Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
November 13,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on November 14, 2011
Furniture Brands International (NYSE: FBN) has named Mark Wiltshire president, special markets, a new position.
Wiltshire will be responsible for all international sales and sales organizations, as well as St. Louis-based Furniture Brands' Creative Interiors and Home Builders divisions.
Wiltshire has served as president of Furniture Brands Canada ULC since 2009.
Prior to Furniture Brands,Wiltshire was at La-Z-Boy Inc.(http://www.la-z-boy.com) for twelve years, holding positions of increasing responsibility, including president of La-Z-Boy's Retail Division and vice president of sales and marketing. Prior to joining La-Z-Boy, he served as canadian merchandising manager for Cantrex, Canada's largest buying group.
"Marks wealth of experience in the furniture industry and knowledge of international business will help us continue to expand our international efforts," said Ralph Scozzafava, CEO of Furniture Brands. "As well, Mark will give new emphasis to our growing ready-to-assemble and home builders organizations. We are excited to announce Marks new responsibilities to lead these teams."
November 13,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Upholstery on November 14, 2011
Upholstered furniture maker Rowe Fine Furniture has announced its sponsorship and inclusion in the PBS documentary film Zero Energy America.
Zero Energy America is a project that explores the social, economical and environmental reasons behind building extremely green, zero-energy homes. Through utilizing eco-friendly materials and new building techniques, these homes will contribute little, if any, to an electricity bill, hence the "zero energy" concept.
Marc Rutenberg Homes, the creator of the ZEA movement, has partnered with Bluewater Media, a preeminent film production company, to produce the documentary film Zero Energy America. The film follows the building of the homes including the trials and tribulations associated with utilizing new techniques and materials. Zero Energy America tells a story of sustainability in the housing industry - of what's happening now and what will come next.
Rowe Furniture will outfit two of the four homes with custom upholstery. Rowe was selected because of their commitment to sustainability in the furnishings industry. With the launch of the EcoRowe initiative, Rowe established both eco-friendly manufacturing and sustainable product development processes throughout its company. All woods are sustainably harvested from domestic, replenished forests. Rowes eco-cushion core contains plant-based, renewable materials which replaced significant amounts of petroleum-based materials used in standard foam cushions. All of Rowes furniture is made in America, significantly eliminating much of the transportation energy emissions associated with traveling over oceans and continents.
"We are so honored to be a part of ZEA and their documentary," said Stefanie Lucas, president and CEO of Rowe Furniture. "We practice sustainability in every aspect of our manufacturing. We are founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and are thrilled to be a part of such a prolific film which highlights the sustainable housing practices we have come to foster within our industry."
The film will also include research centers and specialists in the industry of green technology to learn what advances we can expect in the future. PBS is set to air the documentary in early 2012.
November 13,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on November 14, 2011
Vermont Woods Studios Fine Furniture has joined with The Nature Conservancy and its Plant A Billion Trees Campaign to support the replanting of the rainforest.
"Although our own forests in Vermont are among the best managed in the world, we are well aware that globally one of the most critical environmental problems facing us today is deforestation," said Vernon, Vt.-based Vermont Woods Studios Co-Owner Peggy Farabaugh. "The worlds rainforests are rapidly disappearing, at a rate of one football field every second. This deforestation pours carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and contributes more to air pollution and global climate change than exhaust from the entire transportation sector. Furthermore, forest animals and plants are being lost at a rate of over 100 species/day due to deforestation."
The fundraiser is designed to raise awareness about how consumption of forest products, particularly wood furniture, drives global deforestation.
"Most of the furniture sold in the USA today is made overseas from rainforest woods like mahogany, teak, eucalyptus and rubber wood," Farabaugh said. "This fundraiser is an opportunity for Americas eco-conscious consumers to buy locally made, eco-friendly wood furniture and use their knowledge and purchasing power to help change the world."
November 13,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on November 14, 2011
Furniture retailer Art Van Furniture will introduce a new shopping holiday geared toward readying the home for the holidays.
"Black Saturday" will take place at all Warren, Mich.-based Art Van Furniture's stores the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 19.
Stores will open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The first 100 guests at each store will receive a special gift, and the same deals prepared for Black Friday will be available on Black Saturday, but the furniture is guarantee to be delivered before Thanksgiving day.
"Black Friday is traditionally a day reserved for getting a jump start on your holiday gift purchases," said Art Van CEO, Kim Yost. "Black Saturday will specifically focus on getting your home ready for the holidays. Ensuring that, all purchases made on Black Saturday will have guaranteed delivery in time for Thanksgiving."
Art Van Furniture, Michigan's largest furniture retailer, operates 34 stores in 33 communities throughout Michigan.
November 13,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Las Vegas on November 14, 2011
Kelley Cozzolino from Bigelow Interiors has won the Las Vegas Design Center's inaugural Design of the Year award.
The local design competition ran for the first time this year to recognize excellence in design among Southern Nevada interior designers and design students.
Cozzolino was recognized for her Cottage in Cardiff remodel.
"Kelley and her team did an exceptional job of ensuring there was strong continuity throughout the home," said LVDC Vice President Randy Wells, one of the judges for the competition. "She kept the original cottage structure yet transformed the interior to ensure it was up-to-date and comfortable. This competition was created to inspire designers, and it's been inspiring to see the depth of talent in our local design community."
Seven judges, consisting of select LVDC showroom owners and managers along with World Market Center Las Vegas senior management, judged the submissions and ultimately awarded Cozzolino the grand prize during an awards luncheon last week on Thursday.
"I'm thrilled to win this competition. What an amazing experience," said Cozzolino. "I'm very passionate about design and appreciate that LVDC has pioneered this competition to pay homage to local designers."
Cozzolino received a VIP weekend for two at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hill, Calif.