July 14,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on July 15, 2011
Bedding major Spring Air will be showcasing a new mattress line at the upcoming
Las Vegas Market that meets a number of key environmental standards.
The Sleep Sense BioMax line has earned a Level II Seal/Tag rating in the
Specialty Sleep Association's Environmental & Safety Program. The line will be supported by a three-level marketing program ranging from a basic point-of-sale package to an interactive, iPad consumer education station.
The BioMax collection features Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified latex foams and panel fabrics, plus CertiPUR-US-certified polyurethane foam components along with other environmentally meaningful materials.
"With so much misinformation about green and natural sleep products in the market, consumers have a right to know how and what their mattresses are made of, said Rick Robinson, Spring Air president.
Spring Airs BioMax beds are backed by substantial research and development aimed at creating combinations of materials that are environmentally superior, as well as performance-driven, Robinson said.
As a brand trusted by consumers for 85 years, we believe in continuing to earn that trust in everything we make and everything we do, he said. As a longstanding major S brand, we decided to take a lead position on environmental responsibility and to be truthful and accountable in marketing the ecologic and human benefits of our products.
Queen beds are expected to retail from $1,299 to $2,199 and carry a 20-year warranty.
The BioMax beds are encased in a silver-infused, knit/suede zippered cover, also certified by Oeko-Tex to contain no harmful substances. Robinson said silver is a natural, negatively-charged metal that is antibacterial, static-reductive and dust mite-resistant.
The look of these covers, combined with the exclusive tri-scalloped borders we developed to highlight the zones of pressure relief and lumbar support, give the line a unique, specialty profile, he said. The scalloped border treatments also help RSAs and consumers see the actual support design of the beds.
Every BioMax model uses the Sleep Sense patented sustainable wood foundation certified by Canadas Forest Stewardship Council.
Were very proud of this new and documented greener mattress offering, Robinson said. Weve achieved a new level of transparency by fully disclosing our components and content. And as a consumer products manufacturer, we feel good about the steps were taking toward improved environmental stewardship.
Robinson called the introduction a significant step in our environmental vision for bedding in the future. We may substitute or change out components in our other mattress lines to further reduce our environmental impact.
Along with the new Sleep Sense products, Spring Air will display in its main showroom the extensive, in-store visual packages that have been developed for BioMaxthe most comprehensive marketing program the company has created in years, Robinson said.
The Spring Air Web site also will be updated by market time to include information on the BioMax line, plus a new feature that enables consumers to Ask Spring Air about the importance of environmental safety in bedding products.
July 14,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Financial Reports on July 15, 2011
Bassett Furniture Inds. (
NASDAQ:BSET) has declared a regular dividend of $.03 per share on outstanding common stock payable Sept. 1 to shareholders of record at the close of business Aug. 15.
Bassett has 90 licensee- and company-owned stores throughout the U.S. In its release, the company said the biggest growth opportunity for Bassett continues to be its dedicated retail store program. Bassett's strategy includes custom-built furniture that is ready for delivery in 30 days.
July 14,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on July 15, 2011
The
Specialty Sleep Association will present a seminar on potential pitfalls in the marketing of "organic" and "green" products at
Las Vegas Furniture Market.
"Make Sure 'Organic' and 'Green' Work For You and Not Against You!" is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m.-noon, on the 16th Floor of World Market Center Building B, World Forum.
Worden Associates President Vicki Worden and
Control Union Certifications Outreach Manager Lori Wyman will update participants with the latest information regarding government actions on green marketing claims.
Worden is a sustainability consultant working with manufacturers, retailers and trade associations on the development and launch of green products and services. Her expertise includes environmental standards and green building, and she is a former judge of the White House Sustainability Awards.
Wyman conducts organic food processing and fair trade audits. She specializes in textiles, and she previously served as the Education and Outreach Specialist for the Organic Trade Association.
For additional information, visit
sleepinformation.org, or contact Executive Director Tambra Jones by
e-mail or at 559.868.4187.
July 14,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on July 15, 2011
The Sustainable Furnishings Council will host a free webinar Monday at 1 p.m. (eastern time).
The one-hour webinar provides a grounding in the environmental issues related to home furnishings, including the factual basis for climate change, problems with indoor air quality, toxic waste, and water conservation.
Source documents are public records such as the U.N. IPCC 4th Assessment Report and the U.S. EPA, translated from technical jargon into easily understood concepts with common references all explicitly linked to the home furnishings industry.
Content also includes a synopsis of GREENleaders, the industry first certified sustainability training course.
To reserve your seat at the webinar, follow this link.
July 14,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Rugs on July 15, 2011
Capel Rugs has named Cara Hancox account executive for Quebec, Ottowa and Eastern Ontario.
As the company's Canadian sales representative, Hancox will head sales to dealers and designers in these territories. She also represents Barrymore Furniture in these markets.
Hancox has a strong background in design and home furnishings product sales. In her position, she will educate customers about the selection, quality and value of Capel products. She will be based in Ottawa and report to Allen Robertson, Troy, N.C.-based Capel's vice president of sales.
"We look forward to the service that she will provide to our customers in these markets," said Robertson. "Her experience in home furnishings sales and as a designer makes her an ideal candidate for this position."
"I am very excited to be joining the Capel team," said Hancox. "I am looking forward to working with such a strong product presentation that Capel offers the marketplace."