Daily News Archive
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July 7,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Financial Reports on July 8, 2010
Atlanta-based
Haverty Furniture Cos. (NYSE:
HVT and
HVT.A) reported sales for the second quarter ended June 30 increased 11.9 percent to $145.1 million, compared to $129.7 million for the second quarter of 2009.
Same-store sales for the retailer increased 13.2 percent.
Sales for the first six months of 2010 totaled $301.1 million, compared with $273.9 million in 2009, representing an increase of 9.9 percent. Same-store sales for the six-month period increased 11.6 percent.
The company also said written sales for the second quarter increased 9.4 percent, and the month of May posted the greatest improvement. The retailer noted that June business was up by a "low single digit percent."
"The second quarter is historically our weakest of the year," said Clarence H. Smith, president and chief executive office. "Our advertising focus on great merchandise values and our ability to timely deliver customer purchases continued to bolster sales and separates us from the competition. Consumers remain cautious and we expect their spending will mirror the uneven pace of the economic recovery and our sales will reflect that volatility."
The retailer has posted the
full release on its Web site.
July 7,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Financial Reports on July 8, 2010
Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ:
COST) reported net sales of $7.33 billion for the month of June, the five-week period ended July 4, a 7 percent increase from $6.87 billion in the same period last year.
For the 44 weeks ended July 4, the retailer reported net sales of $64.5 billion, an increase of 9 percent from $59.02 billion during the same period last year.
Same-store sales for the five-week period and for the 44 weeks climbed 3 percent.
July 6,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on July 7, 2010
The Sustainable Furnishings Council has gotten out in front of consumers through an interview with SFC President Jeff Hiller in the July/August 2010 Natural Home magazine.
Natural Home claims a print audience of 146,250 total with paid subscriber base of 65,000 and is sold through health food stores and bookstores.
The magazine reports website traffic of more than 70,000 visitors a month. We are told our article will be available on their website for perpetuity.
Natural Home magazine bills itself as the authority on green lifestyle and design, tracking current trends in sustainable building and wholesome living.
July 6,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on July 7, 2010
Organic Mattress and accessory manufacturer Organic Mattresses Inc., Yuba City, Calif., is moving to a new showroom in World Market Center for the upcoming Las Vegas Market, August 2-6.
The new space, C-1515 is across from TempurPedic at the base of the elevators and escalators. OMI's goal with the move is to accommodate heavier foot traffic, increase visibility and make the brand more accessible to buyers interested in organic bedding products.
"As our brand grows, the merchandising of our products becomes much more important," said OMI President and CEO Walt Bader. "The new showroom allows us to maximize and better showcase our products to retailers. Our fully integrated organic bedding systems will be presented in visually appealing vignettes, offering our retailers additional merchandising ideas while capitalizing on the new convenient location on 'mattress row.'"
To celebrate its new location, OMI will host a cocktail party at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3.
July 6,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on July 7, 2010
Durable Products Company, Whitewater, Wis., the producer of EcoSleep and Everloft will launch the "Dream Machine, a made=to-order pillow kiosk for retailer floors, at Las Vegas Market, August 2-6.
DPC will demonstrate the Dream Machine, which the company says is similar to the popular "Build-A-Bear Workshop" concept, at its World MArket Center Showroom, space B-906.
Dream Machine lets consumers identify their sleeping position, select their firmness preference and custom embroidery message, and then watch as their personalized pillow is filled, sewn and fluffed.
"This in-store model has huge draw for any store looking to differentiate itself with an exclusive and unique customer experience," said DPC Owner Dave R. Young. "We understand that retailing today demands entertainment and when the customer audience has fun they spend more money, make repeat purchases, and tell their friends. The Dream Machine combines consumer entertainment with interaction and visual excitement while offering the customization and instant gratification that todays consumer craves and demands."
DPC said the concept, which has been beta tested at several retail locations across the country, provides its licensees with a 70 percent gross profit margin and can increase yearly profits for retailers by as much as 10 percent.
"The Dream Machine license is a valuable investment. The intimacy of the in-store experience offers an opportunity for salespeople to create a personal relationship with their consumer," said Young. "By leveraging existing floor space and staffing, retailers can enhance customer experience and broadening their customer base by leaping into the gift market. With its personalized and interactive elements, a stores floor becomes a retail theater not seen anywhere else."
Apart from mattress retailers, the marketing opportunities and kiosk licenses for the Dream Machine include specialty sleep shops, mall-based kiosks, premium design showrooms, chiropractor offices and boutique hotels.
Dream Machine pillows are designed in collaboration with a neurosurgeon and a chiropractor, containing a plush, hybrid blend of double-fluffed 100 percent duck down and patented Everlon. Each Everlon flake features its own unique tension and built-in memory so the pillow offerings go well beyond the standard choices of soft, medium and hard. The size and design of the pillow is adapted to the individual, depending on body type and sleep position preference.