Daily News Archive
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March 28,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on March 29, 2010
Leather upholstery major Natuzzi Americas has named two vice president sales managers.
Craig Ruse, former sales representative for the Midwest region, has been named regional vice president of sales for the North region, Natuzzi Editions and Italsofa brands. Ruse had been a long-time sales representative for the company, had left and rejoined Natuzzi in January. He is based in Chicago.
Brad Cates, formerly of Thomasville and Mitchell Gold, is North America vice president of sales, Natuzzi Italy brand. Cates joined Natuzzi Americas in February and will be based in High Point.
March 28,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on March 29, 2010
Specialty bedding retailer Select Comfort Corp. (NASDAQ: SCSS) has entered into a new credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank that provides up to $20 million.
The credit agreement, which has a term through June 2012, replaces an existing credit facility with a syndicate of banks.
"Our sustained improvement in sales and profit performancealong with increased cash generation, a stronger balance sheet and our positive cash positionhave provided us the opportunity to replace our existing facility," said Jim Raabe, chief financial officer. "The new facility significantly lowers the company's borrowing costs and fees and provides more financial flexibility as compared to the existing agreement."
The company plans to release first quarter results April 21.
March 28,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on March 29, 2010
Jeffrey Gober has joined mattress manufacturer Southerland Inc., Nashville, Tenn., as regional sales manager.
Gober, formerly sales director for Vanguard Mattress Corp., brings more than 18 years experience in the bedding industry and related products, with a background in sales management and extensive knowledge of the bedding and retail environment. He will be responsible for further development of the western regional area for Southerland, including acquisition of new accounts, implementation of retail product introductions and programs and maintenance of strong relationships with retail partners.
"We are pleased to welcome Jeff into the Southerland family," said Marty Southerland, vice president of sales for Southerland, Inc. "As we take product development and distribution to the next level at Southerland, we will appreciate the opportunity to tap into Jeff's expertise."
Prior to working with Vanguard, Gober was western regional sales manager for E.S. Kluft & Co. He also worked as director of business development for Latex International and as west coast regional manager for Simmons Knife & Saw Company, a subsidiary of Simmons Engineering Corp.
"Southerland has a great reputation across the bedding industry," Gober said. "I look forward to working with them as the next step in my career as well as sharing my knowledge of the industry and supporting their efforts in any way as the company expands its focus into new products and territories."
Southerland Inc., founded in 1893, has grown over the past nine years to include three facilities in Nashville, Oklahoma City and Phoenix.
March 28,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on March 29, 2010
Bob's Discount Furniture's Poughkeepsie, N.Y., store collected more than 6,000 new pajamas and books for children in need, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported Friday.
The store was the primary sponsor of the Pajama Program's "Open You Heart" campaign in late February. The Pajama Program delivers sleepwear and books to children in need throughout the United States, many who live in orphanages, group homes and shelters.
The furniture chain's stores offered a chance for kids to meet famous TV characters from Nickelodeon and customers were encouraged to donate items.
March 28,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on March 29, 2010
The Sustainable Furnishings Council and Accessories Resource Team have formed a new relationship to facilitate awareness and participation in the green movement.
The agreement includes the recent addition to the annual ARTS Awards of a "green" category, which is being launched in 2010. The organizations have agreed to provide members a reciprocal discount of 15 percent on dues, and anticipate being able to provide their members with other benefits in the relationship.
The green category of the 22nd ARTS Awards will be open to named finalists as an optional competition. The Sustainable Furnishings Council will assist in naming a qualified judge to review the submissions for the green category only during the competition judging in November 2010.
Susan Inglis, Executive Director of the SFC said, "We are pleased to partner, not only in the green category of the prestigious ARTS Awards, but also in other endeavors that we imagine will similarly serve to build our organizations and enrich the industry," said SFC Executive Director Susan Inglis.
"This co-promotion is a very exciting opportunity to expose both association memberships to progressive programming," said Sharon Davis, executive director of ART.