February 22,
2007 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on February 2007
Zocalo, a San Francisco-based furniture manufacturer and importer, has opened a new distribution center in Thomasville, N.C., to supply its growing retailer base on the East Coast and in eastern Canada. The 33,000-square-foot facility is the company’s sixth distribution center.
The 11-year-old company has the option to expand its newest distribution center to 55,000 square feet, according to an announcement Thursday.
“We have an increasing number of independent accounts who need frequent rapid delivery of smaller quantities of product,” said Duncan Elcombe, vice president of sales. “The North Carolina distribution center will allow us to dramatically improve our delivery times to our East Coast dealers. Freight minimums are very low, so our dealers will be able to use us as their warehouse—ordering products as they need them.”
February 22,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on February 2007
IKEA is hoping to help curb the use of plastic bags in its stores by charging consumers a nickel for every bag used. The initiative will begin in the retailer’s 29 U.S. stores March 15.
According to Reuters, the decision to stop giving away free bags to customers aimed to reduce the estimated 100 billion bags thrown away by consumers each year.
The retailer will also slash the price of reusable bags in its stores to 59 cents from 99 cents to encourage their use. Money from the sale of the plastic bags will to American Forests, a conservation group.
February 22,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Markets on February 2007
The High Point Market Authority is launching a free program called Market Scouts that is designed to assist buyers by pairing them with High Point University students who will as serve as guides. Officials said the program will help buyers and interior designers identify new sources and more easily navigate High Point’s 12 million square feet of showrooms.
Buyers planning trips to the March 26-April 1 market can be assigned a scout who will research the visitor’s preferred product categories, identify sources and map efficient routes between those showrooms. The Market Scouts can accompany buyers on their showroom visits.
The Market Scouts have gained experience in sourcing products through a number of interior design and home furnishings classes, officials said.
“We hope the Market Scout program will be a win-win situation for market visitors and our students,” said Richard Bennington, chair of the High Point University Home Furnishings and Design Department. “It will be a valuable experience for our students, in addition to helping market visitors better organize their time in High Point.”
Market Authority President and CEO Brian Casey said buyers and interior designers who are interested in the program should contact the organization right away at (336) 869-1000, ext. 227 to ensure the availability of a Market Scout to assist them.
February 22,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on February 2007
More than 650 people turned out for an open forum discussing the future of furniture manufacturing held at Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C.
Co-sponsored by Home Furnishings Business, the event featured a panel discussion moderated by industry veteran and consultant Alan Cole.
The event was part of the college’s Leading Edge Series, which provides a sweeping look at issues relevant to the Hickory region.
Michael Dugan, Alex-Lee professor and chair of the Charles M. Snipes School of Business at the College, organized the event.
Panel members were Mickey Holliman, chairman of Furniture Brands International; Kevin O’Connor, president and chief executive officer of Samson Marketing; Don Coleman, president of Hickory Springs; John Bray, president and chief executive officer of Vanguard Furniture; and Bob Maricich, president of Century Furniture.
Dr. Art Padilla, N.C. State associate professor of management, entrepreneurship and innovation, set the tone for the evening by addressing challenges faced by domestic furniture manufacturers in today’s global economy. Padilla encouraged industry leaders to look beyond immediate hardships and seek long-term solutions for educating our children to be well-equipped future employees.
Padilla pointed out that other industries, including technology, have “looked death in the face” but now thrive because they reinvented themselves. He cited IBM and Motorola as classic examples of companies that have made dramatic comebacks.
Each of the panelists summed up the night’s discussion by saying the furniture industry has a bright future.
Check out the March 26 issue of Home Furnishings Business for more coverage of the forum.
February 22,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on February 2007
Pat Bowling has been named vice president of communications for the American Home Furnishings Alliance.
Bowling has directed commuincations for the 475-member organization since 2000. She is responsible for managing the media center for the High Point Market.
Bowling is a 20-year veteran of the home furnishings industry, having served as a writer, editor, publisher and association executive.