Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
February 18,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in licensing on February 19, 2013
Fine Furniture Design and Biltmore For Your Home have partnered to launch a line of 80 case goods and upholstery pieces at April High Point Furniture Market.
Hand-crafted from premium wood solids and veneers, the new Biltmore collection will feature wood pieces in okume swirl veneers, random matched rustic cherry, cluster oak and other fine cabinet woods. Styles will range from updated European traditional to relaxed American casual, with accent pieces in exotic veneers, hand painted items and metal pieces in a wide assortment of colors and textures. More than a dozen Biltmore finishes have been developed for the line. The Biltmore Upholstery product line will feature 20 exclusive frames, including chairs, ottomans, sofas and accent upholstery pieces.
"This new furniture collection with Fine Furniture Design is unlike anything we've done before," said Tim Rosebrock, vice president and general manager of the Biltmore Home Products Division. "It's a notable program of exceptional designs that mix easily with existing furniture or may be combined to create entire rooms. This new partnership represents an opportunity to expand the reach of our brand to a larger segment of the American public."
"Biltmore is a one-of-a-kind place, filled with amazing furnishings and d¢cor from Europe, Asia and other far corners of the world," said Jim Adams, vice president of product design and marketing for Fine Furniture Design, based in High Point, N.C. "This new collection will take inspiration from this masterful mix, drawing on the unique furniture, architecture, art and other design elements found throughout Biltmore to create a collection of exquisite designs perfectly suited for today's lifestyles."
"We are pleased to be working together with Fine Furniture Design on this exciting new collection," said Donnette Miller, Biltmore's licensing director of home furnishings. "We see this as the start of a significant new partnership between two companies with very compatible core values centered on quality and integrity. Fine Furniture Design has a deep commitment to fine craftsmanship and superior manufacturing techniques, which will ensure that this new line meets the high standards of construction quality and creativity that our customers have come to expect."
The Fine Furniture Design marketing team explored Biltmore and studying design details to develop the line. The team then combined those insights with the Biltmore legacy and brand vision to create an unparalleled collection of heirloom furnishings.
"Drawing on this inspiration, Fine Furniture Design has created a collection of furniture that truly reflects the architecture, history and essence of the estate, where elegant living was a daily art," Miller said.
Since its launch in 1990, Biltmore For Your Home has become a highly recognizable brand, drawing upon the tradition of gracious living at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., the country's largest private home. The division offers a wide range of products inspired by the timeless style and elegance conveyed by the Biltmore brand. During his lifetime, George Vanderbilt traveled the world, buying furnishings and treasures from England, Italy, France and Asia to furnish his home. He created Biltmore to be an inspiring oasis and, over the years, it has grown to become an architectural and historical wonder.
When George Vanderbilt began planning his estate, his vision was twofold. He wanted to create a place where he could relax and entertain friends and family, but preserving the land was also of great importance to him. He envisioned a self-sustaining home that safeguarded the land and its resources for generations to come. Today, Biltmore remains a family owned company that continues to honor Vanderbilt's legacy of preserving the land and protecting the environment.
Fine Furniture Design, Biltmore's new furniture partner, was founded in 2000 by Lawrence Moh, a pioneer of innovative manufacturing and well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist; and is now led by Lawrence's son Michael Moh.
Fine Furniture Design will debut its new Biltmore collection April 20-25 during the High Point Furniture Market at its showroom located in the International Home Furnishings Center's Wrenn wing, space 800, and InterHall 112.
February 18,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on February 19, 2013
Spring Air-Northern California, based in Fresno, has acquired the rights to manufacture and market Spring Air-branded products throughout California and in Arizona.
Spring Air-Southern California, located in Commerce, ceased operations and closed in January, opening the door for the centrally located Spring Air Fresno, Calif., licensee to service all of its home state, plus Arizona.
Owned and operated by the Morgenstern family since 1959, Spring Air-Northern California will now be known as Spring Air-Southwest, said Rick Robinson, president of Boston-based Spring Air International, and the company already has made an orderly transition based on a new business plan and an expanded sales organization.
Spring Air-Southwest has a long history of success as a family business focused on excellent service to their retail customers. The company has now laid a new foundation for future success across a larger area of responsibility.
Commenting on the new development, Spring Air-Northern California President Herb Morgenstern said that his 150,000-square-foot factory is nearly at the geographic center of California, which gives us the ability and flexibility to continue providing the level of customer service that we pride ourselves on. We look forward to this new opportunity to build the Spring Air brand and business on a much larger scale.
Both bedding producers in northern and southern California became Spring Air licensees in 2009. Spring Air has 12 North American facilities and operates in 33 other countries across the globe.
February 18,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on February 19, 2013
Framed artwork vendor Spicher and Co. will open a new, permanent showroom for April High Point Furniture Market.
The 2,100-square-foot location in 1-D C&D Building will feature entirely new framed and cutout artwork, hanging canvases, decorative pillows and furniture.
The rest of the assortment will best sellers from past High Point markets, where the company has had a temporary booth for years.
Spicher and Co. plans a grand opening event featuring an open bar serving bloody marys, beer, champagne and other cocktails.
February 17,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Furniture Retailing on February 18, 2013
from http://www.freep.com/article/20130218/FEATURES13/302240014/Shuptrine-high-end-furniture-retailer-reopening
He's baaaaaack!
High-end furniture store Scott Shuptrine is scheduled to open for business at 10 a.m. Friday, March 1 in a new 12,300-square-foot space that's been added next door to the Art Van furniture building on Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak.
Read Full Article...
February 17,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Business Strategy on February 18, 2013
from http://www.cnbc.com/id/100468056
Office supply retailers Office Max and Office Depot are near a merger that could be announced this week, according to people familiar with the matter.
As of Monday night, the two companies and their advisers were still working toward a price for the deal, expected to be all-stock and originally set to be announced later in the week, one of the people said.
Read Full Article...
February 17,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Special Events on February 18, 2013
The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation has opened nominations for new candidates for Industry Fellow and induction into the American Furniture Hall of Fame.
Foundation members are eligible to nominate, second and vote.
An independent Industry Fellows Selection committee will choose the best qualified candidates for the ballot. Industry Fellows are then determined by the combination of a vote of the membership and a points-based rating of each nominee by the Selection Committee.
There is no higher honor than to be nominated by ones peers in recognition of a career of achievement and service, said Randy Ford, president of the Foundation. We encourage Foundation members to nominate a leader who exemplifies enduring excellence, superior accomplishments, innovation and creativity, and philanthropic generosity of their time, talents and resources.
Each nominee must conduct business in the United States; have served in the industry for at least 15 years and have created a legacy as a positive influence and champion of the industry. If deceased, the individual may not have died in the 12 months prior to the date of the nomination.
Members may submit nominations between now and March 15. Ballots, along with a list of nominees and their biographical information, will be mailed the end of June. The winners will be announced and inducted at the American Furniture Hall of Fame banquet on October 20 during the Fall High Point Market.
Nomination forms and lists of current members, previous nominees and inductees are available on the Foundation Web site. Printed copies of the documents are available by calling 336.882.5900.
To join the Hall of Fame Foundation, individual and corporate memberships range from $250 to $1,000. All contributions are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable to American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation and sent to 202 Neal Place, High Point, N.C. 27262.
To make a nomination, re-nomination or posthumous nomination, Foundation members should complete the Nomination Form found on the Web site. A print or digital 300 dpi photo of the candidate must be enclosed. All nominations must be seconded, in writing, by another Foundation member. An independent selection committee will choose best qualified candidates for the final ballot. If selected for the ballot, there is a nomination and re-nomination fee of $500 to help defray the costs of the nomination process.
The completed nomination package must be postmarked no later than March 15, and sent to American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation Inc., 202 Neal Place, High Point, N.C. 27262.
February 17,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on February 18, 2013
Gift retailer Journeys of Life and home furnishings store Leon & Lulu are this year's Dallas Market Center Next Big Give winners.
The Next Big Give, in its third year, is national search for specialty retailers that make a difference in their communities through volunteering, raising funds or donating goods. The winners were announced during a filmed video broadcast that can be viewed here.
Journeys of Life Owner Jean Haller and her Pittsburgh, Pa., store have participated in countless efforts benefiting the community for more than 20 years. In 2011, a fire destroyed Journeys entire inventory. The community rallied and helped reopen the store through vendors sending product, neighbors pricing merchandise and volunteers coming to help bring Journeys back to life. Although the store and its contents were declared a total loss, Jean approached the insurance company and gave the customers the opportunity to purchase the almost destroyed treasures at a reduced rate with all proceeds benefiting charities. In one week, the Fire Fund earnings were $3,500; each day benefited a different local charity. The Fire Fund sales continue with more than $8,000 raised to date.
Giving back to the community has always been at the forefront of our stores calling, said Haller. Its because of the community where I live and work that Journeys grew to be the service-oriented business that it is. Neither the community nor I was ready to see Journeys disappear. That is evident from the support that brought the store back from the ashes.
Leon & Lulu Owner Mary Liz Curtin holds true to a community-focused marketing plan in her Clawson, Mich., furniture, gifts and accessories store, which includes more than 60 charity events annually. One of many events includes the store hosting local artists and crafts people for a two-day market to introduce the community to a range of exceptional handcrafted items made in Michigan. The event benefits Cass Community Social Services, a Detroit agency committed to fighting poverty and creating opportunities by providing food, medical, mental health, vocational, youth and homeless services. Other events throughout the year promote literacy, donating blood, diabetes and breast cancer research.
Any business can support the local community, said Curtin. Whether it is a gift of product, providing space for a fundraiser, donating a percentage of sales or just writing a check--all of us can make a difference. We have a commitment to our community and to help others; our strategy has been the perfect blend for us. Weve found new customers through our charity outreach while helping many groups both large and small through our events program.
After receiving dozens of applications from across the U.S., the entries were narrowed down to 10 finalists and then two winners were selected by a panel of industry experts and Dallas Market Center representatives. Retailers either nominated themselves or were nominated by a manufacturer, a sales representative, buyer or customer.
The winners will receive a complimentary trip to the March 21-24 Market in Dallas including round-trip airfare and two nights hotel stay. While at Market, The Next Big Give winners will be recognized during The Inspired Event on Thursday, March 21.