April 9,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on April 10, 2012
JR Diffee, former president of Colony House Furniture, has joined Planned Furniture Promotions as its high-end event consultant. In the new position, Diffee will advise upscale retailers on how to use high-impact events in retail sales strategies.
Colony House, based in Arlington, Va., closed last year when Diffee accepted an offer to sell the company's real estate. With an education and work experience in sales, marketing and insurance, Diffee joined his familys business in 1985 and was appointed president in 1991.
Diffee used PFP to conduct Colony Houses store closing sale.
"The high-end retailers have been some of the hardest hit by the economic downturn and many are in need of financial assistance," said Tom Liddell, senior vice president of PFP. "Weve successfully assisted many of the nations most well-known high-end retailers. JR has an intimate knowledge of their concerns and needs and will certainly be a huge asset in working with these clients."
April 9,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on April 10, 2012
Randy Wells has been named to the newly created position of vice president of marketing and brand development for Stanley Furniture Co.
In his role, Wells will oversee the development and reach of the company's Stanley brand. Wells reports to Glenn Prillaman, president and CEO. Wells' appointment marks the completion of an executive team that is responsible for the development, design, overseas manufacturing and logistical support of the companys adult product lines.
Leading these efforts with Wells, the executive team responsible for the Stanley portion of the companys business includes Adam Tilley and Richard Ledger, both vice presidents. Steve Wolfe, Rick Schroeder and Kevin Bowman, also vice presidents, continue to focus on both the companys Stanley and Young America brands.
"Our companys leadership team has been fortunate to attract several new members over a relatively short period of time," Prillaman said. "We have a tight knit group of professionals that recognize the changes in our industry, as well as our company. They know how to guide our almost 90-year heritage into a new era. Each member sees the opportunity for growth as Stanley product lines are positioned for the premium segment and our overseas operations model works to support customers with compelling value."
Wells comes to Stanley from World Market Center Las Vegas, where he served as vice president of the Las Vegas Design Center since 2008. During his tenure at the LVDC, Wells managed a team that established the Center as a resource for interior designers and market attendees. Prior to moving to Las Vegas, Wells was president at Valtekz Composite Fabrics, a Charlotte, N.C.-based decorative fabrics brand, from 2005 to 2008. There he developed and marketed products as a supplier to a variety of well-known premium furniture brands as well as to luxury markets outside the industry. Prior to joining Valtekz, Wells oversaw Century Furniture's Leisure Division from 2002 to 2005, where he was responsible for functions ranging from product design to sales.
"Our team views the industry differently than past management, and Randy is certainly no exception. As one of the brightest, young marketing talents in our industry, he is the perfect person to lead the revitalization of the Stanley brand, Prillaman said. Randy has a distinct vision for how the Stanley brand should touch customers, and that vision will soon change how retailers, designers and consumers perceive this portion of our company.
April 9,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedroom on April 10, 2012
The U.S. Department of Commerce has rescinded a new shipper review of Marvin Furniture.
The Chinese furniture maker had requested the review for bedroom furniture it shipped to the United States during the first half of 2011. In a preliminary ruling in January, DOC found that Marvin Furniture had shipped bedroom furniture before that period; and that Marvin did not report that fact in its request for a review.
DOC published its final ruling on Marvin's request for a new shipper review in a Federal Register notice.
Marvin Furniture's bedroom shipments for Jan. 1-June 30, 2011 are subject to the China-wide 216.01 percent duty on wooden bedroom furniture
April 9,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Markets on April 10, 2012
International Market Centers has promoted Paul Watson to vice president of design.
Watson succeeds Randy Wells, who has joined Stanley Furniture.
In his new position, Watson oversees the management and leasing for Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center, a 40-plus showroom venue that is open to both the public and the trade. Watson also is charged with growing IMC's venues in High Point with design-centric and upper-end manufacturers.
"Watson has been instrumental in the growth of the Las Vegas Design Center for four years and assumes oversight at an opportune time," said IMC CEO Bob Maricich. "In 2011, LVDC signed leases with 11 new showrooms. Today, Las Vegas Design Center has achieved the highest occupancy levels in its history and has successfully repositioned itself as a regional design hub for both the A&D community as well as consumers. This is an exciting and synergistic time for the global design industry and our customers now have the benefit of cooperating venues on both coasts in order to maximize distribution channels."
Watson, who joined World Market Center Las Vegas in 2008 as director of leasing, has more than 25 years' experience in the industry. He held executive leasing positions with a number of leading wholesale merchandise marts and design centers, including Pacific Design Center, Miromar Design Center and L.A.Mart. Recognizing the value of community partnership, Watson helped to create the "Decorative Arts District" in downtown Los Angeles in cooperation with the offices of the city and the mayor. Watson has been recognized and published in Metropolitan Home, Classic American Home, Palm Springs Life and Los Angeles Times. He has been featured on HGTV, Style Network, and Beverly Hills 90210/Greystone Mansion Design Showcase.
"I am truly honored to have the opportunity to continue to strengthen IMC's design communities on both coasts," Watson said. "LVDC is beginning to resonate with consumers who have discovered the value and benefits of shopping at the region's largest and premier furnishings and design resource. In High Point, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to develop our design-centric business. My goal is to bring the most compelling collection of upper end furniture and decorative resources to IMC buildings."
Watson reports to Tom Mitchell, president of IMCs Home Furnishings Division.
"Paul joins a seasoned team of professionals in both cities who are experts in their respective areas," Mitchell said.
April 9,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on April 10, 2012
Mark Furlet has joined AmericasMart Atlanta as senior vice president/leasing for Building One home category permanent showrooms.
Furlet joins AmericasMart from dual positions Merchandise Mart Properties, where he served as vice president in charge of all gift and home business at the Chicago Merchandise Mart; and vice president and general manager responsible for the L.A. Mart, the L.A. Mart Design Center and California Gift Show brands.
He managed both the Chicago and Los Angeles entities from the Chicago headquarters.
"Marks broad home furnishings category perspective gained through years of proven business leadership aligns well with our mission of continued domestic and international expansion," said Jeffrey L. Portman Sr., CEO of AmericasMart parent, AMC Inc. "He joins a team highly engaged in the home furnishings sector and comes prepared to help advance our efforts to reach and serve new exhibitors seeking the unique benefits of AmericasMarts global business base."
Furlet reports to David Savula, AMC executive vice president in charge of all home, area rug and gift leasing.