Daily News Archive
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May 13,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on May 14, 2013
Michael Carter has joined luxury bedding vendor Dormeo Octaspring as director of manufacturing at its Dallas-area facility.
Carter began his career in 1998 at Kingsdown. where he rose through the manufacturing and operating ranks over the past 15 years. Most recently, he served as director of quality systems, where he implemented the companys Total Quality Management program. Prior to that appointment, he was an international operations manager, training licensees around the world on the correct quality and construction methods required by Kingsdown. Carter also was responsible for overseeing the quality system at the companys domestic facilities. Previously, he led manufacturing operations in the United Kingdom' and prior to that he ran the research and development division in Mebane, N.C. He also served as assistant plant manager in Lakeland, Fla.; and was a production line coordinator in Winchester, Va.
As we shift from an import model to local manufacturing for our North American customers we want to assure that we have a world-class capability on the operations side of the business, said Dormeo Octaspring President Chris Henning. "Michael is well respected in the industry for the innovative processes he brought to plants around the country that he has overseen, as well as his amazing commitment to quality which is a paramount value to us."
Ive always had great respect for Chris as we worked together in the past," Carter said. "When he contacted me to discuss Dormeo Octaspring I was excited to be part of a company that is revolutionizing the way people sleep. Retailers want this product on their floors because its the best of both worlds, the comfort of foam and the support of innerspring. Dormeo Octasprings investment in its new Dallas facility is tremendous and I am happy to play a key role in growing this innovative brand throughout the U.S.
May 13,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on May 14, 2013
Mike Kenney has been promoted to president of upholstered furniture vendor Norwalk Furniture.
He succeeds Dan White, an investor that agreed to serve as interim president when 12 families stepped forward in September 2008 to revive the company and set it on a new, solid foundation as Norwalk Custom Order Furniture.
At that time, Kenney was named vice president of sales and marketing for the new Norwalk. A replacement for his former position has not been selected.
This is a natural progression in our phenomenal four-year turn-around that has produced 20 percent growth every year in a down economy as well as the development of a solid management team, now headed by Mike, said White. We personally have worked closely together and the investors have total confidence in his thorough understanding of all aspects of the companys operations as well as his proven leadership. We are confident that we are placing a company that we love in capable, proven hands that exemplify the Norwalk culture.
Kenney has a strong retail background. He has pent 26 years with the Norwalk organization, serving with the former Norwalk as the general manager of three Atlanta franchise stores and then as vice president of operations for 22 company-owned retail stores. His responsibilities have included creating operating systems, developing retail sales and sales management. Prior to joining Norwalk, he operated a full line retail store in Gulfport, Miss.
Our vision continues to be a retail-driven upholstery manufacturer focused on the needs of our dealers, Kenney said. Based on their input, we have long been known as a company that offers extensive options at no upcharge. More recently, we have listened to their suggestions and developed the categories of motion, leather, occasional and exposed wood products with much more on the drawing boards. Dealers will see new offerings and continuing ingenuity as we move towards an operational goal to create jobs in our community and to restore our team to full capacity.
Norwalk currently employees 177 people and operates in a 440,000 sq. ft. facility designed to deliver nearly custom products in 35 days or less.
May 13,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Advertising on May 14, 2013
Wright Global Graphic Solutions has launched its RetaiLive program for in-store branding and marketing materials.
RetaiLive is an interactive sales tool that retail sales associates can use to transform point-of-purchase materials into virtual data bases of educational information.
Using image recognition technology, the RetaiLive app allows a consumer to seamlessly download a companys chosen interactive content--such as videos, product demonstrations and mattress features, promotional sales, etc.--directly to their smartphone, simply by hovering the device over key images on the POP materials. The information displayed is designed to assist consumers with their purchasing decision by providing product and brand information in the palm of their hands.
Recently, Thomasville, N.C.-based Wright demonstrated RetaiLive at an industry event where attendees experienced the technology firsthand. POP materials and print ads with live space images held a surprise--fun video of Wright Global Graphics Don Wright explaining the features and benefits of RetaiLive.
RetaiLive represents the future of the retail experience--and unchartered territory in the bedding industry--engaging customers with real time marketing, sales and product information, said Senior Vice President of Business Development and Chairman of the Board Don Wright. Mobile marketing has transformed the way companies build and shape brand awareness among todays consumers. Today, 70 percent of mobile searches result in some sort of consumer action. Moreover, research shows that mobile advertising, which currently runs approximately 3.6 billion interactions, will swell to a staggering 18.5 billion interactions by 2015. RetaiLive gives our clients an edge by providing consumers with a completely dynamic, interactive and informative shopping experience.
RetaiLive is available for download on Android and iPhone devices through the iTunes App Store and Google Play.
May 13,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Community/Charitable Support on May 14, 2013
from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/garden/a-charity-furniture-auction-to-aid-hurricane-sandy-victims.html?_r=0
In December, 24 New York City designers banded together to organize a charity auction for victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Contributing furniture made from salvaged materials or that in some way alluded to the wreckage, the group, called Reclaim NYC, raised some $15,000 for the Red Cross. Now it is back with a second event timed to New York Design Week. Reclaim x2, a furniture exhibition and sale, will open Thursday at noon in SoHo.
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May 13,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Financial Reports on May 14, 2013
from http://www.brandonsun.com/business/breaking-news/leons-first-quarter-profit-shrinks-to-54m-revenue-rises-to-1625m-207401111.html
Lower same-store sales, store opening costs and expenses related to the acquisition of The Brick Ltd. all contributed to a smaller first-quarter profit, Leon's Furniture Ltd (TSX:LNF) said Tuesday.
The retailer said net earnings in the three months ended March 31 totalled $5.4 million or seven cents per diluted share, down from $8.6 million or 12 cents per share in the same 2012 period.
The seller of home furnishings, electronics and appliances reported revenue of $162.5 million, up from $157.4 million.
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