January 8,
        2025   by  Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   
  
        
    
     Economic growth withstood inflation, high interest rates and other challenges in 2024 and should continue to show strength in 2025, National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.
Economic growth withstood inflation, high interest rates and other challenges in 2024 and should continue to show strength in 2025, National Retail Federation chief economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        January 8,
        2025   by  Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   
  
        
    
     Keter Group, the world’s largest resin-based consumer goods company,  announced the appointment of Udi Sagi as CEO. A 15-year veteran of the Keter Group, Sagi assumes the leadership of the company’s global operations, including its 20 manufacturing plants and distribution in 100+ countries.
Keter Group, the world’s largest resin-based consumer goods company,  announced the appointment of Udi Sagi as CEO. A 15-year veteran of the Keter Group, Sagi assumes the leadership of the company’s global operations, including its 20 manufacturing plants and distribution in 100+ countries.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        January 7,
        2025   by  Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   
  
        
    
     Big Lots, Inc. announced that it has successfully closed its previously announced sale agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, LLC ("Gordon Brothers") that will enable Variety Wholesalers, Inc. to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, which it plans to operate under the Big Lots brand, and up to two distribution centers. In addition, Variety Wholesalers may employ Big Lots associates at the acquired stores and distribution centers, as well as certain corporate associates needed to support Big Lots' go-forward footprint.
Big Lots, Inc. announced that it has successfully closed its previously announced sale agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners, LLC ("Gordon Brothers") that will enable Variety Wholesalers, Inc. to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, which it plans to operate under the Big Lots brand, and up to two distribution centers. In addition, Variety Wholesalers may employ Big Lots associates at the acquired stores and distribution centers, as well as certain corporate associates needed to support Big Lots' go-forward footprint.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        January 7,
        2025   by  Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   
  
        
    
     Top 20 U.S. bedding manufacturer Spring Air International has signed Biscayne Bedding of Hialeah, Florida as its licensee for the state. The transaction represents a “closing of the circle” for Biscayne’s President and CEO Jan Wettergren who was senior vice president of operations for Spring Air when it was owned by private equity from 2006 to 2011.
Top 20 U.S. bedding manufacturer Spring Air International has signed Biscayne Bedding of Hialeah, Florida as its licensee for the state. The transaction represents a “closing of the circle” for Biscayne’s President and CEO Jan Wettergren who was senior vice president of operations for Spring Air when it was owned by private equity from 2006 to 2011.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        January 7,
        2025   by  Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry   
  
        
    
     Alex Williams joins AHFA’s staff on January 13 as manager of sustainability and regulatory compliance programs, a new position.
Alex Williams joins AHFA’s staff on January 13 as manager of sustainability and regulatory compliance programs, a new position.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        January 7,
        2025   by  Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   
  
        
    
     Heighten your furniture design career by joining the International Society of Furniture Designers® (ISFD). ISFD is an association of professional and student product designers in residential and contract furnishings, who are dedicated to advancing, improving, and supporting the profession of furniture design and its positive impact in the marketplace.
Heighten your furniture design career by joining the International Society of Furniture Designers® (ISFD). ISFD is an association of professional and student product designers in residential and contract furnishings, who are dedicated to advancing, improving, and supporting the profession of furniture design and its positive impact in the marketplace.
    
        
    
    
 
    
    
    
        January 7,
        2025   by  Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   
  
        
    
     On the heels of its 45th anniversary, Kalco Lighting, a leading manufacturer of luxury lighting and furniture designs, is unveiling a newly renovated showroom at Dallas Market Center.
On the heels of its 45th anniversary, Kalco Lighting, a leading manufacturer of luxury lighting and furniture designs, is unveiling a newly renovated showroom at Dallas Market Center.