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April 12,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on April 13, 2010
The High Point Market Authority will sponsor two special educational seminars targeting the needs of smaller independent retailers and interior designers during Market on Monday, April 19. Both events will take place on the First Floor (Top) of Suites at Market Square in Room 400 and are free to High Point Market attendees.
For independent retailers, HPMA presents "Turbocharge Your Retail Business: How to Outmaneuver and Outperform the Big Guys," an inspiring, idea-packed session focused on how independents can thrive in the big box retail environment by outperforming them in critical areas. The seminar, set for 2 p.m., will be led by best-selling author, international speaker, futurist and customer service activist Roy Prevost, a regular contributor on small business issues to the "Financial Post" and the "Vancouver Sun." Prevost will be on hand afterward to sign copies of his book "Turbocharge Your Retail Business."
"Having spent 25 years in the giftware industry as an importer, exporter, manufacturer, sales agent and retail store owner, Roy Prevost is uniquely qualified and understands the challenges independents face today," said HPMA CEO Brian Casey. "Hundreds of books have been written about the retail industry, yet few focus on the independent retailers who are the backbone of the industry. With thought-provoking insights and numerous practical strategies and tactics they can implement immediately to achieve their business objectives, independent retailers attending this session will learn how to triumph over competitors and turbocharge their businesses to reach the highest levels of success."
Mary Knackstedt, FASID, FIIDA, will address interior designers on Monday morning at 10 a.m. Knackstedt will focus on ideas for improving (and ensuring) profitability in design practices during her seminar titled "Designers Hold the Key to a Profitable Year: What Part Do You Play?"
A practicing interior designer, Knackstedt also is an acclaimed author, a frequent teacher of continuing education and business courses for professional organizations and universities, including Harvard Universitys Graduate School of Design.
"She is also a sought-after consultant credited with developing many new businesses and restoring failing entities to profitability," Casey said.
"Clients want change nowsomething creative and exciting that meets their special needs," Knackstedt said. "Designers know how to interpret those needs, but they can't do it alone. They need partnersprofessional sources with the right know-how, skill and products. In this session, well focus on having a team in place ready to fast-track before the designer has the job."
The author of "The Interior Design Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Profitability," and "The Challenge of Interior Design: Professional Values and Opportunities," Knackstedt will follow her presentation with a book signing in cooperation with The Furniture Library.
April 12,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Markets on April 13, 2010
Gale Steves has brought her knowledge of home trends through 10 years as editor-in-chief of HOME magazine to bear in a new book, "Right-Sizing Your Home: How to Make Your Home Fit Your Lifestyle."
She developed the concept of "Right-Sizing Your Home" in response to consumer queries about making their homes more livable. Steves recognized early on that bigger did not always make better houses and has been promoting Right-Sizing ever since.
Steves will present a seminar during High Point Market, "How to Right Size Your Home," noon-1:30, Tuesday April 20, 101 S. Main St., Plaza Level in the former Noble's. A book-signing will follow.
Steves' concept might be striking a chord with consumers. The News & Record of Greensboro, N.C., ran a story last weekend that erroneously invited the public to the market seminar, which is for market attendees only. Before a correction ran, the paper got around 450 responses from the public wanting to find out attending the event.
At HOME magazine, Steves' approach to decorating and remodeling earned her a reader-friendly reputation as she inspired millions with ideas and solutions for the home. Open House Productions, a home industries consulting company she formed in 2001, maintains this philosophy. Through her consulting, public and media appearances and writing, Steves continue to reach and serve both groups.
The National Association of Home Builders has recognized Steves' contribution to the building and remodeling field with a Certificate of Merit. She is listed in Who's Who of American Women and most recently inducted in the YWCA's Academy of Women Achievers. She is also the author of several books including "Weekend Cooking," "Home Magazine's Best Little Houses" and now "Right-Sizing Your Home."
April 12,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on April 13, 2010
Rachel Ashwell of Shabby Chic fame will present "Staying True to Your Brand While Evolving in Today's Market," on this Sunday at noon in the International Home Furnishings Center's International Ballroom, as part of the International Furnishings and Design Association's IHFC Market luncheon.
Ashwell founded the iconic Shabby Chic brand in 1989, based on the aesthetics of beauty, comfort and function, and a marriage of great design with casual ease. Her vision and love of vintage style and flea-market finds quickly expanded and hit a chord with her customers who have found her comfortable and relaxed approach to design both reassuring and achievable. She has educated and inspired fans through a series of books.
Ashwell as been featured in top national home and lifestyle publications and hosted the former "Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic" television show on the Style Network and E! for four years.
Today Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture flagship stores are located in Santa Monica, Calif., New York and London. In addition, The Simply Shabby Chic is a line of home furnishings and décor in an exclusive partnership with Target stores.
The seminar and luncheon are sponsored by the IHFC and the IFDA, Carolinas Chapter, and a $20 fee includes lunch. Advance registration recommended. Reservation is secured upon receipt of payment. Mail check to IHFC, Attn: Holly Allred, PO Box 828, High Point, N.C, 27261. E-mail here to request a credit card authorization form.
April 12,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Leather Upholstery on April 13, 2010
Kathy Ireland Home by Omnia Leather will return to the International Home Furnishings Center this High Point Market, where it will showcase its exclusive line of leather upholstery on the 11tkh floor of the Design Center, space D1102.
"After showing in other locations at High Point," said Michael Hansen, vice president of brand development, "our sales force lobbied for a return to the IHFC as it represented the best opportunity to reach customers attending Market."
Omnia showed in Furniture Plaza at last October's market, its first in High Point since October 2008, when it was in the IHFC.
Omnia Leather offers sectionals, sleepers, chairs and more within the Kathy Ireland Home brand, and alone backs their offering with the Gold Card Service. For the spring Market at High Point, Hansen said retailers would see a host of new frames and new products introduced.
April 11,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on April 12, 2010
La-Z-Boy Inc. (NYSE: LZB), Monroe, Mich., announced Friday that R. Jack Richardson Jr. has been named president of American Drew/Lea/Hammary. The companies, which operate within La-Z-Boy's casegoods group, are expected to be fully consolidated by April 24, La-Z-Boys fiscal year end.
Richardson currently is president of American Drew and Lea Industries and has served in that capacity since 2001.
John Labarowski, president of Hammary Furniture, will retire at the end of April.
"We thank John for his many years of dedication and service to Hammary Furniture," said Steven M. Kincaid, president of La-Z-Boy's casegoods segment. "He made a significant contribution to the company and we wish him all the best in his retirement."
Hammary's Randy Huff and Bob Armfield will become, respectively,vice president merchandising and regional vice president sales of the new business entity. All other senior positions will be held by current American Drew/Lea staff.
"We have assembled an excellent team of people within the combined company and we look forward to the opportunity to bring a more complete casegoods product line up to our dealer base while providing excellent service," Kincaid said. "Under Jack's leadership, we are confident this new organization will allow us to strengthen our sales, marketing and merchandising team under one umbrella."
The Hammary Showroom located in the High Point's IHFC has moved from the third to the ninth floor adjacent to American Drew/Lea.