April 11,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Aggregated Content in on April 12, 2013
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Economists polled by Reuters forecast a month-on-month gain of 0.1 percent in March for retail sales, versus a 1.1 percent gain in February.
Forecasts also called for a month-on-month...
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April 11,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in on April 12, 2013
from https://newsdesk4.moreover.com/click/?p=Qy84NTcxODQxNDAxJm49TkFQQ08&a=MTM5NDI2NzkwNzM&f=TmV3cw&s=cmljaHhtbA&u=YWNyZW5zaGF3QG5hcGNvLmNvbQ&c=TkFQQ08&i=MA&e=T21haGEgV29ybGQtSGVyYWxk&d=1989&t=1
Along with arming some security employees with handguns, the retailer will begin allowing customers who have a permit to carry a concealed weapon to shop inside its stores. Signs that say No Weapons Allowed will be...
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April 11,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in economic news on April 12, 2013
from http://research.tdameritrade.com/grid/public/markets/news/story.asp?docKey=1-SN20130412007924-0BEPL8GUKF2C3LSTSDNNQP5C6Q&category=Economy
A gauge of consumer sentiment dropped in early April to the lowest level in nine months, led by gloomier expectations and views on current economic conditions, according to data released Friday.
The University of Michigan-Thomson Reuters consumer-sentiment gauge dropped to a preliminary April reading of 72.3 -- the lowest result since July -- from a final March reading of 78.6. had expected a preliminary April reading of 79.3.
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April 11,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Case Goods on April 12, 2013
High-end rustic furniture vendor Old Hickory Furniture is moving its main High Point showroom to the Made In America Pavilion in Suites at Market Square.
The 114-year-old brand's move is in support the Made-in-America movement and to improve overall traffic. Old Hickory, known for its highquality, rustic style and comfort, will show in a 1,700-square-foot display (Space 1914) in the Made in America Pavilion on the first floor of the Suites at Market Square. Old Hickory also retained 1,600-square-feet in the back of its previous space at Market Square 253. New furniture, new fabrics and new finishes will be shown in conjunction with Old Hickory classic items within both spaces.
Made in America is who we are and where we should be, said Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bob Morrison. Our brand and our message continue to focus on madetoorder, highquality, furnishings made in the heartland of America using sustainable and environmentallyfriendly materials and techniques.
Old Hickory furniture is best known for outfitting lodges, cabins and camps, but creative designers use Old Hickory products to bring nature into to other decors.
April 11,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Casual Furniture on April 12, 2013
The International Casual Furnishings Association has made several changes to the casual industry's annual awards programs.
Those include an update to the categories for the Design Excellence competition and, for the first time, the acceptance of design entries from companies that are not ICFA members.
Based on recommendations from an industry task force charged with updating the awards programs, the ICFA Board approved the following categories for Design Excellence entries, beginning with the 2013 competition:
- Dining or Bar Table
- Dining or Bar Chair
- Chaise Lounge
- Lounge Seating--Cushion
- Lounge Seating--Non-cushion
- Heating/Firepits
- Shade Products
- Outdoor Lighting
- Outdoor Carpeting, Rugs & Flooring
- Fabric
- Complementary Casual Products
The top five categories replace previous categories that focused on materials rather than the function of the product, including cast metal, tubular materials, wrought iron/wrought aluminum, resin/fiberglass, rattan/wicker/woven and wood. New for 2013 is the heating/firepits category. The last five categories are the same as in previous years.
The Design Excellence entry fee remains at $100 per entry for ICFA members. Non-members may now enter the competition for $500 per entry.
In addition to these changes to the Design Excellence competition, the task force recommended consolidating ICFA's two awards events, both held during the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market in Chicago, into a single event.
The new ICFA Awards Gala will include presentation of the Lillian B. Winchester "Best of Show" Award, the Manufacturer of the Year, the Sales Representative of the Year and the Apollo Awards for retail excellence. In addition, the annual tribute to the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will also be included in the evening's program.
The Design Excellence category winners and the Manufacturer Leadership awards will be presented in showrooms prior to the Casual Market or on the first day of the show.
The Awards Gala is slated for Sept. 19 at the Field Museum in Chicago. Tickets are $55 per person or $500 for tables of 10 for first-time attendees. All other gala guests will pay $65 per person or $600 for a table for 10.
Guidelines and entry forms for all of the casual industry awards will be available on the ICFA Web site. In addition, Design Excellence competition entry packages will be mailed to all International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market exhibitors.