September 27,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in economic news on September 28, 2010
After improving in August, consumer confidence fell in September, The Conference Board announced Tuesday.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which rose in August to 53.2, dropped to 48.5 in September. The Present Situation Index decreased to 23.1 from 24.9. The Expectations Index declined to 65.4 from 72 last month.
"September's pull-back in confidence was due to less favorable business and labor market conditions, coupled with a more pessimistic short-term outlook," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center. "Overall, consumers' confidence in the state of the economy remains quite grim. And, with so few expecting conditions to improve in the near term, the pace of economic growth is not likely to pick up in the coming months."
The Consumer Confidence Survey is based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households. The monthly survey is conducted for The Conference Board by TNS, a major largest custom research company.
September 27,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on September 28, 2010
City of Hope's National Home Furnishings Industry group will host its Hike for Hope to fight cancer and other illnesses, Thursday, Oct. 14 in High Point.
The event will honor grand marshals Shari Wagner and Paulette Rippley of Ashley Furniture for their commitment to help patients and find a cure and prevention for cancer.
Five years ago, Rippley and Wagner, longtime employees of Ashley Furniture, were inspired to help family and friends around them who were directly affected by cancer. They decided to leverage High Point Market as a way to bring the community and furnishings industry together. Within a few weeks, they garnered 350 participants and supporters to help raise awareness and support for City of Hope, an organization that quickly translates scientific research into new treatments for patients.
Today, Hike for Hope continues to increase in popularity and support.
"Everyone is touched by cancer," Wagner said. "Every year, I hear new cases of cancers from colleagues or friends. Hike for Hope represents my personal commitment to make a difference in patients' lives by bringing
the local community and the home furnishings industry together at High Point Market in hopes of some day finding a cure."
"It's an honor to be recognized by an organization that helps save lives with groundbreaking research," Rippley said. "I've made a personal commitment to help raise awareness and support for lifesaving treatments so that more lives can be saved."
Rippley and Wagner believe that great progress requires great partnership. They envision a world where cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases no longer claim the lives of our loved ones.
"We're proud to recognize two courageous and committed women for their remarkable support for advanced research and treatments at City of Hope," said Shannon Sullivan, director of development, City of Hope. "Their personal experiences with cancer prove that cancer doesn't discriminate--it affects everyone everywhere. Together, we can build a world where cancer, diabetes and other diseases no longer claim the lives of those we love."
In its five-year history, Hike for Hope has raised a quarter of a million dollars for City of Hope. Hike for Hope will take place at High Point Market located at 211 E. Commerce Ave. in High Point in front of Showplace.
Online registration is available. Check-in begins at 4:30 p.m., and the one-mile Hike starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by an after-hike party at 6 p.m. Food and drinks are available with entertainment by local band A to Z Blues Review. For more information about City of Hope's National Home Furnishings Industry group, click here.
September 27,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on September 28, 2010
Furniture retailer Leon & Lulu will kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in metropolitan Detroit with a benefit, Friday, Oct. 1.
An evening of free entertainment, food and discovery in Leon & Lulu's Clawson, Mich., store will benefit the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Sponsors include Company C, Buddy's Pizzeria and Ray's Ice Cream.
Leon & Lulu will contribute 10 percent of overall sales during the event to support the Karmanos Cancer Institute of Detroit.
All proceeds from the sale of Company C's exclusive 2-by-3-foot Passion for Pink 100 percent wool, hooked rugs also will support the Institute.
Also throughout the month of October, order the new Leon & Lulu pizza at any Buddy's Pizzeria, and $3 will be donated to the Karmanos Cancer Institute.
September 27,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Internet on September 28, 2010
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?r3217347201&f=10761
Online shopping is set to slow down significantly after 2014 as the channel matures and competition increases, according to research firm Verdict.
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September 27,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Financial Reports on September 28, 2010
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?r3217338014&f=10761
Sears Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SHLD) announced today that it plans to privately offer $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2018.
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