April 3,
        2017   by  Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, Industry   
  
        
    
     Retailer Conn's Inc. (NYSE: CONN) said it has signed a three-year agreement with Progressive Leasing, a subsidiary of Aaron's Inc. (NYSE: AAN), that will offer lease-to-own payment options for customers who don't qualify for Conn's traditional credit program.
Retailer Conn's Inc. (NYSE: CONN) said it has signed a three-year agreement with Progressive Leasing, a subsidiary of Aaron's Inc. (NYSE: AAN), that will offer lease-to-own payment options for customers who don't qualify for Conn's traditional credit program.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        April 3,
        2017   by  Larry Thomas in Industry, Mattresses, Product, Web Retail   
  
        
    
     Bedding producer Restonic has overhauled its retailer toolbox, BrandCentral.com, to make it easier to navigate from mobile devices and deliver what the company calls "an Amazon-esque, mobile responsive digital shopping experience."
Bedding producer Restonic has overhauled its retailer toolbox, BrandCentral.com, to make it easier to navigate from mobile devices and deliver what the company calls "an Amazon-esque, mobile responsive digital shopping experience."
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        March 31,
        2017   by  Larry Thomas in Economic News, Industry   
  
        
    
     Leather upholstery major Natuzzi (NYSE: NTZ) said worldwide sales fell 6.4% in the 2016 calendar year, but the company slashed its net loss by more than half due to operational improvements that boosted gross margins.
Leather upholstery major Natuzzi (NYSE: NTZ) said worldwide sales fell 6.4% in the 2016 calendar year, but the company slashed its net loss by more than half due to operational improvements that boosted gross margins.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        March 31,
        2017   by  Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   
  
        
    
     Fabric suppliers Robert Allen and Duralee announced Friday they have merged and formed a new company called Robert Allen Duralee Group.
Fabric suppliers Robert Allen and Duralee announced Friday they have merged and formed a new company called Robert Allen Duralee Group.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        March 31,
        2017   by  Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, Economic News, Industry   
  
        
    
     Furniture factory orders in January were essentially even with January 2016, but shipments for the first month of 2017 were up 2%, according to the latest monthly survey from the accounting and consulting firm Smith Leonard.
Furniture factory orders in January were essentially even with January 2016, but shipments for the first month of 2017 were up 2%, according to the latest monthly survey from the accounting and consulting firm Smith Leonard.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        March 31,
        2017   by  Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, High Point, Industry, Market   
  
        
    
     High-end case goods and upholstery producer EJ Victor has signed a licensing agreement with Perennials Fabrics, a high-end performance fabrics supplier, and will unveil a licensed upholstery collection at the April High Point Market.
High-end case goods and upholstery producer EJ Victor has signed a licensing agreement with Perennials Fabrics, a high-end performance fabrics supplier, and will unveil a licensed upholstery collection at the April High Point Market.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        March 30,
        2017   by  Larry Thomas in Financial Reports, Industry   
  
        
    
     Bassett Furniture Inds. said profits fell 11.5% in the quarter ended Feb. 25 as its company-owned retail segment and Zenith Freight Lines subsidiary swung to operating losses.
Bassett Furniture Inds. said profits fell 11.5% in the quarter ended Feb. 25 as its company-owned retail segment and Zenith Freight Lines subsidiary swung to operating losses.