Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
December 9,
2008 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on December 10, 2008
Ikea, Conshohocken, Pa., announced the hiring of Monica Varela as manager of a new store in Tampa, Fla., that will be the Swedish company's 37th in the United States and third in Florida when it opens in the summer of 2009.
Varela, who worked at several department store chains, joined Ikea in 1989 as U.S. sales manager responsible for textiles. She moved to France in 1997 to be a commercial/supply manager with the the company's distribution services team. She joined IKEA Spain in 1999 as country sales leader and then as assistant manager for sales at an Ikea store in Madrid.
She returned to the U.S. In 2005 as assistant store manager for sales at the Elizabeth, N.J., store and, since last year, has been deputy store manager in Sunrise, Fla.
December 9,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Casual Furniture on December 10, 2008
Fathead, which makes sports graphics products, has introduced leather recliners with licensed team logo panels that can be removed or swapped out as sports fans sit though the NFL, NBA, NHL, baseball and college sports seasons. Fans can also choose corporate or sponsor brands.
Called XZipit furniture, the company says its recliners with patented interchangeable logo panels take themed décor to the next level with team colors that cover every inch of the chairs. Brock Weatherup, CEO of Fathead, which also makes sports graphics that can be displayed on walls, said, “Furniture For Fans is the next step for our passionate Fathead Nation Fans. These awesome furniture products are the perfect addition to the ultimate fan's office, den, entertainment lair or sports sanctum.”
The recliners, including one priced at $749, are available at the company's Web site, www.fathead.com, and at select retailers.
December 8,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Store Openings on December 9, 2008
With construction running ahead of schedule, Ikea will open a new store in Charlotte, N.C., on Feb. 18. It will be the Swedish company's first store in the Carolinas and among 280 worldwide.
The 356,000-square-foot store will have 49 room settings, three model home interiors, a children's play area and a 350-seat restaurant. "We made excellent progress on construction in the summer and fall, so we are thrilled, yet confident, (that) the remaining construction milestones and interior build-up process will be complete by February—much earlier than originally envisioned," said Store Manager Richard Castanon. "Now, our primary goal is hiring and training the nearly 400 local hires joining the Ikea family before we open."
The store, with 1,600 parking spaces, sits on 25 acres in the University City area off Interstate 85. Company officials had previously said it would open in the spring of 2009. Charlotte will be Ikea's 36th store in the U.S., and other new stores are underway in Centennial, Colo.; Somerville, Mass.; and Tampa, Fla.
December 8,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on December 9, 2008
A woman in Canton, Miss., got a surprise Monday with a delivery of new furniture that's part of a program that will donate furniture to around 25 families during this year's holiday season, WLBT-TV reported.
Miskelly Furniture, Jackson, Miss., and WLBT are teaming up for the effort, called the "Season of Giving Program."
Darlene Readus received a queen bed and mattress with matching dresser after fellow church members who learned she didn't have a bed nominated the mother of four for the donation.
"We're just glad we could get her off the floor and onto a bed for the Christmas season," said Chip Miskelly.
December 8,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on December 9, 2008
As a major snow storm approached the Upper Midwest this weekend, furniture retailers in the area were getting ready for slower-than-usual traffic. The owners of Henry Simon Fine American Furniture in Madison, Wis., decided to make lemonade out of lemons by using the downtime for some morale boosting and fun.
They decided to give the staff a holiday break and let everyone go skiing.
Shoppers who did brave the storm to shop for furniture found this sign on Henry Simon's door Tuesday: "If you're crazy enough to be out in this weather, please join us at Tyrol Basin for a ski day—WE'RE CLOSED."
Tyrol Basin is a ski area less than 20 miles west of Madison.
"The weather has given us all an opportunity to spend a little extra quality time with family, friends, and customers too," said Sam Boeke, who owns the store with Dean Guerdet. "Isn't that truly what the holiday spirit is all about?"
"Not everyone can afford to go on the big ski vacation in the Rockies this year, but Madison has endless opportunities and is a wonderful place to live and work, and for that we are thankful," Guerdet added.