Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
January 15,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Aggregated Content in Financial Reports on January 16, 2013
from http://www.cnbc.com/id/100385656
Williams-Sonoma Inc. said Wednesday that its revenue increased 4.8 percent to $1.01 billion for the nine-week holiday period that ended Dec. 30.
The cooking and housewares company's President and CEO Laura Alber said the results reflect the strength of its brands, as it made the gains amid tough competition and a difficult economy. Holiday sales are critical to retailers, which can often pull in as much as 40 percent of their annual revenue during the final two months of the year.
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January 15,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Business Strategy on January 16, 2013
from http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/business/2013-01-15/weinbergers-furniture-expands-services-new-location
The new year brought a new Augusta, Ga., location for Weinberger's Furniture and Mattress Showcase and plans to expand the business's new venture.
On Jan. 1, Weinberger's opened a new 30,000-square-foot showroom at 3021 River Watch Parkway, across the street from its furniture and rug outlet. The store moved from the corner of Washington and Furys Ferry roads after 34 years.
"We've seen a lot of new customers that maybe didn't travel Washington Road in the past that have stopped in," said owner Mark Weinberger.
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January 14,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in economic news on January 15, 2013
from http://www.cnbc.com/id/100380093
Retail sales rose more than expected in December as Americans shrugged off the threat of higher taxes and bought automobiles and a range of other goods, suggesting momentum in consumer spending as the year ended.
Elsewhere, wholesale prices remained tame, while a gauge of manufacturing in New York again showed weakness.
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January 14,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Special Events on January 15, 2013
The third annual Home Furnishings Industry Conference, June 2-4 at the Sheraton New Orleans, New Orleans, La., is taking shape.
The National Home Furnishings Association, Western Home Furnishings Association, Southeastern Home Furnishings Association and the Home Furnishings Independents Association have teamed to produce the event, which promises to bring even more education and networking than the first two successful conferences.
Offering more 25 educational sessions, a best idea contest and a 60-booth product showcase, the HFIC continues to establish itself as the go-to event for all industry professionals. With the pending merger of three powerhouse organizations, Sharron Bradley, WHFA Executive Director, shared, The merger vote is in process, and we anticipate the 2013 HFIC will play a major role in the launch of the new North American Home Furnishings Association. It will be the first time many of the exciting plans coming together for members and partners of the new organization will be shared with our entire industry; you will not want to miss it.
Im eagerly anticipating the upcoming Home Furnishings Industry Conference, said HFIC Committee Member Jim Fee, Stoney Creek Furniture, Stoney Creek, Ontario. I look forward to learning and sharing ideas with all the great members of our industry. I always love seeing the reaction of first time attendees and how they cant believe theyve never attended before! They always leave with at least one or two money-making ideas.
Doug Keeley, founder and CEO of The Mark of a Leader, will headline the event, helping attendees change how they see the world around them through powerful storytelling and sharing. Building a story through the use of video, music, live performances, interactive exercises and the written word, Keeley will have all attendees thinking and acting as better leaders and in turn, creating better results for their businesses.
Serta Mattress has signed on for the second year as the event's Signature sponsor.
The Home Furnishings Industry Conference is a great way for people in the industry to come together and learn from each other, said Marty Melcher, group vice president of sales for Serta. As salespeople, we engage in story telling every day, so to bring The Mark of a Leader to this must attend conference is a natural fit for us. We are excited to once again support this terrific learning and networking event.
Retailers, vendors and manufacturers interested in attending the event can visit thehfic.com to reserve their hotel room, or sign up for the VIP list and be the first to hear all new conference information.
January 14,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on January 15, 2013
Matthew Clift, executive vice president of global operations for bedding supplier Tempur-Pedic International (NYSE: TPX), is retiring.
A succession plan and search is already underway, and Clift will continue to lead the global operations team until the transition to a successor is completed.
Under Clift's leadership, the global operations team achieved significant successes through a relentless focus on customers, innovation, product development, cost and cash management, and managing growth of the company's IT and capacity infrastructure. "Matt's strategic vision, leadership, and focus on results combined with his practical hands-on approach make him an exceptional executive," Mark Sarvary, president and CEO of Tempur-Pedic. "The product development, cost improvement and supply chain enhancements he and his operations team have delivered have been key to the growth achieved by Tempur-Pedic in recent years. We are saddened to see him leave the company but we wish him and his family all the best during his retirement."
Prior to joining Tempur-Pedic International Inc. in December 2004, Clift was vice president and general manager of the consumer printer division for Lexmark International and was employed by the company for 13 years. Before joining Lexmark in 1991, Clift held several management positions in research and development and manufacturing for IBM over the course of his 10-year employment with the company.