Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
August 30,
2006 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in on August 2006
Eight individuals have been nominated for membership in the American Furniture Hall of Fame and will be honored at a dinner gala during High Point Market, Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the International Home Furnishings Center ballroom.
Alfred Audi purchased the storied but ailing manufacturer L.&J.G. Stickley in 1974 with his wife and business partner, Aminy Audi. Since then the business has grown from 22 employees to a thriving international enterprise with three factories, 14 showrooms, and 1,600 employees worldwide. In addition to a revival of Mission style in 1989 that has grown into a must-have look for companies at all price points, the Audis have acquired and maintained other American brands such as John Widdicomb, Cibola Leather and Madison Square.
Bob Bush Sr. is a member of the board of directors and retired vice president of sales of the Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co. During his 50 years of service, Bush built this family company into a business known for its quality, innovation and value. Before the term “partnering” became an industry buzzword, Bob teamed with fledgling customers in the then developing southern furniture industry offering assistance, advice, and marketing ideas. Recognizing the importance of production proximity and timely delivery. He positioned Hickory Springs facilities where they could be a strategic advantage to customers who were unable to maintain large raw material inventories, Bush established a “Just In Time” delivery program in the 1960s. He also worked closely with northern and southern manufacturers in terms of location, supply, design, credit and marketing to assure their on-going success.
Former LADD President Bill Fenn’s furniture industry experience spans the globe as well as decades. He was president, chief executive officer, and chief operating officer of Stanley Furniture Co.; and also held senior management positions with Thomasville Furniture Inds. and Armstrong World Interiors prior to joining LADD as president and COO in 1982. He was named vice chairman of LADD Furniture in January 1990. His leadership skills have set him apart as a talented and accomplished manufacturer. His later contributions to the North Carolina Furniture Export Council have been extremely important to the growth of the industry overseas. His military experience, education, and years of service to the furniture industry prepared him to receive the honor to serve as Honorary Consul General representing North Carolina in Japan. Through this he has been able to promote trade to and from Japan. In 1995, he was appointed to the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” the highest civilian award that can be presented within the state.
Fred Friedman, former CEO of Carls Furniture, led the retailer’s growth to over 500 employees working in 22 stores with annual revenues exceeding $130 million. Friedman passed away last year. The success enjoyed by the Carls group can be directly linked to the personal involvement exhibited by Friedman with his employees. He made it a practice to know each individual employee. Everyone at Carls is on a first-name basis, and most employees have 25-plus years with the company. Through his leadership at Carls, the company is recognized as an outstanding and civic-minded corporate citizen, working with and supporting many charities.
Charles Greene, founder, CEO and president of Classic Gallery, came in 1967 from Dun and Bradstreet to High Point to install a computer system at Kay Lyn Furniture Co. After a year at Kay Lyn, he was offered the position of general manager of Directional Furniture, a subsidiary of Kay Lyn, where he became aware of a niche in the industry that was not being met--designers’ need for custom-built furniture. He saw that while most furniture and department stores had their needs being met, the small, independent designers needed a quality upholstery manufacturer that would cater to their needs. In response to this void, Charlie founded Classic Gallery. Shortly after opening Classic Gallery, he became a member of the American Society for Interior Designers and was the first non-designer to serve on that national board of directors. He chaired the Industry Foundation Committee of ASID and was a frequent speaker at ASID chapters across American and Puerto Rico.
Sidney Gayle Jr. inherited his spirit for furniture photography from his grandfather, Sidney L. Alderman. After graduating from Georgia Tech he joined Alderman Studios in 1945 and served as president and CEO until 1985. He was owner of Omega Studios from 1986 to 1997. Gayle dedicated his career to helping furniture manufacturers market their goods in new and exciting ways. As an example, he pioneered the concept of photographing furniture in a home environment created in the studio.
The marketing needs changed many times during Sidney’s 55 years of service in the industry. He met these needs by reaching out across the country to bring in the best and brightest marketing minds to service the furniture industry. He provided his people with the latest technology of the day. This allowed his studio to provide innovative marketing solutions and strategies.
Charles Knabusch, the son of La-Z-Boy co-founder Edward Knabusch, became president of the company in 1972, succeeding his father. During his tenure, the company completed a series of acquisitions and mergers and consistently outperformed industry growth averages. After assuming the CEO post in 1985, Knabusch improved La-Z-Boy’s sales to more than $1 billion a year from $52.7 million when he began his tenure. Under his direction, La-Z-Boy became the largest upholstered furniture manufacturer in the U.S., and the world’s largest producer of reclining chairs.
Ronald Wanek founded Ashley Furniture Inds. in the early 1970s, taking the company from being a modest manufacturer of occasional tables to the largest furniture manufacturer in the world and the second largest retailer in the United States in 2005. Wanek made many landmark decisions to raise his business to the level it has today. In the 1970s he began using European flat line construction in wood furniture, which offered both high quality and labor efficiencies. In the 1980’s, he developed global sourcing, becoming one of the first manufacturers to both source and sell around the world. He also introduced the industry’s most successful polyester finishes bringing color to wood furniture. Through Ashley Furniture HomeStores, Wanek introduced the concept of selling in Ashley-branded stores while focusing on the needs of middle income consumers.
August 30,
2006 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Display on August 2006
Thomasville Furniture Inds. will publish prices on its Web site for the first time as part of a strategic marketing initiative and pricing policy set to take effect Jan. 11.
In an effort to provide consumers with a better and more consistent shopping experience through the company’s varied sales channels, the Internet pricing is a recognition of the importance of the Web to consumers researching their furniture purchase before shopping.
In addition to the Internet published prices, Thomasville will also provide an MRP price list to its retail stores for both wood and upholstery products, allowing the retailers to remain competitive with the prices published on the company Web site.
“We see this published price initiative as a positive step in supplementing and driving the retail and store experience by providing a thorough and fulfilling Internet experience,” said Nancy Webster, president and chief executive officer of Thomasville. “This is an exciting and historic event for Thomasville. We recognize the importance that the Internet and our Web site play in our future, and the steps that we are taking will ensure our competitive advantage later.”
Concurrently with the published price strategy and a new West Coast Distribution Center, Thomasville is instituting a landed freight program for all domestic retailers, around 160 stores at this time. Dealer-cost price lists as of January 11, will include all freight costs. The overall Thomasville brand strategy for 2007 also supports promotional efforts that are transitioning away from such industry standards as price-off initiatives and are moving more toward marketing programs that include gift cards, gift with purchase and competitive financing offers.
“Ultimately, the greatest example of our brand exists in our stores,” Webster said. “The Thomasville stores are where consumers can enjoy the beauty and quality of our finishes, our fabrics, textures, colors, product displays, and where they can work closely with the Design Consultants who make their dreams a reality. This design, craftsmanship, and quality execution truly differentiates our Thomasville brand from the competition. “As we move into 2007, we believe that all of these strategic enhancements will greatly benefit our consumers by providing more relevant information and thus honoring her time and better fulfilling her needs, wants and expectations,” she said.
August 30,
2006 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Accessories on August 2006
Adonis Funriture has just released the only video game and music speaker chair with a made for iPod(TM) licensed docking station. The first gaming chair ever to use patented Apple iPod(TM) technology debuted at Las Vegas Market.
iRocker (TM) is an interactive gaming chair with docking station that allows the user to lounge comfortably while enjoying surround-sound music. It comes complete with remote control, a multi-position reclining back, Heavy Magnet speakers, Base Tube (on many models), audio inputs, additional line input (to use with other brand MP3 players) and master volume dial with LED indicator light (for non-docking models). It can also be used with any electronic device that has an audio output, making it great for video game sound set-up.
National retailers that have committed to carry the iRocker(TM) line include Costco, Target, Amazon.Com, Linens and Things, QVC, Stacks and Stacks, FAO Schwartz, Gately’s Shopping Network, and Fortunoff. The chairs are also sold regionally at a number of outlets including HOM Furniture in Minnesota, Boscovs and Just Cabinets in Pennsylvania; and American Furniture Warehouse in Colorado.
With speakers made by Alltek Vision, the iRocker(TM) is available in seven different price points, ranging from $99 up to $599, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers across every age and demographic. Each chair adopts the sound through between two and five speakers, depending on the model.
The scale and functionality of the iRocker(TM) makes it a viable choice for both adults and children. Two different color schemes are designated for the adult and teen audience. The teen version comes with its micro fiber cushions in a choice of six bright colors, while the adult version is available in the more muted palette of black, bone or saddle, in faux leather.
“The iPod(TM) is a phenomenal product with a huge consumer base spanning multiple age groups,” said Matt Sansoe, General Manager of Adonis Furniture. “As the only chair made specifically for iPod(TM), our iRocker (TM) has the style, design and functionality to make it the perfect complement to the player.”
August 30,
2006 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Upholstery on August 2006
Citing competition from imported Chinese fabrics, rising energy prices and sluggish furniture sales, Quaker Fabric is laying off an additional 250 employees.
The cutback reduces the company’s employment to just over 1,000 people.
“Fierce competition from imported Chinese fabrics, rising energy prices and weakness in the retail furniture sector in general, are continuing to affect our incoming order rates and production requirements,” said Larry Liebenow, president and chief executive officer. “This means that we must reduce staffing in both our administrative and manufacturing areas to levels consistent with our current production needs.”
Liebenow said the company is committed to its U.S. manufacturing base and its leadership position in the upholstered fabric market by continuing its cost-cutting measures put in place last year.
“We are making good progress on each of those fronts,” he said. “Once our restructuring initiatives are further developed, we hope to be able to offer those individuals who are leaving us now the opportunity to return to the Quaker team.”
August 30,
2006 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Youth, Juvenile Furniture on August 2006
Dave Taylor has been named president and chief executive officer of Dorel Juvenile Group USA.
Taylor joined the company just over three years ago as executive vice president and chief financial officer, a post he held until his promotion to chief executive officer.
“Dave has distinguished himself at DJG USA, not only with his strong financial background, but as a well-rounded chief executive with a proven
commitment to the organization,” said Camillo Lisio, chief operating officer of Dorel. “He has been part of the senior management team
that has directed day-to-day affairs since the former president left in
November 2005.”
Bruce Cazenave was the former president and chief executive of the group before leaving to pursue other opportunities last fall. Since Cazenave’s departure, Lisio has been overseeing the division.