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November 4,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on November 5, 2012
Minnesota-based HOM Furniture plans to add two new markets to its retail base. The retailer will open stores in Rogers, Minn., and Onalaska, Wis. in 2013.
Completion of both locations is scheduled for the spring of 2013.
The first project has HOM redeveloping a previous Lowe's home improvement location into a 130,000-square-foot furniture campus. The retailer will build a new version of its full-line furniture showroom known for its store-within-a-store concept and will dedicate 78,000 feet to the flagship brand.
The success of the Seasonal Concepts outdoor living department will have additional merchandising on an outdoor patio space. In addition, shoppers will find Sleep Express Mattress department, World Rugs, newly expanded HOM World Floors (selling carpet, tile, vinyl, wood flooring and granite counter tops)-Uptown Urban Furnishings, Amish Craftsman, plus an extensive selection of bedroom, youth bedroom, dining, office and decorative accessories including lamps, art, pillows and table top items.
The success of DOCK86 in Little Canada, Minn., allows the development of a 50,000-square-foot showroom adjacent to HOM Furniture in Rogers, selling mattresses, area rugs, leather and cloth upholstery, dining groups, bedroom, children's bedrooms, dining, decorative accessories, lighting and many unique items.
"Operating only during the busiest four days of the week when most furniture customers shop, not building fancy showrooms, and producing low budget commercials helps keep overhead and prices low," said Jerry Underwood, marketing director for DOCK 86. Adding "our buyers travel to furniture markets, showrooms, factories and warehouses all over the world seeking unique values for furniture shoppers. Products range from large volume cancelled orders, year-end model closeouts, and factory showrooms with the latest fashion trends."
The Onalaska, Wis., showroom is located just east of LaCrosse, Wis. HOM purchased a former Gander Mountain store and will build-out the location to more than double its size to 70,000 square feet using the new HOM retail format. The Onalaska showroom will contain all the departments including World Rugs and Seasonal Concepts. Flooring will not be offered in this location.
November 4,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in economic news on November 5, 2012
The Furniture Buying Index dropped one point this month to a reading of 71, according to America's Research Group.
Britt Beemer, chairman of ARG, said many consumers are in pause mode due to campaign advertising.
"Since consumers are not seeing as much advertising for furniture, there is nothing driving consumers to shop and buy furniture," he said. "This decreased focus on products in advertising is impacting purchasing for major ticket items like furniture. Retailers must plan big sales after the election to jump-start the consumer to get them thinking about buying furniture again."
The Furniture Buying Index is compiled each month by America's Research Group from interviews with between 5,000 and 8,000 consumers across the country. In a typical month, 80 percent of the consumers interviewed can name a specific furniture item they intend to buy. The Index's mark signifies what percent of the benchmark 80 percent actually have a particular item in mind.
November 4,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on November 5, 2012
Casual furniture supplier Gloster has promoted two key executives.
David Meeks has been named vice president of sales for key accounts, and Philip Payne has been named national contract sales manager.
In his new role, Meeks will be responsible for developing meaningful and effective relationships with senior personnel from key regional and national accounts to foster Gloster's business development on a national and international level.
Meeks has been with Gloster for eight years and brings a total of 20 years professional experience in the furniture industry, in various roles such as national sales manager, customer service manager and operations manager.
Payne joined Gloster as an inside sales team member in 2010 and was promoted to regional sales manager in 2011.
Philip has held various positions before he joined Gloster and brings with him sales and sales management experience with companies such as Enterprise Car Rentals and Dollar General.
Philip will be spearheading the development of Gloster's contract channel for all areas of North America.
November 4,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on November 5, 2012
Home accessory and rug supplier Surya raised $29,000 through its Miles for Meals program, topping its goal by $4,000, to help combat hunger in rural India.
The funds will support the Akshaya Patra organization that serves more than 1.3 million children with nutritious meals every day.
Surya became involved with the organization earlier in 2012, donating $250,000.
Satya Tiwari, Surya president, decided to use an upcoming local race to further the cause. He and a team of Surya employees, all running in the Atlanta AllState Half-Marathon enlisted the help of family, friends, customers and the local community in raising donations for the program - which has been dubbed "Miles for Meals."
The $29,000 will help the organization to feed 1,941 children over the coming year.
"I want to personally thank all of those who donated their time and money towards this amazing cause," Tiwari said. "Growing up in northern India, I saw the desperate need that still exists in so many communities for the healthy food and educational opportunities that can so easily be taken for granted."
The program continues its efforts and anyone interested in placing a donation or learning more about the work of Akshaya Patra is invited to go online.
November 4,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Upholstery on November 5, 2012
from http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2012/11/brad-pitt-becomes-furniture-designer
Brad Pitt isn't busy enough.
The actor-producer-philanthrophist-Chanel pitchman has added furniture designer to his resume!
But you won't find Pitt's creations at your local furniture store. His beds, chairs and tables will all be limited editions or limited production. Think in the neighborhood of $45,000 for a single chair!
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