Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
June 14,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in on June 15, 2012
Brian Brigham has been named director of marketing and public relations for Twin-Star International.
Brigham has more than 16 years in the creative project management, advertising, marketing and public relations fields, and he is responsible for directing and managing Twin-Star's marketing to both consumer and trade.
He reports to Bill Caples, vice president of sales and marketing for the company, and succeeds Alexia Rouquette, who left the company earlier this year.
Prior to joining Twin-Star, Brigham was creative director for Brigham Designs, an advertising and promotions company. He's held positions with Decolav, a high-end bathroom furniture supplier, and worked with The Gannett News company earlier in his career.
"I'm very excited to be back in the furniture industry and I am looking forward to implementing my years of experience into Twin-Star International's family of brands" Brigham said.
Brigham will be based out of Twin-Star International's headquarters, located in Delray Beach, Florida.
"I truly believe Twin-Star's extraordinary quality and competitive pricing combined with Mr. Brigham's marketing strategies and knowledge of public relations will provide the perfect mix to take Twin-Star's branding efforts to the next level," Caples said.
June 14,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on June 15, 2012
The Unfinished Furniture Association has changed its name to the Authentic Home Furnishings Association. The change was announced at the Real Wood Furniture show in Orlando, Fla., this week.
The group known since 1990 as the Unfinished Furniture Association employed market research firm ThinkWay Strategies earlier this year, to help develop its new name and identity to reflect a focus on solid wood and customization options for end consumers.
The new name and association brand logo was presented during the trade show's kick off event and keynote presentation on Monday evening, with approximately 200 members in attendance, according to president of the association's board Tim Case.
"The change in name and strategic direction for the organization was received with enthusiasm by our members," he said. "We believe this is the ideal time to reignite our passion for the real wood furniture business. We're anticipating a huge opportunity to grow at retail in the years ahead."
The association board also noted that this week's unveiling is the start to a multi-phase re-branding effort, which will include a new website, retail marketing strategies, additional trade show exposure, and more.
June 14,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Home Office on June 15, 2012
from http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2012/06/herman_millers_neocon_show_nyc.html
Herman Miller CEO Brian Walker sees a broad future stretching out for the company, predicting a fusion of its consumer brand and office furniture products.
The brand's appeal will stretch beyond its furniture products.
"We think going forward, the important thing is to be able to attract consumers to fall in love with the things you do and be attracted to them, not only for the things you do but for where you stand as a company," Walker said this week during NeoCon.
Read Full Article...
June 14,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Markets on June 15, 2012
Dallas Market Center has upgraded its App and enhanced its campus-wide Wi-Fi network.
Business success is becoming increasingly dependent on mobile devices, said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center. Connectivity is crucial to the exchange between buyers and exhibitors. With our new mobile app and enhanced Wi-Fi system, Dallas Market Center is at the forefront of the industry and will continue to be a leader in tradeshow technology.
The new Dallas Market mobile app is available in the iTunes store for the iPhone and iPad. The update includes live data that can be set to automatically refresh each time the app is opened, so that information can update in real-time. Other new features include quick searching, screen rotation, better maps, calendar integration, social media integration, and shuttle and DART rail information
Buyers and exhibitors are encouraged to delete the previously downloaded app and add the new Dallas Market App to their mobile devices. Those without a smartphone or tablet can see the App in action at any information booth across campus during Market.
To support its new mobile initiative, Dallas Market Center has also greatly expanded its free Wi-Fi system. Nearly 300 Wi-Fi access points have been installed along with 10 times the systems original bandwidth, creating a seamless wireless network covering the 5 million-square-foot campus.
June 13,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on June 14, 2012
Bedding producer Sealy Corp. (NYSE: ZZ) has acquired a non-controlling interest in Comfort Revolution, a foam products company.
Headquartered in West Long Branch, N.J., Comfort Revolution will continue to be led by company founder and CEO Michael Fux, and his management team will continue to control the company's day-to-day operations.
"Comfort Revolution has a track record of success," said Larry Rogers, Sealy president and CEO. "Their skill in developing and taking to market breakthrough specialty foam and gel bedding products complements Sealy's portfolio of specialty mattress products. Michael's reputation in the industry, supplier contacts, relationships with major customers and legacy of innovation truly set the company apart."
Following Sealy's announcement last fall to create a separate division to focus on specialty mattress products, this move signals Sealy is taking a broader approach to the specialty products category and is investing in new technologies and expertise to drive growth.
"Sealy's long term vision is to be a total sleep solution provider, which extends beyond our traditional mattress business, and our strategic partnership with Comfort Revolution is a very big step for us in that direction," said Rogers.
The companies saw exciting possibilities for a long-term strategic relationship to introduce new products around the world. Sealy has been a leader in mattresses since 1881, and Comfort Revolution foam products have received a strong response in the United States.
"Sealy gives us the strength to reach around the globe with our revolution in comfort, and the resources to explore even-more innovative solutions," Fux said.