February 13,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on February 14, 2012
At 108,000 square feet, the International Sleep Association's March 14-17 ISPA Expo in Indianapolis is shaping up to be one of the largest ever.
The world's largest tradeshow dedicated exclusively to the mattress industry will feature more than 50 new exhibitors showing innovations in equipment, components and services for the mattress industry.
This year's event will have more networking opportunities and sessions specifically designed for its global community, and will use social and digital media to promote activities and keep attendees informed and engaged.
"We are thrilled to be back in Indianapolis," soid Ryan Trainer, president of the International Sleep Products Association. "ISPA EXPO is a fantastic and cost-effective one-stop shop for our industry. We had a terrific EXPO when we were in Indianapolis in 2004, and we expect another really good show in 2012. This EXPO will feature many new, cutting-edge opportunities for bedding professionals from around the world to communicate with each other."
"As always, we want to continue to improve the ISPA EXPO experience for both our attendees and exhibitors, and this year is no exception," said ISPA Chairman Gerry Borreggine. "For the first time ever, we'll offer a video 'digital wall' where attendees can see real-time tweets, photos and Facebook updates. In this world of social media, it's important to offer fun, useful and exciting ways to keep our industry abreast of what's going on. We are a global industry, connected increasingly by social media that enables the seamless transfer of information."
ISPA also will offer a strong slate of educational sessions addressing important industry topics, including an analysis of sales trends in the U.S. and foreign mattress markets since the recession; an update on the Better Sleep Council's media and consumer messaging plans; insights on how companies can leverage the business benchmarking surveys that ISPA publishes to improve their bottom line; a media expert's perspective on "What Motivates Women to Buy"; a BSC panel discussion on the importance of selling sleep; insights on exporting U.S.-made mattresses to China and other countries; and a report on the future of used mattress recycling and ISPA's efforts to encourage this process.
Click here to access ISPA's complete schedule of events.
ISPA will host several events for attendees to socialize and network. These include a pre-show reception for our non-U.S. attendees; an educational networking breakfast for women in the industry; an Olympic-themed welcome reception where industry band The Insomniaczzz will take the stage; and an industry breakfast, where keynote speaker Alan Hobson, Mt. Everest climber, world adventurer, best-selling author and cancer survivor will inspire the audience, sharing practical steps on how to manage the unexpected, turn obstacles into opportunities and focus on excellence in execution.
For more information or to register, click here.
February 13,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on February 14, 2012
The
Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City has received a $2 million gift from alumnus Calvin Klein, and the company he founded,
Calvin Klein, Inc. Klein donated $1 million, through the Calvin Klein Family Foundation, which was matched by a $1 million donation by Calvin Klein, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
PVH Corp. (
NYSE: PVH). This is the largest gift received to date from an FIT alumnus.
The funds will support the college's annual spring runway show, which showcases designs of students about to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design.
The fashion show is a professionally produced event that provides FIT students with the first opportunity to showcase their talents to industry professionals, established designers, and worldwide media. The 2012 runway show will be held Wednesday, May 2 at FIT.
"The annual FIT fashion show is the culmination of the very best of the fashion design students' accomplishments during their studies at FIT," Klein said. "This fund is dedicated to ensure that the FIT fashion show will continue to be the students' showcase to our industry without compromise. I am very proud that Calvin Klein, Inc. has joined my family foundation in this effort."
"FIT is extremely proud to call Calvin Klein one of our own," said Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of FIT. "We value the commitment Calvin has demonstrated to our Fashion Design students by taking on the role of classroom mentor and critic as they prepare their capstone collections. Now, thanks to this generous gift from Calvin and Calvin Klein, Inc., FIT's young designers will have a runway show that is completely worthy of their talents for years to come."
Each spring, as a component of their graduation requirements, more than 150 fashion design majors entering their final semester design and produce a collection and have the opportunity to showcase one of their garments in their area of specialization: sportswear, special occasion, knitwear, intimate apparel, or childrenswear.
FIT's Fashion Design program was established in 1944, the year the college was founded. The associate-degree program provides students with an essential foundation for creating apparel from sketch to finished garment. In the baccalaureate program, students receive advanced instruction in specialized areas.
February 13,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Case Goods on February 14, 2012
Case goods furniture vendor Aspenhome named Joe Vorderbruggen as the top Territory CEO of the Year at its annual awards dinner, held Jan. 28 in Las Vegas.
Vorderbruggen, Aspenhome territory CEO for the Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota area since 2001, "grew his territory in all catagories in 2011, had a 24 percent territory increase over 2010 and had a new record level in sales volume," according to David Heard, Aspenhome executive vice president of sales. "Joe does a tremendous job focusing on his retailer's needs which is why they also recognized him in the past as Sales Representative of the Year."
Bryan Edwards, Aspenhome vice president of sales, added that "Joe is one of the most respected territory CEOs at Aspenhome. He is the ultimate advocate for his customers and always represents aspenhome with integrity. His quiet demeanor creates a certain mystique that when he talks, everyone listens. He is a true professional and a credit to his craft. We are very fortunate to have him as part of our aspenhome team."
Aspenhome is distributed by Furniture Values International and headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz.
February 13,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Upholstery on February 14, 2012
Upholstered furniture vendor RC Furniture is opening its first gallery in the United Arab Emirates this week.
"We feel that our exceptional tailoring and extensive textile collection can really help us tap into that market," said Richard Cazares, of the City of Industry, Calif.-based company. "We have just started exploring more into the overseas markets in the last year and a half."
To date. RC Furniture has opened up a few accounts in Australia with its "couturetextiles" line of faux fur throws; and has a strong and growing presence throughout Mexico and South America.
The move to the United Arab Emirates begins with the 20,000-square-foot gallery in Dubai, where the launch includes the introduction of five collections of "renecazares" upholstery and the complete line of "couturetextiles" faux fur throws.
"We have also contracted a sales team in the UAE, which we hope will make our presence there even stronger," Cazares said.
February 13,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on February 14, 2012
The Sustainable Furnishings Council cited progress and set a five-year plan at its board meeting at World Market Center during the recent Las Vegas Furniture Market.
Going forward, the SFC's two main initiatives are driving membership and expanding the education platform.
Membership currently approaches 400, an all-time high, including 150 manufacturers, 120 design firms, and 75 retailers. Interest at Las Vegas Market remained high with 75-plus in attendance at a panel discussion of prominent designers participating in the SFC's DESIGNINGreen national print campaign. Pam Jaccarino of Luxe Magazine led the discussion between iconic interior designer Clodagh, author Lori Denis and lighting guru Randall Whitehead. Market activities generated dozens of membership inquiries and 10 sign-ups on the spot. Immediate focus will be put on American-based manufacturers and major retailers to broaden reach among consumers. Membership is open to anyone meeting simple requirements for a basic corporate level with Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum Exemplary levels achievable based on proven performance against specified criteria.
In education, more 600 participants have taken the SFC-sponsored GREENleaders Certified Sustainability Training course, the only professional accreditation in green home furnishings that is also qualified for continuing education credit by both ASID and LEED. The SFC delivers free education that more than 1,000 people took via online webinars last year alone. Future opportunities include partnering in delivering customized education with retailers, academic institutions such as Savannah College of Art & Design, and local design centers such as the San Francisco Design Center.