March 28,
2013 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in economic news on March 29, 2013
Retailers ordered 7 percent more furniture in January 2013 than January 2012, according to the latest Furniture Insights report.
High Point accounting and consulting firm Smith Leonard compiles results from the monthly survey of residential furniture manufacturers and distributors.
The January increase in orders came on top of a strong January in 2012, when new orders were 13 percent higher than January 2011.
"Some 65 percent of our participants reported increased orders for January 2013 with several reporting double digit increases," said Smith Leonard Managing Partner Ken Smith. "In addition, we had fewer participants reporting double digit declines in order levels, so overall it appears we were off to a good start for 2013 based on January results."
January 2013 shipments were also very good compared to January 2012, increasing 10 percent over last year.
"In January 2012, shipments were 8 percent higher than January 2011, so as with orders, the increased percentage was good compared to a nice increase reported the year before," Smith said.
Backlogs rose 2 percent from December as new orders in dollars exceeded shipments in January. Backlogs were about equal to backlogs in January 2012.
Receivables rose 8 percent from January 2013 compared to January 2012, in line with a 10 percent increase in shipments. Receivables fell 3 percent from December 2012 levels, but shipments were down 5 percent in January from December, so overall receivable levels appear to be in pretty good shape.
Inventories rose 5 percent from December 2012 levels and were 9 percent higher than January 2012. December 2012 inventories were 8 percent higher than December 2011.
"In December, we thought inventories were getting a bit high," Smith said. "Even with increased orders and shipments, we still believe inventory levels need watching.
Factory and warehouse employment rose 1 percent from December and 3 percent from January 2012, in line with a December-over-December increase of 3 percent.
Payrolls rose 5 percent from January 2012, again in line with increases in shipments and orders.
"The results of our latest survey were promising especially considering the results in November and December of 2012," Smith said in summary. "After two consecutive months of declining orders (although those results were not too bad considering factors we discussed before), new orders in January 2013 were up 7 percent over January 2012. January 2012 orders were 13 percent higher than January 2011 so the January 2013 comparisons were pretty strong.
"If there is any negative news to report this month, it is that based on our conversations, the positive results for January have not continued through February and March. We have been asked quite often what we are hearing, and what we are hearing is pretty much all over the place, depending on what day you ask the question."
Smith noted that "crazy weather" across much of the country should make a slowdown in furniture sales no big surprise.
"Some of the storms have been very severe especially in parts east of the Mississippi, where so much business is done, especially in the Northeast," he said. "The Midwest has not faired much better. All of this has to have had a negative effect on sales at retail.
"That said, housing continues to give confidence as it continues to rebound at a pace that probably exceeded our expectations. While that could concern some that housing is moving too fast, it is likely more pent up demand that is causing the fast recovery. The good news is banks are still making sensible mortgage loans so we should not be concerned with another 'bubble,' at least at this point. Even if confidence hurts us a bit, eventually the growth in housing has got to be good for the industry. The industry may have to adapt a bit as we understand that the size of new homes is declining, but that just creates opportunity for the industry."
March 28,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on March 29, 2013
Bedding vendor Comfort Solutions has named David Wachendorfer vice president of business development for the Midwest region; and Thomas Sliwa brand development manager.
Wachendorfer, who reports to Comfort Solutions President and COO Dave Roberts, most recently served as vice president of sales development and retail training at Tempur-Pedic, where he held a number of executive sales management posts since joining the company in 2005.
Prior to his years with Tempur-Pedic, Wachendorfer served in management, sales and training positions with several mattress retailers including the former Dallas-based Mattress Giant from 1992-99 and from 2001-02, and with Mattress King, based in Atlanta, from 2003 to 2005.
As brand development manager, a new position, Sliwa is primarily responsible for coordinating product design and brand imaging, e-development, and for helping develop creative marketing programs. He reports to Ken Swinarski, company vice president of creative development.
Before joining Comfort Solutions, Willowbrook, Ill., Sliwa had served since 2001 in national accounts and business management posts at Chicago-based Amme Promotions and Tomken Management, among other Chicago companies.
From 1999 to 2001 Sliwa was national accounts marketing coordinator for the former Spring Air Company headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill. During those years he worked with current Comfort Solutions chief Roberts.
March 28,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on March 29, 2013
Wall décor vendor Shadow Catchers is moving to a new showroom at 200 N. Hamilton St. for the upcoming High Point Furniture Market.
Shadow Catchers will exhibit in a 3,900-square-foot showroom in Space 108 at 200 N. Hamilton. The company had been showing at 310 N. Hamilton.
Our new location will be much easier for buyers to access, because its right on the first floor, said Mary Davis, owner. We expect to draw more walk-in traffic since you can see us from the street and walk right in.
Shadow Catchers offers a full line of framed wall décor, including giclée prints and limited editions. Styles range from traditional botanicals and landscapes to transitional and contemporary designs.
At the April market, the company will introduce a variety of fresh work from a number of new artists.
Well be putting a huge emphasis on color, said Davis. "Were moving from a palette of more muted tones to more colorful, upbeat statements."
The design of Shadow Catchers new showroom will be open, light and very welcoming, added Davis. Since we were in our previous location for 24 years, this is an opportunity to take a fresh, creative approach to the layout of our space.
Based in Greenville, Ala., where it has production and distribution facilities, Shadow Catchers sells its line through a mix of furniture stores and interior designers as well as to the hospitality trade. The company offers a diverse selection of moldings and trim on its products, and can adjust sizing on a custom basis to meet customers needs.
Were excited that Shadow Catchers is joining the strong base of exhibitors in 200 N. Hamilton, said Julie Messner, vice president of leasing for International Market Centers. They add an exciting dimension to the buildings exhibitor mix.
March 28,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Store Openings on March 29, 2013
from http://www.dallasnews.com/lifestyles/home-and-gardening/headlines/20130329-home-furnishings-store-i.o.-metro-opens-second-outlet-at-mckinney-knox.ece
Dallas County fans of I.O. Metro can rejoice. The retailer of trendy home decor has opened a location on McKinney Avenue at Knox Street, the central Dallas shopping hub that is a furniture mecca, reducing the drive for those who frequent the original Fairview store.
Since opening in the Collin County suburb in 2009, the Arkansas-based specialty store has been seeking a second address in Dallas.
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March 27,
2013 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Bedding on March 28, 2013
from https://newsdesk4.moreover.com/click/?p=Qy84NDY2OTMwMjU3Jm49TkFQQ08&a=MTM3OTc5Njc0OTk&f=TmV3cw&s=cmljaHhtbA&u=YWNyZW5zaGF3QG5hcGNvLmNvbQ&c=TkFQQ08&i=MA&e=UmV0YWlsIEJ1c2luZXNzIFJldmlldw&d=1989&t=1
Bedding vendor Serta and Indian retailer Emirates Sleep Systems have a licensing deal to bring the U.S. brand to India.
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