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Furniture|Today -- 04/21/2008
Bedding Today
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Market provides clues on surviving tough times
With apologies to Mark Twain, we begin with this thought: The coldest winter I spent was spring in High Point. Yes, the recent High Point Market started under gray skies as blustery winds swirled through the city. It was strange weather, which prompted one wag to offer this helpful thought: We need to fire the weatherman.
Best of Market
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Trend spotting in High Point
HARDEN FURNITURE This wingback swivel chair dotted with small rustic nailheads shines in gold leather. The design is based on a vintage chair that President Greg Harden acquired during his travels in the West. HICKORY CHAIR Suzanne Kasler's collection for Hickory Chair includes the eye-catching Anastasia Bench, inspired by French flea market finds.
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Market winners
Liberty Dealers liked the clean lines and small scale of Liberty Furniture's new No. 117 group. Old Hickory Tannery Sofa model No. C-800-03 drew attention with its hand-carved frame and elegant French styling. Produced in Egypt by Asal Furniture. Hekman The Asher Benjamin collection includes occasional and home office furniture as well as this dining group.
Editor's Desk
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Survey results help you sell
An alliance between two strong partners can take the phrase "competitive advantage" to an entirely new level. For importers,this means forging relationships with the best factories in order to get the best quality, the best pricing and reliable delivery. Similarly, retailers opting not to go direct, need to buy from the best importers in order to get those same benefits.
Industry Numbers
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Samson sales, earnings fall
Dongguan, China— Samson Holding, the parent of case goods importers Universal Furniture and Legacy Classic and upholstery specialist Craftmaster Furniture, saw a drop in sales and profit in 2007. Sales fell 10.5% to $508.7 million, while net profit declined 46.6% to $55 million. Earnings per share came to 2 cents in 2007, down from 4 cents in 2006.
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Stanley 1Q sales fall 16.7%
Stanleytown, Va.— Case goods major Stanley Furniture said sales fell 16.7% in the first quarter, with consumer demand growing weaker as the period progressed. Net income, including one-time restructuring charges of $164,000, was 37.4% below last year's first quarter. "Despite the most challenging environment our industry has experienced in perhaps a generation, we remain profitable and ha...
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Financial results
News
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Mehlman retiring as chairman at Odyssey
Denver— Michael Mehlman is retiring as chairman of importer Odyssey International after more than three decades in the industry and a 10-year detour into the steel business. Mehlman began his furniture career in 1965 with Berkline, then went on to found upholstery producer The Bean Station Furniture Factory with partners Ben Jarnagin and George Haggard.
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Papasadero leading NARDA
Las Vegas— Buying group veteran Otto Papasadero has been named interim executive director of the North American Retail Dealers Association (NARDA) and its service division, Service USA. The announcement was made at the organization's third annual Service and Retail Convention here. "Otto, an icon in the industry, has assisted countless independent retailers and services in their businesse...
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Heath replaces retiring Boyd as Pearson president
St. Louis— Pearson Co. executive Mike Heath has been named president of the high-end upholstery manufacturer to replace Sam Boyd, who will retire this month. Heath most recently has been director of marketing and regional sales manager for Pearson and earlier held other positions in finance, sales and marketing for the company.
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Ikea opening in Brooklyn
Brooklyn, N.Y.— Ikea will open a 346,000-square-foot store here June 18, the 35th U.S. store for the Sweden-based Top 100 company. The store will include 50 room settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children's play area, and a 450-seat restaurant — with views of the lower Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty — serving Swedish specialties.
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Spak leaves Catnapper
Cleveland, Tenn.— Randy Spak has left motion specialist Catnapper as senior vice president of sales and merchandising after nearly two years at the company. Spak, the former president of Lane Home Furnishings, will pursue new business opportunities. He had joined Catnapper parent Jackson Furniture Inds.
- Bedding Benchmarks
Simmons partnering with Seo for eco bedding
Atlanta— Bedding major Simmons has a new symbol for its commitment to sustainable living. It is the smiling face of green living guru Danny Seo, one of the hottest figures in the green category. Seo hosts HGTV's "Red Hot & Green" show, and appears frequently in other broadcast and print media in support of an eco-friendly lifestyle.
- Bedding Benchmarks
New memory foam added to Beautyrest line
Atlanta— Simmons' best-known brand is sporting a new look, thanks to the introduction of the company's advanced memory foam technology. The result is new Beauty-rest models and a new category: Crossover, a bridge to the specialty sleep segment. With its latest introductions, Simmons brought its ComforPedic memory foam into its mainline bedding offerings for the first time.
- Bedding Benchmarks
Simmons aims for more growth
Atlanta— Simple selling stories, strong specialty sleep lines and a broad lineup of bedding products combined to help power Simmons to success last year, company officials said. And those elements remain in place as the bedding major takes aim at another year of gains. "I'm now in my ninth year at Simmons," said Charlie Eitel, chairman and CEO, in a presentation earlier this year, "and I'...
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Hudson's Bay CEO Zucker dies at age 58
Charleston, S.C.— Jerry Zucker, who has headed iconic Canadian retailer Hudson's Bay Co. since his InterTech Group acquired it two years ago, has died from cancer. He was 58. His wife, Anita Zucker, has become the first woman to be named governor of the Hudson's Bay Co. by the company's board of directors.
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Bowman leaves Lifestyle
High Point— Rick Bowman has left as president of the Lifestyle Enterprise case goods division to pursue other opportunities, the company said. Bowman joined Lifestyle last summer from Columbus, Ohio-based retailer American Signature, replacing John Wampler, who left the company to become president of Amelia Home.
- Obituaries
Obituaries
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Soltex acquires Value Ticking
Greenville, S.C. — Bedding supplier Soltex has acquired ticking vendor Value Ticking. Soltex President Paolo Barberis Canonico said the acquisition expands the Greenville-based company's product portfolio. "The combination of these two companies and product lines will enable Soltex to meet the need of any customer, whether it is promotional goods or top-of-the-line products," he said.
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Prices rise 5% to 15% on some lines
High Point— Price hikes hinted at before market came into sharper focus here. And the picture wasn't pretty. On some products, prices jumped as much as 30%. But most increases fell in the mid range of 5% to 15%, according to industry sources. Rising costs of fuel and raw materials including foam, wood and metal are spurring the price increases.
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Market attendees face air travel challenges
High Point— A wave of cancellations by American Airlines and the sudden shutdown of discount carrier Skybus created travel woes for a number of marketgoers, but organizers don't believe the airline problems hurt attendance. Most of the headaches affected attendees as they were trying to get home, as American cancelled thousands of flights during market week to inspect wiring on its MD-80 ...
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ISPA projecting weaker sales for this year
Alexandria, Va.— The International Sleep Products Assn.'s latest bedding forecast takes a bearish turn on business prospects for this year. It calls for a 3% decline in unit shipments of mattresses in 2008, with a modest 1% gain in the dollar value of mattress shipments. But ISPA predicts a much stronger 2009.
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SEHFA holding convention June 8–11 in Destin, Fla.
High Point— Southeastern Home Furnishings Assn. members will travel to Destin, Fla., for four days of education and fun in the sun at their June 8-11 convention at the Sandestin Beach and Golf Resort. The educational portion of the SEHFA event will be devoted to finding solutions that will assist retailers in making the most of good times and weathering the bad.
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RTG planning La. facility in '09
Pearl River, La.— Rooms To Go has acquired 60 acres here for an 858,000-square-foot distribution center and outlet store, an estimated $45 million project. The Seffner, Fla.-based company said the 818,000-square-foot distribution center will serve Gulf Coast and four stores in Louisiana — in Baton Rouge, Metairie, Gretna and Covington.
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WHFA members to build teams, bikes during conference
Roseville, Calif.— Western Home Furnishings Assn. members will take part in an unusual charity event and will see a new format for presentations at the WHFA Conference and Expo in Tucson, Ariz., May 18–20. Kicking off the event will be an opening session called "Build-a-Bike and Learn to Build a Relationship with Your Community.
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EQ3 plans first Florida store for Miami
Miami Beach, Fla.— EQ3 is planning to open an 11,000-square foot showroom here — its first Florida store — later this year. The corporate-owned store is expected to open in the fourth quarter at Midtown Park on North Miami Avenue. The 20-store contemporary home furnishings retailer and manufacturer, part of the Palliser family of businesses, is led by President Peter Tielmann,...
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Groters joins Joya Sleep
High Point— Industry veteran Bob Groters has joined foam mattress producer Joya Sleep Systems as director of retail sales to assist in the launch of Joya's brand presence in North America. Joya is the new U.S. brand extension of family owned and operated Spanish manufacturer Garme Colchones. Groters has been in the industry for 40 years and most recently was president of retailer Klingman...
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Better than expected
High Point— As their fears of a downbeat market failed to materialize, exhibitors let out a proverbial sigh of relief as the semiannual event concluded. Hardly anyone claimed to have set an attendance record, but most exhibitors said showroom traffic was roughly even with last spring's market. And perhaps more surprisingly, most buyers were said to be upbeat about business, despite a prol...
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Palliser acts on lead
High Point— Does lead content in leather and other furniture materials pose a health risk? The industry has begun exploring the issue and experts don't yet have an answer, but Palliser isn't waiting for a final verdict. At the High Point Market, the Canadian manufacturer launched a campaign for the safety of its leather upholstery products, offering retailers hangtags proclaiming the good...
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Borstein receives La-Z-Boy award
Monroe, Mich.— La-Z-Boy has presented the E.M. Knabusch Memorial Award to sales representative James "Jimmy" Borstein, only the fifth time in 18 years that the honor has been bestowed. The award, named for one of La-Z-Boy's founders, recognizes exemplary professional service as well as personal characteristics, including dedication, enthusiasm and leadership.
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John Wayne-licensed collection on the horizon
Newport Beach, Calif.— An American legend is tossing his cowboy hat into the home furnishings ring as a licensing group plans to develop a John Wayne collection. Wayne Enterprises, the owner of the John Wayne brand, has signed marketing and consulting firm RWG Licensing to assist it in identifying and securing product partnerships in furniture and accessories.
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NHFA spring meeting set for May 14
Peabody, Mass.— Guest speakers and a tour of a Jordan's Furniture store will highlight the National Home Furnishings Assn.'s spring meeting here May 14. Open to retailers, interior designers and architects in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the annual event provides opportunities for education, networking and recognition.
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La-Z-Boy to cut U.S. jobs
Monroe, Mich.— La-Z-Boy will move its U.S. cut-and-sew operations to Mexico over the next two years and also will close an upholstery assembly plant in Tremonton, Utah, the company has announced. The moves eventually will eliminate nearly 1,300 U.S. jobs and are expected to yield an annual cost savings of more $25 million, La-Z-Boy said.
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F/T names retail bedding giants
High Point— Two furniture stores, a bedding specialty retailer and a factory-direct operator have been named Retail Giants of Bedding by Furniture/Today and will be honored at the newspaper's Bedding Conference next month. The honorees are R.C. Willey of Salt Lake City, part of the Berkshire Hathaway furniture division; Ashley Furniture HomeStores, Arcadia, Wis.
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Crate & Barrel expanding
Tracy, Calif.— Crate & Barrel will build two large distribution centers here, including an 827,000-square-foot facility for furniture inventory. According to a news release from developer ProLogis of Denver, the buildings will be built to guidelines by the U.S. Green Building Council for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (or LEED) certification.
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Registration open for July Las Vegas Market
Las Vegas— The World Market Center has opened registration for the summer Las Vegas Furniture Market and has announced hotel availability for the July 28–Aug. 1 event. The market will feature the grand opening of Building C, a 16-story, 2.1 million square-foot showroom building. "The opening of Building C is an enormously important milestone for the market as a whole and for the buy...
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Navis buys big stake in PMI Inc.
Hickory, N.C.— Furniture, accessories and lighting source Theodore Alexander has announced that Navis Capital, a Malaysia-based private equity firm, has acquired a majority stake in its parent company, PMI Inc. Paul Maitland-Smith, an industry pioneer in furniture and accessories importing, has retained a stake in the company and will continue to lead product design.
Opinion Today
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In tough times, sharing ideas benefits entire industry
I asked several of my retail and wholesale friends at last week's High Point Market about what they were doing to improve business under current economic conditions. That question yielded surprising and varied answers. "We're advertising more than ever," said Kevin Coombs of Home Furniture, a three-store chain based in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
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Working trade shows — exhausting but rewarding
It's hard to explain to someone who doesn't work in this industry what exactly goes on during market. I'd guess the routine is different but similarly exhausting for everyone working the market hard. Be it High Point, Las Vegas, Tupelo or Toronto, my calves ache the same at the end of each day. By week's end we've all the got the same look on our faces and the same slow drag to our walks.
- Letters to the Editor
Berkley: CPSC, AHFA wrong to push new furniture FR standard
As chair of the Upholstery Fabrics Committee of the National Textile Assn., I want to address the furniture flammability standard proposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission covered in the March 10 edition of Furniture/Today. The issue of furniture flammability has been the subject of nearly three decades of research, testing and discussion, yet the CPSC has chosen to discard everything ...
People Today
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SSA elects Read president, treasurer
Friant, Calif.— Dale Read, editor-in-chief and publisher of Bedroom Magazine, is the new president and treasurer of the Specialty Sleep Assn. Also elected to leadership posts in the trade group were retailer Michael Nermon of Ergo Customized Comfort, Irvine, Calif., who was named vice president, and producers Mark Miller of Innomax and Denny Boyd of Boyd Specialty Sleep, who were elected ...
- People on the Move
People on the Move
Marketing/Sales Luana Living San Diego — Leather upholstery specialist Luana Living has hired a number of representatives to handle sales in these regions: Verlo Mattress Factory Fort Atkinson, Wis. — Verlo Mattress Factory Stores has hired Scott Turke as director of merchandising/advertising and sales promotions at its corporate headquarters.
Product Highlights
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Style, function draw interest in occasional
High Point— Occasional vendors came into market with some concern about business conditions and how that could affect traffic and sales. While many noticed a drop in traffic by the end of the show, they were pleased with the level of interest and order writing activity in the category. To their credit, they offered plenty of new SKUs with style and functional features that landed business...
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Canadians do well despite retail weakness
High Point— Canadian furniture and bedding resources at market generally were pleased with orders and attendance, despite the realities of the marketplace across North America. Retail is weak in the United States and Canada, imports continue to increase their market share, and Canada's strong dollar continues to make the nation's products less price competitive.
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New products add zest to metal beds
High Point— Metal bed suppliers said they had a strong market in spite of the dual challenge of a slow economy and rising prices in the category. Instead of buckling under the mounting price pressures — steel tubing prices alone have risen nearly 38% since fall — they offered retailers new product and looks geared to boost the category.
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Entertainment buyers like consoles, add-on items
High Point— Despite moderate showroom traffic, entertainment furniture resources reported good business activity during market as buyers replenished inventories and looked for ways to stimulate business. Exhibitors said interest in television consoles remained strong, and add-on items such as hutches and pier units garnered plenty of attention as well.
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Industry makes strides on eco-friendly front
High Point— "Green" was the word at market as the industry continued to make strides on the eco-friendly front. Among the developments: At the market, Cisco also began a policy to sell only environmentally responsible fabric products. It had done so earlier with leathers, said Cisco Pinedo, president.
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Copeland introduces FSC-certified case goods at market
High Point— Case goods producer Copeland Furniture introduced its first line of Forest Stewardship Council certified furniture with on-product labeling at the High Point Market. The FSC, an internationally recognized standard for sustainable harvesting and processing, grants certification through the Smartwood program of the Rainforest Alliance.
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Stainsafe launches line of 'green' care products
Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.— Furniture protection and services provider Stainsafe has launched the GreenGard Eco-Wise line of furniture care products and protection programs. GreenGard products are water-based, ozone-friendly, non-carcinogenic, phosphate-free and contain no hazardous air pollutants.
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Hooker seeking EFEC certification
Martinsville, Va.— Hooker Furniture and subsidiaries Sam Moore and Bradington-Young are planning to obtain registration in the American Home Furnishings Alliance's environmental program, Enhancing Furniture's Environmental Culture or EFEC. Designed for furniture producers, EFEC stresses better management of resources and raw materials, energy conservation and reduction of environmental im...
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Leather sources spotlight stepped-up covers
High Point— Leather upholstery producers here stepped up with better leathers and spotlighted U.S.-made goods, attempting to give consumers greater value in the midst of rising prices. Palliser offered its Great Rooms collection — an extension of its Elements line — highlighting 11 frames in a choice of stationary or motion configurations, as well as arm treatments, ottomans o...
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Motion uph. vendors raise prices
High Point— Most motion upholstery manufacturers said at market that they had raised prices on some items or remerchandised their assortments to pass along their increased costs of raw materials, fuel and transportation. Albany Inds. infused its reclining frames with "features and benefits" to bring more value to the product and to offset price increases," said Brian Einhorn, vice preside...
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Rug sources offer new designs, display ideas
High Point— No one in the rug business expected much from High Point, but as the market progressed, jangled nerves relaxed a bit. It wasn't nearly as bad as everyone feared. Pre-market homework paid off for vendors who pinned down buyers for appointments. Retailers came and they bought, although they were cautious, executives said.
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Cisco Bros. revives old mill in 'green' style
High Point— When Cisco Pinedo went looking for showroom and warehouse space here, he didn't know he'd end up with an abandoned cotton mill that hadn't been used in 20 years for anything other than a possible drug hangout. But two years ago Pinedo, founder of high-end, eco-friendly upholstery maker Cisco Bros.
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Colleagues salute Holliman
High Point— Can a secret be kept at the High Point Market? Apparently, because it was a surprise and "a very appreciative shock" when Furniture Brands International Chairman Mickey Holliman walked into the Lane showroom Tuesday evening during market to discover a celebration in his honor. "When I walked in I wondered why there were so many people in the showroom at this time of night," he...
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Retailers want market spaces staffed all week
High Point— Retailer members of the High Point Market Authority board said during a market meeting that they'd like to see showrooms here staffed and open through Sunday, the official close of market. Instead, they said that many executives desert the market before it's over, reducing the time retailers have to effectively work the show.
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Bedroom: A case of survival of the fittest
High Point— Traffic was down overall this market, but several bedroom exhibitors saw increases in visitors and commitments. This industry has always come down to survival of the fittest, but the rule applied even more so here as sources with the strongest reputations stole business from their weaker competitors.
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CR-Home launches gallery program
High Point— Case goods and upholstery resource CR-Home launched a gallery program at market, aimed at providing a full menu of product offerings to retailers and consumers. "Collections by CR-Home" covers product in the Chromcraft, Peters-Revington, Silver, Cochrane and Sumter furniture lines. Gallery programs covering any one or more the brands are available in a host of formats ranging ...
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Formal dining sources find 2nd time's the charm
High Point— When it comes to formal dining, the second time was the charm when it came to writing orders here. The spring market was the time and place to introduce new product, but that didn't necessarily mean that those items were what garnered commitments. In some showrooms, the biggest hits were fall introductions just now gaining steam.
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Casual dining sources stir activity with fresh designs
High Point— Domestic casual dining manufacturer Saloom came to market prepared for the worst because of the weak economy. Company officials also thought retailers might balk at the price increases that many companies here were adopting in the face of higher costs. But luckily for Saloom, the company started introducing higher price points late last year as part of a strategic shift rather...
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Value models drive bedding
High Point— Value-priced mattresses were in the spotlight at market here as retailers sought ammunition to break out of a sluggish sales climate. Bedding producers said traffic in their showrooms was light, but added that they saw key prospects and dealers. Industry sales leader Sealy, showing at its Archdale campus outside High Point, used the market to meet dealers and to conduct intern...
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Bedding imports generate buzz
High Point— Fresh products from bedding importers generated a buzz here. The importers created excitement at both ends of the price spectrum, some showing sharply priced lines and others introducing new high-end beds. In both cases, the companies said their offerings will help retailers freshen their sales floors and give business a much-needed boost.
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Payne teaming with Lazar for upholstery group
Los Angeles— Designer Michael Payne, best known for his HGTV program "Designing for the Sexes," will introduce an upholstered furniture collection for contemporary specialist Lazar Furniture Inds. at the October market here. The launch include six or seven pieces that will cover the basics from a true chaise to a sectional.
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Upholstery sources find market a pleasant surprise
High Point— Stationary upholstery makers had few complaints at market and were relieved that business here didn't head south, as many had expected. Their mood, in fact, was that of pleasant surprise. Attendance was slack in places, but the number of introductions — considerably more than usual — kept buyers interested.
Store Openings
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Environment Furniture opens N.Y. showroom
New York— Environment Furniture has opened a retail showroom here on Broadway in the heart of Manhattan's Flatiron district and Union Square. The 4,000-square-foot showroom is the company's first freestanding retail outlet on the East Coast. The showroom, managed by Natalie Rhooms, uses sustainable accessories throughout while combining existing historical building elements.
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Kingsley installs La-Z-Boy gallery
Kingsley, Iowa— Kingsley Furniture, located here on West 2nd Street, has installed a 3,500-square-foot La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio. The Studio, housed in Kingsley's 7,500-square-foot retail location, includes La-Z-Boy recliners, motion and stationary upholstery. Kingsley was founded in 1883 and is now owned and operated by Dave and Alisha Riemenschneider, who took over the business in 2001.
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Gibson Patio debuts in Tenn.
Gallatin, Tenn.— Gibson Furniture owner Eddie Gibson and casual furniture retailer Danny Shrum have opened a new casual furniture store here on West Main Street. Gibson Patio Shop features chaise lounges, sofas, chairs, tables, gliders and deep seating cushions. Materials include rattan, all-weather wicker, cast and extruded aluminum and wrought iron.
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