Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
April 13,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Store Openings on April 14, 2011
PMD Furniture Direct announced Wednesday that it has opened franchised furniture stores in St. Louis and Dallas.
Bob Hardy and Pam Waleri have the franchises, respectively, for the new St. Louis and Dallas stores. Both locations will offer the company's exclusive private label brand, Royal Heritage Home Furnishings.
The stores are part of Columbus, Ohio-based PMD Furniture Direct's expansion plans in the Midwest. The company started offering franchises in late 2009 and rapidly grew to 25 stores.
"PMD welcomes Bob and Pam to the family," said Jeff Hosking, PMD founder and CEO. "Both come to us with extensive business backgrounds and an excitement to open and run their businesses. There are few opportunities for individuals to own businesses where they set the hours, are rewarded with amazing trips and don't pay royalties. We look forward to their success as PMD franchise owners."
April 13,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on April 14, 2011
Bruce Ketcham has joined furniture sales promotion consultant Profit Management Promotions as regional manager for the Southeast United States.
Jamison, Pa.-based PMP, which specializes in furniture sales promotion, liquidation and consulting, recently opened an office in Wilmington, N.C.
Prior to joining PMP, Ketcham, a 25-year industry veteran, was the national vice president of sales and marketing for French Heritage. He also held executive level positions with Century Furniture and Hickory White Furniture, where his efforts helped generate a 42 percent increase in annual sales. Ketcham was also affiliated with such manufacturers as Hickory Chair and Simmons Co. He has also managed his own retail businesses and an advisory services firm. He has experience in designing strategic partnership programs for retailers designed to improve market share and brand awareness in their trading area.
"Our decision to hire a professional of Bruce's caliber supports our strategic growth plan, as well as the needs of our customers throughout the Southeast," said Michael J. Egan, president and founder of Profit Management Promotions.
Ron Cooper, PMP's national director of sales and marketing, added, "We're extremely pleased to have Bruce join the PMP team. His experience in all aspects of sales, marketing, account management and business planning will be invaluable as we manage our growing list of regional assignments in the near term, and as we broaden our national service offerings over the long term."
PMP has recently launched a series of sales promotions projects in Atlanta and South Florida, and it expects to sign on several more clients in the region this month. The firm's expansion plan also calls for hiring additional project managers to staff current and upcoming assignments for high-impact sales.
April 13,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on April 14, 2011
Art Van Furniture has launched its 2011 Spring Catalog, spotlighting a "tried and true" design direction.
With a new theme song that borrows the melody of Rod Stewart's "Some Guys Have All The Luck," in upcoming commercials, Warren, Mich.-based Art Van will deliver "Some stores have all the style, Some stores have all the fun."
The 100-page catalog ranges from cozy family rooms to elegant living rooms. In addition to introducing spring trends in furniture, more than 70 percent of the merchandise is new, including the debut of Art Van's outdoor furniture department, Art's Backyard, a catalog within the catalog. Another section profiles Art Van's exclusive American-made Thread and Feather Collection, which allows shoppers to customize furniture, choosing from over 200 base and accent fabrics.
"Looking through this catalog is like looking through a fancy home and gardens magazine," said Kim Yost, Art Van Furniture CEO. "Our new catalog illustrates how to obtain those sophisticated looks using Art Van affordable products."
Events are planned in conjunction with the release of the catalog, including a chance to win a trip to Mackinac Island, and a Styleline Magazine fashion party held at the Royal Oak store on April 21.
April 12,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Acquisition on April 13, 2011
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?z4504554852&z=1250249029
Maine Cottage Furniture's entire line of products could be available again in three months. The company's brand name, customer list and furniture designs were sold this week to Russell & Mackenna.
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April 12,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in economic news on April 13, 2011
A surge in furniture and home furnishings sales led the roster in U.S. retail sales figures released by the
Commerce Department today.
Home furnishings and furniture purchases jumped 3.6 percent last month, the biggest gain for the sector in more than six years.
According to the numbers, total retail sales in March rose 0.4 percent from the previous month to $389.32 billion. It was the ninth consecutive monthly gain. Retail sales for February were revised a little higher to an increase of 1.1 percent from a previously estimated 1 percent.
Clothing sales rose 0.6 percent.
Automobile sales dropped 1.7 percent in March. Overall sales, excluding cars and automobile parts, rose 0.8 percent in March.