June 2,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on June 3, 2010
Pier 1 Imports (NYSE: PIR) reported same-store sales for the first quarter ended May 29 climbed 14.3 percent.
Last year's comparable-store sales dropped 7.5 percent for the first quarter ended May 30, 2009.
Total sales for the quarter improved to $306 million, compared to $281 million in the same quarter last year.
"We are extremely pleased with our first quarter sales increases," said Alex Smith, president and CEO, said. "Comp store sales continue to be driven by consistent increases in conversion rate, average ticket and traffic. As previously reported, March sales benefited from the earlier Easter holiday but business was solid throughout April and May ending with a strong Memorial Day weekend. All major merchandise categories performed well during the quarter and the variations in the performance geographically were much less than last year. We look forward to discussing our first quarter results in detail during our upcoming conference call."
The retailer will
host a conference call to discuss its first quarter results June 17 at 11 a.m. Eastern time.
June 2,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on June 3, 2010
The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation Inc., High Point, has announced six nominees for election in 2010. They are: Gerald Birnbach, Manuel Capo, Thomas Day, Darrell and Stella Harris, Michael and George Massood, and Bob Timberlake.
This is the first time that the Hall of Fame has accepted partners who work and function as a team to be nominated as a single nomination.
The voting period begins June 28 and ends July 30. Only members of the organization are eligible to nominate, second and vote.
"This year's slate represents some of the best from the breadth of our industry, including retailers, manufacturers, designers and suppliers," said Jeff Cook, president of the Foundation. "Each stands for leadership and innovation in their fields and has positively impacted the home furnishings industry. It is an impressive slate."
Gerald Birnbach was the tireless leader of Rowe Furniture Company, where he started as a salesman in 1956. Later as chairman, he grew the upholstery manufacturer into a public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange before it was sold to Sun Capital in 2007. Committed to domestic manufacturing in Virginia and Missouri, his vision has been to offer the consumer choice through color, freshness and fashion; good value; and speedy delivery, always with an eye on progressive merchandising and mentoring his people.
Manuel Capó (b 1925, d 2009), grew his family business, El Dorado Furniture, into one of the top 50 of more than 35,000 furniture stores in the United States. As chief executive officer, he led the charge in exceptional customer service, targeting ethnic markets, offering same-day delivery, promoting the store as a brand and giving back to the community and industry. He created the unique concept of a "main street" with realistic building facades, old fashioned street lamps and benches opening into galleries. All seven of Capo's sons worked side-by-side with him, along with 10 of his 20 grandchildren.
Thomas Day (b 1801, d 1861), was a free black business owner and master craftsman who became a leading furniture maker in the mid-1800s. His distinctive furniture and architectural details reflected Rococo, Gothic and Greek Revival styling. He purchased land to harvest his own lumber, mechanized his woodworking operations, and showcased his furniture in shop windows. Once commissioned for plantation homes, his designs are now considered highly prized antiques collected by individuals, museums and educational institutions.
Darrell Harris and Stella Harris founded and have grown 1.3 million-square-foot Furnitureland South in Jamestown, N.C., into the world's largest retail furnishings showplace and an international furniture destination selling to consumers in more than 50 countries. Focused on adding value for the consumer, the family company has pioneered styled vignettes, a "green" gallery to promote sustainable practices, a national delivery team, and shopping amenities such as orientation movie theaters, a full-service restaurant, a coffee house and a lounge.
Michael Massood and George Massood (b 1924, b 1927) worked hand-in-hand at specialized furniture carrier MGM Transport for more than 50 years to deliver furniture with great efficiency, based on their commitment to excellence and integrity. The Massoods have spearheaded innovative concepts including an order consolidation system, full-service assembly and repair facilities, barcode technology to ensure accurate movement of goods, web-based tracking of shipments, a quick ship program to expedite deliveries, and a cross-regional distribution system. They also are involved in Thomasville Home Furnishings and Bassett Home Furnishings of New Jersey.
Bob Timberlake, an internationally recognized artist who has become the brand, partnered with Lexington Home Brands in 1990 to create "The World of Bob Timberlake." The coordinated lifestyle displays of his products include furniture, textiles, wall decor, floor coverings, lighting, tabletop, gifts, books and collectible items in 20 licensed categories. The groundbreaking success of his theme-based furniture collections reflect his sportsmanship, personality and love for his family and are cross marketed not only in furniture stores, but gift stores and many other distribution channels.
New members will be announced and officially inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame at the annual banquet celebration on Oct. 17 at the High Point Market.
June 2,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on June 3, 2010
Brenner's Home Furniture will close its Home Express store in Springfield, Ore., and focus on its location in downtown Eugene, the Register-Guard reported Friday.
Dallas Boggs, general manager and a co-owner of Brenner's Home Furniture, cited "excessively high rents" for the 6,000-square-foot Home Express store for the decision; and a decision to be a strong presence in downtown Eugene, where it has a 45,000-square-foot store.
The Springfield store's two salespeople will transfer to Eugene, so no jobs will be lost.
June 2,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Advertising on June 3, 2010
Case goods and occasional vendor Thomas & Gray's corporate logo was recently recognized by the 2010 HOW Logo Design Awards. Out of 800 total submissions, it was named one of the top 10 logos of the year.
22squared, an independent ad agency in Tampa, Fla., created the visual identity for Thomas & Gray, a new furniture line from industry veteran Tom Tilley.
Competition judges commented that the logo "hit the mark in creating a logo meant to convey distinction, tradition and timeless elegance."
Thomas & Gray President Tom Tilley said, "We have experienced consistent compliments on our Thomas & Gray logo and graphics since they first appeared," Tilley said. "To have 22squared's excellent work recognized by the 2010 HOW Logo Design committee is truly an accomplishment that we can all be very proud of. The brand is perfectly positioned for the times and the logo brings this to life beautifully."
June 2,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on June 3, 2010
Rug manufacturer and importer Capel Rugs, Troy, N.C., has promoted John Harrison to the position of general manager of the company's Import Division.
Harrison will have primary responsibility for Capel's planning and purchasing strategies as well as inventory control and vendor management. He reports to Director of Merchandising Tami Watras.
"John represents the best of Capel Rugs," said Watras. "His hard work, dedication and knowledge of the imported rug industry have been a huge part of our success and we're thrilled to have him leading the charge on behalf of the Import Division."
Harrison joined Capel Rugs in 1994 as import purchasing manager and was previously an analyst at Dun and Bradstreet. He received his communications degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.