Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
November 1,
2007 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in on November 2007
Fabric supplier Tietex International plans to invest in new equipment to increase its focus and support of the domestic residential and contract upholstery markets.
Orders for new dying and finishing equipment have been placed, and the company plans to move some equipment from its Rocky Mount, N.C., finishing operation to its Spartanburg, S.C., facilities.
“Within the next 12 months we will consolidate all finishing operations in our larger Spartanburg facility,” said Reed Cunningham, Tietex president and chief operating officer. “This relocation will improve both our cost efficiencies and our flexibility to service the ever-increasing demand for faster deliveries of smaller quantities.”
Cunningham said Tietex remains committed to a vigorous domestic capability.
“We believe that a strong, cost effective and flexible manufacturing presence on the home front remains a critical element of our balanced fabric strategy,” he said. “In light of recent developments in the upholstery fabric market, we are confident this direction is viable, important and urgently needed by our U.S. customer base. In this regard, we will continue investing to make this strategy more lean, more productive and more competitive for selected US markets.”
According to Tietex Interiors President Mike Durham, new dyeing equipment offers customers flexibility. “We would be hard pressed to overstate the benefits of this new capability,” he said. “Now our customers will be able to order smaller dye lots and have more fabric and color choices—at competitive prices.”
The new dyeing equipment is more efficient and generates less waste, enabling the company to honor its continuing commitment to environmental stewardship. “As we stretch to improve, we believe we must simultaneously work to improve the quality of the environment we share with our people and our community,” Durham said.
The decision to invest in new equipment has implications that go well beyond domestic capability, said Martin Wildeman, chairman and CEO.
“This development is just one step in what has been our ongoing resolve to grow as a global fabric resource,“ he said. “We will continue to take advantage of our position as a global partner to our customers.
The updating of U.S. upholstery production parallels the company investment in facilities worldwide. Tietex has expanded its capacity in Asia and now operates a sales and distribution center in Europe.
November 1,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on November 2007
Sales decreased at Havertys Furniture stores by 10 percent in the company’s third quarter, but the 123-store retailer was “modestly profitable” with net income of $643,000, down from $4.1 million in the same period of 2006.
In addition to announcing third quarter sales, a period that ended September 30, Atlanta-based Havertys reported that sales in October decreased 1.6 percent to $62.4 million and comp-store sales decreased 4.4 percent. Company officials said sales continue to be hurt by weakness in housing markets, but said the company is pleased with new merchandise that has recently arrived in stores, including several collections that have quickly become best sellers.
Net sales for the third quarter totaled $200.7 million. Same-store sales decreased 11.6 percent. “Our third quarter was modestly profitable on a low level of sales,” said President and CEO Clarence Smith. “We have been tightening up on costs where possible.” Later, he added, “We believe we have the financial strength to weather this difficult period in our industry and plan to focus on highlighting the quality merchandise values we offer and the high levels of consumer satisfaction we consistently provide.”
He said costs have been reduced in areas such as warehouse, delivery, advertising, labor, commissions and administrative expenses, but those savings have been partly offset by an increase in discount fees paid for outsourced free interest credit promotions with longer terms that the company has used more frequently due to the competitive environment.
November 1,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Advertising on November 2007
Select Comfort, which operates more than 470 stores, announced Thursday that it has named Catherine Bur-Hall senior vice president and chief marketing officer. She starts work at the Minneapolis-based company Nov. 26.
She was previously vice president of marketing and advertising at Midas International. Earlier in her career, she was senior vice president and group account director for the Chicago office of BBDO Worldwide.
“Select Comfort is at a pivotal time in the evolution of the Sleep Number brand. So, we’re thrilled to welcome a marketing leader with Cathy’s deep experience to the team,” said Bill McLaughlin, chairman and CEO.
November 1,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Las Vegas on November 2007
The World Market Center Las Vegas and the Sustainable Furniture Council are partnering on a series of retailer-focused educational seminars during the Las Vegas Market, Jan. 28 to Feb. 1, 2008.
Called the “Brave New World Environmental Education Series,” the seminars will provide key information and proven strategies for retailers interested in the sustainable furniture movement. The events are open to buyers, suppliers, designers, media and industry service providers.
“Certified sustainable products increase manufacturer and retailer profitability,” said Mike Italiano, president and CEO of the Institute for Market Transformation to Sustainability. “Recent figures show the sustainable products market is exploding with 20 percent to 75 percent long-term annual growthe in certified organic products, certified green buildings and homes, FSC certified wood and certified sustainable products.”
More information about the program is available from Margaret Casey, director of programming, World Market Center, margaret.casey@lasvegasmarket.com .
October 31,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on November 2007
Kathy Ireland, who has licensed home furnishings collections in at least 15 product groups, announced Wednesday that ceiling fan manufacturer Minka Aire has become a licensee for ceiling fans, table fans, free-standing fans, room dehumidifiers and portable radiant heaters.
“We are incredibly pleased to enter into this relationship with Kathy and Kathy Ireland Worldwide,” said Kurt Schulzman, president of the Minka Group. “The creative synergies between Minka Aire, the leading brand in our industry, and the creative talents in the KIWW organization are very well aligned.”
Kathy Ireland Home by Minka Aire will debut in January at the Dallas Market and be available in retail stores by spring.