Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
November 20,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Rent-To-Own on November 21, 2011
Signature Furniture Rental is number 20 on the San Diego Business Journal's "100 Fastest Growing Private Companies in San Diego."
Signature provides rental furniture for home, office and corporate housing, including home staging furniture, appliance rental, residential furniture and furniture leasing. The store also offers furniture and accessory packages to suit client needs and preferences.
Signature was established in San Diego in 2002 and since then, has continued to expand. The number of local full-time employees has increased from 10 employees in July 2009, to 21 in 2011. The company's percent growth in revenue from 2008 to 2010 was 186.8 percent and its revenue has steadily increased over the years to $2.2 million in 2010.
November 17,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Advertising on November 18, 2011
Whos the latest to ask Santa for a Red Rider air rifle? Check out the newest television commercials for retailer Walter E. Smithe, and the brothers take on "A Christmas Story".
The spots are to help promote the Chicago premier of A Christmas Story, The Musical.
In their latest television ad campaign, the Smithe brothers are reenacting three classic vignettes from one of the most beloved movies of the holiday season to support the musicals local debut.
In addition, the retailer is hosting a promotional sweepstakes for Chicagoland shoppers, giving them a chance to win tickets to see the show, as well as their own, highly-coveted leg lamp memorably featured in the film. The new ads are set to air on all major local networks beginning mid-November.
We've got the three commericals online.
November 17,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on November 18, 2011
Denver Mattress Co. has kicked off its 12th annual Operation Rest Assured campaign with The Salvation Army Intermountain Division to help those in need this holiday season.
Beginning Thanksgiving DayNov. 24and running through Christmas, Denver Mattress will match every dollar donated to the Salvation Armies up to $150,000 in the Colorado areas of Denver, Grand Junction, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, as well as San Angelo, Texas. Components of the campaign will include in-store signage, customized landing pages for donations, geo-targeted banner advertising, and direct contributions from Denver Mattress.
"The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign started in 1881 in San Francisco as a way to raise money to provide a Christmas Dinner to the area's needy," said Lt. Colonel Daniel Starrett, the Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army Intermountain Division. "Today, the red kettles are a holiday tradition that helps make the work of The Salvation Army possible year round. The donations made to local red kettles stay in the community and help provide services to those in need. This year, the need for The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign is even greater as we reach out to more families and individuals than ever before. The partnership with Denver Mattress and the Operation Rest Assured Campaign will allow us to play a large role in successfully meeting the needs of those in the community. We are grateful for Denver Mattress's continuing support."
Last year's promotions raised more than $108,000 but Denver Mattress hopes to end this year with a record $150,000.
Denver Mattress is part of The Furniture Row Cos., one of the largest, family-owned home furnishings and bedding retailers with more than 330 stores in 31 states.
November 17,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on November 18, 2011
Sleep Savvy magazine Editor Nancy Butler will retire at the end of the year. BedTimes Editor Julie Palm will assume Butler's responsibilities at Sleep Savvy.
Butler's career spans 31 years working for the International Sleep Products Association in various capacities. She also was leather editor at Furniture Today for several years.
Butler launched Sleep Savvy magazine in 2002 to create an industry communications channel to retailers and focus on practical ideas to make it easier to sell quality bedding products. She first came to ISPA in 1973 as BedTimes editor and subsequently served as publisher and the Associations vice president of communications. From 1983 to 1994, she also served as director of the Better Sleep Council.
Julie Palm now is editor in chief for both Sleep Savvy and BedTimes magazines, which serve the mattress industry as forums for manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers of sleep products. Earlier this year, Palm gave BedTimes a fresh new look and layout, and has plans for a 2012 Sleep Savvy design overhaul.
"We wish Nancy all the best in her retirement," said ISPA President Ryan Trainer. "Nancy has had a tremendous impact on ISPA, helping to shape both magazines into strong brands with a loyal and growing readership base. Moving forward, our team is excited about building on these important accomplishments and the new opportunities that await our readers and the publications."
ISPA also announced the appointment of Mary Best as managing editor. Best has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years and has extensive experience in trade journalism and magazine publishing.
"Mary brings a wealth of experience to the ISPA publications team," Palm said "She has a keen editor's eye, a lively writing style, as well as a passion for magazine journalism. We look forward to the contributions she will make to both Sleep Savvy and BedTimes."
November 17,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Financial Reports on November 18, 2011
Bassett Furniture (NASDAQ: BSET) has declared a special dividend of $0.50 per share of common stock outstanding payable Jan. 3 to holders of record on Dec. 23.
Earlier this year, after the sale of its interest in High Point's International Home Furnishings Center, the company reinstated its regular quarterly dividend.
"Given the uncertainty in overall economic conditions and an adverse credit climate, we believe it is prudent to be conservative with our cash position," said Robert H. Spilman, Jr. CEO and president. "However, as the company reviewed and updated its plans for the future while weighing the company's improved balance sheet against economic and market uncertainties, the company and board of directors felt that payment of a special dividend would be appropriate at this time and would be welcomed by a significant segment of its long-term shareholders."