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Furniture|Today > Archives > 01/28/2008 Issue
Table of Contents
Furniture|Today -- 01/28/2008

bedding
  • Bedding Benchmarks
    Trzcinski wins with factory-direct model
    CLEVELAND — In his first run in the bedding industry, Ron Trzcinski joined an established company, worked here in his hometown, and rose through the ranks to the No. 2 job at the industry's No. 1 producer. He spent 18 years there. In his second run, he stayed in Cleveland, established his own bedding company, and helped build it to one of the largest players in its field.

  • Spaldin debuts foam mattress that consumers can customize
    LAS VEGAS — Spaldin Sleep Systems, a Spanish specialty sleep producer, is making its debut here with an unusual foam mattress that lets sleepers customize their comfort. Spaldin's Vitario bed is "a totally innovative and unique concept that will change the sleeping culture," said Larry Craver, director of North American sales for the company.

  • Vegas Market: Mattress producers offer innovations, new options
    LAS VEGAS — Mattress buyers will have plenty to choose from at this bedding-rich market, home to a majority of the Top 15 bedding producers. New bedding collections are everywhere. Sealy is promising a "major innovation." Simmons offers new comfort options in its Beautyrest Black line. A new promotional and midpriced line is being launched by Serta's owners.

Bedding Today
  • Trumping the competition: The Donald adds star power
    Just when I was starting to worry about bedding's prospects this year, along comes an incredible, irresistible force to knock down those hurdles of a weak housing market and a lackluster sales climate. Two magical words change everything. And those two words are ... The Donald. Yes, Donald Trump is riding to our rescue.

Editor's Desk
  • Are we seeing the changes?
    Last week, HBO made news by announcing a pilot program that will allow its digital cable customers to watch movies, documentaries and some of its popular programming online. The new service, called HBO on Broadband, will let users in two test markets, Green Bay and Milwaukee, Wis., download some 400 hours of programming, including "The Sopranos" and "Sex & the City" at no additional charge.

Industry Numbers
  • Aaron Rents expects 4Q profits to dip
    Atlanta— Aaron Rents expects to report fourth-quarter earnings per share of 27 cents to 28 cents when it releases results Feb. 19, the rent-to-own and rental retailer announced. That compares with 35 cents per share for the same period a year ago. Aaron's said same-stores sales increased in the quarter, but profitability dipped as a result of expansion costs.
  • The Brick reports 3Q growth spurt of 12.5%
    Edmonton, Alberta— The Brick, Canada's largest full-line furniture, bedding, appliance and electronics retailer, saw third-quarter sales grow 12.5% as profits surged 46.6%. "Our strong quarter was driven by more effectively executing against strong written sales," President and CEO Kim Yost told analysts in a conference call.
  • Foamex's 3Q sales decrease 7.1%
    Linwood, Pa.— Foamex International, a major supplier of polyurethane foam for furniture and bedding, eked out a $137,000 profit in the third quarter as sales fell 7.1%. In addition to the sales decline, the company's profits were hurt by a variety of one-time charges of $7.8 million. Sales in the quarter totaled $290.
  • Havertys sales down 4.3% in Dec., 8.7% for the year
    Atlanta— Havertys said its December sales were down 4.3% from the same month a year ago, to $70.8 million, with same-store sales down 7.4%. For the full year, the 123-store Atlanta-based chain said sales came to $784.6 million, down 8.7% from the $859.1 million reported in 2006. Same-store sales declined 10.

Insider's View
  • It's time to review retail lessons of Levy
    Many of us who have been in the industry for decades remember Al Levy, who was blessed with the ability to make every furniture store better. In these challenging times, maybe we could learn from his lessons. One thing he taught was that most of the manufacturers and suppliers offer more help and incentives to their retail partners than the retailers realize.

News
  • Cozzia makes Vegas debut
    Las Vegas— A major Chinese producer of massage chairs and health care products makes its United States debut here this week under the Cozzia brand in the World Market Center, B-1000. The company, which has been supplying various distributors for more than 15 years, has decided to go factory-direct with its line of shiatsu massage chairs.
  • Eastwood sues Palliser for using name
    Los Angeles— Actor and director Clint Eastwood has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court here accusing Palliser Furniture of illegally trading on his name without permission, www.contactmusic.com reported last week. The lawsuit contends that Eastwood's name is used in a home theater seating line that also includes actors Marlon Brando, James Cagney, Gary Cooper, Charles Bronson and Sean ...
  • Simmons upgrades Web site
    Atlanta— Simmons has revamped its Web site to make it easier for consumers to find the bed best suited for them — and to sleep better once they find that bed. The Web site at www.simmons.com features a new My Dream Bed section that quickly translates consumers' sleep needs into a recommended Simmons sleep set.
  • Lexington adds to Tommy Bahama
    Las Vegas— Lexington Home Brands has dozens of introductions ready for its debut in the World Market Center this week, including a new Tommy Bahama group. The company is showing in 22,000 square feet in the World Market Center, B-1301, for this market and has committed to a space in Building C, which opens in July.
  • Elmore named president of new import arm
    High Point— A Chinese case goods manufacturer wanting to sell direct to retailers has set up a U.S. marketing and distribution arm and named Joe Elmore as its president. American Dream Rooms was formed by the owner of Dream Rooms, a manufacturer with some 3 million square feet of manufacturing in the Shanghai area.
  • Investor buys T.L. Bayne Co.
    Harlan, Ky.— Midpriced upholstery manufacturer T.L. Bayne Co. here has been sold to Chattanooga, Tenn., investor and business owner Tommy Caldwell for an undisclosed amount. Caldwell will take over the 34-year-old company next month as president and CEO, succeeding owner Teddy L. Bayne, who is retiring.
  • Y.E.S. holding Vegas party to support City of Hope
    Las Vegas— The Young Executive Supporters of City of Hope will hold a Las Vegas Market Kickoff Reception on Monday, Jan. 28, to raise money for the Los Angeles-area medical research and treatment center. "Y.E.S. was started in July 2006 to get young professionals involved in City of Hope," said Michael Sandler, assistant director of City of Hope, which specializes in combating cancer, dia...
  • RiversEdge merchandises occasional with upholstery
    Lynchburg, Va.— Case goods importer RiversEdge Furniture is taking a different approach with occasional merchandising that it says is boosting interest and sales in the category. For most of the past seven years, the company has shown occasional as part of its wood collections, said Mark Stubstad, managing partner.
  • F/T taps Evans, Gunin to cover fabric category
    High Point— Gary Evans and Joan Gunin have been named co-editors of Furniture/Today's fabric beat. Evans, who also serves as Furniture/Today's upholstery and retail technology editor, will be the lead reporter in the fabric category for the paper, handling news coverage and contributing to special reports.
  • Escalate upgrades e-commerce software suite
    Las Vegas— Escalate Retail has launched the new version 9.5 of its Blue Martini E-Commerce Suite. The company is showing the product at market here this week in the Western Home Furnishings Assn. Retailer Resource Center, World Market Center B-1630. Escalate Retail said the new software is a comprehensive e-commerce platform that allows retailers to engage customers through highly individ...
  • Broyhill adds two merchandising managers
    Lenoir, N.C.— Broyhill Furniture has named industry veterans to two newly created merchandising manager positions, Debbie Blackburn for occasional tables and Linda Moretz for youth furniture. They report to Michael Foster, vice president, merchandising — case goods. "Broyhill is planning to double its business over the next year in both these categories, a demanding goal to be sure,...
  • Coe Ltd. taps Wampler to lead new business unit
    Marietta, Ga.— Coe Ltd. has named John Wampler president of a new business unit at the importer, called Coe Marketing for the Americas. He will oversee case goods and upholstery importers Amelia Home and Urban Classics, sister companies under Coe Ltd. Wampler remains president of Amelia Home. Scott Holliday remains president of Urban Classics, reporting to Wampler.
  • Three industry veterans form consulting firm
    High Point— Three furniture veterans with more than 55 years of cumulative experience have formed Lexcentia LLC, a management consulting service targeted at the furniture industry. Before launching the company this month, founders Bryan Milleson, Tom Mangum and Triche Leander held senior management positions for manufacturers and importers including Drexel Heritage, Henredon, Maitland-Smi...
  • Restonic's BrandSpeed tie results in new programs
    Palatine, Ill.— Restonic will make a "green" statement at the Las Vegas Market with its new Blue Bed. And it hopes to attract retailers with a new Magnetic Sleep program. The producer was keeping key details of the products under wraps until market, but promises that both will mark bold new brand-building efforts by Restonic as the company reinvents itself to maintain an edge in a rapidly...
  • Century a key supplier to China retailer Alexandre
    Shenzhen, China— In early December, Century Furniture officials and local dignitaries here were greeted with pyrotechnics and pomp to open a new store of luxury furniture retailer Alexandre. North Carolina-based Century is a key supplier to the 70,000-square-foot store, with its products taking up two thirds of the display space.
  • Multimaster hosts R.C. Willey in Italy
    Salt Lake City— Several employees of retailer R.C. Willey, which is based here, won a trip to Italy through their achievement in sales of Leather Master products distributed by Multimaster North America. "R.C. Willey is one of our biggest customers," said Doug Vunder, Multimaster vice president of sales and marketing.
  • NRF predicts U.S. retail sales will grow by 3.5% in 2008
    New York— Retail sales should rise 3.5% in 2008 with activity picking up in the year's second half, according to the National Retail Federation. NRF chief economist Rosalind Wells said at the organization's redent convention here that sales growth is projected at 3.2% in the first half and 3.8% in the second half.
  • Momeni moves HQ to New Jersey
    Carlstadt, N.J.— Rug supplier Momeni has moved its corporate headquarters from New York's Oriental Rug District to a 50,000-square-foot office and distribution center here. Company President Reza Momeni said the building includes executive offices, a 15,000-square-foot showroom and modern shipping facilities.
  • Ligo moves into larger High Point showroom
    High Point— Casual dining and occasional importer Ligo Products has moved to a larger showroom here, the prominent ground-floor spot in the National Furniture Mart once occupied by PeopLoungers. The move will help support a growing product line at Ligo, which is expanding into youth bedroom furniture and flat-panel TV stands.
  • Miller draws 300 to Carls' event
    Boca Raton, Fla.— Fashion and furniture designer Nicole Miller drew 300 guests to a VIP event at retailer Carls Furniture and Design Studio here. Miller, whose furniture collection is produced by Excelsior Designs, greeted visitors, discussed her design aesthetic and posed for photos with fans.
  • AHFA honors environmental and safety leaders
    High Point— The American Home Furnishings Alliance has presented its 2007 Leadership Awards for environmental and safety professionals. Joe Riddle, facilities/energy engineer and environmental manager at Bernhardt Furniture, won the Environmental Leadership Award, recognizing both his work on the AHFA environmental committee and his proficiency in the skills required to manage his company...
  • Canadian fabric show set for Feb. 11–15
    Toronto— The fourth semiannual Toronto Fabric Fair, often called Showtime North or "Snowtime," is set for Feb. 11–15 at the Paradise Banquet and Convention Center in Concord, Ontario. Sales representatives of the following mills are among the participants: American Century Home Fabrics, American Decorative Fabrics, Ameritex, Annabel, Bartson Fabrics, Blumenthal Print Works, Carposta...
  • BK Home launches four buying programs
    High Point— Case goods importer BK Home Furniture has created four buying programs aimed at simplifying the buying process for its dealers. The programs address the different needs of various retailers, said Davis Beaston, senior vice president of sales. They include: "These four new programs are designed to offer our customers maximum flexibility and choice so that they can determine whi...
  • Fash-n-Home adds stores
    Farmingdale, N.Y.— Fash-n-Home Buying Group has added five new retailer members, including its first one in Massachusetts. The nonprofit group, with 27 members with 36 outlets representing a combined annual volume of $70 million, is now in five states and is about to sign a member in a sixth, said Albert Mitrani, the organization's vice president.
  • ASID's Design Summit set for Feb. 28
    Chicago— Design Summit 2008: A Sustainable Outlook is the title of the fourth annual conference and exposition of the American Society of Interior Designers — Illinois Chapter, a one-day event set for Feb. 28. It will be held at from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the eighth floor of The Merchandise Mart Design Center here.
  • ASID awards three design scholarships
    Chicago— The Illinois chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers has announced three winners of the Richard R. Smith Memorial Scholarship. Each is a full-time student who received $1,000 to offset fees for tuition, books and supplies for the current school year. The winners are all attending school in Chicago: Jennifer Jimenez and Megan Lopez at the Harrington College of Design...
  • Aspenhome China builds team spirit
    Dongguan, China— Employees of furniture manufacturer Aspenhome's China headquarters here have spent a weekend building their team, the second annual such event, designed to develop and nurture the 77 employees' personal and professional growth. "We learned that if we trust in ourselves we can work beyond our imagination.
  • Kincaid welcomes retailer to televised charity event
    Los Angeles— Representatives of Douglas Furniture, a Newhall, Calif.-based retailer of Kincaid Furniture, were guests of Kincaid at the recent nationally televised show "Frosted Pink," which raised awareness of cancers that primarily affect women. The two-hour show, which aired on ABC in October, highlighted Olympic and world champion ice skaters performing alongside Grammy-winning artists.
  • Sealy, Old Dominion sponsor donation challenge
    Trinity, N.C.— Sealy employees once again played a major role in leading the drive to restock The Salvation Army's local food pantries. The employees joined area businesses in their support of the Corporate Holiday Challenge and the Sealy/Fox8 Holiday Concerts. The sixth annual Corporate Holiday Challenge, led by Sealy, Fox8/WGHP and Old Dominion Freight Line, wrapped up in mid-December, ...
  • Annual Promosedia contest honors young chair designers
    Udine, Italy— Have a great idea for a chair? Promosedia, the annual chair show here, is inviting designers, architects and students under age 40 to enter the Promosedia International Design Competition-Caiazza Memorial Challenge. Each competitor is limited to a single design of an indoor chair.
  • Myriad conference set for March
    San Diego— Retail technology supplier Myriad Software has scheduled its annual user conference March 9–12 and says the event will address how the economy has brought challenges to the furniture industry and the need to refocus for the coming year and beyond. The keynote speaker will be Ray Allegrezza, editor in chief of Furniture/Today, who will address where the industry is headed ...
  • Brazilian furniture design competition to run in conjunction with Movelsul
    Bento Goncalves, Brazil— A competition in traditional furniture design will be held in conjunction with Movelsul Brasil 2008, Brazil's largest furniture show, scheduled for March 24–28. The competition, which has drawn as many as 5,665 entries, highlights innovation in the Brazilian furniture industry and shows trends to furniture manufacturers in both domestic and international mar...

  • Vegas a buyer's market?
    Las Vegas— Retailers shopping the furniture market here are facing the toughest business they have seen in years and, as a result, are counting on landing bargains like never before to help fill their floors and stimulate traffic. They want quality. They want quick delivery. They want specials and special pricing.
  • Shoppers use Web search
    Chicago— A study of consumer shopping and buying habits points to the central role of Internet search in driving buying decisions and in gathering information before a home furnishings purchase, either online or off. The study of 1,000 home furnishings consumers with at least one child 18 or younger was conducted by ROI Research, DoubleClick Performics and Microsoft last year.
  • Bachicha ready for Sealy job
    Archdale, N.C.— Sealy's new senior sales executive has spent decades getting ready for his new job. Louis Bachicha, recently promoted to the new post of executive vice president of sales, has been selling mattresses since he was a teen-ager working in his father's furniture store in New Mexico.
  • Domain files for Ch. 11 protection
    Norwood, Mass.— Domain Home has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, aiming to reorganize as a going concern but also noting the possibility of liquidation. The upscale 27-store retailer, founded in 1985 by CEO Judy George, ran into difficulties after its 2002 acquisition by Aga Foodservice and the subsequent expansion of its stores to include Aga's high-end ranges and other produc...
  • News From Casual Living®
    Chicago Merchandise Mart expands casual presence Due to continuing growth in the casual furnishings industry, Merchandise Mart Properties has announced several new, expanded and relocated furniture showrooms at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. Four manufacturers are expanding showrooms and moving from the Mart's 16th and 17th floors to the 15th floor, the Mart's newest design destination.
  • Avenue Six introducing Park Avenue modular line
    Las Vegas— Ready-to-assemble upholstery specialist Avenue Six will introduce the Park Avenue seating collection at the winter market here, a modular system designed to provide maximum flexibility in creating seat sizes. The collection has left and right arm modules (each 27 inches wide by 29.5 inches deep by 31 inches high) and an armless module (23.
  • Kingsdown featuring two new bed systems
    Las Vegas— Top 10 bedding producer Kingsdown is adding to its "Body" of work here with new products to complement its BodyDiagnostics line. The new beds are the BodyCaress, a top-of-the-line model, and the BodySystem Plus, the step-up to the Kingsdown BodySystem models. Kingsdown is showing this week in the Titian ballroom at the Venetian, where it will host retailers for the first three ...
  • Broyhill offering two looks for price of one
    Las Vegas— A new Broyhill Furniture program is designed to give consumers two sofa looks for the price of one. The program, to be introduced in the company's World Market Center showroom, A-1053, is called Alter Egos and features fully upholstered sofa frames and other pieces that are designed to be marketed with an additional slipcover.
  • Fendrich becomes president, COO of Simmons
    Atlanta— In selecting Steve Fendrich as president and chief operating officer, major bedding producer Simmons said it is reinforcing its "retail-centric" approach. "Steve understands retail," Chairman and CEO Charlie Eitel told Furniture/Today, and has delivered strong results since he joined Simmons in August 2005 as executive vice president of sales, helping the company record 10 consec...
  • Pilgrim planning second store
    Milford, Conn.— Pilgrim Furniture City of Southington, Conn., will open a second 80,000-square-foot store here with environmentally friendly features as well as some trademark touches. The midpriced store, expected to open in late March or early April, involves a $5 million renovation of a former manufacturing plant on 7 1/2 acres across from Costco on the Boston Post Road.
  • Jofran adds China facility
    Las Vegas— Casual dining and occasional importer Jofran is slated to open its fourth Asian casual dining warehouse in March in southeastern China. Jofran is introducing the program this week in its World Market Center showroom here, B-965. Jofran officials said the move was spurred by the success of its warehouse programs from Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

  • Smith joins Barcalounger Home as EVP
    Tualatin, Ore.— Former Berkline/Benchcraft executive Larry Smith has joined upholstery manufacturer Barcalounger Home in the newly created position of executive vice president and chief marketing/sales officer, effective Thursday. Tom Yow, CEO of Barca-lounger Home, said Smith will have five operating divisions under his direction: Barcalounger Recliners, Barcalounger Motion, Stanton Upho...
  • Space for Karel's Jersey show filling up quickly
    Edison, N.J.— Karel Exposition Management's Edison Furniture & Accessory Market, set for Feb. 3-5 in the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center here, is almost sold out to exhibitors, the company reported. KEM Founder Larry Karel said the popularity of this year's show was a welcome surprise in light of the current economic climate.
  • Berkshire acquires rental co.
    Fairfax, Va.— Berkshire Hathaway's Cort rent-to-rent company has acquired Roomservice Group, a furniture rental company in the United Kingdom. In a press release, Cort said the acquisition is part of its expansion into the United Kingdom and the company's first international purchase. The two companies have had a long relationship.
  • Home Meridian moves into High Point HQ
    High Point— Home Meridian International, parent company of case goods importers SLF and Pulaski Furniture, celebrated the opening of its 20,000-square-foot headquarters here Tuesday with an open house. The facility at 3980 Premier Drive in north High Point houses 25 senior management and support staff along with design, sourcing and marketing departments for SLF, Pulaski, contract divisio...

Opinion Today
  • American fabrics shine at Heimtextil
    One of the surprising things about the Heimtextil show in Frankfurt, Germany, earlier this month was the positive vibe coming from the decorative fabrics show spaces in Halls 4 and 5. For a product category that has been viewed as somewhat imperiled in recent years, the density of show spaces for decorative fabrics and the crowds that walked the aisles certainly contradicted any assumption abou...

People Today
  • Mata-Sprinkles launches PR, marketing firm
    High Point— Based on a professional foundation of building awareness and visibility through public relations and marketing, Creative Communication Services, a tactical public relations and marketing firm concentrating heavily on the home furnishings industry, has launched. Although the company will assist midsize companies both inside and outside of the home furnishings industry, due to i...
  • People on the Move
    People on the Move
    Marketing/Sales Gefen Productions High Point — Communications and video production agency, Gefen Productions, has hired Chrissy Freeman as Web and marketing coordinator. She will focus on helping companies reach multiple audiences through Web-based video programming and targeted marketing programs.

Product Spotlight
  • Home entertainment
    Michels & Company World Market Center A-725 The ultra-contemporary Modernistics collection of entertainment furniture includes this stylish television console in a high-gloss lacquer finish. Elite Mfg. World Market Center B-707 The Vision entertainment console features white oak veneers accented by champagne-plated inserts.
  • Occasional
    Furniture Classics World Market Center B-818 The North Pointe hall chest by Furniture Classics is made with solid mahogany and has a two-toned, almond brown and hand-painted black accent finish. Retailing at $1,095, it features shaped door panels, apron rails and dowel construction. Profile World Market Center A-424 Occasional introductions include the Zebra collection, in wood and stone.
  • Home office
    Knú MGM 6321 The unique legs on this Knú desk have made it a popular piece in pre-selling by sales reps. The company will show four new desks this time. Kathy Ireland Home By Martin World Market Center A-1025 Kathy Ireland Home introduces the Espacio desk, a three SKU modular office in a traditional coffee-colored finish with heavy distressing and rustic metal hardware.
  • Rugs
    Sphinx by Oriental Weavers World Market Center B-580 From the Genesis collection, this transitional scrolling leaf design is machine made in Egypt of polypropylene. Cross-weaving technology achieves up to 55 colors, at $399 retail in a 5 by 8. Momeni World Market Center B-425 This easy-living contemporary design from the Elements collection is machine made in China with hand-carved details and ...
  • Bedding
    Lady Americana World Market Center A-901 The producer goes for a Scandinavian look with its Sweda sleep set. Ergomotion Pavilions 30300 This new adjustable bed offers a massage option and elevates to a full sitting position. Simmons World Market Center A-525 Beautyrest NxG Series adds a layer of Next-Generation Memory Foam to the top of the original Beautyrest Pocketed Coil springs.
  • Leather
    Moroni World Market Center A-1009 This upper-end California importer of contemporary leather seating adds a double-chaise sectional on legs of polished chrome. Aniline-dyed, top grain leather with drop-in coil spring seating. Three Hands Corp. World Market Center B-0505 This Sylmar, Ca.-based resource adds a 39-inch sleek red leather side chair priced at $115.
  • Motion upholstery
    Best Home Furnishings World Market Center A-653 Best's new BodyRest series of beefy recliners features an innovative reclining mechanism that becomes fully horizontal. Almost parallel to the floor, it offers a true flat recline, similar to a bed but with the body-friendly support of a recliner. The press-back mechanism provides independent control of the chaise kick-out, the reclining back, or ...
  • Bedroom
    Zocalo World Market Center B-1254 Zocalo's 16-piece case goods group, Terraza, includes this canopy bed as well as cases with concave drawer fronts and proprietary brushed pewter hardware. Raymond Oak MGM M-103 Raymond Oak packs a whole home office configuration under this loft bed. The bed system includes a desk, hutch, two 3-drawer chests, and five drawers built into the fronts of the steps.
  • Dining
    Sweet Smiling Home World Market Center B-0645 The three-piece Sabi dining collection features recycled teak with a natural French finish and graceful proportioning. Flexsteel World Market Center A-530 Flexsteel's Wrangler Series 47 castered gathering table makes a rustic statement in sapele veneers, a reddish brown wood in a light warm finish with burnished edges also known as African mahogany.
  • Product Spotlight
    Broyhill World Market Center A-1053 The No. 5225 sofa features tightly rolled arms with nailhead trim along the base. The piece is covered in a cinnamon chenille plain body cloth with a coordinating paisley jacquard. Aspenhome World Market Center B-801 The Chateau Max home entertainment center is part of the elegant European Memoirs collection.
  • Stationary upholstery
    Padma's Plantation World Market Center A-119 The settee and ottoman components of the Tango group work together as a daybed or separately. Materials include woven abaca, leather bindings and rattan. As pictured, retail is about $3,345. Avenue Six Pavilions 22104 This ready-to-assemble upholstery specialist will unveil two collections this market, including this transitional Main Street grouping.

Product Strategies
  • Wood sources take variety of approaches
    Las Vegas— Case goods introductions for the winter Las Vegas Market will vary a great deal from one exhibitor to another due to a mixture of the slow business climate and recent market success. The market here generated a lot of buzz for more than a year before it opened, and that chatter — and resulting orders — continued through the opening of Building B of the World Market ...
  • Occasional producers offer something for everyone
    Las Vegas— For occasional buyers from around the country, the market here continues to offer a wide assortment of styles suitable to diverse geographic markets and tastes. Buyers seeking out rustic furniture will find plenty to choose from, including pieces with reclaimed or recycled hardwoods.
  • Electronics continue to drive home entertainment category
    High Point— Entertainment furniture resources haven't been immune to the industry's recent slump, but the electronics-driven category remains a bright spot on the home furnishings scene. Many exhibitors are loading their showrooms with an aggressive round of product introductions in hopes of driving more business into retail stores.
  • Casual dining buyers seek fresh ways to stir excitement
    Las Vegas— Tim Harris, president and owner of Knoxville Wholesale in Tennessee, can sum up why he's attending this week's Las Vegas Market in one word — introductions. Harris said he'll stay his usual three nights. He'll hit new vendors. And he expects big things from some of his key sources as well.
  • Upholstery sources aim to kick-start new year
    Las Vegas— Stationary upholstery makers are looking to the winter furniture market here to kick-start improved business in this new year. And they hope that buyers are feeling the same way — and will be here at the Las Vegas Market looking for fresh goods to spark new activity on showroom floors.
  • Leather mfrs. look for strong West Coast reception
    Las Vegas— Leather upholstery manufacturers at this week's market here are hoping lightning will strike twice. Much of the product they will roll out here received a "thumbs up" from retailers in High Point this fall, leading leather upholstery executives to anticipate West Coast buyers will do the same.
  • Rug vendors diversify mix
    Las Vegas— Rug vendors are coming to Las Vegas with an "anything can happen" attitude. And they're not letting trash talk about the economy get them down. Instead of waiting out the storm, they are making aggressive moves to get things rolling again. They are diversifying their product mix, sharpening their service and delivery and developing new products they hope will be irresistible to...
  • Overlap with Surfaces show seen as a plus
    Las Vegas— This year's Las Vegas Market overlaps this year with the annual Las Vegas Surfaces Expo for the floor covering industry. In the past, rug exhibitors have used the Surfaces venue to reach floor covering specialty stores. Since the World Market Center was built, many rug vendors have opted out of Surfaces in favor of a permanent showroom at the WMC.

Special Report
  • Market Events
    Educational seminars set for Las Vegas Market
    All seminars are held in the WHFA Resource Center on the 16th floor of the World Market Center's Building B, space 1630, unless otherwise noted. Monday, Jan. 28 8:30–9:30 a.m. Double Digit Sell-Through: A Case Study Martin Roberts, Grid2 How do stores grow one vendor's product line by 33%, using only 1,000 square feet of floor space? Retail design expert Roberts shares results from 25 ret...
  • Market Events
    Social events slated for the Las Vegas Market
    Monday–Wednesday, Jan. 28–30 4–6 p.m. — Hot Chocolate Bar. Pick up a free hot chocolate — complete with mini marshmallows — and a magazine for the ride back to the hotel. Sponsored by Home Furnishings Business. Between WMC and the shuttle stop. Monday, Jan. 28 5:30–7:30 p.
  • Fashion Report
    Behind the Design
    Like your favorite jeans, furniture should look good from any point of view. This is especially true for seating. It is important to remember that it will be seen from all angles once people are using it and moving about the room. Fortunately, some of the newest designs are providing 360 degrees of style.

Tech Talk
  • Retailers should prepare for switch to digital TVs
    Next year's mandatory conversion to digital television broadcast signals generated plenty of discussion at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month, but I must admit I was surprised at comments made by Brad Anderson, vice chairman and CEO of Best Buy. During a panel discussion with executives of several other top-tier electronics retailers, Anderson called the switch to dig...

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