February 24,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Aggregated Content in Business Strategy on February 25, 2013
from http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ikea-stops-meatball-sales-sweden-113323371.html
Swedish furniture giant IKEA said on Monday it has stopped selling meatballs from a specific batch which has tested positive for traces of horsemeat by Czech authorities.
"We have stopped selling that specific batch of meatballs in all markets where they may have been sold," said Ylva Magnusson, an IKEA spokeswoman.
Read Full Article...
February 21,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Legal on February 22, 2013
from http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/martha-stewart-staffers-design-macy-jcp-article-1.1271398?localLinksEnabled=false
A top Macy's executive said Friday she was "shocked" to learn that Martha Stewart - and 10 members of Stewart's staff - were two-timing the department store.
They were designing home furnishings for Macy's and J.C. Penney at the same time.
"I just saw the list [of designers] last night. This was really a shock," said Laurene Gandolfo, executive vice president of Macy's Home Private Brands,
Read Full Article...
February 21,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on February 22, 2013
The members of the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA), Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) and Home Furnishings Independents Association (HFIA) voted this week to approve the merger of the three organizations.
This vote officially endorses the new alliance, which will serve more than 2,000 corporate entities representing more than 10,000 storefronts.
"We are tremendously excited about this official endorsement by the members," said Sharron Bradley, CEO of the newly formed alliance. "One voice for retailers nationwide will serve to promote and elevate the entire industry."
The merged group, North American Home Furnishings Association, will offer resources to provide increased negotiating power, cost efficiency and industry advocacy. Three offices will serve the organization with locations in the East, West and Central United States.
The effective merger date for the association is May 1. The new organization will launch at the Home Furnishings Industry Conference, June 2-4 in New Orleans. To tout the new Association's official arrival, the organization will be holding special education and networking functions at the June HFIC.
Included in the agenda is a Town Hall session featuring members of the newly appointed board of directors sharing strategies and answering questions. Daily sponsored surprises and a final night masquerade ball makes this a must attend event for the entire industry.
"This conference is an opportunity for members and the industry to be introduced to the North American Home Furnishings Association. Attendees will also learn more about the direction and many benefits of the new organization," Bradley said. "And, a get together in New Orleans can't be anything but fun with lots of opportunities to get to know one another better."
February 21,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on February 22, 2013
More than 75 students from four Universities are participating in reclaimed teak furniture vendor Groovystuff's Spring 2013 Design Challenge.
The students from the University of Idaho, University of Minnesota, North Carolina State University and Appalachian State University will debut their designs at the April 20-25 High Point Furniture Market in The University Hall of Innovation & Job Creation.
In the design challenge, students will be required to design an accessory, accent or occasional home furnishings product that utilizes or reconfigures the reclaimed material that exemplifies the Groovystuff product line and is competitive enough to be included in the celebrity Dick Idol Legends brand.
"Groovystuff gives the students detailed, direct feedback explaining their materials and market to the students. This inside view helps the students understand the furniture industry beyond aesthetics," said Professor Alyssa Coletti at Appalachian State, which is participating in the Groovystuff by Design Challenge for the second time since 2010. "Re-purposing otherwise un-usable items into new products is a particularly challenging exercise for industrial designers, as most new products are created with virgin materials. One perk of the project is the story behind the re-purposed materials and knowing that someone's lifelong tools get a second chapter.
"The thought of where those wagon wheels once traveled and the yokes on the bulls that pulled them conjures beautiful thoughts of the Thai countryside. For the students and myself, I'm very thankful for the opportunity to work with a company that practices real sustainability rather than just a marketing exercise."
The University Hall of Innovation & Job Creation is an industry co-operative founded by Groovystuff CEO Chris Bruning that bridges the gap between education and the residential home furnishings industry.
February 21,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on February 22, 2013
Furniture Row will host its first "Military Appreciation Night" Wednesday, 3-9 p.m. at the Furniture Row Shopping Center in Holland, Ohio.
All active duty, former and retired military as well as reservist and members of the National Guard are invited to come with their families for an evening of celebration and recognition. Denver, Colo.-based Furniture Row will provide guests with free gifts and refreshments.
The event also includes drawings for Apple iPads and a Samsumg 60-inch high-definition television; and Furniture Row is offering additional savings during the six-hour Military Appreciation Night event.
"We are pleased to set aside this special time to honor and say 'thank you' to the military men and women, and their families, for the commitment and sacrifices they have made to serve our country," said Furniture Row President Tom Faulkner. "Our company founder and many of our employees have proudly served in the military, so we have a special place in our hearts for all who are currently serving or have served in the past."