February 16,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Aggregated Content in economic news on February 17, 2011
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?z4144305437&z=1250249029
Retail sales will rise 4 percent in 2011, according to the National Retail Federations 2011 Economic Forecast released in Washington Thursday.
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February 16,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Furniture Retailing on February 17, 2011
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?z4143552353&z=1250249027
Leon's Furniture Ltd. (LNF.TO: News ) Thursday reported fourth quarter net income of C$21.36 million or C$0.29 per share, compared to C$24.03 million or C$0.33 per share in the prior year quarter.
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February 16,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Financial Reports on February 17, 2011
Specialty home retailer
Pier 1 Imports (NYSE: PIR) has paid in full all of its outstanding 6.375 percent convertible senior notes due 2036.
The company gave notice in December that it was redeeming the outstanding notes at a price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest of the notes.
The notice of redemption also included notice of a holder's option to require the Pier 1 to purchase the notes on the same date and at the same price. On Feb. 15, all outstanding notes were surrendered in full and the retailer paid the holders of the notes $17.1 million, which included principal and interest.
February 16,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Upholstery on February 17, 2011
Upholstery producer Massoud hopes to help retailers increase in-store traffic and boost sales with expedited delivery and special pricing on a select group of fabric and frame options.
The Simple Choices program will be shown at the April
High Point Market and is the first in a series of dealer promotions built around the companys 2011 marketing focus, Building Furniture That Builds Your Business."
Through the Simple Choices program, current Massoud dealers will be able to offer consumers 25-day delivery on more than 60 frames in a choice of 140 fabrics. The selections include sofas designed to retail for $1,999 to $2,499. As part of the promotion, participating dealers must commit to additional floor display space to showcase some of the designs included in program.
To our way of thinking, the retailer, not the manufacturer, is the brand when it comes to home furnishings, said Chuck Massoud, CEO of Massoud. So were always looking for business solutions that can help our retailers differentiate themselves and truly stand out from the competition. With Simple Choices, were bringing fresh looks, fashion forward fabrics and versatile frame options together with unrivaled ship times and pricing that promise to generate attention and sales.
Bringing together some of Massouds best-selling frame designs, the Simple Choices program includes an variety of styles ranging from traditional to transitional, casual to formal. Fabric choices run the gamut from solids to jacquards to patterns in a number of trend-focused colors, textures and tones.
In todays challenging economic climate, we want to be sure were doing everything possible to help our retail partners maximize the sales potential of our line, said Tom Skipper, president of Massoud. Ongoing additions of striking designs, fashion forward fabrics and versatile styles help our customers rise above the vast sea of sameness that defines much of the upholstery industrys offerings today. And, new programs like Simple Choices put the spotlight on the very elements of the line that give retailers a competitive edge."
February 16,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Advertising on February 17, 2011
Lifestyle designer and former supermodel Kathy Ireland will serve as ambassador for BrandSource and its 4,500 independent dealer members.
Anaheim, Calif.-based BrandSource is a member-owned merchandising group with nearly 4,500 independent dealer members in North America, and close to 3,000 "branded" stores in the United States. BrandSource retailers carry appliances, consumer electronics, flooring and home furnishings.
Ireland, CEO and chief designer of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, will appear in advertising and promotional campaigns and leverage her expertise in social media to generate greater awareness of the BrandSource brand. Kathy also will collaborate with BrandSource on new product development and expand her collections in BrandSource member stores.
It is very exciting to serve as Brand Ambassador for BrandSource," Ireland said. "BrandSource members are powerful and respected. Their organization of independent dealer members and branded stores are crucial for American families to have true retail choices. BrandSource members bring support, service, expertise and value to the communities they serve. BrandSource members truly care about their customers. From innovative products to non-profit giving, BrandSource is a great resource that fulfills our mission of 'finding solutions for families, especially busy moms.' This is a great honor."
Ireland will begin her role with BrandSource later this month at the organization's 2011 Summit in Orlando, where she will meet with members and actively participate in workshops and planning sessions.
Ireland represents a key target customer for BrandSource: the 90 percent of women who make final purchasing decisions for the home and who are utilizing the Internet and social media to find the most up-to-date information as they research and shop for appliances, home furnishings and consumer electronics.
"We look forward to working with Ms. Ireland to support our members and build greater awareness of our brand," said Bob Lawrence, CEO of BrandSource. "Ms. Ireland relates very well to our female customers and really understands, first hand, what it's like to be a busy mom who wants the best for her home, family and career. We believe that she offers us enormous potential for influencing women and ensuring our brand's success."