Simmons Names EVP of Operations

December 2, 2010 by in UnCategorized

By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on December 3, 2010 Simmons Bedding Co. has named Mark Baron executive vice president of operations.

In his new position, Baron reports to Gary Fazio, Simmons CEO, and is responsible for manufacturing, technical services and supply chain operations across the companys 20 manufacturing facilities.

Marks extensive background in LEAN manufacturing will help us to sharpen our focus on operations excellence and serve our retailers and customers in the best way possible, Fazio said. I look forward to his contributions as a member of the Simmons executive leadership team.

Most recently, Baron was senior vice president of Hill-Rom Corp., a manufacturer and provider of medical technologies for the healthcare industry, where he served for nine years in various leadership roles in the United States and France. Prior to Hill-Rom, Baron was vice president, materials acquisition at Lockheed Martin Corp., and began his career in manufacturing at General Electric.

I am honored to join Simmons and look forward to strengthening our leadership position in the industry through best-in-class manufacturing practices, Baron said.

International Bedding Names VP of Sales for Sleep Doctor Line

December 2, 2010 by in UnCategorized

By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on December 3, 2010 Bedding producer International Bedding (IB) has promoted Warren Coomber to the newly created post of vice president of sales for the companys Sleep Doctor program, named for sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus.

Coomber is responsible for all marketing, sales, training and product launches for the Dr. Breus bedding collection and report to Dennis Straily, vice president of sales.

The Sleep Doctor program has been gaining momentum since its introduction early this year, said Jeff Maillet, CEO of IB. Our goal is to ensure that this unique and growing national brand has all the right resources and staff support. Warren is a perfect fit for this new post and his promotion demonstrates IBs firm commitment to the program."

Coomber joined IB in 2009 and helped create and establish the Dr. Breus brand and became increasingly more involved in new business development after joining the company as a sales manager in north Texas.

A 15-year veteran of the mattress industry, Coomber will continue to be based in the Dallas area.

Roomful Express Negotiates Over $18M Debt

December 2, 2010 by in UnCategorized

By Home Furnishings Business in on December 3, 2010 Pittsburgh-based furniture retailer Roomful Express said today in a press release that it is in the process of negotiating a resolution to financial issues brought on by the strained economy.

The retailer said it faces an "inability to repay its financial obligations."

The company is currently negotiating with its senior lenders to workout possible remedies to a judgment filed against the company for a debt payment of about $18 million.

In the release, the company pointed out that furniture store retail sales in the U.S., including at Roomful Express, have suffered double-digit revenue declines this year compared to a year ago.

The company operates 13 stores in western Pennsylvania and Ohio11 are Roomful Express stores and two stores are Ashley Furniture HomeStores.

The release continues to say "During the past two years the company has attempted to restructure its business to reduce overhead costs in response to market conditions. The company hopes to achieve a resolution to this financial matter during the next week."

Roomful Express Negotiates Over $18M Debt

December 2, 2010 by in UnCategorized

By Home Furnishings Business in economic news on December 3, 2010 Pittsburgh-based furniture retailer Roomful Express said today in a press release that it is in the process of negotiating a resolution to financial issues brought on by the strained economy.

The retailer said it faces an "inability to repay its financial obligations."

The company is currently negotiating with its senior lenders to workout possible remedies to a judgment filed against the company for a debt payment of about $18 million.

In the release, the company pointed out that furniture store retail sales in the U.S., including at Roomful Express, have suffered double-digit revenue declines this year compared to a year ago.

The company operates 13 stores in western Pennsylvania and Ohio11 are Roomful Express stores and two stores are Ashley Furniture HomeStores.

The release continues to say "During the past two years the company has attempted to restructure its business to reduce overhead costs in response to market conditions. The company hopes to achieve a resolution to this financial matter during the next week."