December 13,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on December 14, 2011
Home furnishings retailer Ikea's Covina, Calif., store has plugged in four Blink Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations.
The move is part of Ikea's partnership with ECOtality Inc., a leader in clean electric transportation and storage technologies. This initiative represents the fifth such project for Ikea in the United States. Installation also is planned at four other Ikea stores in the Western United States.
"Installing electric-vehicle charging stations at Ikea Covina is another way to build upon our commitment to sustainability," said Kristien Verbeke, Ikea Covina store manager. "At Ikea, we believe in being a good business while doing good business. Making it easier for the public to drive EVs--with support from ECOtality and SCE--accomplishes both goals."
ECOtality is the project manager of The EV Project, a public-private partnership funded in part by a federal stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Energy made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to provide the necessary infrastructure to support the deployment of EVs. ECOtality is overseeing the installation of approximately 14,000 commercial and residential charging stations in 18 cities and major metropolitan areas in six states and the District of Columbia. Ikea stores are in four of those states.
"We are excited to see our work with Ikea come to fruition with this Blink installation at IKEA Covina," said Brian Koontz, ECOtality national accounts manager. "Ikea is a recognizable destination for many consumers and therefore an ideal location for EV drivers."
December 13,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Las Vegas on December 14, 2011
Wall art vendor Somerset Studios will open will debut a new World Market Center showroom for the Jan. 30-Feb. Las Vegas Furniture Market.
Somerset returns to the show after signing a multi-year lease for 2,800 square fee in WMC-A330.
"As one of the largest and most diverse made-in-America art companies in the world, our retailers told us we must return to Las Vegas," said Robert Fleisher, vice president of sales and marketing for Somerset Studios. "Retailers look forward to our four large releases of new products each year, and we're thrilled our new showroom at Las Vegas Market will give us the opportunity to honor our customer's requests."
Fleisher added Somerset is also excited to show a number of new pieces from its Hamilton Studios Collection of opening-price-point art at the upcoming Winter 2012 Las Vegas Market, rounding out its "one-stop shopping" concept.
December 12,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on December 13, 2011
The Sustainable Furnishings Council will host a free Sustainability Essentials webinar at 1 p.m. (eastern), Monday, Dec. 19.
This one-hour webinar provides a grounding in the environmental issues related to home furnishings, including the factual basis for climate change, problems with indoor air quality, toxic waste, and water conservation.
Source documents are public records such as the U.N. IPCC 4th Assessment Report and the U.S. EPA, translated from technical jargon into easily understood concepts with common references all explicitly linked to the home furnishings industry.
Content also includes a synopsis of GREENleaders, the industry first certified sustainability training course. This webinar is intended to give participants useful information they can begin using in their business immediately as well as answer any questions they may have about getting the most out of SFC membership and participating in the full exam program to receive credentials as a local expert in green furnishings.
Follow this link to reserve a seat at the webinar.
December 12,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on December 13, 2011
After a career that spanned more than 30 years with
Sealy Corp. (
NYSE: ZZ), Larry Rogers will retire as the company's president and CEO next year.
Rogers, 63, will continue to lead the company until a successor is appointed, and the board of directors has formed a search committee to seek to fill the post.
"On behalf of the board and everyone at Sealy, I would like to thank Larry not only for his leadership, but also for the dedication and commitment that he has given to Sealy for over 30 years," said Paul J. Norris, non-executive chairman of the Sealy board of directors. "During his tenure as CEO, he has guided the company through some of the most tumultuous times that we have seen in both the industry and the U.S. economy, while advancing Sealy's status as the preeminent mattress company in the world. We appreciate his countless contributions over the years."
During his 33 years with Sealy, Rogers helped to build the company's international business and increased the strength and reach of the Sealy brand around the world. The brand is now sold in more than 40 markets globally and holds the No. 1 market share in the U.S., Mexico and Canada, where Rogers spent 15 years in various senior leadership roles. Rogers also played a critical role in entering the China market, establishing a joint venture system in Asia and building the company's first plant in China. He also led the company's entry into South America.
As a veteran of the industry, Rogers established relationships across the global bedding industry. As CEO, he guided the company through the most significant decline ever experienced by the bedding industry, stabilizing the business and leading the successful refinancing of the company in 2009. He also focused the Sealy team on delivering innovative, new product offerings, including the development of the Stearns & Foster line.
"After more than three decades at Sealy, I have decided that the time is right for me to retire, knowing that I will leave a company that is well-positioned, despite the ongoing difficulties in the macroeconomic environment," Rogers said. "I am proud to have been a part of this great company and to have played a role in Sealy's expansion across the U.S. and worldwide."
In addition to the search committee, the board has retained an executive search firm to advise the board on potential candidates. Once the new CEO is appointed, Rogers will step down from the board.
December 12,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on December 13, 2011
Home furnishings retailer Roomstore Inc. has filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.
RoomStore has also secured a commitment from its current lender, Wells Fargo Bank, for a $14 million Debtor-In-Possession credit facility.
The 63-store chain, which currently has locations in Alabama, Florida, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia, filed the voluntary petition Tuesday in its headquarters city of Richmond, Va. RoomStore also is a 65 percent shareholder in Mattress Discounters Group, operating 79 bedding stores in the states of Alabama, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and Delaware.
The decision to file for re-organization comes after newly appointed chief executive officer, Stephen Giordano, took the helm on Nov. 14. Giordano is a veteran industry leader with more than 30 years in the furniture business. In addition, the company's board of directors was reorganized under a new chairman, Steve Gidumal of Virtus Capital. The new board consists of Giordano, Gidumal and furniture industry expert Ron Kaplan.
"RoomStore is a viable and recognizable brand that is an established leader in the home furnishings industry," Giordano said in an announcement of yesterday's filing. "Our dedication to providing our customers with excellent value in home furnishings will provide a strong foundation as we grow and improve during restructuring."
RoomStore has engaged Lowenstein Sandler PC and Kaplan & Frank PLC as counsel, and periodic updates on the reorganization will be made available.
RoomStore will continue to operate its 63 stores in the ordinary course of business while completing its restructuring, and will also retain its interest in Mattress Discounters Group.