November 18,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Aggregated Content in Case Goods on November 19, 2010
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?z3750209859&z=1150248697
An executive within Bernhardt Furniture Co.'s Casegoods Contract division is facing federal accusations that he created a dummy firm and billed his company for extra services concealed as processing fees, netting $563,000.
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November 18,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Furniture Retailing on November 19, 2010
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?r3751785006&f=10761
Cost Plus Inc. said Friday that its third-quarter loss narrowed as sales climbed at its specialty retail stores on less discounting and higher prices.
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November 18,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on November 19, 2010
Sealy Corp. (NYSE: ZZ) has sold its European manufacturing operations in France and Italy to a privately held Italian company.
The operations of SAPSA Group Srl will remain a Sealy partner through a licensing agreement in Europe that excludes the U.K., Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.
The transaction closed Thursday, Nov. 18.
"After carefully reviewing the alternatives available to us, we concluded that a divestiture provided the greatest opportunities for Sealy and SAPSA," said Larry Rogers, Sealy president and CEO. "Our decision to divest SAPSA enables us to better focus our resources on the areas of our business that are aligned with our greatest growth opportunities."
Rogers said the divestiture will allow the company to improve its EBITDA and reduce debt.
"We are also excited for the SAPSA business as we believe that the new ownership team, whose management has significant European operating experience, will provide it with renewed energy," he said. "We look forward to a profitable long-term relationship with SAPSA and expect the new relationship to benefit SAPSA's customers, employees and suppliers."
Through the first nine months of fiscal 2010, Sealy's European segment generated net sales to external customers of $76.8 million and reported a loss of $25.2 million before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, which includes an impairment charge of $23 million.
"I am excited about the opportunity to take over leadership of SAPSA," said Andrea Chalp, the new president of SAPSA Group. "I believe the company has terrific future growth prospects and look forward to working closely with our dedicated employees to deliver superior product and service to our valued customers. We are committed to developing a long and productive partnership with Sealy as we continue to build the Sealy Brand in Europe."
The entire press release can be found online.
November 18,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Executive Changes on November 19, 2010
Online retailer Hayneedle, Inc. has named Jason Goldberger senior vice president of marketing, merchandising and site and Dawn Block vice president of merchandising.
Goldberger has been a member of the Hayneedle executive team since joining the company in 2007 as chief merchandising officer. In his new position, he oversees a team of more than 100 employees focused on the company's product offerings, marketing initiatives and customer shopping experience at both Hayneedle and
The Foundary, the company's members-only daily flash sale site.
He reports to Doug Nielsen, founder, president and CEO.
Block, who began her career at Hayneedle as a buyer in 2003 and most recently served as director of product development, assumes the role of vice president of merchandising. In her new role, she leads a group of more than 40 team members. She reports to Goldberger.
"Jason and Dawn have played critical roles in guiding the growth and success of our company and these promotions are hard earned and well deserved," Nielsen said. "In their new roles, Jason and Dawn will help drive the future of our business, continuing to deliver to Hayneedle.com customers and the Foundary members the thrill of discovery that is part of the DNA of our company."
Prior to Hayneedle, Goldberger was director of home improvement for
Amazon. Goldberger began his career with the company in 1999 as a buyer on the team that launched Amazon's first home store. Before joining Amazon, Goldberger worked in a progression of buying positions in home furnishings and domestics at Linens 'n Things and
QVC. He began his career in the executive training program at the A&S division of Federated Department Stores, now
Macys.
During her seven-plus years at Hayneedle, Block led the team that launched Hayneedle's outdoor division, as well as developed new businesses in several product categories. Most recently, she spearheaded the merchandising team that helped launch The Foundary. She also created a strategic business unit for the optics division and helped the company establish a product development and import team. Prior to joining Hayneedle, Block worked in product development and merchandising for
Uline Shipping Supplies.
November 17,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on November 18, 2010
Haverty Furniture Cos. is providing furnishings and accessories for the home of a Savannah, Ga., family chosen for an upcoming episode of
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Delivery was made Wednesday.
This donation marks another effort in Havertys' commitment to giving back to the community. Havertys has also supported Community Service organizations such as
United Way,
American Red Cross, the
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the
American Heart Association, and others.
Atlanta-based Havertys has more than 100 furniture showrooms in 17 states.
The Emmy-award winning program, now in its eighth season airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on
ABC.