April 2,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Aggregated Content in Furniture Retailing on April 3, 2013
from http://www.argusleader.com/article/20130403/BJNEWS05/304030012/Fifth-generation-furniture-store-expands?nclick_check=1
South Dakota furniture retailer Montgomery's Furniture has opened its largest location, a 60,000-square-foot store in Watertown.
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April 2,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in licensing on April 3, 2013
from http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/getting-ready-6879675?module=Fashion-hero
Karl Lagerfeld is gearing up for Milan Design Week. On April 9, the fashion designer and photographer will unveil the fruits of his second collaboration with Italian luxury design company Cassina.
Following the photographic project he presented at Cassina's Paris showroom in February, Lagerfeld has created a special installation, mixing pictures with pieces of furniture, for the company's Milanese showroom on Via Durini.
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April 2,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in economic news on April 3, 2013
The Furniture Buying Index increased three points this month to a reading of 75, according to America's Research Group.
The index had been holding at a reading of 72 since the first of the year, but it moves up three points this month to its highest level in nearly two years.
"Lower gas prices have left more money in consumers' pockets causing them to feel better about their current financial position," said Britt Beemer, chairman of America's Research Group. "Since many Americans have lower debt levels compared to one year ago, income tax refund checks are going to pay for big ticket purchases like furniture, instead of paying down existing debt."
Beemer said consumers are cautiously making purchases they have previously postponed.
The Furniture Buying Index is compiled each month by America's Research Group from interviews with between 5,000 and 8,000 consumers. In a typical month, 80 percent of the consumers interviewed can name a specific furniture item they intend to buy. The Index's mark signifies what percent of the benchmark 80 percent have a particular item in mind.
April 2,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on April 3, 2013
Veteran furniture manufacturing executive Michael White has joined Hooker Furniture as vice president of manufacturing for Hooker Upholstery, a new position.
Reporting to Hooker Upholstery President Michael Delgatti, White is responsible for Sam Moore and Bradington-Young manufacturing operations.
White has extensive case goods and upholstery manufacturing experience as well as experience managing product development and quality assurance programs. He worked for Broyhill Furniture for 28 years, until June 2011, and most recently was director of residential upholstery manufacturing operations at Bernhardt Furniture.
Initially, White will focus on expanding production capacity at Sam Moore, which has experienced significant sales growth in the last several years.
With Michaels extensive background and expertise in both case goods and upholstery manufacturing, we anticipate him making a significant contribution in continuing to improve our efficiencies and increasing production capacity and service levels to our customers, Delgatti said. One of Michaels attributes is the ability to create a collaborative teamwork spirit in the process of achieving objectives.
White, who earned both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Business Administration at Gardner-Webb University, will be based in Hickory, N.C.
April 2,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on April 3, 2013
New England retailer Cardi's Furniture and Mattress will introduce three mattresses from high-end bedding vendor Dormeo Octaspring at its 19 locations.
Stores throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts will carry Dormeo Octaspring's 5500, 6500 and 8500 models beginning in April.
Cardis also will carry the companys line of pillows, tufted headboards and tufted divans.
The Octaspring mattress collection is truly a one-of-a-kind product. At Cardis we are always looking to introduce new and innovative items to our customers, said Michael Allen, buyer at Cardis. We believe in the power of marketing and are excited to be co-branding with Dormeo. The fact that Dormeo Octaspring worked with us to create a joint advertising program is an added bonus.
Dormeo Octaspring will co-brand with Cardis in a joint advertising and television campaign that reinforces the companys commitment to providing retailers with marketing support. In addition to running commercials on local television stations, Dormeo Octasprings award-winning infomercial and recorded radio spots will air on Cardis NIROPE TV Channel 2646 on COX Cable and satellite radio station.
Cardis has a strong voice in the industry, the company has been around for three generations and their commitment to their customers and to providing quality products is what drew us to them. This is our largest account in New England to date and hope to grow our presence in the area with the support of our joint advertising and television campaigns, said Dormeo Octaspring President Chris Henning. Partnering with Cardis seemed only natural as we have similar values and approaches to selling sleep products. They believe in strong advertising campaigns that support the quality and innovative products they carry in their stores and we are happy to be working with them to give consumers a great, new product.