Daily News Archive
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January 14,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in on January 15, 2010
Natura World will introduce a new line of innerspring mattresses to complement its growing line of natural, green and organic bedding choices.
The new line will be sold under the GreenSpring moniker and will feature individually wrapped coils that will allow consumers to customize the comfort level. Wool, cotton, latex and soy-based foams will be used in the construction.
As a leading manufacturer of natural latex and foam mattresses, we saw a need in the market for coil mattresses paired with more natural components, said Ralph Rossdeutscher, president of Natura World Inc. GreenSpring mattresses bring the beauty of natural sleep to consumers who prefer a coil mattress.
Naturas GreenSpring lineup is composed of nine mattresses in three distinct series that stair-step the amount of wool, latex and coils. Additionally, each series has a unique support zone story to answer the different sleep challenges relating to pressure point relief.
The coils, made from recycled steel, are tempered, pre-compressed and then individually wrapped before being formed into a complete coil unit. Because each coil functions independently, body curves are contoured and supported. The coil unit is then foam encased to provide a smooth transition from the edge of the bed and across the entire sleep surface.
GreenSpring is a technologically advanced pairing of natural materials and pocketed innerspring coils. Motion transfer is almost completely eliminated with Naturas GreenSpring mattresses.
January 14,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on January 15, 2010
Susan North has been named vice president and creative director for Schumacher, supplier of fabrics and wallcoverings. North had been vice president of design.
North joined F. Schumacher & Co. in 1997 as the director of design for Greeff, one of Schumacher's lines. In 2002, North was named vice president of design for the Interior Design Group. In that role, she was responsible for directing the design staff for Schumacher, Greeff and Decorators Walk, as well as overseeing the development of product for each brand.
In April 2007, when the brands were consolidated, North was named vice president of design for Schumacher.
In her new role, she will continue to direct the Schumacher design team, oversee all creative aspects of the company's designs and product development. North is also responsible for the creative direction of the brand and all aspects of brand image including visual merchandising. She will be partnering with the company's marketing and sales teams to achieve Schumacher's brand goals.
"Susan has consistently given Schumacher the kind of creative leadership needed to keep the company at the very top in a highly competitive field," said Gerald Puschel, Schumacher president.
January 14,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on January 15, 2010
Furniture, appliance and consumer electronics retailer Bernie's, Enfield, Conn., has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and will close all 15 of its stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the Torrington Register Citizen reported Thursday.
An attorney for the retailer said in the report that Bernie's is asking the bankruptcy court for permission to honor customer deposits, gift cards and rebates; and that the retailer's extended warranties will be honored.
Bernie's also asked permission to run going-out-of-business sales at all its stores.
January 14,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on January 15, 2010
Registration for Spring High Point Market 2010 is now open.
Market-goers looking deals on accommodations can go the the High Point Market Authority Web site and click the accommodations tab on the home page. Special, Market-only discounts on airfare and rental cars also are available online. Alternatively, a free Market concierge service is available by contacting Dawn Smith, director of housing, by phone at (800) 874-6492.
Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority, said more than 50 Triad hotels that have committed to the Market's Hotel Partner Program.
"Indeed, the rates currently available on our site are almost 25 percent less than last Spring, while eliminating any restrictions for minimum-night stays," Casey said. "For the past two years, we've worked closely with Triad hoteliers to advocate on behalf of our Market guests. Our goal throughout this process has been simple: to ease the pressure on individuals and businesses traveling to Market, and rates have dropped by as much as 30 percent on average since we began the process in 2008, with some by nearly 50 percent. In order to be chosen for this program, the properties must have reduced their rates and eliminated any minimum-night stay requirements."
Also, as part of the program, each property is vetted and only the most desirable properties in the Triad area are chosen for inclusion and promotion on the Web site.
January 14,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on January 15, 2010
Crate and Barrel is opening its sixth CB2 format store this week, and first in Florida, with a location in Miami's South Beach, the Miami Herald reported Thursday.
"This is really an affordable lifestyle," said Marta Calle, brand director for CB2, in the report, noting that CB2's business actually grew in 2009.
"We have one singular focus: We're only modern," Calle said. "Crate (and Barrel) has soft modern, transitional and cottage. Crate has a lot more choices. We're edgier and our assortment is really edited."