October 8,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Aggregated Content in Furniture Retailing on October 9, 2012
from http://business.financialpost.com/2012/10/08/facebook-to-test-want-button-in-retail-partnership/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FP_TopStories+%28Financial+Post+-+Top+Stories%29
Facebook Inc is testing a feature that lets users of the social network create "wishlists" of home furnishings, clothing and other retail products, laying the groundwork for what some believe could be an eventual push into e-commerce.
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October 8,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in on October 9, 2012
from https://newsdesk4.moreover.com/click/?p=aHR0cDovL2J1c2luZXNzLmZpbmFuY2lhbHBvc3QuY29tLzIwMTIvMTAvMDgvZmFjZWJvb2stdG8tdGVzdC13YW50LWJ1dHRvbi1pbi1yZXRhaWwtcGFydG5lcnNoaXAvP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9ZmVlZGJ1cm5lciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWZlZWQmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPUZlZWQlM0ErRlBfVG9
SAN FRANCISCO Facebook Inc is testing a feature that lets users of the social network create wishlists of home furnishings, clothing and other retail products, laying the groundwork for what some believe could be an eventual push into...
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October 8,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Legal on October 9, 2012
Fabric supplier Culp (NYSE: CFI) has been granted copyright protection for one of its fabric designs.
The copyright registration for the design named Palance is dated Aug. 8, 2011. Palance is a fabric that looks like natural leather, and the company said the design, format, layout and shading used in the design combine to create a "one-of-a-kind design unique to Culp."
Culp is the owner of copyright rights in other popular fabric designs as well, including its Palomino, Wrangler, Stampede, Congo, and Gunslinger fabrics, all of which are protected by copyright registrations.
The company said Palance has been a successful pattern in its line, which has lead to knock offs by Culp's competitors. With the issuance of its copyright registration for the Palance design, Culp intends to seek available remedies against infringers, including monetary damages for past sales and injunctive relief against future sales of infringing fabrics.
"We are pleased with the Copyright Office's decision to issue a registration for our Palance design," said Frank Saxon, president and chief executive officer of Culp. "Culp will continue to protect its rights. We have invested valuable resources so that Culp can introduce new and unique designs to our customers."
Culp is also in the process of recording its copyright registration with the U.S. Customs & Border Protection, so that customs officials can target and seize imports of fabrics and furniture that infringe the Palance design.
"Culp is committed to protecting its fabric designs and views the rights afforded by copyright law as a vital part of fabric innovation and development in our industry," said Rob Culp, chairman of Culp. "We value our loyal customers who have continuously purchased Culp's authentic fabrics, and believe that those in the industry who take short-cuts through copying must be held accountable."
October 8,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Case Goods on October 9, 2012
October 8,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on October 9, 2012
Two fabric manufacturers in the midst of growth have inked a strategic deal that promises to strengthen both companies and deliver expanded capability, capacity and level of service.
In what both companies describe as an "ideal alliance", Burlington Technologies has partnered with neighboring Greensboro-based weaver Bentex Mills, bringing together a host of strategic capabilities, operating synergies and expanded market opportunities, according to Michael R. Durham, BT's president and CEO.
"The alliance has major implications for all of our associated business segments," Durham said. "We could not be more enthusiastic than to partner with a successful company that has such a sterling record of accomplishment, and one that is so well respected in our industry."
Bentex owner Ernest Benbassat will be an instrumental addition to the BT management team as executive vice president of fabric manufacturing as well as continuing as president of the Bentex division.
He said that the merger of business interests "rested in finding the right partner to continue our growth, maintain Bentex's unique manufacturing philosophy, and enhance the long term future of my loyal associates and customers."
Benbassat said BT's facilities, capabilities, and raw material supply will accelerate Bentex's opportunity to grow in volume, breadth of product mix, and service to its customers.
"The simple fact is, this is as perfect of a fit as two companies could hope for; and no one will know that more than our customers," he said.
According to Durham, the partnership comes at a time when North American textile customers are once again concentrating on domestic suppliers.
"The offshore pricing advantages for small lot sizes and/or sophisticated weavers are fast disappearing," he said. "And now customers are taking a closer look at things like intellectual property protection, product quality, inventories and reliable delivery."