Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
January 8,
2007 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Case Goods on January 2007
Lynn Payne has been named director of marketing communications for importer Magnussen Home Furnishings. She will report to Ron Carpenter, vice president of marketing and business development.
“With a strong background in marketing and advertising, as well as merchandising and graphic design, Lynn brings an abundance of experience to Magnussen Home,” Carpenter said in a release. “We are delighted to have her join the Magnussen Home team.”
Payne is responsible for the management of the company’s advertising, public relations and market promotion programs.
Prior to joining Magnussen Home, Payne was Retail Point of Purchase Specialist for Sealy Inc. and Sterns Foster brands, where she developed, planned and coordinated merchandising concepts for Sealy brands and the gallery program. She previously served as merchandise manager for FurniturelandSouth and as art director for Coyne Beahm Advertising and Marketing.
“Lynn is an effective communicator with a wealth of creative talent,” said Jeff Cook, Magnussen Home president and chief executive officer. “Her expertise is invaluable to both Magnussen Home and our dealers.”
January 8,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on January 2007
Bedding major Serta International is providing Las Vegas Market buyers a respite from the market hustle.
The Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based company has transformed its showroom in Building A into Spa Serta. The spa-themed showroom will feature healthy refreshments, soft lighting, massage chairs, neck and shoulder massages and soothing décor.
“We chose the spa concept because it works well with the luxurious, pampering nature of the new Vera Wang by Serta Collection we are premiering,” said Barbara Bradford, senior vice president of marketing.
January 8,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on January 2007
As Sleep Country USA closes the door on its holiday toy drive, it kicks off its new shoe drive for foster children in the Pacific Northwest.
“Sleep Country USA’s generosity and efforts to engage the community around such an important social cause is one reason that many of our foster children received new clothes, school supplies and toys this holiday season,” said David Swendseid, recruiter for Trillium Family Services’ Therapeutic Foster Care Program. “The company’s community drives help to enrich these children’s lives with many things that we commonly take for granted. At Trillium, our mission is to build brighter futures for children and families, and thanks to Sleep Country USA and the community, we are doing just that!”
The Seattle-based retailer started its Sleep Country Foster Kids program in 2005, focusing its charitable efforts to increase the impact. The company has since added to its six drives, holding its first ever Pajama Bowl in 2006 as well as a day of fun for foster families at local amusement parks.
“We are proud to be able to have such a significant effect on these children’s lives,” said Terry Horsley, executive vice president of marketing and merchandising, Sleep Country USA. “The Sleep Country Foster Kids campaign has thrived thanks to our strong community ties and the overwhelming response from area businesses—increasing donations by nearly 50 percent this year. We expect 2007 to be a repeat success with a steady increase in material and cash donations.”
January 7,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on January 2007
Furniture Row Cos. is moving into Bismarck, N.D., with one of its trademark shopping centers set to open Jan. 20.
“The center will bring a unique furniture shopping experience to the area,” said Bill McKendry, marketing director for the retailer. “Unlike other furnishings retailers, our centers have four specialty stores at one destination. Each store focuses on a particular category and each store is managed and staffed with people who are extremely knowledgeable about their specific lines. And, best of all, they all guarantee their prices to be the lowest.”
Furniture Row Cos. is one of the largest family-owned specialty home furnishings and bedding retailers. The company’s five specialty store brands are: Sofa Mart, Oak Express, Bedroom Expressions, Denver Mattress Co., and Big Sur Water Beds. The retailer operates more than 330 stores in 31 states.
The company also owns and operates NASCAR NEXTEL Cup team #78.
January 7,
2007 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Casual Furniture on January 2007
La-Z-Boy has teamed up with Brown Jordan International to create its first line of luxury outdoor furniture.
Through a licensing agreement, Brown Jordan will design, manufacture and market the products under the La-Z-Boy brand name. The collection is set to debut in Sam’s Clubs in the U.S. and Mexico this month, and the companies plan to expand to other retailers in the future.
“For 80 years La-Z-Boy has been focused on providing a wide selection of comfortable and quality furniture for the home’s interior. Bringing these same attributes to outdoor furniture is a natural extension for the La-Z-Boy brand,” said Jennifer Sievertsen, vice president of brand marketing for La- Z-Boy. “We are proud to partner with BJI on this venture given their reputation as the premier outdoor furniture designer and manufacturer. We are very excited about the designs debuting in January as well as the future of this category for our company.”
As part of the initial product launch, BJI will introduce the first fully functional recliner intended for outdoor use. Following its January debut at Sam’s Clubs, the companies will collaborate to identify and evaluate opportunities to offer the collection through additional distribution outlets.
“A partnership of this magnitude with La-Z-Boy was extremely compelling to BJI,” said Chris Carmicle, BJI’s president, national accounts and direct imports division. “Research confirms La-Z-Boy is by far one of the most recognized consumer brands in the furniture industry and is consistently ranked as one of the 10 best home brands overall. The recent shift towards outdoor comfort in the furniture market made this partnership very timely. La-Z-Boy is synonymous with comfort as well as quality, value and style. These factors coupled with the consistent performance BJI is celebrated for will create a unique offering that will help our customers further grow their business.”