November 23,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Aggregated Content in Store Openings on November 24, 2010
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?z3765087835&z=1250249029
Baer's Furniture opened its Dania, Fla., Design Center recently and donated $16,000 to City of Hope.
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November 23,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Furniture Retailing on November 24, 2010
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?z3764426057&z=1250249030
Ethan Allen is rolling out interactive touch screens to enhance the consumer experience at its design centers.
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November 22,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Financial Reports on November 23, 2010
La-Z-Boy Inc. (NYSE: LZB) reported net income of $3.9 million for the second quarter ended Oct. 23, compared to $6 million posted in the second quarter in fiscal 2010.
The company's net sales for the second quarter were $293 million, down 2.6 percent compared with net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.
While macroeconomic challenges continue to impact the overall furniture industry, the significant changes made to our cost structure have enabled La-Z-Boy to operate profitably in the lower-volume environment," said Kurt Darrow, president and CEO. "Importantly, with this lower cost structure in place, we are focusing on initiatives to pave the way for future growth and market share gains when the economy strengthens and consumers are more inclined to purchase big-ticket items. While these investments are presently impacting our earnings power, we believe they are essential to positioning the company for the future. Specifically, we are investing in the La-Z-Boy brand platform, research, technology and customer care.
For the fiscal 2011 second quarter, sales in the companys upholstery segment decreased 3.4 percent to $224.9 million compared with $232.8 million in the prior years second quarter. The operating margin for the 2011 quarter was 7.6 percent compared with 10.9 percent in last years comparable quarter.
In the casegoods segment, sales for the fiscal second quarter were $39.5 million, up 5.9 percent from $37.3 million in the fiscal 2010 second quarter, and the segments operating margin was 3.5 percent compared with -0.5 percent.
For the quarter, retail sales were $39.2 million, up 3.2 percent compared with the prior-year period. The retail group posted an operating loss of $4.4 million for the quarter, compared with a loss of $5.3 million in last years second quarter.
Our retail group continues to make progress in decreasing its quarterly losses, through continuous improvements in selling processes, expense controls and marketing efficiencies, but is challenged by its lease expense to sales ratio in the lower volume environment," Darrow said.
The entire earnings release can be downloaded from La-Z-Boy's Web site.
November 22,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on November 23, 2010
Ethan Allen Interiors Inc., Danbury, Conn.,
(NYSE: ETH) has opened a new 12,475-square-foot Design Center in Estero, Fla.
"We are thrilled to bring Ethan Allen's style, quality, and value to the Estero area," said David Burton, Ethan Allen's senior district design manager. "Ethan Allen is a company where people ask themselves every day how they can make homes and the Ethan Allen experience better for their clients. We are so excited to share Ethan Allen's vision and spirit with Estero-area residents."
Ethan Allen Design Centers offer home furnishings and free professional design services, including home visits.
Ethan Allen currently has approximately 280 Design Centers in the United States and abroad. The company owns and operates seven manufacturing facilities in North America, including five manufacturing plants and one sawmill in the United States and one manufacturing plant in Mexico.
November 22,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on November 23, 2010
Art Van Furniture, Warren, Mich., will
give away something for free to every shopper visiting its 33 stores on Black Friday this week.
Whether it's complimentary breakfast, or a "book light" at no charge, Art Van Furniture shoppers will walk away with something free.
Product specials for the one-day event include the popular chair of the season for as low as $38 and a number of accessories for as little as $10. Throughout the stores, free furniture, free electronics and free TVs will be offered as bonus gifts with purchases.
In addition, all Art Van Black Friday shoppers will receive the lowest prices of the year and special financing offers to 2015 and no sales tax on any purchase.
The first 100 customers in any store also will also receive a free "Snuggies" blanket or a free book light. Contests and prize giveaways continue throughout the day.
Doors will open at 6 a.m. on Friday in all Art Van locations statewide, and refreshments will be provided.