February 17,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Special Events on February 18, 2013
The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation has opened nominations for new candidates for Industry Fellow and induction into the American Furniture Hall of Fame.
Foundation members are eligible to nominate, second and vote.
An independent Industry Fellows Selection committee will choose the best qualified candidates for the ballot. Industry Fellows are then determined by the combination of a vote of the membership and a points-based rating of each nominee by the Selection Committee.
There is no higher honor than to be nominated by ones peers in recognition of a career of achievement and service, said Randy Ford, president of the Foundation. We encourage Foundation members to nominate a leader who exemplifies enduring excellence, superior accomplishments, innovation and creativity, and philanthropic generosity of their time, talents and resources.
Each nominee must conduct business in the United States; have served in the industry for at least 15 years and have created a legacy as a positive influence and champion of the industry. If deceased, the individual may not have died in the 12 months prior to the date of the nomination.
Members may submit nominations between now and March 15. Ballots, along with a list of nominees and their biographical information, will be mailed the end of June. The winners will be announced and inducted at the American Furniture Hall of Fame banquet on October 20 during the Fall High Point Market.
Nomination forms and lists of current members, previous nominees and inductees are available on the Foundation Web site. Printed copies of the documents are available by calling 336.882.5900.
To join the Hall of Fame Foundation, individual and corporate memberships range from $250 to $1,000. All contributions are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation and sent to 202 Neal Place, High Point, N.C. 27262.
To make a nomination, re-nomination or posthumous nomination, Foundation members should complete the Nomination Form found on the Web site. A print or digital 300 dpi photo of the candidate must be enclosed. All nominations must be seconded, in writing, by another Foundation member. An independent selection committee will choose best qualified candidates for the final ballot. If selected for the ballot, there is a nomination and re-nomination fee of $500 to help defray the costs of the nomination process.
The completed nomination package must be postmarked no later than March 15, and sent to American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation Inc., 202 Neal Place, High Point, N.C. 27262.
February 17,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on February 18, 2013
Gift retailer Journeys of Life and home furnishings store Leon & Lulu are this year's Dallas Market Center Next Big Give winners.
The Next Big Give, in its third year, is national search for specialty retailers that make a difference in their communities through volunteering, raising funds or donating goods. The winners were announced during a filmed video broadcast that can be viewed here.
Journeys of Life Owner Jean Haller and her Pittsburgh, Pa., store have participated in countless efforts benefiting the community for more than 20 years. In 2011, a fire destroyed Journeys entire inventory. The community rallied and helped reopen the store through vendors sending product, neighbors pricing merchandise and volunteers coming to help bring Journeys back to life. Although the store and its contents were declared a total loss, Jean approached the insurance company and gave the customers the opportunity to purchase the almost destroyed treasures at a reduced rate with all proceeds benefiting charities. In one week, the Fire Fund earnings were $3,500; each day benefited a different local charity. The Fire Fund sales continue with more than $8,000 raised to date.
Giving back to the community has always been at the forefront of our stores calling, said Haller. Its because of the community where I live and work that Journeys grew to be the service-oriented business that it is. Neither the community nor I was ready to see Journeys disappear. That is evident from the support that brought the store back from the ashes.
Leon & Lulu Owner Mary Liz Curtin holds true to a community-focused marketing plan in her Clawson, Mich., furniture, gifts and accessories store, which includes more than 60 charity events annually. One of many events includes the store hosting local artists and crafts people for a two-day market to introduce the community to a range of exceptional handcrafted items made in Michigan. The event benefits Cass Community Social Services, a Detroit agency committed to fighting poverty and creating opportunities by providing food, medical, mental health, vocational, youth and homeless services. Other events throughout the year promote literacy, donating blood, diabetes and breast cancer research.
Any business can support the local community, said Curtin. Whether it is a gift of product, providing space for a fundraiser, donating a percentage of sales or just writing a check--all of us can make a difference. We have a commitment to our community and to help others; our strategy has been the perfect blend for us. Weve found new customers through our charity outreach while helping many groups both large and small through our events program.
After receiving dozens of applications from across the U.S., the entries were narrowed down to 10 finalists and then two winners were selected by a panel of industry experts and Dallas Market Center representatives. Retailers either nominated themselves or were nominated by a manufacturer, a sales representative, buyer or customer.
The winners will receive a complimentary trip to the March 21-24 Market in Dallas including round-trip airfare and two nights hotel stay. While at Market, The Next Big Give winners will be recognized during The Inspired Event on Thursday, March 21.
February 17,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Social Media on February 18, 2013
The International Textile Market Association, producers of Showtime, and Web4Retail are teaming up for a series of webinars on how businesses can use Pinterest.
The series, titled Pinterest Marketing: Track Top Trends and Bright Ideas, will illustrate how businesses can increase traffic, leads and sales by reaching more than 11 million people on the social media site.
Were very excited about this webinar series, said Catherine Morsell, executive director of ITMA. Pinterest is so popular in the fabrics and textiles community and everyone is trying to figure out how to best use it for their business.
Pinterest, the fasting-growing social media site ever, has become a huge source of traffic referral for all businesses.
An increasing number of companies are leveraging the platform to reach a new audience, increase visits to their Web sites, and generate leads or retail sales and it's working, said Denise Keniston, president of Web4Retail and host of the webinar series.
The webinar is being conducted live on the following days and times:
* Tuesday, Feb. 26, 1-3 p.m. EST, register now.
* Wednesday, Feb. 27, 3-4 p.m. EST, register now.
* Thursday Feb. 28, 5-6 p.m. EST, register now.
* Thursday Feb. 28, 7-8 p.m. EST, register now.
February 17,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Case Goods on February 18, 2013
Fine wood furniture maker Thos. Moser is growing its contract market presence by partnering with selected architectural design firms in markets across the country.
Architectural Design Specialties in Atlanta is the first that has signed on to represent the company and is now officially the agent for Thos. Moser in the southeast.
Thos. Moser has seen excellent growth from the Atlanta market in recent years, especially with colleges, universities, and private schools located here. Thos. Moser has furnished the University of Georgia in Athens (four libraries), as well as the Agnes Scott College, Shorter University and Law offices of Kilpatrick Townsend, to name a few.
ADS is known for its expertise in contract architectural and interior design. The firm is family owned and operated, sharing similar values as the family owned Thos. Moser.
We needed a firm with a comprehensive understanding of the industry as well as one who could appreciate the authenticity of our brand, said Aaron Moser. "The individuals at ADS all possess a deep understanding of our products and have a strong artistic sensibility, allowing them to effectively interpret our message just as a member of the Thos. Moser family would."
Ive known of Thos. Moser for over 20 years and have always admired and respected their work," said Ken Erdoes, principal of ADS. "While the company has advanced in the areas of sourcing, engineering, and manufacturing, it continues to revere the original core values inspired by Tom Moser at the beginning. You just dont find that every day or everywhere.
February 16,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Furniture Retailing on February 17, 2013
from http://www.khq.com/story/21226944/breaking-colville-furniture-store-a-total-loss-after-massive-fire
Firefighters and police have reopened the road in downtown Colville that was blocked due to efforts in fighting the devastating blaze at Saundra's Furniture and Design. Investigators are spending Sunday looking into what may have caused the fire.
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