March 4,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Social Media on March 5, 2012
The Knabusch-Shoemaker International School of Furnishings at High Point University will sponsor an online marketing seminar, "Online Merchandising: Web Strategies to Increase Sales and Profits."
The seminar for students and home furnishings industry professionals will focus on increasing revenues in a world where online advertising, social media and company Web sites are among the most effective ways to reach consumers.
The event, which features keynote speaker Kristine Kennedy, editorial director of Wayfair, will be held March 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., in the Francis Auditorium in the Phillips School of Business at HPU. It is open to home furnishings retailers, manufacturers, designers, suppliers and HPU students.
During the seminar, Kennedy will give an overview of how Wayfair is implementing a brand strategy and creating inspirational content to designed to build customer loyalty and purchase likelihood. Wayfair.com is the largest online-only retailer of home furnishings, selling 4.5 million items from 5,000 vendors. Kennedy recently joined Wayfair after 17 years with Better Homes and Gardens to implement a rich visual and editorial content strategy to enhance customer experience, loyalty and engagement.
In addition, IMRE Vice President of Emerging Media Christine Pierpoint will give a presentation on measuring return on investment of online marketing through analytics.
Also, a four-member panel of industry professionals, including two retailers, a manufacturer and an interior designer, will present case studies for their effective use of online marketing. Breakout seesions will involve tactics to manage time for the most effective return and customer engagement through social media marketing. This includes the fast-growing online design board Pinterest, the emerging power of online promotional platforms such as Living Social, and understanding the business model around QR codes.
Seminar details and registration information are online. There is no cost for the seminar, and lunch will be served. Seating is limited.
March 4,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in on March 5, 2012
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?z6042956861&z=1250249029
Firefighters from the Anderson Fire Department needed about an hour Monday to extinguish a blaze at DeWitt's Furniture Store, 1811 Ohio Avenue. A preliminary investigation revealed that an electric heater may have caused the fire, according to APD Chief Phillip Rogers. Social service organizations struggle to meet needs A brighter national and state jobs and economic outlook isnt yet trickling down to Madison County, according to local social service providers. March 4, 2012 2 Photos Student artists display talent at annual show Riley Huxford eyed the drawings lining the walls of the 13th annual Student Exhibition at Mounds Mall
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March 4,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Furniture Retailing on March 5, 2012
from http://heraldbulletin.com/crime/x606740436/Fire-reported-in-Anderson-furniture-store
Firefighters from the Anderson (Ind.) Fire Department needed about an hour Monday to extinguish a blaze at DeWitt's Furniture Store, 1811 Ohio Avenue. A preliminary investigation revealed that an electric heater may have caused the fire, according to APD Chief Phillip Rogers. Social service organizations struggle to meet needs A brighter national and state jobs and economic outlook isnt yet trickling down to Madison County, according to local social service providers. March 4, 2012 2 Photos Student artists display talent at annual show Riley Huxford eyed the drawings lining the walls of the 13th annual Student Exhibition at Mounds Mall
Read Full Article...
March 4,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on March 5, 2012
Home furnishings retailer Ikea has come through with its plans to create how-to videos to assist consumers in putting together Ikea-bought, flat-packed goods.
So far, the retailer has posted two videos, set to music, demonstrating how to put together its products, which can be a bit tricky for those without advanced degrees in engineering.
We thought we'd share one of them with you from the company's YouTube channel.
Enjoy!
March 3,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in licensing on March 4, 2012
National Geographic has selected New York-based Concord Global Trading as a broadloom and area rug licensee.
Under the multi-year agreement,
National Geographic and
Concord Global Trading will team up to introduce a line of area rugs for kids and adults based on National Geographic's photography archive. The rugs will be introduced at the
New York Home Fashions Market and will be available to consumers through retailers and trading partners in the United States and Canada this summer.
"For more than a century, National Geographic explorers and photographers have traveled the world to capture stunning images and collect compelling stories," said Krista Newberry, National Geographic's senior vice president of licensing, North America. "As one of the leaders in the rug industry, we are excited to work with Concord Global to bring some of this incredible photography into consumers' homes on broadloom and area rugs."
Net proceeds from the sale of these products will support exploration, conservation, research and education programs.
"Concord Global is thrilled to partner with National Geographic on this new venture," said Gulben Aksu-Bulat, vice president of Concord Global. "With our industry experience and innovative technology, we are able to capture the essence of the original photographs in detail and create spectacular printed area rugs using an infinite range of vibrant colors. We are proud to offer stunning National Geographic images on decorative rugs for every lifestyle."