Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
March 19,
2007 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in on March 2007
The news isn’t all bad on the housing front, according to new figures released by the Commerce Department today that showed housing starts climbing 9 percent above the figure for January—despite bad weather in many areas of the country. Still, the Commerce Department announcement pointed out that the 1.53 million home construction projects started in February fell 28.5 percent below the level in February 2006. According to published reports, last month’s housing starts were slightly above expectations.
Also, the number of building permits issued in February was 2.5 percent below January’s levels and 28.6 percent under those in February 2006. Building permits are regarded as a better indicator of the confidence levels of home developers since the permitting process is not tied to local weather conditions as closely as construction.
Home starts were strongest in the West, with an increase 26 percent. Combined with a 18 percent increase in the South, the building activity in the West and South helped offset sharp declines of 30 percent in the Northeast and 14 percent in the Midwest.
Completions of new homes fell 9.4 percent. That could be an indicator that developers are slowing work on projects to reduce inventories in response to slower sales.
March 18,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Youth, Juvenile Furniture on March 2007
Stanley Furniture, Stanleytown, Va., has named Curtis Wenke product manager of Young America to oversee product development and manage the product line.
He was previously director of marketing for two divisions at the Oneida, a producer of tabletop and flatware products based in Oneida, N.Y., where he significantly increased Oneida brand awareness and sales through the development of new collections. He was previously a director of product sourcing and development for Lenox Inc., Lawrenceville, N.J. At Stanley, he reports to Glenn Prillaman, senior vice president of marketing and sales.
“Curtis brings tremendous creativity, marketing and product development expertise to Stanley Furniture,” Prillaman said. “With his help, we look forward to finding innovative ways to expand our product line while continuing to profitably provide the best product in the youth category with excellent quality and service.”
March 18,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Case Goods on March 2007
Cresent Fine Furniture began operations in its newly renovated Quality Assurance Audit and Distribution Facility, or QuAAD, today.
The facility is located on the former Plant No. 2 campus of the Gallatin, Tenn.-based importer.
Director of Operations Taylor Condra said that “we are excited to be able to consolidate all of our domestic operations under one roof. We are even more thrilled that we were able to do so by redeveloping the finishing plant that we built in 1996. This 120,000-square-foot facility offers full finish capability and streamlines our quality assurance audit operations” for the family owned company.
Cresent engaged a team of industrial engineers to design a layout customized to its specific needs. The flow process is highly efficient, allowing two quality assurance inspectors to process more 100 items per day. The dining chair cell, for example, allows one person to assemble, level, inspect, touch up, wrap and carton more than 60 chairs daily.
“Our design team did a great job with the layout,” Condra said. “They were able to bring the efficient production mindset that we developed in over 50 years of manufacturing to the audit process which doubled our daily throughput capacity. The end result is more value for the consumer with fewer headaches for the retailer.”
“Our retail partners are interested in receiving and delivering furniture to the consumer, not re-manufacturing,” added Richard Tomkins, director of sales for Cresent. “Our new QuAAD facility enables us to ensure sourced product is ready for the home, with minimal deluxing from the retailer’s warehouse team. We are committed to partnering with retailers, not passing the buck.”
Cresent currently offers 8 collections including solid maple and solid mahogany as well as designs incorporating fancy veneers. Retailers can choose from mixed direct containers or warehouse delivery options, depending on their needs.
Cresent will introduce Chelsea, a casual lifestyle inspiration at next week’s High Point Market to complement eight existing collections in solid maple and mahogany, as well as in fancy veneers, available in mixed direct containers or through warehouse service.
Cresent’s High Point showroom is in Hamilton Square, space 204.
March 18,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Advertising on March 2007
Upholstery and case goods major Klaussner Furniture Inds. ramped up efforts to broaden its recognition among consumers this past weekend with expanded sponsorship of the Nascar’s No. 55 car, the Michael Waltrip NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry.
The logo of Klaussner Home Furnishings, Asheboro, N.C.-based KFI’s new consumer brand, appeared prominently on the vehicle’s rear deck lid.
Klaussner has supported Waltrip in a limited capacity for some time and recently chose to trade up from the window post to a more prominent placement on the car. The move is the first step in introducing the Klaussner Home Furnishings brand directly to the consumer. To date, the company has depended upon its retail partners to get the message to the consumer.
“As we branch out to provide more and more complementary products for the home, we have become more than ‘Klaussner Furniture,’” said KFI Senior Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Development Jeff Davis. “We are a full product and service provider for the whole home, and we are excited to introduce our new brand position to the consuming public via the No. 55, Michael Waltrip NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry. This is a launching pad for Klaussner’s new consumer branding efforts. The brand will be showing up in the national limelight as early as the fall of 2007.”
The new Klaussner brand will promote the company’s selection of more than 1,000 styles, 1,500 fabric choices, and over 300 leathers; and highlight KFI’s fast delivery on custom orders.
March 18,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on March 2007
“Openwork” describes a design technique that places finely drawn or sculpted silhouettes on an open field to create detailed floral-like patterns. Those elements will impact upcoming fabrics and furnishings, according to Capel Rugs’ latest Color & Trend Report.
“From beautifully handmade wrought iron furniture to intricate lace patterns and finely embroidered transitional fabrics, openwork influences have begun to appear in many facets of home furnishings,” said Lou Webster, Capel Rugs director of product development and design. “As outdoor designs become more and more refined, openwork will bring elegant detail to outdoor home furnishings in 2007.”
Also this spring, Capel will kick off a year-long 90th anniversary celebration at High Point Market.
This spring at High Point Market, Capel kicks off a yearlong 90th Anniversary celebration highlighting its history, people and accomplishments. The company will host a kick-off reception with food and cocktails Tuesday, March 27, 6-8 p.m. in Capel showroom, Market Square, space 112. Members of the Capel family and corporate team will share stories from the past and speak about surprising new directions for the company’s future.
Product introductions will include both new goods and also The 90th Anniversary Collection, a compilation of Capel’s most eye-catching designs.