Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
September 6,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on September 7, 2011
Case goods producer
Furniture by Dovetail has doubled its staff by adding eight new employees to accommodate increased orders.
Our company is doing extremely well despite the volatile economy," said Jonas Geiger, president of Furniture by Dovetail. "People are more careful about how they spend their money, and they are looking for furniture that will stand the test of time. I think there is a greater appreciation for the quality that comes with hand-crafted furniture.
Furniture by Dovetail added positions in all areas of the company to keep pace with its growth. Three craftsmen were added to the cabinet-making shop, two people were added in the field, two people joined the companys operations team, and one intern/assistant took a part-time position.
Peter Bellofatto, master craftsman at the company, returned to the company after designing, making and installing custom furniture as a self-employed craftsman. Bellofatto brings 27 years of experience in the high end woodworking industry to his new position.
Furniture by Dovetail hired Robert Wyman as craftsman. Previously, Wyman was employed in the Custom Cabinet Shop of Thoughtforms Corp., where he developed a particular expertise in curved features.
Krystian Rynkiewicz joins Wyman in Furniture by Dovetails woodworking shop. Prior to his new position, Rynkiewicz was a cabinet maker for Dartmouth Woodworking.
James Gevry Jr. and Lou Amorati are now responsible for project management and installations at Furniture by Dovetail. Gevry joins the company with 10 years of experience in millwork and carpentry, while Amorati has spent 12 years overseeing all phases of construction for commercial and residential clients. Most recently, he was onsite construction manager for Ninepoints Woodworking.
In the companys corporate office, Kim Neuhauser has been named director of marketing. She brings more than 19 years of experience to her new position. Most recently, Kim was the Marketing Manager for WeNeedaVacation.com.
Jacob Nevala is returning to Furniture by Dovetail to spearhead the companys engineering and IT functions. Nevala has almost a decade of experience in CNC automation, engineering and CAD design.
Intern and shop assistant Mohammad Soofi rounds out the companys new hires. Soofi is currently working toward an industrial engineering degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
September 6,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Financial Reports on September 7, 2011
Hooker Furniture (NASDAQ-GS: HOFT) reported fiscal 2012 second-quarter net sales of $55.6 million, a 4.1 percent increase over the prior-year period.
The period ended July 31 marked the fifth consecutive quarter of year-over-year quarterly sales increases for Martinsville, Va.-based Hooker as unit volume grew across all divisions. Through six months of fiscal 2012, sales increased 8.8 percent to $114 million, compared with the first half of fiscal 2011.
Net income for the fiscal 2012 second quarter increased $468,000 to $1.6 million, or $0.15 per share, compared with net income of $1.2 million, or $0.11 per share, for the comparable period last year. The company reported net income for the 2012 first half of $2.2 million, or $0.20 per share, compared with net income of $2.3 million, or $0.21 per share, in the fiscal 2011 six-month period.
"Given the environment we're operating in and the softer sales we typically experience during the summer months, we're quite pleased to have grown revenues this quarter, even though growth moderated compared to last quarter," said Paul B. Toms Jr., chairman and CEO in an announcement of Hooker Furniture performance. "While business has been more challenging since mid-April, we have continued to post positive year-over-year comps in quarterly net sales in two of our three businesses, Hooker casegoods and Sam Moore fabric upholstery. At Bradington-Young, we have struggled with a combination of reduced demand for leather and motion furniture and significant increases in raw material costs."
Looking ahead, Toms expects improved business in the fall, but a prolonged period of economic challenges.
"The issues impacting consumer confidence, such as stock market volatility, depressed real estate values and ongoing high unemployment, are not likely to be quickly resolved," he said. "However, I'm confident we have the right business model, the right product line, the right people and the right distribution to be as successful as possible given the environment. While we know we are in for tough times, we expect to do better than most, and I'm bullish on our prospects versus overall industry prospects."
September 6,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on September 7, 2011
Furniture, appliance, electronics retail buying group MEGA Group USA reported record-breaking attendance at its August 25-28 National Convention in Nashville, Tenn.
More than 500 MEGA member businesses attended the bi-annual four day show that kicked off with a special appearance from the Tempur-Pedic Roadshow Experience interactive training program.
Friday morning opened with a "State of the Furniture Industry" address by Jerry Honea, COO of MEGA Group USA, and other industry representatives. Honea gave the audience a recap of 2011, outlook for 2012 and some insights into what has been very successful for MEGA members over the past 12 months.
"Our exclusive Paula Deen Home by Serta Mattress Collection continues to be a winner with consumers," Honea said. "The collection is in over 300 stores and is proving to drive traffic and revenues for our members."
Another program Honea emphasized that is driving profit for MEGA Group USA members is the Product Protection Plan.
"MEGA's enhanced Product Protection Plan is a key ingredient in helping increase sales and margins," said Director of Business Services Parker. "When sales are challenged, the product protection plan needs to be a vital component of the overall business strategy."
Other industry experts that participated in State of the Furniture Industry session included Tom Prato with Bassett Furniture, Joe Hunt of Latex Bliss and Sean Bergman of FabricTech.
Another highlight was the launch of the new WebFronts Premium Plus Mattress and Bedding Platform. During the first few hours after unveiling the new platform, more 50 members had signed up for the Mattress and Bedding platform and MEGA anticipates that will double over the next few weeks.
Saturday morning of the event, MEGA Group USA featured new media marketing expert, Jeff Korhan, as the key note speaker. Korhan not only encouraged members to have a robust Web site, but also to implement search engine marketing, embrace social media strategies such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, consider blogging, utilize YouTube, and adopt e-mail marketing.
"Sixty five percent of adults that are online use social media," Korhan said. "The 50-plus segment is the fastest growing group. The more robust your social media strategy is, the more traffic you will get to your site, the more people who will visit your store and the more sales you will have."
Korhan wrapped by telling members, "This is your time. Online marketing levels the playing field and social media amplifies the qualities that you as independent retailers have. Large companies are trying to emulate you, so keep doing what you do well."
Following Korhan, the show opened where members shopped 80,000 square feet of floor space ordering from over 75 vendors including Bassett Furniture, Southern Motion, Serta, Sealy, Simmons, Tempur-Pedic, Klaussner, Leggett & Platt, Coaster, Latex Bliss, Catnapper and England among others.
Members also spent time with an array of business services that MEGA Group USA offers to help them run their retail stores. A new business service that MEGA introduced at the show included MEGA Web Advertising, powered by NetSertive. MEGA Web Advertising is an exclusive search marketing and display ad program focused on increasing local sales opportunities and targeted online exposure by providing technology-driven and high-performance strategies.
"MEGA Web Advertising is just one more example of our commitment to provide our members effective online programs that help them market their own stores," said Rick Bellows, president of MEGA Group USA. "Our focus is to provide them all the necessary tools to build their individual brands within their market and not only compete, but beat the big box retailers in the process."
MEGA Group USA National Convention dates for 2012 have been set for March 17-20 in Orlando, Fla., at the Marriott World Center; and August 20-23 in Louisville, Ky., at the Downtown Marriott.
September 6,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in licensing on September 7, 2011
Wood furniture vendor Scott Thomas Furniture and Caribbean antique and architecture authority Michael Connors have teamed for a licensed furniture line with a Caribbean/Cuban Modern design aesthetic.
The Michael Connors Collection by Scott Thomas will launch at Fall High Point Furniture Market with 20 SKUs of occasional wood furniture and upholstered seating targeting customers seeking a fresh approach to modern, gracious living. The collection unveiling will coincide with the launch of Connor's new book, "The Splendor of Cuba: 450 Years of Architecture and Interiors," scheduled for release October 4 by Rizzoli New York, publisher. Connors will sign books 6-7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 23, in Scott Thomas' showroom, 525 North Wrenn, High Point N.C.
"The style of furniture made in the Caribbean islands from the 1920s to the 1950s is a genre that has been totally overlooked and/or neglected except by collectors," Connors said. "This is the perfect time to illuminate the unsurpassed beauty and elegant legacy of Caribbean modern (moderne, or Art Deco inspired) design. This younger look, classification and expression of furniture forms is completely new to the marketplace, and Scott Thomas has the foresight, understanding and ability to reproduce it."
Recognized as the leading expert on authenticity and appraisal of investment quality Caribbean furniture, Connors brings to Scott Thomas more than 30 years of experience in consultation, collecting, writing and teaching in fine and decorative arts. He received his Ph.D. in Decorative Arts from New York University where he taught for 15 years. Connors contributes to numerous publications,and has written many books including "Caribbean Houses: History, Style, and Architecture and British West Indies Style," also published by Rizzoli.
Connors also serves on the board of Fundacion Amistad, a non-profit foundation fostering cultural and educational exchanges between the United States and Cuba. Connors lived in Havana for two years, researching and writing the new book. There and in Martinique, Jamaica, Barbados, U.S. Virgin Islands and other Caribbean locales, Connors discovered modern furniture designs which informed the new collection.
"When Michael approached us with this very unique idea, we were just beginning to see increased sales in our own French modernism or vintage mid-century inspired designs," said Scott Hamed, president of Scott Thomas, Aurora, Ohio. "We were impressed not only by his incomparable knowledge, unique viewpoint and access, but also by Michael's commitment to excellence. We think this collection is a perfect marriage of refreshing, innovative design and classic modern investment-quality furniture."
Beyond this partnership with Scott Thomas, Connors is a leading resource to dealers, designers, private collectors, retail institutions, museums and marketers searching for absolute integrity in furniture. He previously consulted on the design of two furniture lines by Baker Furniture: West Indies, introduced 1993, and Colonial Legends, introduced 1997.
September 6,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on September 7, 2011
High Point Market Authority and American Society of Interior Designers have set the Designer Viewpoint Series of designer seminars for October Market.
The Design Viewpoints Series will take place Oct. 23-25 at noon at 100 High in Showplace West. The series offers up to 0.3 continuing education units(CEU). All seminars in the Design Viewpoints Series are free to interior designers attending High Point Market. No RSVP is required, and lunch will be served on a first-come-first-served basis.
This year's series includes an open discussion about pricing from all angles, a look at the trends that influence interior design from Dominos founding editor, and how to add value for your clients after completing a project.
Topics and speakers for the October Design Viewpoints Series include:
* "Is the Price Right?", noon, Sunday, Oct. 23: Determining a price structure that works for you and your clients can be difficult. Then there is the added pressure of ensuring you receive the best product pricing from manufacturers. Led by moderator Deborah Sanders of Veranda magazine, a panel of interior designers and manufacturers will examine pricing issues from all angles. 0.1 CEU credit.
* "Outside Influences on Interior Design", noon, Monday, Oct. 24, co-sponsored by WSJ Weekend from the Wall Street Journal: WSJ Magazine Editor in Chief Deborah Needleman will highlight the top influences on interior design trends, from travel and fashion to food and culture. With a background in design media--including her former post as editor of Domino magazine--Needleman will discuss what's on the horizon for interior design. The first 100 attendees will receive a free copy of Needleman's new book, "The Perfectly Imperfect Home." Doors open at 11:30. 0.1 CEU credit.
* "Value-Added Interior Design", noon, Tuesday, Oct. 25: Interior designer and blogger Tobi Fairley knows that a client relationship is an ongoing one and that the job doesn't stop just because the interior space is complete. From adding new services to continuing client contact, Fairley shows how adding value to your portfolio will bring in new clients, and help you entice former clients for future work. 0.1 CEU credit.
"We have enjoyed working with ASID on this series of critical topics that address interests and concerns for interior designers," said Cheminne Taylor-Smith, vice president of marketing for the High Point Market Authority. "The design community is so important to the High Point Market and this series is just one of the many ways that the Market works to support and promote ¨interior designers."
"ASID is proud to join High Point Market in offering top-notch speakers on hot-button topics. Our focus is to develop events that are educational as well as inspiring," said Heidi Salati, director of education, ASID. "Working together with High Point Market has given ASID the chance to offer its members another quality educational opportunity."