Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
January 26,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on January 27, 2012
Bedding supplier
Comfort Solutions has transformed its Las Vegas showroom to embrace its new Never Stop Dreaming brand identity.
The company's space at A-546 has been remodeled in its architecture, layout, design and media to represent "the leading edge of mattress retailing now and for the future," said Dave Roberts, president and COO.
"In the products we'll present, the first-ever market activities we've planned and the showroom environment we've created, our total Las Vegas effort will confirm who we are and the leadership stake we're firmly planting in the arenas of sleep science and technology, product innovation with purpose, meaningful sleep solutions and sustained corporate citizenship."
The new space is modern, sleek and high-tech, blending new technologies, media and materials to create the right venue for its iMattress introduction. The iMattress collection offers an open-cell memory foam infused with cooling gel spheres along with a zoned system that improves the internal air exchange and breathability of the beds.
In addition to showcasing the iMattress, the company will present its ultra-luxury collection of
King Koil products in the showroom's rotunda.
The new showroom also includes special stations intended for sleep education, product training and discussion. The spacious lobbydedicated to the Comfort Solutions brand and Never Stop Dreaming messageincludes a giant video screen, sofa seating and other visitor amenities.
Along with its new show space, the company will host for the first time in Las Vegas a formal, pre-market event Sunday, Jan. 29 to kick off its brand direction and marketing plans.
The agenda for the cocktail-dinner gala, to be held at the Paris Hotel, will include presentations on Comfort Solutions new brand message, specifics on the launch of an outreach program to St. Jude Childrens Hospital, plus unveilings of new products and marketing programs for 2012.
January 26,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Special Events on January 27, 2012
The 2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference, "Gaining the Edge," has set educational programs for the May 6-8 event in Palm Springs, Calif.
Education is geared to the needs of all attendees: retailers, manufacturers and services providers. The two and a half day event features more than 24 educational sessions, including co-created sessions by the attendees.
The event will kick-off with an opening keynote from Larry Winget, the "Pitbull of Professional Development." Winget will teach universal principles that work for anyone, in any business, during any time. The opening session will make you think, and laugh, while Winget shares his wisdom. Afterward, each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of Winget's new book, "People are Idiots and I can Prove It."
Another agenda highlight is hearing straight from industry veterans on how they gained the edge in business. The session "Gaining the Edge in Business" features retailers Pedro Capo, El Dorado Furniture, Miami Gardens, Fla.; Larry Miller, Sit 'n Sleep, Gardena, Calif.; and manufacturer Satya Tiwari, Surya Rugs, Calhoun, Ga. They will all share how their companies have survived and thrived over the years and their journeys and stories will leave you inspired to turn your dreams into reality.
Social media continues to be a hot topic for retailers, and many of the HFIC 2012 break out sessions will focus on how to utilize social media tools to grow business, as well as deal with the "always-connected" customer. Attendees will have a chance to co-create their education on the final day by voting on their top-four favorite sessions from day one. These sessions will then be repeated during the second daygiving attendees the chance to not miss out on any nuggets of great information.
Tim Sanders, former CSO at Yahoo, will close the event with his session, "Today We are Rich--Harnessing the Power of Total Confidence." Pulling from his own experiences that led him from a sales executive at Mark Cuban's broadcast.com to chief solutions officer at Yahoo in less than four years, Sanders will show the audience how to elevate leadership thinking, generate momentum in their groups, build a promise-keeping culture and find strength to tackle any challenge. All attendees to this session will receive a complimentary copy of Sanders' new book, "Today We Are Rich."
Breakout session speakers include: Jody Seivert, David Szen, Kevin Doran, David McMahon, Kim Miller-Hershon, Mary Liz Curtin, David Lively, Larry Shinkle, Jeff Hiller, John McCloskey, Kevin Truett, and Sally Morse.
"The level of education at this year's event is unequalled," said National Home Furnishings Association President Marc Schewel of Schewels Furniture. "The variety, experience and talent of each one of the HFIC speakers will ensure that every attendee takes away ideas they can put to use right way. And having the best sessions repeated on day two, no one will feel like they missed out on anything. That is added value if you ask me."
Members of WHFA, NHFA, HFIA, PFD, and their affiliates can take advantage of buy-one, get-one-free pricing. One registration of $495 must be purchased, and the second person can attend for free. Additional registrations for other team members are $199 each.
To learn more about the Home Furnishings Industry Conference and register, click here.
January 26,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on January 27, 2012
Furniture, appliance, electronics, and bedding buying group MEGA Group USA has new vendor partners in MatTech and Service Lamp.
Both services are available immediately to Germantown, Tenn.-based MEGA's dealer members.
MatTech, a division of Reliable Furniture Services of America, a leader in commercial, retail and residential furniture repair and maintenance, specializes in mattress inspections with its Body Contour Instrument, which the company says is the only patent-pending engineered mattress inspection device in the bedding industry.
The Body Contour Instrument provides the capability to measure both the left and right sides of a mattress for body contours as well as accurately measure for border defects. MatTech offers real time reporting through the proprietary system as well as exceptional photography documentation.
Service Lamp Corp., a national lighting distributor representing major lighting manufacturers including Philips, General Electric and Sylvania, will provide MEGA dealers a number of benefits including a one-stop source for all lighting needs; free energy cost analysis; best prices available on (Philips, Sylvania, GE) light bulbs; free shipping on all orders; no minimum order requirements; and special price lists.
Both vendors will debut officially at MEGA Group USA's March National Convention in Orlando, Fla.
"The primary purpose of MEGA Group USA's Business Services division is to create programs that produce revenue, reduce operating costs and eliminate customer service issues," said Mallory Parker, MEGA Group USA business services director. "These programs by MatTech and Service Lamp offer our dealers tremendous value, something that we strive to bring to our dealers everyday."
MEGA Group USA has 1,600 retail members in 3,000 store fronts throughout the United States.
January 26,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedroom on January 27, 2012
Bedding supplier
Simmons Bedding Co. has expanded Tony Smith's role to include marketing in North America for the company.
Prior to the change, Smith was responsible for U.S. sales and Simmons Canada.
I am very pleased to have Tony take the helm of our marketing department in addition to his current duties, said Gary T. Fazio, CEO. His deep functional and industry experience, combined with a proven track record of success, makes him uniquely qualified to ensure that both functions work towards a seamless execution of our consumer marketing efforts, on and off the retail floor.
Since joining Simmons in September 2010, Smith has implemented a sales force effectiveness program designed to improve dealer communications and service, and has defined career paths for sales associates who aspire to leadership roles within the company.
Smith also made significant contributions to the companys rebranding efforts and new retail marketing efforts.
In addition to Smith's changes, Simmons promoted Brad Bailey to executive vice president of sales. Bailey most recently served as senior vice president of national accounts. During his 14 years with Simmons, Brad has held several sales leadership positions including senior vice president of sales operations and regional vice president for the North Central Region.
Brad is a talented sales executive who has strong relationships with our dealers and sales force; his contributions to Simmons have been significant, Fazio said. I look forward to Tony and Brad playing important leadership roles as we continue to increase the coordination and effectiveness of our sales and marketing teams.
January 26,
2012 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on January 27, 2012
GE Capital's Retail Finance business has extended its agreement with Art Van Furniture for consumer financing through the retailer's 34 stores and online.
The multi-year agreement, backed by GE Capital, Stamford, Conn., was launched in 2009 and will continue to offer a range of flexible payment options and extended terms, including deferred interest programs, through the Art Van Signature Card credit program.
"Our relationship with GE Capital has contributed to Art Van's growth and helped us meet our business goals," said Ken Bussell, director of consumer finance for Art Van, Warren, Mich. "We are pleased to renew our financing program and continue offering our customers the tools and programs they value."
Consumers can use the Art Van Signature Card at any store location and the Art Van Web site to purchase a wide range of living room, bedroom, dining room and family room furniture, as well as mattresses, home office, home entertainment and leather furniture. Consumers can also use the card at any Paul's TV and World of Floors locations in an Art Van store. The company also operates four stand-alone PureSleep bedding stores.
"We are proud to continue leveraging our market expertise and leadership in the industry to provide excellent service for both Art Van and their customers," said Paul Boeckman, vice president, strategic programs, for GE Capital's Retail Finance business. "While we are thrilled this relationship has added to their business success, we see it as just the beginning and want to set the bar higher in delivering customer satisfaction and reaching new buyers."