Daily News Archive
Brought to you by Home Furnishings Business
February 8,
2011 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on February 9, 2011
Biltmore's licensing division has named Donnette Miller licensing director for home furnishings.
Based in High Point, Miller will be responsible for managing Biltmore's home furnishing licensing activities and developing new business within the brand.
"Donnette's enthusiasm and understanding of branding in the home sector combined with her 'manufacturer' point of view will no doubt bring value to leveraging the Biltmore brand," said Tim Rosebrock, vice president and general manager. "We are fortunate to have someone of her experience and background to ensure top-level service for licensees, dealers and customers."
Miller formerly worked as director of marketing with
Universal Furniture and as vice president of marketing and product development with
Miresco Decorative Rugs.
"I strongly believe that licensing is most successful when the brand resonates with the consumer," Miller said. "Along with 115 years of brand equity, Biltmore continues to drive brand awareness through marketing campaigns and consumer loyalty. I look forward to working with Biltmore, and our licensee partners to cultivate this outstanding brand."
Biltmore licensees in the home furnishings arena include
Capel Rugs,
ELK Lighting,
Encore/Sarreid,
Habersham,
Oriental Accent,
Ridgeway Clock Co., and
Whitecraft.
February 8,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on February 9, 2011
International Bedding has named Jeffrey Wick to the newly created position of northern regional vice president of sales.
Wick will lead the sales development and retail relationships for the company in more than 20 northern states. Based in Summerfield, N.C., Wick reports to Dennis Straily, vice president of sales.
"Jeff is another great addition to the talented team of sales professionals that we've been building," Straily said. "His wide ranging expertise includes sales, account management, market development and team leadership, among many other key skills. We look forward to cultivating Jeff's talent and experience as we focus on providing the best support in the industry to our customers, while strengthening and growing our retail partnerships."
Prior to joining International Bedding, Wick led Innovative Bedding Products, a mattress sales consulting company, and was vice president of national accounts for bed frame supplier
Mantua Manufacturing.
Wick spent 11 years at
Sealy in sales and sales management posts, including vice president of department stores/national accounts, his last position in 2006.
From 1984 to 1995, Wick was a mattress buyer at Kaufmann's department store, a former division of the May Co. He was also a market representative for mattresses at the May Co. Department Stores in St. Louis.
February 8,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in High Point on February 9, 2011
The High Point Furniture Market has partnered with GFW Shuttle Service to provide airport shuttle service during the twice-a-year show.
In addition to service from Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, and airports in Charlotte and Raleigh, GFW Shuttle Service also provides VIP services, and an anywhere/anytime car service. All vehicles in the GFW fleet are equipped with power strips and WiFi for doing business on the road.
To request any service with GFW, e-mail here for discounted rates. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended, but GFW will try to accommodate last-minute requests based on availability.
February 8,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on February 9, 2011
Sam Moore will present "Creation of Sustainable Value in Textile Markets" at the Southern Textile Association's Winter Technical Seminar.
Dr. Moore, managing director of textile testing and certification organization Hohenstein Institute America, will make his presentation Feb. 23, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at The Textile Technology Center in Belmont, N.C.
He will define sustainability within the context of the textile industry. He will make the business case for increasing sustainability in textile production in the short and long terms and provide steps to transition supply chains to more sustainable platforms. The role of governmental regulation, product safety testing, and independent, third-party textile certifications, such as the Oeko-Tex® Standard 100, will be examined.
"Sustainability is so much more than just environmental responsibility," Moore said. "When textile companies define sustainability correctly and align their supply chains and business practices to be more sustainable, they reap many benefits. Not only does the company see financial gains, but employees, customers, and the industry benefit as well."
The STAs Winter Technical Seminar will feature other expert speakers from businesses, industry organizations, and universities. More information is available under events at STA's Web site.
February 8,
2011 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in economic news on February 9, 2011
The Furniture Buying Index crept up on point in February to a reading of 74, according to America's Research Group.
The Index in January was 73, and the December number was 72. In February, 2010, the Furniture Buying Index was at 65.
"The Furniture Buying Index is remaining steady at this time of the year while consumers wait to get their income tax refund checks," said Britt Beemer, chairman of
America's Research Group. "This should be positive for furniture retailers in March, April and May as consumers receive their income tax refunds."
America's Research Group compiles the Index each month from interviews with 5,000 to 8,000 consumers across the U.S. In a typical month, 80 percent of the consumers interviewed can name a specific furniture item they intend to buy.