Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
October 7,
2008 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on October 2008
Patty Grossman, CEO of O Ecotextiles and head of the Sustainable Furniture Council’s Textiles Division, will participate in a panel discussion of “green” upholstery with Chris Putnam, the SFC’s director of development.
The free lunch discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22, noon-1 p.m. next to the EcoStyle Pavilion on the top floor of Suites at Market Square. Grossman and Putnam will discuss topics such as how and why to make green choices for frames, foams and fabrics in upholstered furniture.
Harden Furniture will sponsor the panel discussion, which is co-hosted by Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. and Home Furnishings Business.
October 7,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on October 2008
Tara East has joined Kane’s Furniture in Tampa as upholstery merchandiser, according to a local report.
East joined Kane’s from Haynes Furniture, where she worked as upholstery merchandiser for 12 years, and for four years as corporate visual director.
“We are pleased to have Tara join us as upholstery merchandiser,” said Kane’s CEO Irwin Novack in the report. “Her experience and expertise will be an asset to our team.”
Kane’s has 17 stores in eight major Central Florida markets including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Ocala, Melbourne, Ft. Myers and Orlando.
October 7,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on October 2008
T.J. Gentle has been named President and CEO of custom furniture and fixtures vendor Smart Furniture Inc., according to a report in The Chattanoogan (Tenn.).
Stephen Culp, Founder and Chairman of Smart Furniture, Inc, announced that he has promoted T.J. Gentle to president and CEO of the company.
“T.J. is an immensely talented executive, strategist and leader,” said Smart Furniture Founder and Chairman Stephen Culp in the report. “I have been fortunate to work closely with him through a period of strong growth and innovation, and am pleased and proud to promote T.J. to a position he has earned through rock-solid performance, innovative leadership, and unwavering commitment to our company, team, and customers.
Gentle said, “I originally joined Smart Furniture because I believed Stephen’s vision for the company would transform the furniture and fixtures industry. After years of working with Stephen to develop the products, technology and infrastructure to realize his vision, I am honored that he has chosen me to lead Smart Furniture. The industry is changing rapidly, and because of Stephen’s foresight, Smart Furniture is poised to become a leader in an emerging market which combines technology and innovative products to provide consumers with custom furniture and fixture solutions.”
October 7,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on October 2008
Profitsystems, which provides software to furniture retailers, has teamed with The Lively Merchant consulting firm in a new working relationship, the companies announced Tuesday.
The companies are teaming up to address issues such as preparing stores to transition to a next generation and effective marketing. Lively specializes in generational transfer consulting.
“Many owners of businesses in the home furnishings industry are second and third generation,” said Wayne McMahon, vice president, Profitsystems, Colorado Springs, Col. “Being able to offer a clear plan on transitioning the business to the next generation is vital to the continued success of these businesses. Providing a path to this transition will be a huge benefit to our clients.”
The two companies also will be joining efforts in developing marketing campaigns for retailers. Profitsystems’ e-Marketing is designed to offer retailers an organized way to utilize their client base for specified marketing efforts, and The Lively Merchant has a unique copyrighted 47-point how-to manual for big event sales. These will be offered as an exclusive mix that will highlight the best of both programs.
“Advertising and marketing are evolving at an incredible pace,” said David Lively, owner of The Lively Merchant, Lancaster, Ohio. “Many business owners are busy keeping up with the retail furniture industry and just do not have the time to keep up on all of the new avenues available in the advertising and marketing arenas. Our two companies have a unique opportunity to do the work that is necessary to bring the newest and most successful campaigns to the retailer.”
Profitsystems and The Lively Merchant will remain independent companies although future projects will be developed to capitalize on the strengths of each.
October 7,
2008 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on October 2008
The World Market Center today announced plans to shift the dates of its Summer Market to September, beginning in 2009. According to a news release, 2009 events will be held Feb. 9-13, as previously scheduled, and Sept. 14-17.
The move away from a mid-summer schedule could pose challenges for exhibitors with showrooms in both Las Vegas in High Point since the Fall 2009 event in North Carolina is now scheduled to run Oct. 17 to 22, according to the Web site of its organizers.
The World Market Center’s news release stated that the change comes after an extensive survey was conducted by Trade Show Week Research. Other feedback also indicated the change would serve international visitors better.
“World Market Center Las Vegas is the only venue of its kind that can adjust so quickly to the evolving needs of the industry,” said President and CEO Robert Maricich. “Las Vegas Market has emerged as the most efficient and productive market experience, and our new date pattern reinforces our commitment to maximize opportunities for participating exhibitors, buyers and designers. Importantly, our dates ensure a time of the year when hotel rates and other travel costs are quite reasonable, while delivering the world class experience and amenities that only Las Vegas can provide.”
The new dates also accommodate the international strategic partners and initiatives, as they avoid January, a month that has several European shows, and August, a vacation month for many Europeans.
In addition to its Fall 2009 Las Vegas Market dates, World Market Center announced new Las Vegas Market dates through 2011. These dates are set for, Feb. 1-4, 2010; Sept. 13-16, 2010; Feb. 14-17, 2011; and Sept. 12-15, 2011.