Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
February 24,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedroom on February 25, 2011
The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated a new shipper review of Chinese furniture manufacturer Dongguan Yujia's bedroom furniture shipments in 2010.
The process is part of the 2005 antidumping ruling against Chinese manufacturers of wooden bedroom furniture.
DOC should issue preliminary results for the review, which covers goods shipped from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 last year in about six months. Final results are due about three months later.
February 24,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedroom on February 25, 2011
The Specialty Sleep Association has adopted the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 as part of SSA's new industry-wide Environmental & Safety Program.
The three-tier label and seal program stipulates Oeko-Tex Standard 100 as a substantiating certification to reassure consumers that their sleep products are free from harmful levels of dangerous substances and safe for people. Oeko-Tex certification is cited for sleep products bearing the Level II seal and the highest Level III seal.
SSA's Environmental & Safety Program was developed during the past two years through collaboration with sleep products manufacturers, suppliers and retailers in an effort to define environmental and safety standards for the industry and to communicate clearly and honestly with consumers.
The development process included consumer research and an evaluation of the key standards and certifications available in the industry. In addition to meeting all regulatory mandates, the program also outlines requirements for natural materials and addresses carbon footprint monitoring, VOC emissions assessments, and other environmental and safety measures. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is referenced in Level II and III for latex foams and the textile components of a mattress.
"Consumers are concerned about the environmental and health safety of their sleep products and that they are made in ecologically responsible ways," said SSA President Dale T. Read. "SSA developed this comprehensive, three-level system to allow manufacturers and retailers to clearly convey these critical points through a comprehensive labeling system and easy-to-understand seals that help consumers identify the best product choices for them."
The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification ensures that products are tested to be free from unsafe levels of more than 100 chemicals that are believed to be detrimental to human health, substances such as lead, formaldehyde, heavy metals, carcinogenic dye stuffs, and phthalates. In addition, Oeko-Tex tests for color fastness and pH levels, both of which can affect the safety of sleep products. The Oeko-Tex Restricted Substances List is constantly reviewed to confirm that it reflects the strictest global regulatory requirements, the most current textile chemistry and manufacturing processes, and the latest medical knowledge.
"We are proud that SSA references the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 in its Environmental & Safety Program," said Dr. Sam Moore, who represents Oeko-Tex in the United States. "We applaud the specialty sleep products industry's initiative to make sleep products safer and to educate consumers so they can make more informed choices for themselves and their families."
February 24,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on February 25, 2011
The International Sleep Products Association announced that more than 80 companies in the mattress industry joined the association for 2010/2011.
Click here for a list of new ISPA members.
"We would not be where we are today without the dedication and trust of both our long-standing and new members," said ISPA President Ryan Trainer. "Thank you for your loyal support and also to the many industry members who participate and support our programs."
February 24,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Las Vegas on February 25, 2011
World Market Center Las Vegas has awarded independent sales representative Carrie Barker $5,000 as part of the Winter Las Vegas Market 2011's Rep Reward Program.
Barker, of Carrie Barker Sales in Utah, was randomly selected from almost 100 representatives who participated in the new Rep Rewards Program, simplified from its previous format for the Winter Las Vegas Market 2011. Barker won the Grand Prize by referring seven gift retailers to Winter Market Las Vegas 2011.
"I'm almost speechless," said Barker. "To receive this prize is so amazing, I cant believe it."
The new program, designed to fuel a partnership with the thousands of sales representatives who actively promote Las Vegas Market, recognizes the important relationship between sales representatives and their customers and gives manufacturers and independent sales representatives added value and incentive to bring their buyers to Las Vegas Market.
"Rep Rewards is a fun, far-reaching, rewards program where everyone wins," said Robert Maricich, president and CEO of World Market Center Las Vegas. "Our industry reps are the ambassadors for our Market. They work hard and the Rep Rewards program is our way of thanking them for doing so."
When the Rep Rewards Program first launched in 2009, the program assigned representatives points for each buyer they referred, which could be exchanged for hotel room nights. Based on feedback from the representatives and a desire to simplify the program, World Market Center Las Vegas began awarding representatives with cash rewards with the Winter Las Vegas Market 2011, making it even more compelling for representatives to get involved.
To participate in this program for an upcoming Las Vegas Market, representatives can download the referral form and submit up to 25 retailer names per representative. Rewards are limited and available while supplies last. For complete information about the Rep Rewards program, visit LasVegasMarket.com.
February 24,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Markets on February 25, 2011
Dallas Market Center announced that the June Total Home & Gift Market will add a Preview Day on Tuesday, June 21.
The move accommodates buyers who want to get a jumpstart on the market taking place June 22-28. Many showrooms will be open for business and ready to take orders for early-bird buyers.
In addition, the FINDS Dallas Temp Show will shift its date pattern. FINDS will now open Thursday through Sunday (June 23-26), with Cash & Carry at Market Hall open through Monday.
"As more buyers arrive in Dallas earlier and are eager for business we will be ready when they are," said Cindy Morris, COO, Dallas Market Center. "After a record-setting opening day in January, we want to
maximize the productive time at market for both buyers and exhibitors."
Organizers said the January Total Home & Gift Market had the strongest opening day in the past 40 markets and welcomed more new buyers than in the past five years. Attendance was ahead in every region of the United States as well as internationally.
Those planning to attend the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, March 24-27, or June 22-28, may contact Dallas Market Centers in-house travel agency, Market Travel, for substantial travel and hotel discounts by calling 800.DAL.MKTS.