Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
January 2,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Aggregated Content in economic news on January 3, 2013
from http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/01/03/3763250/nc-furniture-industry-hurting.html
The N.C. furniture industry, its workforce cut in half by manufacturing abroad and automation at home, faces a new challenge: a lack of skilled workers.
Fewer young people are entering the field after seeing their parents and grandparents endure round after round of layoffs in N.C. furniture plants, according to a recent study of the furniture workforce.
It's a counterintuitive finding: This hometown industry, famous nationwide, has been decimated by layoffs but can't find enough people with up-to-date skills.
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January 1,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Rugs on January 2, 2013
Rug and home accessory vendor Surya has partnered with Brooklyn, N.Y.-based designer Malene B for two new rug collections.
Known for her globally inspired aesthetic, Malene B. has gained a strong following in recent years within the design community for her thoughtfully designed custom rugs.
Her passion for world travel and cultural exploration are reflected in Voyages and Destinations, two broad new ranges of flat-weave and hand-tufted area rugs that bring her signature style to the consumer. From the rice paddies of Bali to Carnival celebrations in the Caribbean, the spirited collections transport home decor to faraway places with their globally inspired motifs, unique textures and rich palettes.
Malene B brings an entirely new aesthetic to the Surya brand with her globally inspired design perspective and playful sense of color, said Calhoun, Ga.-based Surya's president, Satya Tiwari. "Her designs tap into the growing convergence between distinct cultural styleswhich I believe will resonate strongly with our retail partners and consumers."
The collections will make their debut during the Jan. 9-16 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. Surya will co-host an event with Malene B in the home accessory brands new showroom, 11-A-1, where she will share her style inspirations with retailers and designers. The catered event begins Thursday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. Surya customers, media and all Market visitors are invited to attend.
January 1,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Advertising on January 2, 2013
Universal Furniture and furniture licensor Better Homes and Gardens magazine are launching a new digital campaign Wednesday.
"Home Today, Aruba Tomorrow," a 60-day promotion and sweepstakes, premiered today at bhg.com(http://www.bhg.com) and bhgfurniture.com(http://www.bhgfurniture.com).
The consumer often starts the purchasing process online, so we decided to meet her there in a significant way and actively direct her to the retail locations of our dealers, said Jeff Scheffer, president and CEO of Universal Furniture Inc. We have taken an integrated approach, which we project will draw millions of impressions during the life of the campaign. In addition, we will be able to quantifiably link the promotion with sales from leads directly generated Jan. 1-Feb 28, 2013.
Consumers on BHG.com can enter to win a grand prize package of a trip for two to Aruba for six days and five nights and a five-piece bedroom suite. The grand prize bedroom suite includes a bed, dresser, mirror, nightstand and upholstered chair from one of the new Better Homes and Gardens furniture collections. The approximate total retail value of the grand prize package is up to $12,877, based on the winners residence and seasonal rates. See official rules for details. A $200 coupon, redeemable with a minimum $2,000 purchase of Better Homes and Gardens furniture, is available during the promotion period, as well as gallery slideshows from the newest furniture collections.
The Home Today, Aruba Tomorrow promotion is available to all retail dealers with floor displays of the Better Homes and Gardens Classic Home, Modern Expressions or American Cottage collections by Universal Furniture. In addition to the sweepstakes on BHG.com, a special Home Today, Aruba Tomorrow promotion is available at retail locations where consumers will find point-of-purchase displays in-store and receive a free 12-month subscription to Better Homes and Gardens magazine just for making a store visit.
Universal has placed advertising across multiple digital outlets including BHG.com, which draws more than 100 million page views per month, and across the magazines social media platforms. Currently, the Better Homes and Gardens brand has 746,454 likes on Facebook, 31,073 followers on Twitter and 254,345 followers on Pinterest. The Decorating Channel homepage(http://www.bhg.com/decorating: is the most popular channel on the site. Across all venues, landing pages provide easy access to a dealer locator with links to dealer sites and to bhgfurniture.com to view the full collections.
Better Homes and Gardens has long been a powerful partner with a monthly print and digital readership of almost 40 million consumers. We are pleased to offer this promotion to consumers who are passionate about furnishing their homes with good, affordable, smart design, said Scheffer. Weve made it easy for her to visit, shop, save, and for one lucky person--to win.
January 1,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on January 2, 2013
Full-line furniture vendor Gus Modern has launched its fifth annual Keep On Giving! event.
The promotion, which will run throughout the month of January, offers consumers a discount on Toronto-based Gus Modern's modern furniture when they donate to local food banks.
Consumers that make a donation to local food banks through a Gus retailer will receive 15 percent off MSRP on Gus Modern upholstery, dining, beds, storage, lighting, and accessories. Collected food and donations will be distributed by participating Gus retailers to local food banks in their respective communities.
The Gus Keep On Giving Event is a great way to encourage a year-round spirit of support for those in our communities that could use some extra help, said Daniel Meltzer, owner of
Area 51, a Gus Modern retailer in Seattle. Our customers are thrilled to get a discount on Gus* Modern furniture, but knowing that theyll also be supporting local food banks makes the purchase extra special.
The Gus Modern furniture collection includes in-stock upholstery, beds, dining, lighting, and accent designs. The Keep On Giving! event will include popular Gus pieces such as the Jane Bi-Sectional, along with recent introductions such as the Carmichael Bed, the Hull Coffee Table, and the Wilson Media Stand. All Gus Modern upholstered seating and beds are made with FSC-certified wood inside and out, in support of responsible forest management.
January 1,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Special Events on January 2, 2013
Full line furniture vendor AICO honored three employees at its annual Holiday Party last month at the The Island Hotel in Newport Beach, Calif.
On Dec. 15, more than 220 guests enjoyed dinner, dancing and live entertainment.
The event also provided the occasion to bestow several awards to AICO employees and to valued partners. The top two awards were presented to three recipients: The prestigious Employee of the Year award was presented to AICOs product service advisor, Linda Picconi, who has been with the company for more than 10 years.
The essence of this award is in the acronym AICO, which stands for Attitude, Initiative, Commitment, and Outstanding performance. Linda has the ability and the initiative to perform above and beyond the scope of her own assignments, and is a fully engaged team player, said AICO President Martin Ploy. She is a truly valuable employee whose consistent effort and commitment are worthy of our highest recognition.
The Spirit of Excellence was awarded to Director of Finance Matt Davaie; and also to Sales Support Coordinator Denise Salcido. This award goes to individuals that demonstrate a passion for excellence in their work on a daily basis. Davaie has been with AICO for 14 years; and Salcido for seven years.
Each of these awards are well deserved," said AICO CEO Michael Amini. "I am honored to have such a committed team behind me, and pleased to recognize these fine individuals.