March 14,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on March 15, 2013
Alex Chow has joined home furnishings vendor Abbyson Living as head of product design.
He will lead the development of more than 350 new pieces, all designed to work within the companys current offerings, or as stand-alone units, in categories including occasional, dining, accents and seating, entertainment, bedroom and more.
As the new head of Product Design, Chow plans to help Abbyson bring products to the market faster, using his background in manufacturing to assist in speeding up the design process. Part of this method will include Chow crafting his own samples at Abbysons home base, allowing him to shorten the time it takes for a design to gain approvals and transition to the factory for build-out. The result? Each new piece will make it from concept to actuality in a fraction of the time.
Chow joins the team of Designer and Product Research Lead Crystal Coleman; and Jason Shahrokh and Tim Frailly, who handle product marketing and business development team. Coleman acts as a liaison between Chow, and Shahrokh and Frailly.
"Abbyson will prove to be a go-to brand for design sense, Chow said. Not only will we continue to honor our traditional roots, but well also bring in product that fulfills the eclectic needs of our customers, allowing them to create their own style with our vibrant and fashionable mix."
One of the things that has kept Abbyson Living at the forefront of the home furnishing industry is our ability to stay current and offer timeless, tasteful designs that would be a welcome addition to any home, says Rodd Rafieha, vice president of Abbyson Living. Bringing Alex on board not only renews our commitment to innovative design, but he brings a wealth of experience that will help us engage our customers in a whole new way.
Shahrokh and Frailly will continue to develop Abbysons large e-tail relationships. Frailly has worked to capitalize on the burgeoning market of online furniture consumers, recognizing theres a contingent of the marketplace that responds powerfully to Abbysons position as the stand-alone online furnishing brand by developing key relationships and helping retailers augment their business.
"More retailers are getting in the drop ship business to fulfill the aging Gen-X market that is more comfortable buying quality furniture online than any other, Rafieha notes. We bring top-class furniture to the table through a modern business model and infrastructure. Abbyson is truly the best at the new online model."
Abbyson Living will start rolling out its new product lines in summer and fall of 2013.
March 13,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Upholstery on March 14, 2013
from http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Patchwork-of-bills-cover-flame-retardants-4353348.php
Couches or car seats free of toxic flame retardants may soon be available, but you might have to pay more for them.
That's one possible outcome of an ongoing nationwide debate over how to reduce the chemicals, which for three decades have permeated the...
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March 13,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Internet on March 14, 2013
from http://www.marketingmag.com.au/news/the-monkeys-ikea-diy-design-app-showcased-at-digital-innovation-festival-37654/#.UUHAxtFNY9U
An iPad app created by Australian agency The Monkeys took centre stage at SXSW overnight where its visualization home design tool, created for Ikea Australia, was showcased.
'Klippbok' was used as an example of innovative digital advertising that embraced the evolution of advertising mediums, in the Google forum stream of the global digital innovation festival.
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March 13,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Business Strategy on March 14, 2013
from http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130314/BIZ/303140328/-1/SPORTS0105/La-Z-Boy-woos-female-shoppers-innovative-ads-new-products
La-Z-Boy ran a contest last month asking its social media fans to design the perfect "Mom Cave," a room where the lady of the house could relax and still show off her style.
The winner received a $5,000 shopping spree of La-Z-Boy furniture. The Monroe-based company received hundreds of entries, a bonanza of blog posts and priceless brand awareness among its key consumers: middle- to upper-class women.
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March 13,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on March 14, 2013
The slate of speakers is set for the June 2-4 2013 Home Furnishings Industry Conference in New Orleans.
The National Home Furnishings, Western Home Furnishings, Southeastern Home Furnishings and Home Furnishings Independents associations are organizing the event, which has the theme "Making it Big, Keeping it Easy." Serta Mattress has signed on for the second year as signature sponsor.
"The opportunities for personal and business growth provided by the HFIC are incredible," said Howard Haimsohn of Lawrance Contemporary, San Diego. "I can't imagine trying to grow and move forward in this industry without the information, knowledge and wisdom that is presented and shared at the HFIC. My hotel room is already booked."
The conference opens Sunday, June 2, with Jim Knight, former senior director of training and development of Hard Rock International, with his presentation "Culture that Rocks: How to Revolutionize an Organization's Culture."
On Monday, Mike Spiller of Spiller Furniture in Tuscaloosa, Al., will share years of hilarious and engaging stories, followed by an afternoon session exploring keys to long-term success.
Small-business owner, columnist and author Gene Marks is featured in two sessions where he will share his knowledge of business and the political landscape. His book, "In God We Trust, Everyone Else Pays Cash," is complimentary to HFIC attendees.
Kelly McDonald of McDonald Marketing will close the education Tuesday afternoon with a presentation based on her latest book, "Crafting the Customer Experience," which is also complimentary to attendees.
"Attending HFIC yearly is a golden opportunity for me to get out and work on my business rather than the day-to-day routing of working in my business," said Heather Hanley of The Tin Roof, Spokane, Wash. "Meeting with industry experts and other retailers in a fun and casual environment away from the hurried nature of markets is refreshing and inspiring. Coming away with just one great idea each year makes the trip well worthwhile. I look forward to HFIC every year and recommend it to any retailer who wants to move their operation forward."
The conference will feature more than 25 educational sessions, a best idea contest and a 60-booth product showcase.
"New this year is a simplified online registration process," said WHFA Director of Events Cindi Williams. "It is amazing how quickly attendees can register for the event, take advantage of the Buy-One-Get-One offer and sign up for all the fun optional activities planned."
Retailers, manufacturers and vendors can visit thehfic.com to register online, reserve their hotel room and learn more about the agenda. Exhibitor Showcase and sponsorship information also can be found on the Web site.