Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
August 3,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on August 4, 2010
Welcome to Wednesday and Hump Day video.
Today, we celebrate the retail sales associate who just happens to meet the consumer who insists she's just looking and doesn't have any idea what it is she wants.
While we're sure, sales associates would never say half of the things this salesman says, we are sure the thoughts go through their minds. In celebration of keeping tight-lipped in the face of adversity, enjoy a chuckle while watching.
Enjoy.
August 3,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Financial Reports on August 4, 2010
Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE: VNO) reported a net profit of $57.8 million for the second quarter ended June 30 in the second quarter, compared to a net loss of $51.9 million in the same quarter last year.
Vornado owns close to two million square feet of showroom space in High Point that is managed by
Merchandise Mart Properties. The company also owns the Merchandise Mart Properties in Chicago where the
International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market is held each fall.
In High Point, the company is in default on a $191 million mortgage on the properties and has reportedly agreed to forfeit them.
Paramus, N.J.-based Vornado reported revenues for the second quarter of $696.1 million, up from $673.8 million during the same quarter last year.
Vornado's income for the first half of the year $258.1 million, compared to net income for $73.9 million for the first six months of last year.
The complete earnings release is online.
August 3,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Las Vegas on August 4, 2010
Concurrent shows for gifts and youth led to strong crossover shopping on the first day of Las Vegas Furniture Market on Monday, event officials said.
This week's furniture event also features the new Gift + Home and Vegas Kids shows.
"We've been elated by the buying activity on the first day of Market," said World Market Center President and CEO Robert Maricich. "No one has given up. They are here introducing new products, they are being aggressive. Retailers are here looking for new ideas, and the lines are being blurred between home furnishings and gifts, which is a good thing. One theme weve seen again and again is crossover shopping. Attendees are truly embracing the whole home market weve offered, and are taking advantage of the countless options under one roofVegas Kids, Gift + Home, Las Vegas Market, Alfresco Spaces and so much more."
Chuck Reilly, vice president of sales and marketing for case goods and upholstered furniture vendor AICO, Pico Rivera, California, said he met with buyers from across the country and beyond and expects to continue writing strong orders in the coming days.
"We have a number of new products, so we have a lot in stock that can ship right away, which is attractive to buyers," he said. "We have had very steady traffic in the showroom and we are on target with what we hoped for on opening day of Market. I think it will be a strong order-writing market. We have seen a lot of the major accounts already today, and the buyers are spread out beyond the West Coastwe have even seen some from Florida and New England, as well as Canada and Mexico."
Chad Turney, CEO and president of rustic furniture vendor Shadow Mountain, Statesville, N.C., said he saw greater-than-anticipated traffic.
"We're seeing a lot designers and traffic flow has been consistent all day," said Turney. "We think we're seeing this influx of new people because of our brands, Dick Idol and Woolrich. Designers seem to be drawn to them for their rustic elegance. Our current retailers are here, too, and the opening-day traffic is heavier than it has been in years past."
Jerome Kearns, chief operating officer for Four Hands, Austin, Texas, saw positive response to Four Hands' new Esquire line.
"We have had great steady traffic. We had customers here when we opened and we've been busy ever since," he said. "Las Vegas has always been a good show for us, and if the first day is a harbinger of what's to come I'll be really pleased."
In addition, World Market Center officials, which are sponsoring the Home Mortgage Sweepstakes for 2010 National Home Furnishings Month (September). are promoting the sales event at market. Through this sweepstakes, WMCLV will pay the mortgage of the winner for an entire year.
Retailers are encouraged sign up for NHFM and the Sweepstakes online or going to the NHFM kiosk in World Market Centers Building C Atrium or at C-496. Hosted by Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA), retailers will be able to get their complimentary listing on the store locator, as well as get the information and tools required to participate in this years national event.
August 3,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Case Goods on August 4, 2010
Montana outdoorsman, artist and furniture licensor Dick Idol is stepping up for lead licensee Shadow Mountain's recent acquisition by Furniture Origins.
Shadow Mountain is restocking inventory on the Dick Idol Montana Reflections collection, a blend of the original Mission Valley and Northwoods collections that were proven winners in the marketplace. In addition, Shadow Mountain and Dick Idol are announcing a new partnership with Flat Rock Furniture to expand the brand offering into higher-end, U.S.-made, rustic hickory products that will be distributed exclusively by Shadow Mountain.
The brand partners are holding a soft opening this week at Las Vegas market in World Market Center-B162, with a major launch to follow at the High Point Market in October.
Dick Idol, brand founder and namesake, emphasized, "We believe that the timing is ideal to claim the brands position as the top source for refined rustic styling for the home," Idol said. "There really is no other key player left who is solely focused on this strong niche that continues to grow."
Chad Turney, president and CEO of Shadow Mountain, said: "We are excited to hit the ground again with our feet running. We believe that the renewed commitment from the Dick Idol brand and our new partnership with Flat Rock Furniture are key elements of Shadow Mountains growth strategy. With these partnerships in place, we expect to be an even stronger player in the refined rustic niche as the industry continues to recover."
Van McQueen, president of Flat Rock Furniture Inc., said: "Flat Rock has been in the hickory furniture business for over 25 years, and I believe that this partnership is a win-win for everyone involved. I can focus on what I do best: developing, sourcing, and manufacturing distinctive hickory products. Shadow Mountain and Dick Idol can focus on expanding sales, marketing, and distribution. I want to assure all our current and new customers that I remain actively involved in the business, and that they can still expect the same unique products, quality, service, and value that they have always received from Flat Rock."
Idol's brand partners now include Shadow Mountain (import and U.S.-made from Flat Rock Furniture); Urban Craftsmen modern rustic furniture collection from Klaussner; Pacific Coast Lighting, lighting and decorative accessories; Surya, area rugs and coordinating decorative pillows; and StyleCraft for wall decor.
August 2,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on August 3, 2010
Randy Waibel of furniture components vendor Hickory Springs, was recently named the newest member of Enhancing Furniture's Environmental Culture Board of Examiners.
EFEC is the environmental management program developed by the American Home Furnishings Alliance to help its members create and maintain a strong, proactive environmental program that makes them industry leaders. The EFEC Board of Examiners reviews reports from AHFA-certified auditors, who examine each applicants facility and registration application. If approved, the EFEC board will provide the final registration, which will be valid for three years.
Waibel is corporate environmental director at Hickory Springs, Hickory Springs, N.C., one of the nation's largest integrated manufacturers and an international supplier of components for the furniture and bedding industries.
"I'd been in contact with Randy while he was submitting applications to register Hickory Springs' HS Converting facility for EFEC certification," said Bill Perdue, vice president of environmental affairs, health, safety and standards for the American Home Furnishings Alliance. "Over time as we got to know him better, we realized that someone with his level of experience was exactly what we were looking on the EFEC board."
Waibel has 22 years of environmental experience in many aspects of environmental compliance, investigations, remediation, and restoration. He has worked in federal government (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), county government (New York), environmental consulting, and private industry. Waibel has been with Hickory Springs for five years. During that time, he has helped implement a variety of environmental programs, including initiatives focused on regulatory compliance, pollution prevention, and a variety of activities that have reduced the impact of facility operations on the environment.
"It's a real honor to have been named to the EFEC Board of Examiners," Waibel said. "I hope to bring the same level of environmental stewardship and experience that has helped build Hickory Springs' environmental initiatives to the AFHA and the EFEC Board of Examiners."
Waibel also deeply values the mission of Hickory Springs: "I'd say environmental sustainability is more than just an initiative. It's our core value. So, it's an integral part of what we do here at Hickory Springs and has been for a long time."
Hickory Springs has developed and follows its own Corporate Sustainability Initiative, a continuous-improvement process aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing waste, easing environmental impact and boosting workplace safety. The company will continue to introduce innovative products like Preserve foam, the first foam to incorporate a significant percentage of non-petroleum ingredients into its traditionally all-petroleum based formula, and other products such as the new EarthCare Inside line of eco-friendly components.