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October 28,
2010 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in Legal on October 29, 2010
The National Institute for Standards & Technology has issued a draft study on a furniture store fire that took nine Charleston, S.C., firefighters' lives in 2007.
The study released Thursday, found that major factors contributing to a rapid spread of fire at the Sofa Super Store on June 18, 2007, included large open spaces with furniture providing high fuel loads, the inward rush of air following the breaking of windows and a lack of sprinklers.
The fire trapped and killed nine firefighters, the highest number of firefighter fatalities in a single event since 9/11.
Based on its findings, the NIST technical study team made 11 recommendations for enhancing building, occupant and firefighter safety nationwide. In particular, the team urged state and local communities to adopt and strictly adhere to current national model building and fire safety codes. If today's model codes had been in place and rigorously followed in Charleston in 2007, the study authors said, the conditions that led to the rapid fire spread in the Sofa Super Store probably would have been prevented.
"Furniture stores typically have large amounts of combustible material and represent a significant fire hazard," said NIST study leader Nelson Bryner. "Model building codes should require both new and existing furniture stores to have automatic sprinklers, especially if those stores include large, open display areas."
Specifically, the NIST report calls for national model building and fire codes to require sprinklers for all new commercial retail furniture stores regardless of size, and for existing retail furniture stores with any single display area of greater than 190 square meters (2,000 square feet). Other recommendations include adopting model codes that cover high fuel load situations (such as a furniture store), ensuring proper fire inspections and building plan examinations, and encouraging research for a better understanding of fire situations such as venting of smoke from burning buildings and the spread of fire on furniture.
NIST welcomes comments on the draft report and its recommendations. To be considered for the final report, comments must be received by noon (EST) Dec. 2. Comments may be submitted via e-mail; fax, 301.975.4052; or mail to the attention of NIST Technical Study: Sofa Super Store, NIST, 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 8660, Gaithersburg, Md. 20899-8660.
Once the final report is published, NIST will work with the appropriate committees of the International Code Council on using the study's recommendations to improve provisions in model building and fire codes. NIST also will work with the major organizations representing state and local governmentsincluding building and fire officialsand firefighters to encourage them to seriously consider its recommendations.
As a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve quality of life.
October 28,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Green on October 29, 2010
Furniture retailers and manufacturers still have time to submit an entry for the 2010 American Home Furnishings Alliance Sage Award.
The deadline is midnight (EST) on Friday, Nov. 5. The entry form and entry guidelines are posted at www.SageAward.org. Manufacturers, retailers and suppliers to the residential furnishings and bedding industries are eligible to enter. The entry form is completed online and submitted via email.
Now in its third year, the Sage Award program gives industry-wide recognition to companies whose environmental leadership illuminates a pathway of improvement that others in the industry can follow. Companies applying for the award should be able to demonstrate both practical and innovative advances in reducing their environmental footprint and operating a sustainable business. The entry form also asks the company to describe efforts to expand its positive social impact and to remain a viable business into the future.
There is no cost to enter the Sage Award competition.
Up to three 2010 Sage Award finalists will be honored during the Dec. 1-2 All-Industry Sustainability Summit at the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park in Asheville, N.C. The finalists will receive a complimentary registration to the Summit, and the winner will be announced at a special awards reception on Dec. 1.
The Sage Award is sponsored by the American Home Furnishings Alliance and Cargills BiOH polyols business. Applicants do not need to be AHFA members nor users of Cargill's BiOH polyols to enter. Neither AHFA nor Cargill are represented on the judging panel, and this year the High Point-based accounting firm of Smith Leonard will tabulate the results.
October 28,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Bedding on October 29, 2010
Bedding supplier Lady Americana has named Jeff Bier brand manager.
Bier has a 30-year background in creative services and has held a number of positions in television and broadcasting.
His agency work has been in front of audiences across the country. A project was also produced for AFN, Armed Forces Network, and is seen around the globe. National retail chain accounts were also managed as Jeff served up marketing, writing, design, and video production creative work. Most recently, he was involved in promoting the
Oklahoma Health Care Authority, and
Oklahoma Medical Board campaigns.
Consumers have a right to be informed about the priceless benefits of great comfort and the best, healthiest sleep possible," said Kerry Tramel president. "Were going to continue to reinforce that message to facilitate a positive lifestyle choice for every person that spends a third of their life resting, preparing for the other two thirds.
Bier said he is excited to join the company.
People take quality sleep for granted," he said. "They need to be informed that sound sleep comfort contributes to increasing productivity, and actually feeling good. The Lady Americana team is the perfect foundation to earn the respect and business of consumers who understand and believe in the power of truly rejuvenating rest.
October 28,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on October 29, 2010
Furniture retailer Leon & Lulu is gearing up for another edition of its Artists' Market special event.
On Sunday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Tuesday, Nov. 30, 3 p.m.-8 p.m., the Clawson, Mich., furniture store will again host local artists and craftspeople for a two-day market to introduce the community to the range of exceptional hand-crafted items being made in Michigan.
The inaugural Sunday and Tuesday event was such a success that Leon & Lulu now schedules it four times a year. There is no admission fee to attend or exhibit and the event will once again benefit Cass Community Services.
"The Artists' Market is an anticipated event as we now begin our second year of bringing exciting, one-of-a-kind new items to metropolitan Detroit, designed by local artists and craftspeople," said Leon & Lulu Counder and Co-Owner Mary Liz Curtin. "It's a fabulous opportunity to meet the people creating some of the most interesting hand-crafted work originating in Michigan."
Leon & Lulu was recently recognized with a national award for organizing unique events.
October 28,
2010 by in UnCategorized
By Aggregated Content in Furniture Retailing on October 29, 2010
from http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?z3517746556&z=1050248143
A damaged extension cord is blamed for a fire that ripped through a White Plains, N.Y., furniture store early Thursday.
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