Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
April 15,
2007 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on April 2007
Wickes Furniture, which operates 41 showrooms in five states, will boost the product knowledge of sales employees with an online sales training program from The Furniture Training Co. that will be available in the chain’s regional training centers and its stores, according to an announcement by the Furniture Training Co., Logan, Utah.
The training program includes 36 multimedia training lessons that each be completed in under 20 minutes, and corporate and store executives will be able to track the progress of associates through the coursework and testing.
“Wickes is a company with a renowned reputation for quality furniture and customer service, and we are proud to be selected by them to train their retail sales associates and other employees to better serve customers in making furniture purchases,” said Mark Lacy, president of the Furniture Training Co.
Wickes, based in Wheeling, Ill., announced last month that it is opening two new stores in California. The stores in Beaumont and Corona—both in Riverside County--are the 16th and 17th locations Wickes operates in Southern California.
April 15,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on April 2007
Mark Stegeman, La-Z-Boy corporate vice president and treasurer, is leaving the company.
Stegeman has accepted a financial position with Brown-Forman Corp. in Louisville, Ky. Stegeman had been with La-Z-Boy since 2001.
“We wish Mark all the best in his new endeavors,” said Mike Riccio, senior vice president and chief financial officer with La-Z-Boy. “During his tenure, he made many contributions to our company. While a search for a new treasurer is under way there is a strong team in place that will work to carry out Mark’s responsibilities throughout the transition period.”
April 15,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on April 2007
The High Point Market Authority reported on Friday that 85,708 badges were issued for last month’s spring market, include a sharp rise in international visitors and first-time visitors that officials credit to the authority’s ongoing outreach efforts. The number was up slightly from the 84,976 badges issued in October.
In a news release, Market Authority President and CEO Brian Casey said 47,109 badges were issued to buyers, including 671 international buying organizations. In addition, he said 2,285 buying organizations who had not visited High Point in the past registered for the spring market.
“We all know that the complexion of the industry is changing, and we all feel the loss when traditional furniture retailers close their doors,” he said. “However, we’re also seeing the emergence of new distribution channels for home furnishings and the results were clearly in evidence at this market.”
Referring to the more than 2,000 new buying organizations at market, Casey said, “This number is especially gratifying for the Market Authority team, because it demonstrates to us that people are responding positively to our outreach efforts and the many innovations and improvements we’ve instituted throughout the past year. We know that the feedback we’re receiving from these first-time visitors will be invaluable as we plan for the future.”
April 15,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on April 2007
Bedding major Kingsdown Inc., Mebane, N.C. has promoted Joe Schmoeller to senior vice president. He reports to Pat Flippin, president and chief operating officer. Schmoeller had served as vice president of manufacturing.
In his new position, Schmoeller will serve on Kingsdown’s BodyDiagnostics committee and take over management of product development, including all-new merchandising efforts for the Kingsdown brand. Jon Stowe, vice president of product development, now reports to Schmoeller, who continues to manage purchasing, transportation, safety, shipping, customer service and sales support related to manufacturing.
“Joe has played a leadership role in the Kingsdown legacy of innovation for 10 years, helping us to exceed mattress industry standards in our manufacturing operations,” said Eric Hinshaw, Kingsdown chairman and chief executive officer. “Under his direction, Kingsdown has patented the Full Body Surround construction for mattresses and box springs and we became the first to use Dennison guns to attach covers to mattresses.”
During Schmoeller’s tenure, four out of the five Kingsdown manufacturing plants have moved to new state-of-the-art facilities with top-notch equipment and reporting systems.
“Joe has ensured that each location is benchmarked for ‘Best Practices’ and that all of our facilities maintain the highest quality in each stage of production,” Hinshaw said. “We know that he will be essential to our future plans for growth and product innovation.”
April 12,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Leather Upholstery on April 2007
Andrea Stammberger has been named director of marketing and corporate identity for W. Schillig, a German-based leather producer.
In her new position, Stammberger is responsible for furthering the company’s brand name, identifying worldwide trends and directions. She reports to Erik Stammberger, president and chief executive officer.
Prior to taking the position, Andrea Stammberger worked in retail as a buyer for her family’s retail stores in Germany.