March 12,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Delivery on March 13, 2013
The International Furniture Transportation & Logistics Council will hold its annual conference May 15-17 at Lago Mar Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
The conference will include several educational programs presented by transportation industry insiders. Those already slated to present at the conference include: Dan Baran, vice president of logistics, Art Van Furniture; David Wierdsma, president, Everything2go.com; Sam Touchstone, vice president of finance, Ballard Designs; Ed Long, vice president of corporate development, Sunbelt Furniture Express; Peter Koenig, Squire Sanders; George Brennan, CEO, Telesis Solutions Group; Tony Nuzio, CEO and president, ICC Logistics Services; and David Purvis, executive director, Specialized Furniture Carriers.
The conference will include several events and information sessions with industry experts in the fields of transportation and logistics. The program also includes events geared toward both conference attendees and their families and some companion events are free of charge.
For a full list of speakers and the scheduled events, visit iftlc.org.
For more information on the conference or to register, visit iftlc.org; or e-mail Russ Matthews. Special rates and discounts are available if attendees register before April 15.
March 12,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on March 13, 2013
Home furnishings retailer Design Spree and Gacek Design Group are hosting the Beyond Gatsby Design Challenge to give young designers an opportunity to showcase they talent in a real world environment.
The challenge was inspired by Design Spree and Gacek Design Group's collaboration on an upcoming designer house and garden project in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
"I'm pleased to support new designers with an opportunity that combines present day design sensibilities with references from historic periods," said Richard Gacek, principal at Gacek Design Group. "The Beyond Gatsby room will transcend the house's architectural era and, using unique pieces from Design Spree, will integrate entertaining as you may appreciate it today - a comfortable and quiet look and feel with luxurious undertones."
From now until March 31, designers will submit credentials and design portfolio online to be considered for one of three finalist spots. Finalists will each be given a space within Design Spree of Lawrenceville, N.J., and three days to design the room to reflect the character of Gatsby - glamorous details, intricate Art Deco style and fashionable accents. Gacek will be available to advise designers on the projects and offer support along the way.
Prior to the opening of the Bucks County Designer House & Gardens April 28, Gacek will select a winner for the challenge to receive a gift of $250 toward their design education provided by Design Spree.
"We're extremely excited to partner with Richard Gacek on the Bucks County Designer House & Gardens, and the Beyond Gatsby Design Challenge is a nice way to share the experience with young design talent," said Jay Wagnon, president of Design Spree. "We are pleased to offer these students the opportunity to work with such a leader in the industry."
March 12,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on March 13, 2013
The High Point Market Authority and the Decor Mentor team have partnered to present events developed to help business for interior designers and retailers.
Co-sponsored by 220 Elm, the seminars are free and open to attendees of the Market. Pre-registration for the events is required.
At next month's market, three Elevate Your Business Mentorship sessions covering interior designers' top pain points will be held.
Saturday, April 20, 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
"Perfect Pitches & Presentations"
Eilersen showroom, #312 at 220 Elm
As interior designers if you don't see sales as fundamental to your business you are missing out on improving your bottom line. Decor Mentors Lisa Ferguson, Kati Curtis and Jennifer Brouwer will openly share their own successful sales and presentation strategies and tools to attract, wow, and land your ideal interior design clients! This presentation will be followed by roundtables for peer connecting and collaborating. There will also be an opportunity to connect for 15-minute, one-on-one mentoring sessions with one of the speakers. E-mail to pre-register.
Sunday, April 21, 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
"Perfect Paperwork"
Leif Petersen showroom, #328 at 220 Elm
Decor Mentors Lisa Ferguson and Lisa Kahn will share contracts, product worksheets, budget spreadsheets, and paperless apps to help eliminate challenges and improve efficiency and bottom line. This presentation will be followed by roundtables for peer connecting and collaborating. There will also be an opportunity to connect for 15-minute, one-on-one mentoring sessions with one of the speakers. E-mail to pre-register.
Monday April 22, 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
"Our Industry is Changing! Are You?"
Design 9 showroom, #311 at 220 Elm
Just when you have identified your value proposition, your ideal client, and your marketing strategy, you discover how your ideal client decorates and shops is beginning to look a lot different. Decor Mentors Lisa Ferguson, Beth Dotolo, Carolina Gentry, and Elaine Williamson will openly share insight into our new challenges as designers and will offer innovative strategies not only to navigate the new waters but to thrive in them. This presentation will be followed by roundtables for peer connecting and collaborating. There will also be an opportunity to connect for 15-minute, one-on-one power mentoring sessions with one of the speakers. E-mail to pre-register.
March 11,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Financial Reports on March 12, 2013
from http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2013/03/12/furniture-brands-ceo-scozzafava-pay-up.html
Furniture Brands Chairman and CEO Ralph Scozzafava received total compensation of $1.98 million last year, up 9 percent from $1.8 million in 2011.
His 2012 compensation was comprised of a $750,000 salary; $591,000 in stock awards; $541,944 in non-equity incentive plan compensation; and $97,573 in all other compensation, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Read Full Article...
March 11,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Furniture Retailing on March 12, 2013
from http://www.journal-advocate.com/sterling-business_news/ci_22772077/furniture-store-marks-57-years
Bedford Furniture & Upholstery, LLC has been serving Sterling and the surrounding areas for 57 years.
Bedford Furniture was first established as a family-owned custom upholstery business by owner Tom Bedford's father, Dick Bedford. After earning a marketing degree from Northeastern Junior College, young Bedford became involved in the business in the late 1980s.
Read Full Article...