May 15,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Casual Furniture on May 16, 2012
Casual furniture supplier Pride Family Brands has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Woodard Furniture, Carl's Patio, Carl's Patio West and Woodard's vice president of design.
The suit, filed in Miami Federal District Court, alleges patent infringement and violation of trade dress along with disclosure of trade secrets by Woodard, Carl's Patio, Carl's Patio West and Scott Coogan, Woodard's vice president of design.
"We filed this case for a very simple reason. Pride Family Brands' property is being knowingly and unfairly exploited," said Steve Lowsky, president of Pride Family Brands. "Pride is one of the casual furniture industry's leaders in driving and managing innovation and we place a high priority on protecting this innovation."
Lowsky said the company takes its patent rights for all of their uniquely designed patio furniture seriously and will not tolerate the unauthorized copying of designs. "Our designs are one of our core assets and each represents a tremendous investment of time and money," he said. "By the filing of this lawsuit today, we want to signal that we will do whatever the law allows to protect our patents, designs and the customer good will we have built and continue to enjoy today."
May 15,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on May 16, 2012
Havertys Furniture Cos. (NYSE: HVT) has named two new executives.
Greg Johnson has been named assistant vice president of distribution, and Timothy Southern has been named assistant vice president, financial planning and analysis.
Johnson began his career with Havertys in 1986 and worked in various capacities in the company's Dallas distribution operations. Johnson was promoted to warehouse manager in 1997 and general manager of the Western Distribution Center in 2004. He assumed companywide duties as director of distribution in 2008. He is responsible for the daily operations of Havertys' warehouse, home delivery, customer service, and service technicians functions. He reports to Ed Clary, CIO and senior vice president, distribution.
Southern started with the company in 2005 as senior financial analyst and was promoted to director, financial planning and analysis in 2006. Prior to joining Havertys, he held both operational and financial positions with a multi-regional company specializing in equipment rentals. He is responsible for providing support to senior management through development and maintenance of detailed operational and financial models and budgets and reports to Randall A. Davis, vice president, corporate controller.
"We are pleased to recognize the important contributions both of these individuals are making to Havertys," said Clarence H. Smith, president and CEO. "Our long-term success requires expertise in a number of areas and we are committed to developing a strong leadership team."
May 15,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Business Strategy on May 16, 2012
from http://www.sunherald.com/2012/05/15/3949524/buffetts-firm-buys-gm-stake-boosts.html
Warren Buffett's company is apparently bullish on the U.S. auto industry.
His company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. took a new stake of 10 million in shares in General Motors Co. in the first quarter. The investment comes as the Detroit automaker continues to rebound from bankruptcy three years ago. It posted a first-quarter net income of $1 billion, fueled by U.S. vehicle sales.
Buffett drives a GM-made Cadillac DTS sedan, so the investment could a further sign of his preference among U.S. automakers.
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May 15,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in on May 16, 2012
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?z6492398183&z=1250249030
Warren Buffett's company is apparently bullish on the U.S. auto industry.His company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. took a new stake of 10 million in shares in General Motors Co. in the first quarter. The investment comes as the Detroit automaker continues to rebound from bankruptcy three years ago. It posted a first-quarter net income of $1 billion, fueled by U.S. vehicle sales.Buffett drives a GM-made Cadillac DTS sedan, so the investment could a further sign of his preference among U.S. automakers. Berkshire is not invested in Ford Motor Co. or Chrysler, which is majority owned by Fiat SpA.But the purchase
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May 15,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Financial Reports on May 16, 2012
from http://www.4-traders.com/COST-PLUS-INC-8884/news/Cost-Plus-Posts-Narrower-1Q-Loss-As-Sales-Improve-14333007/?countview=0
Home furnishings retailer Cost Plus Inc. posted a slight loss in its fiscal first quarter, though core results topped expectations as the retailer's customers continued to spend more per visit.
Cost Plus' fortunes have improved since its near-extinction during the depths of the financial crisis, when its shares were trading for less than $1 during parts of 2009. Improving results prompted Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY) to make a cash tender for Cost Plus valued at about $550
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