Cabinet Maker articles from August 2005

Cabinet Maker archives from August 2005

Make or break time.(Furnitureland Inc.)
August 5, 2005... Furnitureland creditors have turned down a refinancing deal which has left the retailer on the brink of administration. The 28-store chain, which has told its store managers to stop taking cash deposits, is the latest high profile retailer...

Supplier offers to back MBO at Reid.(Management Buy-Out)(Reid Furniture Ltd.)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Reid Furniture's management team has received an offer to underwrite an MBO for the Scottish retailer from at least one of its suppliers. The news comes as the group closed its last three English stores, signalling a retreat into its core...

Noble nod to contemporary.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Noble House Collections is to launch a range of contemporary upholstery to the independent retailer in a bid to widen its appeal to a larger audience. Six models will be introduced to retailers towards the end of the year, of which two...

New sleep experience.(Feather and Black bed retailer)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Bed retailer Feather & Black's refitted sleep centre stores will serve as a one-stop-shop catering to consumers' individual sleep-related requirements. Since acquiring The Iron Bed Company in 2004, directors Adam Black and Robbie Feather...

International skills.(feature writer of Cabinet Maker )(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Sonia Soltani has joined Cabinet Maker as a feature writer, after having worked for a year on other CMP Information publications - Property Week, Music Week, Building, Housing Today and Building Design - as a graduate trainee. Sonia studied...

Sales volumes still falling.(CBI Survey Group's Distributive Trades Survey)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... The CBI's Distributive Trades Survey for July offers the most sobering figures yet for the state of the furniture retailing sector. The figures, which come on the back of a report by KPMG which suggests that sales of big ticket items such...

IN BRIEF: Talking stops.(Jarrold of Norwich and Aldiss merger talks)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Norfolk retailers Jarrold of Norwich and Aldiss have walked away from negotiations following an impasse over property-related issues. Only six weeks ago the two independent family-owned businesses had agreed in principle to the deal, yet it now...

IN BRIEF: Sympathetic deal.(IKEA UK Ltd)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Ikea has promised Coventry residents that its potential new store will be sympathetic to the architecture of the conservation area of Spon Street if given the go-ahead. It will occupy the site of the present Co-operative store that plans to...

IN BRIEF: New Symphony.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Doug Gregory, owner of kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture manufacturer Symphony, is to add to his property portfolio with a new factory on the Park Springs site in Barnsley, Yorkshire, bringing 400 jobs to the area. The new facility will...

IN BRIEF: Website awards.(International Furniture Fair Singapore )(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... The International Furniture Fair Singapore has been awarded the international Web Design Award for its website www.iffs.com.sg. Organised by DesignFirms of the USA, the competition applauded the creator Xirlynx Innovations for the website's...

Legal action threat.
August 5, 2005... A simmering row between the Courts Pension Scheme Action Group and the Courts pension trustees is threatening to spill over into a legal confrontation. It comes at a time of uncertainty over the future of the pension scheme, which has...

Complicated route to a court case.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) has poured cold water on attempts by the Courts Pensions Scheme Action Group to pursue its grievances through legal means. The group has threatened to take its case of alleged...

City: Downbeat news at Marks & Spencer.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Marks & Spencer lost 8p on news of the resignation of Charles Wilson, IT director. WestLB analysts reiterated their downbeat view, warning investors not to be influenced by the company's positive spin on essentially bad news. GUS jumped...

CM Index's significant movers for the year.
August 5, 2005... CM Index's significant movers for the year Year start Current Year % 2005 hi 2005 lo change Beale 72 70 -3 92 65...

Topping for Homestyle.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Homestyle Group has appointed Ian Topping as chief executive and announced the departure of David Brock, chairman. Topping was previously md of Steinhoff's UK operation. The news comes as the retail group delivered solid, if unspectacular,...

Design focus.(Burbidge plans to improve its designs)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Burbidge is implementing a variety of changes to strengthen its design capabilities after an in-depth review with the Design Council. `We actively pursued the opportunity to take part in the Design Immersion Programme, run by the Design...

Prank calls.(Fitzgeralds Furniture)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... High Wycombe retailer, Fitzgeralds Furniture, has been stung by a malicious prank in which it was implicated in a series of hoax phone calls. The late-night calls, which went out to random members of the public in Buckinghamshire, invited...

Confu makes UK debut.(international marketing )(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... A new Polish importer, Confu, has entered the UK market and is expecting its first shipment within three weeks. The company has launched with two ranges of upholstery and cabinet furniture, one for retailers and another aimed for direct to...

Letter: Distinction explains Spanish problems.(Letter to the Editor)
August 5, 2005... Following Distinction Furniture's recent announcement that we were no longer dealing with Koo, I'd like to point out a few facts that both letters you received - from Koo and from the Spanish Embassy Commercial Office - have omitted (CM, 29...

Letter: What makes an exhibition positive.(Letter to the Editor)
August 5, 2005... The comments in the Leader (CM, 22 July, p9) were spot on, when Alison Gay said she thought the mood at The Manchester Furniture Show was positive and optimistic. I have been working as an agent in this industry for a long time, and I...

Leader: Time for DTI to act on deposits protec.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... As I am writing this, Furnitureland's suppliers are still in negotiations with the retailer, trying to work out an agreement that sits well with all parties. But the picture is looking bleak, both for the retailer and the rest of the industry....

Views By Mike Spencer.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Choice is a good thing, but too much can be absurd when manufacturers or converters of cloth in particular, promote their products, encourage retailers to sell them and then, when they try to order, they are told the client's choice is out of...

Talk: How inconvenient are factory shutdowns for your company?(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... `It's always an inconvenience because of the actual delay in deliveries. But most people understand and accept that. I don't think it makes such a difference in competitive terms. Most firms give you a warning, so you plan accordingly.' ...

NEWS ANALYSIS: Fingers crossed for pensions.
August 5, 2005... Mark Lewis looks at what is being done to improve the pensions situation The unfolding drama over the future of Courts' pension fund has made it plain to the furniture industry that pensions are in a mess. The main reason is that they are...

Christie-Tyler and SBI played safe.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... At Christie-Tyler, the business restructuring which took the four most bankable brands and turned them into a new company, Sofa Brands International, happened before C-T went into administration. Had the restructuring been earlier, say, and the...

STORE MANAGER: Coping with a crisis.(Interview)
August 5, 2005... When unexpected events prevent a contract being fulfilled, a force majeure clause is useful. But make sure it is properly drawn up, says Stephen Sidkin The recent terrorist bombings in London brought much of London, some of the South East...

SHOP WINDOW - FABRICS: Harlequin.(Harlequin Fabrics and Wallcoverings)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Creating an oasis of calm and introducing an element of escapism within the home is the objective of the Fern collection of contemporary weaves from Harlequin. It has a bold, oversized botanical motif with a complementary raffia-textured plain....

SHOP WINDOW - FABRICS: Warwick Fabrics.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Warwick Fabrics' Manhattan collection offers an exhilarating mood with an innovative look of style and sophistication that is confident, glamorous and just a little on the wild side. It has a choice of six colourways including Arai topaz,...

SHOP WINDOW - FABRICS: Morris & Co.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... The Leicester from Morris & Co was designed in 1912 by JH Dearle and shows the typical Morris & Co acanthus leaves enlivened with daisies and carnations. Leicester is available as a printed fabric in two colourways. Tel: 01895 830 044 ...

SHOP WINDOW - FABRICS: Paola Lenti.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Almost ethnic, Twiga from Paola Lenti is similar to raffia or straw, looking like a natural fibre but is produced with a polyamide yarn. Strong and durable it washes easily, is dirt resistant and does not pill. Tel: 00 39 0362 343 216 ...

SHOP WINDOW - FABRICS: GP&J Baker.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... From GP&J Baker's archive, the Hanbury Collection has been adapted to meet today's transitional tastes and colour palettes and is complemented by a weave collection. Sumptuous silks, rich damasks, and a pictorial chinoiserie are joined by rich...

SHOP WINDOW - FABRICS: Zoffany.
August 5, 2005... The Natural Trust Collection by Zoffany is based on documents found in some of the country's greatest country houses. It features a large floral motif. Tel: 08708 300 350 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

INTERVIEW - PAUL WHITELOCKS: Freedom of choice.(Ultra Furniture MBO)(Interview)
August 5, 2005... Andrew Kidd talks to the leader of the Ultra Furniture MBO, Paul Whitelocks, about his plans There were probably not that many sober people celebrating in Cardiff at 3.30am on 1 July. But Paul Whitelocks was one of them. He had just signed...

CV: Paul Whitelocks.
August 5, 2005... In 1978 Whitelocks founded Suite Designs, aged 21, a retailer in Mansfield, which is still going today, without Whitelocks. While Harris Queensway store manager, George Williams, Christie-Tyler founder, came in. `He was such an impressive...

METAL FURNITURE: Man of iron.(officials of Devon Farm Forge)
August 5, 2005... Creating an upmarket niche in the metal market was Geoff Jones' aim, as Stephanie Baum reports The career of Geoff Jones, Devon Farm Forge md, has followed an unconventional path which may in itself be the standard for an industry where...

KNOWLEDGE FORUM: Listen and learn.
August 5, 2005... The Knowledge Forum, hosted by Cabinet Maker, was one of the highlights of London Interiors. Retailers flocked to the 10 seminars held on the first two days of the show, ensuring the seminar theatre had barely a spare seat. Topics ranged...

KNOWLEDGE FORUM: Sellers beware.
August 5, 2005... Consumer complaints can be a thorny issue for retailers. Michael Morgan offers his advice What can the consumer expect? In dealing with customer complaints, this is the first question you should ask yourself. As a minimum, goods should...

KNOWLEDGE FORUM: China in your hands.
August 5, 2005... In the first of two articles, Tim Richardson looks at the special issues that need to be considered by any retailers that want to operate a business in China The economic advantages of Chinese production appeal, but require delicate...

LONDON INTERIORS: Creative therapy.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Sir Terence Conran was full of praise for the innovations on display at London Interiors and urged companies to continue their creative work London Interiors offered retailers the opportunity to source new products, learn new things and...

RETAIL INTELLIGENCE: June trading.(Industry Overview)
August 5, 2005... When May ended, retailers must have hoped that the arrival of June might herald a change in their fortunes. But the upturn failed to arrive. Trading in June was just as bad as May as consumers continued to keep their wallets, purses and credit...

TECHNOLOGY ONLINE DELIVERY: Safety net.(Internet Shopping Is Safe)(services of Interactive Media Retail Group)
August 5, 2005... For online retailers, delivery is a still an expensive issue. The industry has launched an initiative to tackle the problem, as Andrew Kidd reports The Internet age has brought convenience, speed and choice to shoppers, yet consumers...

TECHNOLOGY ONLINE DELIVERY: WHY CHANGES ARE NEEDED.(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... Eretail Delivery in the UK highlights the causes of the delivery service problems and inconsistencies that online shoppers encounter. Of 100 prominent online retailers' websites reviewed: * 80% did not enable the customer to provide...

MARKET REVIEW: Blow your own trumpet.
August 5, 2005... Lindsay Payne on how to reach more customers without breaking the bank If your marketing budget is limited, you need to be more creative. There are several ways to raise awareness and generate sales without worrying your bank manager. ...

MARKET REVIEW: Targeted eshots.
August 5, 2005... Email shots (eshots) are an affordable, efficient and flexible option for businesses looking to get their marketing message directly to their target audience. Whether you use your own customer database or buy a targeted mailing list, the...

Good advice has paid dividends.(Interview)
August 5, 2005... Les Halliwell is business development manager at foam bed and pillow firm Komfi How did you get started in the industry? On my return from six years in Australia working in financial planning and bank sales training, I was invited to...

Sailing and romance.(Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association)(Brief Article)
August 5, 2005... It was champagne and roses all the way with The Manchester Show organisers Theresa Raymond and Laraine Janes when they added a touch of romance to a raffle in aid of the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association. The starry-eyed show supremos...

Furnitureland rescue deal.
August 12, 2005... Furnitureland has been saved from administration in an 11th hour deal. SB Capital, its venture capitalist owner, has injected around #7m into the retailer to keep it afloat. The test in the coming weeks will be to persuade credit insurers,...

Reprieve for Dorlux as Zafar takes over.(Mohammed Zafar)(appointment)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Beds manufacturer, Dorlux, has been bought out of administration by Mohammed Zafar, former co-owner of Kozee Sleep Beds. The members of the Dorlux management team put in place when the company went into administration will continue in their...

Harveys row set for court.(cases of Harveys)(cases of Premier)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... The simmering row between Harveys and Premier is set to boil into a legal confrontation. The dispute centres on the non-delivery of Premier upholstery to the retailer when Harveys, and parent Homestyle, was at the height of its financial...

Winning in Vegas.(Exhibitions)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... The Las Vegas Market debut attracted 62,000 visitors between 25-29 July. The figures, which exceeded expectations, made for the largest show launch in US history. Exhibitors reported that they saw more new buyers than any other market, which...

New showroom for Lloyd Davies.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Owner of former top end Manchester retailer Lloyd Davies has plans to open a new store at the beginning of next year, after his store went into administration last month. Bob Lloyd Davies will open his store in the new Spinningfields...

Homeserve Warranties - Appointment.(Martin Bennett appointed)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Martin Bennett joins the Homeserve Warranties board following two years as commercial director for Homeserve plc where he led the group's acquisition strategy. He was previously finance director for Clarity Group and a senior manager for...

Hilding Anders UK - Appointment.(Keith Halliday appointed)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Keith Halliday joins Hilding Anders UK as national accounts director, handling high street stockists for Slumberland and Dunlopillo. He started at Silentnight Group when he joined Sealy as the Northern regional sales manager and was then...

Welbeck - Appointment.(Duncan Gordon appointed and John Coll retires)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Following the retirement of Duncan Gordon, John Coll will take over as national sales manager, responsible for management of the sales team and Welbeck's national multiple and independent accounts. Coll will report to Nigel Hennigan, who takes...

IN BRIEF: Rate cuts unlikely.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Factory gate prices rose unexpectedly this month as manufacturers passed on soaring raw materials costs, according to the Office for National Statistics. It supports predictions that the Bank of England will not make more interest rate cuts in...

IN BRIEF: Strength in numbers.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Upholstery retailer ScS will open a superstore at Ravenhead Retail Park, St Helens, north of Liverpool, on 18 August to strengthen its presence in the North West. The new store will house more than 100 styles of fabric and leather sofas and...

IN BRIEF: New life for store.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Danish furniture retailer Ilva is to lease the 70,000sqft ill-fated Marks & Spencer's Lifestore in Gateshead which has just been sold to a property investment company. Ilva said it will open the Gateshead store and another in Manchester before...

IN BRIEF: Small business crime.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Research by the Federation of Small Business (FSB) suggests as many as 58% of all small businesses fall victim to crime every year, but only around half are reported. The FSB said businesses needed to be more proactive in securing their assets,...

IN BRIEF: Testing benefits.(Satra has furniture testing facility)(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... SATRA is stepping into the void of the former Christie-Tyler testing facility. The FR and chair testing services have been in high demand by those with tight testing schedules. John Shipman, SATRA head of furniture testing said: `We have had a...

Freight cost friction.(furniture importers)
August 12, 2005... Furniture importers continue to be squeezed by rising shipping costs as levies increase from Chinese ports. Shipping firms have caused controversy in recent weeks with the introduction of a peak season surcharge (PSS) of $110 (#61.64) on...

Shipping surcharges.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Nominally, the price of shipping has not increased much over the past year, but the cost has rocketed. That is because the bunkering adjustment factor (BAF), which is related to the cost of oil has more than doubled from $104 (#58.29) to $219...

`Sale' prices crackdown by OFT.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... David Charlton, The Officers Club owner, has warned furniture stores that they are likely to face a crackdown on price establishing-inspired sales. The comments follow a High Court ruling against the men's fashion retailer, which...

Letter: It's a question of business ethics.(Letter to the Editor)
August 12, 2005... We write in response to the article concerning Europe By Net (CM, 29 July, p16) and to take issue with some of the points made by Julie Edwards. Your article included most of the main criticisms raised by UK retailers and agents concerning...

Letter: Sense of betrayal.(Letter to the Editor)
August 12, 2005... I was delighted to read your news story about the Courts pensions fund (CM, 5 Aug, p5). My ire is directed mostly at the elder Cohens and trustees who said they had no knowledge of Howard Cohen's removal of #3.9m from the pension fund shortly...

Leader: Why the truth needs to be told.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
August 12, 2005... This week someone from a company tried to tell us what should or shouldn't be appearing in our news pages. The company criticised the magazine for only printing bad news and that our readers would be far better served getting a more rosy...

Views by David Dawkins.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... There is a lot of value for retailers in limiting the number of suppliers they use. In 28 of the 32 Debenhams stores running furniture I have only three suppliers: one upholstery and two cabinet companies. The value it gives me is that it...

Talk: Have you been thinking about diversifying?(Letter to the Editor)
August 12, 2005... `You are always looking to assess what can dovetail with your existing customer base and sitting stock. That is very difficult. We can use the space we have got to greater advantage with the stock which we have already got. We do flooring, but...

NEWS ANALYSIS: Beware of price fixing.
August 12, 2005... How will a High Court ruling on misleading advertisements affect the way furniture retailers present sales offers? Sonia Soltani looks at the issues The owner of the fashion chain that was finally defeated by the Office of Fair Trading in...

SHOP WINDOW - AUTUMN FAIR 4-7 September: Alexander Interiors.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... For Alexander Interiors, strong functional design is not a matter of choice, it is a necessity. The candle company will be introducing its Wax Crystals at the exhibition. Tel: 07980 191 825 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW - AUTUMN FAIR 4-7 September: Blue Bone Imports.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Blue Bone Imports will show its Lounge walnut collection. Pieces include nests of cubes, tables and consols, display shelving in three sizes, a contemporary styled desk and floating drawer coffee table. Tel: 0161 224 2536 Copyright:...

SHOP WINDOW - AUTUMN FAIR 4-7 September: Nonoliving.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Nonoliving will be launching two Japanese inspired fabric collections: Geisha and Mitsuki. The designs feature flock, stripe and flower patterns in a variety of colourways. Also on show will be its XL wall art, a collection of giant digital...

SHOP WINDOW - AUTUMN FAIR 4-7 September: Guru Design.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Guru Design has developed the Vedanta range with brass handles to give a new look to room decor with its extraordinary finish and purpose built units. Its Flow range will also be on show. Tel: 0208 960 6655 Copyright: CMP Information...

SHOP WINDOW - AUTUMN FAIR 4-7 September: SJS Furniture.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... SJS Furniture has redesigned the wardrobes in its Vimoutiers Ivory collection, launched in January, so that they can be provided flatpack for easier installation. Tel: 01328 864 576 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW - AUTUMN FAIR 4-7 September: Abbeylands Furniture.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... After its introduction at the RDS Spring Fair, Abbeylands Furniture is to launch the Scatter Box collection of coordinated home textiles and accessories in the UK at the show. It comprises ranges in silks, taffetas, velvets, faux furs, wools...

SHOP WINDOW - AUTUMN FAIR 4-7 September: Thelermont Hupton.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Thelermont Hupton's Sway seating system has a domed base to encourage healthy posture and is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. It is available in polyethylene or fibreglass in three sizes. Tel: 01953 860 216 Copyright: CMP...

STORE MANAGER: Open door for VAT visits.(Value-added tax)
August 12, 2005... Stephen James explains how and when the VAT man can call on businesses VAT has been managed by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise since the Finance Act of 1972, which paved the way for its introduction. Historically Customs has had a...

PROFILE - ETHNICRAFT: Being in control.(Company Profile)
August 12, 2005... Being a designer, producer and wholesaler, Ethnicraft's following is growing, as Sonia Soltani finds out Success has an irresistible power of attraction. When Belgian furniture company Ethnicraft is not winning awards at exhibitions, it is...

CHRISTIE-TYLER: Inevitable break-up.
August 12, 2005... Andrew Kidd takes a look at the interesting facts and figures behind the demise of the UK's largest upholstery manufacturer Christie-Tyler The break up of Christie-Tyler, the country's largest upholstery manufacturer, had an inevitability...

Who is Hicks, Muse, Tate and Furst?(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst, headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a private equity investment firm with total funds managed of over #5.6bn. Since the firm's foundation in 1989, it has completed more than 400 transactions with a total value in...

RETAIL DESIGN: Tempting tips.
August 12, 2005... Getting window displays right and encouraging customers to explore an upper floor can present problems. But there are solutions, says Sonia Soltani Every day retailers have to compete against hundreds of others to attract potential...

KNOWLEDGE FORUM: Entertaining the culture.
August 12, 2005... In the second of two articles,Tim Richardson examines how product quality and cultural issues can have an impact on operating successfully in China Operating in China has benefits but to get the most out of it companies must understand how...

UNDERCOVER SHOPPER: CRAWLEY.(description of Crawley)
August 12, 2005... Five stores are visited every month to check service. This month we look at: Crawley As befits a town that spawned stadium goth rockers The Cure, the name Crawley is derived from the Anglo Saxon crawe leah - a `crow infested clearing'....

MARKET REVIEW: Brand and be counted.
August 12, 2005... A brand can be a valuable business tool that allows you to communicate with your customers and encourage their loyalty, as Lindsay Payne explains In the furniture market retailers have the brands, not the manufacturers. Perhaps the...

Register to protect your trademarks.(Brief Article)
August 12, 2005... A brand may qualify as a trademark, which is a form of intellectual property so could be subject to legal protection. A trademark is a distinctive badge of origin that can be represented graphically. It must not describe your product or...