Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
October 1,
2006 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on October 2006
After 32 years with Pier 1, Marvin Girouard, the specialty retailer’s chairman and chief executive officer, will retire Feb. 28.
The company made the announcement Saturday morning. In addition, the Fort Worth, Texas-based company has hired Herbert Mines Associates, a New York executive search firm, to find a new chief executive.
Girouard has been with the company since 1975, and was named chairman in 1999.
The announcement follows changes by the company to revise its merchandise mix in an attempt to turn around six consecutive quarters of losses. The company has also been in talkes with Jakup Jacobsen, a major shareholder, about a
“I feel that it is time for me to leave in the course of a normal retirement and allow new leadership to emerge and flourish,” Girouard said.
Pier 1 has more than 1,200 stores and 17,000 employees. In its most recent earnings report, for the quarter that ended Aug. 26, the company posted a net loss of $73 million.
October 1,
2006 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Accessories on October 2006
Clay, Metal & Stone has named two managers to its customer service team.
Bob Casalini has been named customer service manager and Kathy Seng has been named systems and information manager.
Casalini brings years of customer experience to the company. He will oversee all customer service efforts for the company’s sales team and broad reailers and interior designer base of customers.
Seng will plan, coordinate and direct all computer-related activities for Clay, Metal & Stone, including hardware and software needs, networking, web management, e-commerce and more.
“We are delighted to have Bob and Kathy as the newest members of our growing team,” said Robert Levin, president of the company.
September 28,
2006 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on September 2006
Bankrupt High Point retailer Wood-Armfield has received permision from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of North Carolina to start shipping furniture to some customers, the News & Record (Greensboro, N.C.) reported today.
The retailer had closed June 5, and the company’s Utility Craft store, also in High Point, closed earlier this year.
Wood-Armfield filed for Chapter 11 in July. The company can begin shipping by Monday, but the ruling only applies to customers whose furniture deposits are less than $2,225.
Christy Myatt, a Greensboro attorney representing Wood-Armfield, said told the newspaper that the company will be back in court in another two weeks about shipping orders with deposits of more than $2,225.
Company documents show that Wood-Armfield owed customers about $1.93 million in deposits on pending orders.
A going-out-of-business began last week at Wood-Armfield’s downtown store.
September 28,
2006 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on September 2006
Stripes continue to evolve in rug design, keeping their appeal and influence strong in the category, according to the latest monthly Color & Trends report from Capel Rugs.
“The most recent evolution of stripes is all about lines with motion,” said Lou Webster, Capel’s director of product development and design, in the report. “They can be swaying or bent, or appearing to go into a gentle spiral. Concentric circles were very popular at the European shows. Stripes which bent at right angles seemed to be the most noteworthy.”
He noted that throughout the years, stripes have taken many forms. Early Native American weavings have evolved over time to include many improvisations of the stripe design. Newer patternings of the evolution combine geometric elements with different stripe zones to create a new look for the precision symmetrical motifs.
“A persistently stylish pattern, stripes are also appearing once again on the fashion
forefront,” Webster said. “Perspective is often created by channeling our fashion sensibility into our home. As a reflection of our personality, it is seen as traditional meets eccentricity or luxury with an edge. Exotic florals, plaids and broken stripes co-exist, sometimes in acid color combinations.”
September 28,
2006 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Case Goods on September 2006
Lexington Home Brands is teaming up with Donald Trump to launch a full line of case goods and upholstery inspired by pieces in Trump’s personal homes and luxurious properties. The move adds another name to the company’s stable of consumer branded furniture.
The Trump Home collection, which will be introduced next summer, will offer affordable luxury with flair.
Over the last two years, Trump has been building a branding arm that includes a licensed apparel and accessories, the Donald J. Trump Signature collection, sold exclusively at Macy’s.
“Trump Home furniture offers consumers a tangible way to experience the luxurious Trump lifestyle for themselves, in their own home, no matter where they live, and even if they can’t afford millions for one of my properties.” Trump said. “Now the public can not only wear my clothes, they can sit on my couch.”
Trump plans to be an integral part of the furniture design process, lending the collection the sophisticated style that graces his many upscale properties.
Phil Haney, president and chief executive officer said the collection offers more than an association with a popular star.
“No name is more synonymous with upscale living than Donald Trump,” he said. “For more than 30 years, Donald Trump has been in the business of developing and designing the most upscale buildings in the world. His name is emblazoned atop the most beautiful buildings. The interiors and service are exquisite, down to the smallest detail. Furniture that suggests access to this lifestyle, with the quality and attention to detail that Trump is known for, is one of the most logical extensions of Trump’s own personal passion, his buildings and interior design.”
Cathy Glosser, vice president of global licensing for The Trump Organization, said the clothing line’s success shows that people understand that looking good and making a good impression matter.
“While Mr. Trump’s passion continues to be real estate the huge success of The Apprentice and now his menswear lines prove that the Trump name resonates with a growing generation of consumers who are eager to emulate his success,” Glosser said.
Haney said the collection will offer consumers the perfect brand for high-end style and affluent design. “And in the LHB lineup, Trump Home fills an important niche at the most glamorous end—upscale with pizzazz and sophistication.”