Daily News Archive
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May 27,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on May 28, 2013
Ethan Allen Interiors (NYSE: ETH) continues its international expansion with the opening of its new location in Antwerp, Belgium, the company's second European location.
The opening celebration of the new space on was held May 16. Ethan Allen established its presence in new international markets late last year with the opening of locations in Montreal and Brussels and has plans for additional international openings this summer and fall.
"All over the world, the same things are important to our clients," said Farooq Kathwari, Ethan Allen chairman, president and CEO. "Customization is key, as is the ability to shop in a 'total home resource' environment. We will reveal some exciting new developments in these areas in the months to come".
Located in the heart of Antwerp's fashion district, Ethan Allen's newest international location showcases a boutique-style layout complete with the company's newest furniture and accessories plus the latest user-friendly technology. In addition, clients can use room-planning software on large touchscreens to see layout options and preview their purchases. With more custom options than ever, the company offers clients countless ways to make any look their own.
"Antwerp has long been considered a fashion center in Northern Europe," said Arne Borrey, vice president of international. "Located in Flanders and with its proximity to Holland, and Germany, we believe that the style-seekers from all of these locales will relate well to our luxury made affordable approach to interior design."
Like in Brussels, the location in Antwerp will support further expansion in Europe. In a move to continue to build interest within the European design community and draw potential partners, the company also showed at January's prestigious Maison & Objet in Paris. To further establish its presence in Europe, Ethan Allen will launch a European Web site later this year.
The new location in Antwerp brings the number of international Ethan Allen locations to nearly 100. The company also plans to open new international locations this year in: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Amman, Jordan; Seoul, Korea; Bucharest, Romania; and several cities in China.
May 27,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on May 28, 2013
Chinese bedding supplier De Rucci Bedding Co. has partnered with a thermal management company to create a line of heated and cooled mattresses in China.
Gentherm Inc. (NASDAQ-GS: THRM) is a supplier of thermal technologies based in Northville, Mich.
Gentherm will supply its Climate Control Sleep System for installation into specially designed De Rucci mattresses. The mattresses will be sold by De Rucci and its distributors under the De Rucci 3D brand and be available in king sizes in select markets in China beginning this fall.
"China is evolving into the world's biggest market for luxury goods," said Wang Binkun, president of De Rucci. "As a result, a growing number of Chinese consumers are realizing the importance of a comfortable bed and a good night's sleep. Gentherm's CCSS technology meets this demand for luxury, and allows consumers to adjust their personal sleeping climate to the temperatures they desire."
Gentherm, known originally for its heated and cooled seat systems for the automotive market, initially launched a line of heated and cooled bedding products in the U.S. in the fall of 2011. The company generated about $1.4 million in sales from bedding products in 2012 and is expected to at least double that in 2013.
"Bedding has become a key product for us," said Daniel Coker, Gentherm president and CEO. "The popularity of CCSS in the U.S. is gaining traction as we prepare to launch it in other key markets around the world. For the Chinese market, we looked for a manufacturer with extensive retail presence throughout the country and De Rucci fit that profile."
May 25,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Business Strategy on May 26, 2013
from http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/75752-live-sustainably-go-classic/
Looking out from her home, Candace Barnes can see the freighters come in and out, day after day, with furniture, goods, and potentially more waste.
"If you create something that's classic and timeless, it's not something that's going to end up on the street," says Barnes, president and creative director of interior design firm Candace Barnes, Inc. "It's a green issue."
Barnes, who has been involved in the arts all her life, is a licensed antique dealer and architect as well, and has her own line of custom furniture.
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May 25,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in on May 26, 2013
from http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/home_and_garden/article/Green-homes-on-parade-4546550.php
It's time for the Greater San Antonio Builders Association's Parade of Homes, the event where the kitchens are worthy of cooking shows and the backyards look like mini resort hotels.
The event in which the masses - usually 20,000 to 30,000 people - visit luxury houses continues through Monday at the Cibolo Canyons' Palacios neighborhood.
All seven of the houses are certified by Build San Antonio Green.
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May 24,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in on May 25, 2013
from http://www.interiordesign.net/article/563686-Workplace_Strategy_in_Design_Brightspot_Strategy.php?rssid=21043
A new approach to designing the work place has offices more closely resembling homes or your favorite hangout.
"Work is no longer someplace you go," says Amanda Kross, Brightspot Strategy consultant. "It's something you do. Workplaces are now designed to be an extension of our cities and towns - providing places for interdisciplinary interactions, places to learn, engage with others and be part of a wider community."
Brightspot develops workplace strategies for their clients by drawing on numerous resources and best practice examples from universities, libraries, and cultural institutions.
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May 23,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on May 24, 2013
Pam Cain has been named director of marketing for home furnishings supplier Chelsea House.
In her new position, Cain will direct the advertising and public relations for the company, as well as work directly with sales representatives and customers in various capacities.
Cain has been associated with Chelsea House in a variety of ways over the last 20 years. The association began with Chelsea House as a marketing client when she was a partner at Broach & Co. in Greensboro, N.C. She then joined Chelsea House as vice president of sales and marketing for six years before starting her marketing agency, Cain Creative Group.
Chelsea House remained a client at the agency. Cain will retain her marketing business while employed with Chelsea House.
"I am thrilled to have Pam back as an official part of our team," said Bill Cain, president of Chelsea House (no relation). "Her knowledge of the industry and her dedication to the brand is vital to our success."
In addition to developing advertising campaigns and public relation efforts, Cain will also direct social media activities, oversee photography, work with industry organizations, develop presentations, and work with customers on marketing Chelsea House.
"I could not be happier to officially be back with Chelsea House," Pam Cain said. "It is a dynamic brand with such a revered reputation. I'm fortunate to be a part of it."
May 23,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in on May 24, 2013
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Inez Tenenbaum told furniture manufacturers this week to "aim for the highest level of safety" in their designs to minimize health and safety risks to consumers.
Tenenbaum addressed members of the American Home Furnishings Alliance board of directors during the group's May meeting in Arlington, Va. The annual event includes visits with key legislators on Capitol Hill.
Tenenbaum recalled visiting several furniture factories and showrooms at AHFA's invitation in 2011. "To see the manufacturing process from start to finish provided me with valuable insights," she said.
Those insights are helping to inform the CPSC's work toward a mandatory flammability standard for upholstered furniture. "Throughout my tenure as chairman, I have made it clear that we are committed to developing an upholstered furniture standard that does not require the use of harmful chemicals," she said.
"I want to see progress on this rule this year and want all stakeholders, including all of you, to stay engaged with CPSC as we move forward," she told the AHFA directors.
Tenenbaum thanked Bill Perdue, AHFA vice president for his leadership of the ASTM subcommittee on furniture safety and commended the committee for its work on updating the furniture tip-over standard.
"I hope that each of you - whether you make adult furniture, children's furniture, or both - will use all of the communication tools at your disposal to encourage your customers to anchor their furniture and televisions," she said.
Tenenbaum concluded her remarks by explaining the CPSC's concept of "safety by design."
"As I have travelled around the United States and the world, I have shared with companies that it is vital to design out potential health and safety risks in each and every model - before manufacturing and assembly even starts," she said. In the residential furniture industry, that means ensuring that products are made without lead, cadmium, antimony, chromium and other toxic metals.
"I believe that safety by design - which includes meeting current standards and anticipating and preventing new hazards - can be a winning approach for all industries to incorporate," Tenenbaum said.
In addition to the CPSC Chairman, the AHFA Board was addressed by Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Richard Burr (R-NC) and Kay Hagan (D-NC), as well as Representatives Lee Terry (R-NE) and Alan Nunnelee (R-MS).