mega Group
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan— Michael Graydon has resigned as president and CEO of Mega Group to take a similar post at the British Columbia Lottery Corp. He will be succeeded at Mega by Benoit Simard, who has been the retail buying group's executive vice president of retail. Graydon will leave the post he has held for the past seven years on March 30.
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CPSC offers uph. FR reg
Greensboro, N.C.— A proposed federal standard on upholstered furniture flammability issued last week should be effective in preventing fires and not too difficult or costly for manufacturers to comply with, industry sources said. The proposal from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission details how upholstered furniture manufacturers must protect their products from catching fire, cau...
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Graydon leaving Mega Group
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan— Michael Graydon has resigned as president and CEO of Mega Group to take a similar post at the British Columbia Lottery Corp. He will be succeeded at Mega by Benoit Simard, who has been the retail buying group's executive vice president of retail. Graydon will leave the post he has held for the past seven years on March 30.
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LMG offers efficiency program for bed makers
St. Charles, Ill.— A new manufacturing efficiency program offered by Lilly Management Group is designed to help mattress producers "find money on their factory floors," the company says. LMG officials say the new program is timely as the industry moves into what is expected to be another challenging year.
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Leon's earnings climb 6.9% in 4Q
Toronto— Leon's Furniture, Canada's most profitable full-line furniture retailer, has reported sales and earnings gains for the fourth quarter and full year. Leon's corporate sales of C$185.9 million in the quarter were up 3.2% from the comparable 2006 period, and franchise store sales climbed 7.
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Bland joins Southern Motion
Pontotoc, Miss.— Reclining furniture maker Southern Motion has hired industry veteran Roger Bland as president and a member of the board of directors. He reports to Guy Lipscomb, who had been president and moves to chairman. Lipscomb also remains CEO. Bland had spent 29 years at Lane Home Furnishings, most recently as executive vice president, before leaving the company in August.
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Oriental Weavers hires Brumlow
Dalton, Ga.— Andy Brumlow has been named to the new position of vice president of Oriental Weavers Broadloom. Brumlow will be responsible for launching Oriental Weavers' broadloom venture in the United States, a new venture for the Egypt-based manufacturer. He will reportto Mike Riley, president of Oriental Weavers USA.
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Diversity pays off for RTA specialist Bestar
Lac-Megantic, Quebec— Diversifying into the components business is paying off for ready-to-assemble specialist Bestar, which reported that its sales were up 6.4% in the fourth quarter and 30.4% for the full year. Net income in the quarter declined by more than half to C$50,000 or 0.4 cents per share, from C$127,000 or 1 cent per share in the 2006 fourth quarter.
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Sears Canada reports higher profit in 4Q despite sales dip
Toronto— Profitability improved for Sears Canada during the fourth quarter of 2007 even though revenue and same-store stores fell. Total revenues for the extended 18-week period ended Feb. 2 were C$2.3 billion and net earnings were C$138.4 million or C$1.29 per share. A few weeks ago, the multi-channel retailer announced that it was altering its fiscal year to coincide with that of its la...
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Three 1800mattress.com stores to stay open 24/7
New York— For the City That Never Sleeps, now there are sleep shops that never sleep. 1800mattress.com, based here, last week became what it said is the first bedding retailer in the city to stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The company, which bills itself as the nation's largest tele-retailer of bedding products and accessories, said it is throwing away the keys (figuratively)...
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Dutailier fire does little damage
St-Pie, Quebec— A fire at its wood glider rocker plant here last week did no major damage and won't affect shipments to retailers, Dutailier Group President Fernand Fontaine said in a statement issued Tuesday. He said the fire is believed to have begun at about 8 p.m. March 3 outside the building in a recycling container.
- Obituaries
Obituaries
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Correction
Michael Parasmo, owner of Prestige Motion, was never a partner or equity owner in manufacturers Peop-Loungers, Kroehler, Futorian, BenchCraft or River Oaks. A story on page 64 of the Feb. 18 issue reported the information incorrectly.
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Leather gets some looks at premarket
High Point— Premarket, while sparsely attended, achieved its purpose for leather upholstery resources that gave retailers an early look at High Point introductions and garnered their reactions. "Mission accomplished," said Michael Campbell, president of Leather Italia U.S.A. "We had appointments and wrote business on them.
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Fabrics key for upholstery
High Point— While premarket activity was underwhelming, fabric upholstery companies like Kincaid still put on a good show to give retailers something to chew on. "We are being aggressive and showing a lot of fabrics," said Steve Beeker, vice president of upholstery sales and marketing for the La-Z-Boy unit.
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Canopy represents new line of furnishings at Wal-Mart
Bentonville, Ark.— Wal-Mart rolled out an array of furniture last week as part of its new Canopy home furnishings brand, sold online and in some stores. In addition to furniture, the Canopy line includes top-of-bed, bath accessories, dinnerware and décor. A press release promises that prices will be up to 40% below those of competitors.
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Wickes' store lease auction set for today
Wilmington, Del.— A March 10 auction has been scheduled for the store leases of the bankrupt Wickes Furniture chain. Under terms of a plan approved Monday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court here, bidders were due to submit proposals by March 7, at which time objections to the sale process also had to be filed.
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City of Hope golf tourney to honor Lawrence
Coto De Caza, Calif.— Bob Lawrence, CEO of buying group Brand Source, will be honored June 2 at the West Coast Golf and Tennis Tournament to raise money for City of Hope. After a day on the fairways and courts of the Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club here, industry members will raise their glasses at a dinner and reception to toast the philanthropic and professional achievements of Lawre...
-
California's Urner's taps Connie Post for redesign
Bakersfield, Calif.— Furniture, appliances and electronics retailer Urner's, based here, has selected the Connie Post Cos. to redesign its store inside and out. The project, now in the design phase, aims to enhance the store's architectural features through trim, moldings,color andother residential design elements applied for commercial use.
-
Three 1800mattress.com stores to stay open 24/7
New York— For the City That Never Sleeps, now there are sleep shops that never sleep. 1800mattress.com, based here, last week became what it said is the first bedding retailer in the city to stay open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The company, which bills itself as the nation's largest tele-retailer of bedding products and accessories, said it is throwing away the keys (figuratively)...
-
Dutailier fire does little damage
St-Pie, Quebec— A fire at its wood glider rocker plant here last week did no major damage and won't affect shipments to retailers, Dutailier Group President Fernand Fontaine said in a statement issued Tuesday. He said the fire is believed to have begun at about 8 p.m. March 3 outside the building in a recycling container.
- Obituaries
Obituaries
-
Correction
Michael Parasmo, owner of Prestige Motion, was never a partner or equity owner in manufacturers Peop-Loungers, Kroehler, Futorian, BenchCraft or River Oaks. A story on page 64 of the Feb. 18 issue reported the information incorrectly.
-
Leather gets some looks at premarket
High Point— Premarket, while sparsely attended, achieved its purpose for leather upholstery resources that gave retailers an early look at High Point introductions and garnered their reactions. "Mission accomplished," said Michael Campbell, president of Leather Italia U.S.A. "We had appointments and wrote business on them.
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Fabrics key for upholstery
High Point— While premarket activity was underwhelming, fabric upholstery companies like Kincaid still put on a good show to give retailers something to chew on. "We are being aggressive and showing a lot of fabrics," said Steve Beeker, vice president of upholstery sales and marketing for the La-Z-Boy unit.
-
Canopy represents new line of furnishings at Wal-Mart
Bentonville, Ark.— Wal-Mart rolled out an array of furniture last week as part of its new Canopy home furnishings brand, sold online and in some stores. In addition to furniture, the Canopy line includes top-of-bed, bath accessories, dinnerware and décor. A press release promises that prices will be up to 40% below those of competitors.
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Wickes' store lease auction set for today
Wilmington, Del.— A March 10 auction has been scheduled for the store leases of the bankrupt Wickes Furniture chain. Under terms of a plan approved Monday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court here, bidders were due to submit proposals by March 7, at which time objections to the sale process also had to be filed.
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Bland joins Southern Motion
Pontotoc, Miss.— Reclining furniture maker Southern Motion has hired industry veteran Roger Bland as president and a member of the board of directors. He reports to Guy Lipscomb, who had been president and moves to chairman. Lipscomb also remains CEO. Bland had spent 29 years at Lane Home Furnishings, most recently as executive vice president, before leaving the company in August.
-
Oriental Weavers hires Brumlow
Dalton, Ga.— Andy Brumlow has been named to the new position of vice president of Oriental Weavers Broadloom. Brumlow will be responsible for launching Oriental Weavers' broadloom venture in the United States, a new venture for the Egypt-based manufacturer. He will reportto Mike Riley, president of Oriental Weavers USA.
-
Diversity pays off for RTA specialist Bestar
Lac-Megantic, Quebec— Diversifying into the components business is paying off for ready-to-assemble specialist Bestar, which reported that its sales were up 6.4% in the fourth quarter and 30.4% for the full year. Net income in the quarter declined by more than half to C$50,000 or 0.4 cents per share, from C$127,000 or 1 cent per share in the 2006 fourth quarter.
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Sears Canada reports higher profit in 4Q despite sales dip
Toronto— Profitability improved for Sears Canada during the fourth quarter of 2007 even though revenue and same-store stores fell. Total revenues for the extended 18-week period ended Feb. 2 were C$2.3 billion and net earnings were C$138.4 million or C$1.29 per share. A few weeks ago, the multi-channel retailer announced that it was altering its fiscal year to coincide with that of its la...
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Leon's earnings climb 6.9% in 4Q
Toronto— Leon's Furniture, Canada's most profitable full-line furniture retailer, has reported sales and earnings gains for the fourth quarter and full year. Leon's corporate sales of C$185.9 million in the quarter were up 3.2% from the comparable 2006 period, and franchise store sales climbed 7.
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LMG offers efficiency program for bed makers
St. Charles, Ill.— A new manufacturing efficiency program offered by Lilly Management Group is designed to help mattress producers "find money on their factory floors," the company says. LMG officials say the new program is timely as the industry moves into what is expected to be another challenging year.
Opinion Today
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We're in for an interesting market
Well we're into the ides of March — in furnitureland, also known as prep time for next month's High Point Market. And yon upholstered furniture suppliers have a somewhat lean and hungry look. Many furniture companies seem to be tempering their exuberance and will be introducing fewer fabric SKUs, according to a number of their fabric suppliers.
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We're in for an interesting market
Well we're into the ides of March — in furnitureland, also known as prep time for next month's High Point Market. And yon upholstered furniture suppliers have a somewhat lean and hungry look. Many furniture companies seem to be tempering their exuberance and will be introducing fewer fabric SKUs, according to a number of their fabric suppliers.
People Today
- People on the Move
People on the Move
Operations Culp High Point — Fabric marketer Culp has promoted Teresa Huffman to vice president of human resources. Huffman will have overall responsibility for management of the company's human resources functions, and will report to Frank Saxon, president and CEO. Since 2004, Huffman has been assistant vice president of human resources.
- People on the Move
People on the Move
Operations Culp High Point — Fabric marketer Culp has promoted Teresa Huffman to vice president of human resources. Huffman will have overall responsibility for management of the company's human resources functions, and will report to Frank Saxon, president and CEO. Since 2004, Huffman has been assistant vice president of human resources.
Special Report
- Import Scene
Stylish, high-end goods break rustic stereotype
High Point— For years, some Latin American furniture makers have boxed themselves into a corner by living up to these stereotypes: Mexico makes rustic-style bedroom and dining room, and Brazil makes bunkbeds. And, more often than not, these goods are made of pine, which often means they fall into promotional to lower middle price points.
- Import Scene
Honduras: A small but important source
High Point— By global standards, Honduras is a tiny country for furniture exports and production. In 2007, it sold $5.4 million in furniture to the United States, down 9% from about $6 million in 2005. But it remains an important source for companies such as Laneventure, Hooker Furniture, Nichols & Stone and Century Furniture.
- Import Scene
Latin America offering 'go-to' source for green
High Point— Part of the appeal of South American furniture producers in the last few years has been their efforts to tout sustainability. From Forest Stewardship Council-certified woods to production of reclaimed timber furniture, Latin America has made a name for itself as one of the go-to places for eco-friendly furniture.
- Import Scene
Peru's resources make it a hidden gem
High Point— For some furniture importers and manufacturers, Peru is a hidden gem thanks to its supply of native hardwoods and capability with hand-painted finishes. Case goods importer Grass Roots Imports gets about 10% of its product mix from Peru, including dining tables and chairs, plus some occasional furniture, bookcases and entertainment centers.
- Supplier Spotlight
Bedding suppliers' outlook remains optimistic
Baltimore— Suppliers to the mattress industry are offering plenty of new products as the industry moves into what is expected to be a challenging year. And they offer something else: An optimistic outlook. Their array of products will be on display for the International Sleep Products Assn. expo that is being held here this week at the Baltimore Convention Center.
- Import Scene
Stylish, high-end goods break rustic stereotype
High Point— For years, some Latin American furniture makers have boxed themselves into a corner by living up to these stereotypes: Mexico makes rustic-style bedroom and dining room, and Brazil makes bunkbeds. And, more often than not, these goods are made of pine, which often means they fall into promotional to lower middle price points.
- Upholstery
Configurable upholstery attracts growing interest
High Point— Configurable upholstery is part of a strategy that manufacturers and retailers are using to slow the flow of imports. The shape of upholstery pieces and the ability to adapt to the way today's consumers are living is emerging as another tool in customization, the element that some manufacturers see as the way to keep U.
- Import Scene
Latin connections
High Point— With two slots on the Top 10 list of countries exporting furniture to the United States — No. 4 Mexico and No. 10 Brazil — Latin America continues to play a big role in this market. But fierce competition from China and currency pressures have caused major challenges for Latin American companies looking to do more business here, as the weak dollar causes prices to ...
- Import Scene
Mexico slips to No. 4 but still a key source
High Point— When it comes to sourcing product around the world, most industry executives remain fixated on growth markets like China and Vietnam. But Mexico remains a key source for the U.S. furniture industry and the most important player in Latin America. Despite a 2007 sales decline that caused Mexico to lose its No.
- Import Scene
Dollar's plunge causes challenge for Brazil
High Point— From a furniture exporting and sourcing standpoint, Brazil has had its share of challenges. Its shipments to the United States fell 10% in 2007 to $321 million, while overall furniture shipments from other parts of the world to this market rose 2%. Brazil's wood shipments dropped 21% last year, to $156.
- Import Scene
Export groups aim to help
High Point— Many Brazilian manufacturers have found themselves in a sales slump as a result of the continuing strength of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar. But many of these same manufacturers also are finding support in trade organizations that help promote their products in the United States.
- Upholstery
Configurable upholstery attracts growing interest
High Point— Configurable upholstery is part of a strategy that manufacturers and retailers are using to slow the flow of imports. The shape of upholstery pieces and the ability to adapt to the way today's consumers are living is emerging as another tool in customization, the element that some manufacturers see as the way to keep U.
- Import Scene
Latin connections
High Point— With two slots on the Top 10 list of countries exporting furniture to the United States — No. 4 Mexico and No. 10 Brazil — Latin America continues to play a big role in this market. But fierce competition from China and currency pressures have caused major challenges for Latin American companies looking to do more business here, as the weak dollar causes prices to ...
- Import Scene
Mexico slips to No. 4 but still a key source
High Point— When it comes to sourcing product around the world, most industry executives remain fixated on growth markets like China and Vietnam. But Mexico remains a key source for the U.S. furniture industry and the most important player in Latin America. Despite a 2007 sales decline that caused Mexico to lose its No.
- Import Scene
Dollar's plunge causes challenge for Brazil
High Point— From a furniture exporting and sourcing standpoint, Brazil has had its share of challenges. Its shipments to the United States fell 10% in 2007 to $321 million, while overall furniture shipments from other parts of the world to this market rose 2%. Brazil's wood shipments dropped 21% last year, to $156.
- Import Scene
Export groups aim to help
High Point— Many Brazilian manufacturers have found themselves in a sales slump as a result of the continuing strength of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar. But many of these same manufacturers also are finding support in trade organizations that help promote their products in the United States.
- Import Scene
Honduras: A small but important source
High Point— By global standards, Honduras is a tiny country for furniture exports and production. In 2007, it sold $5.4 million in furniture to the United States, down 9% from about $6 million in 2005. But it remains an important source for companies such as Laneventure, Hooker Furniture, Nichols & Stone and Century Furniture.
- Import Scene
Latin America offering 'go-to' source for green
High Point— Part of the appeal of South American furniture producers in the last few years has been their efforts to tout sustainability. From Forest Stewardship Council-certified woods to production of reclaimed timber furniture, Latin America has made a name for itself as one of the go-to places for eco-friendly furniture.
- Import Scene
Peru's resources make it a hidden gem
High Point— For some furniture importers and manufacturers, Peru is a hidden gem thanks to its supply of native hardwoods and capability with hand-painted finishes. Case goods importer Grass Roots Imports gets about 10% of its product mix from Peru, including dining tables and chairs, plus some occasional furniture, bookcases and entertainment centers.
- Supplier Spotlight
Bedding suppliers' outlook remains optimistic
Baltimore— Suppliers to the mattress industry are offering plenty of new products as the industry moves into what is expected to be a challenging year. And they offer something else: An optimistic outlook. Their array of products will be on display for the International Sleep Products Assn. expo that is being held here this week at the Baltimore Convention Center.
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