Cabinet Maker articles from February 2002

Cabinet Maker archives from February 2002

Designers Guild's spring/summer launch.
February 8, 2002... Designers Guild's spring/summer launches include Cuban influences such as graphic circles of colour, seven printed fabrics in 31 colourways, six Cristobal wallcovering designs in 51 colourways and eight Habanera checked and striped weaves in 38...

Courts targets `lost' customers.
February 8, 2002... Courts is to trial an `aspirational' store format and offer more contemporary products in an attempt to attract customers it has previously alienated. Steven Cohen, Courts UK md said its long running Bruce Forsyth TV advertising campaigns...

A big deal at the Co-ops.
February 8, 2002... The Co-operative Group has signed a trading agreement with the All- China Federation of Supply and Marketing Co-operative (AFSMC) which will see more Chinese furniture imports in its stores. The agreement, which covers furniture and...

Beware what you wish for.
February 8, 2002... Whether or not The Furniture Show should have a public day is a debate which will run and run. Manufacturers' views on the subject varied from stand to stand at the NEC last month. And the TFS organiser said #30,000-worth of research two...

Furniture Village sells central London site.
February 8, 2002... Furniture Village has sold the lease on its Tottenham Court Road, London, store to the Dixon's Group for `a substantial sum'. The store will close on 24 February. Peter Harrison, md, said the decision to sell had been taken after the...

DFS leads ad spend league.
February 8, 2002... Furniture and floorcoverings retailers spent #201m on consumer advertising in 2001. DFS was easily the highest spending retailer, investing #55.7m in a mixture of Press, radio, outdoor, TV and direct mail advertising. It was joined by...

C-T to close Blenheim.
February 8, 2002... Bottom end upholstery manufacturer Blenheim is to be closed by parent Christie-Tyler. The loss-making Durham company's 120 employees have entered a 90-day consultation period. Production is to be moved to Lebus's Scunthorpe factory. ...

Allied partnership.
February 8, 2002... Furnishings website Interiorstudio.com has signed up Allied Carpets, allowing consumers to create roomsets with 12,000 carpet samples. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Jobsworth contracts.
February 8, 2002... Online legal service jobsworth.com is offering low cost employment contracts for employers with 50 or fewer employees. Contracts cost #40. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Gloster brochure.
February 8, 2002... Garden furniture manufacturer Gloster Furniture has released its 2002 brochure. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Danish firm rebrands.
February 8, 2002... Danish contemporary furniture company Marmorhuset has rebranded as Actona. Allan H+egh, export manager, said Marmorhuset means `house of marble' but the new name reflects the broader range of materials it now uses. Copyright: CMP...

Canadian report.
February 8, 2002... Aktrin Research Institute has published its The Financial Health of the Canadian Furniture Industry report. Details, email aktrin@aktrin.com or tel: 001 336 841 8535. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

JLP warning.
February 8, 2002... John Lewis has warned its department store sales will be about #30m short of target and will not achieve its #150m pre-tax profit forecast. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Klaussner coping with cashback.
February 8, 2002... Klaussner Furniture's losses relating to its 1995-97 consumer cashback offer are likely to be contained below #900,000. The chain has paid about #300,000 to consumers after the collapse of insurance underwriter Intervest Capital in August...

Pining in Leicester.
February 8, 2002... Kubek Pine has opened a 3,000sqft showroom in Leicester in a bid to attract consumers. The manufacturer's move comes after a #330,000 deal from Bank of Scotland. The firm also plans to recruit 10 staff. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd....

B&Q expands its furniture range.
February 8, 2002... B&Q has expanded its furniture offering, adding contemporary bedsteads, home office and modular storage units to its flatpack bedroom and kitchen ranges. The chain is planning to roll out the furniture offerings at 10 of its 80 Warehouse...

Your questions answered.
February 8, 2002... Q: A customer complained that the fabric on a suite purchased more than two years ago is wearing prematurely. I submitted a sample to the manufacturer for testing and the reports indicate the fabric is suitable for occasional domestic use. The...

Say no to silly discounting.
February 8, 2002... The oft repeated view at The Furniture Show last month was that the value and quality of bed sales is steadily improving. The Sleep Council has helped focus industry, media and consumers to acknowledge the obvious - bigger, better beds more...

One voice needed.
February 8, 2002... Patrick Quigley, National Bed Federation chief executive, confirms both sides of the industry's concerns regarding the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (cm, 4 Jan, p4). The GMB met with senior government officials in...

Take the laid back approach.
February 8, 2002... Inflexibility in employees' working hours could leave companies facing charges of discrimination and liable to compensation claims, reports Paul Callegari Employers who refuse a request from an employee to work the same shifts each week,...

Building a network of profit.
February 8, 2002... Franchising can pay dividends if properly researched, reports Wilf Altman Franchising can be a low risk, high reward investment if you select a proven retail or service format and plan to build a strong business. It can be a winner if you...

Get in tune with the Mersey beat.
February 8, 2002... A relative newcomer to the furniture industry, Classic Furnishings talks to Jane Lea about its latest changes and developments, as well as retailing in one of the country's most famous cities While it might not have regained the importance...

Natuzzi Leather Gallery.
February 8, 2002... When Classic Furnishings md Elaine Cunningham visited High Point last year and saw Natuzzi, it gave her the idea for the Natuzzi Leather Gallery. The Gallery, on the first floor of the store, was opened on 27 September last year by Ken...

Sound advice.
February 8, 2002... Jenny Pulling considers in-store music as a business tool Music is good for business. In the retail trade it can influence customer behaviour in all kinds of ways: creating a relaxed mood, making the store user-friendly and actively...

Market Focus: France - Fair stood the wind.
February 8, 2002... There is strong demand for French sourced product in the UK among furniture retailers. Where better to scrutinise that demand than at the first of 2002's mainstream furniture shows, Salon du Meuble, which took place in Paris last month? ...

Thoroughly modern.
February 8, 2002... Robert Maskrey may have been in the business for more than 40 years, but his interest in modern furniture and good design has never diminished For more than 40 years Robert Maskrey, Maskreys md, has been taking modern furniture...

Brand new role at Silentnight.
February 15, 2002... Silentnight Holdings is to turn to Andrew Clark, Silentnight Beds md, to improve the performance of its branded furniture subsidiaries Ducal and Cornwell Parker. Meanwhile, in an unrelated move, Ducal md Philip Price left the company last...

Durable stainless steel.
February 15, 2002... Dura has officially launched its D3 range of modular stainless steel furniture. The collection, which was previewed at 100% Design in September, includes a wall cabinet, three and four-drawer units, two-door cupboard and open cupboard. ...

Comment: Good move to lever up labels.
February 15, 2002... The move of Andrew Clark, Silentnight Beds md to run the Parker Knoll, Stag and Ducal brands must be cheered. Clark (and his senior management team) has reawoken one of our largest brands over the past year. Yes, it was always a brand...

Ekornes opts for TV to bring brand home.
February 15, 2002... Ekornes is to invest #750,000 in its first UK national TV advertising campaign. The investment is part of a #1.2m advertising spend this year. TV advertisements will run from the last week of March until the end of the second week in...

Frayling for BFM.
February 15, 2002... Frayling Furniture is the latest company to sign up to exhibit at The BFM London Furniture Show. Other signings include P Ruddiman, Julian Bowen, Wilson's Furniture, Melton Wood, Cilek Mobilya San, Sheratons of Politura and Svend P. ...

Single figure discounts in January.
February 15, 2002... Furniture retailers offered single figure discounts in January, compared with December. Figures from National Statistics showed that retail prices were 7.5% lower. This compares with a reduction of 7.9% for 2001/2000. Annual furniture retail...

Burbidge makes a splash.
February 15, 2002... Burbidge has made two additions to its Al-tec aluminium accessories range: work top edging and splashback design. `There is a clear consumer trend towards using a mix of materials in the design of a kitchen,' said md Ben Burbidge. ...

Furnitubes International unveils new chairs.
February 15, 2002... Inside Out, a new distribution arm for Furnitubes International in London, has unveiled the Doughnut and Barcelona chairs. Retailing from #378, the chairs will be on show at Inside Out's Greenwich showroom from 28 February. Details, tel: 0208...

More TFS visitors.
February 15, 2002... The number of visitors at The Furniture Show and Furnishing Accessories last month jumped by 18% to 44,458 - a record for the events. More than half of the exhibition space for 2003 was booked during the show. Copyright: CMP Information...

BRC move.
February 15, 2002... The British Retail Consortium has moved to 21 Dartmouth Street, London SW1 9BP, tel: 0207 854 8900. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Moving protection.
February 15, 2002... Jiffy has launched a bubble wrap with laminated outer layers which it claims does not leave resin marks on polished surfaces such as cabinet. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Going green.
February 15, 2002... Natuzzi has been awarded the environmental management standard ISO14001. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Opening extended.
February 15, 2002... John Lewis's Kingston department store is to move from five to seven day opening from 7 July. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Safety awards.
February 15, 2002... The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has launched its 2002 Occupational Health and Safety Awards. The deadline for entries is 4 March. Details, tel: 0121 248 2000. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Quality mark.
February 15, 2002... Sprung slat supplier Werzalit has achieved ISO9001 accreditation. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Italian show trip.
February 15, 2002... Travel firm Pressplan is offering trips to Salone de Mobile, held in Milan from 10-15 April. Prices start at #259. Details, tel: 01727 833291. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Retailers see in 2002 with increased sales.
February 15, 2002... Retailers across the country enjoyed increased sales during January despite the economic uncertainty. Most stores contacted by Cabinet Maker experienced sales growth of between 5% to 10% during the winter sale period. William Browne,...

Development role for Paine.
February 15, 2002... David Paine, David Paine Associates md, is to concentrate on product development and customer relations. `After spending most of the past two and a half years involved in production and the factory, I need to be developing product and...

Retail trio bucks the trend with new highs.
February 15, 2002... Three retailers set new highs this week against the market trend. Investors welcomed Marks & Spencer's announcement of a 70p a share bonus, delivered in a tax efficient package. ScS and MFI benefited from analysts' support and institutional...

Share Update on 11 February.
February 15, 2002... Share Update on 11 February Bold=new High/Low Now Change Change High Low over since 2 weeks 1 Jan Retailers...

Strong January growth.
February 15, 2002... January proved to be a good month for furniture and floorcoverings retailers, with a balance of 40% of stores reporting annual sales volume growth. This compared with a balance of 35% in December, according to the CBI Distributive Trades...

Satelliet folding table.
February 15, 2002... Dutch company Satelliet unveiled a folding table featuring animal prints; a pull-down lever opens and folds up the table. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Good reception to Hotelympia.
February 15, 2002... Hotelympia saw furniture manufacturers adding a sharper, more contemporary edge to their products at the contract exhibition. Most furniture exhibitors emphasised the upbeat feel to the show, at Earl's Court, London from 4-8 February, with...

Leather chairs.
February 15, 2002... Furniture Fusion, a new company, debuted thick leather chairs and other models pitched at the contemporary end of the market. `We're trying to create a brand feel to the product,' said director Sam Samuels. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd....

Twiggy on the catwalk.
February 15, 2002... Sandler showed its Twiggy chair made from beech and displayed stained in a wenge finish with buffalo leather seats. Also featured on the company's stand was its curved beech-back Landa chair and aluminium framed Hera chair featuring snow...

Contemporary Pimlico.
February 15, 2002... Ellis Furniture's Pimlico range consists of bedroom cabinet featuring maple and walnut solids and veneers. Pimlico is also available in cherry with a madrona burr inlay or walnut. Paul Wade, sales and marketing manager, said the new...

Check before you buy.
February 15, 2002... Douglas Preece guides through the minefield of purchasing used equipment Quite a few companies are struggling and close to the brink of financial disaster. Also, although no longer a flood, there is a steady trickle of companies going, or...

Hide and chic.
February 15, 2002... Contemporary styles are becoming more prominent in the bedroom, with leather taking centre stage for many companies, reports Richard de Melim Cool Britannia was a phrase commonly used with UK arts and popular culture firmly in mind. But...

Three into one does go.
February 15, 2002... Jay-Be's website is a marketing tool with links to stockists so consumers can buy online Manufacturers face a dilemma when it comes to the Internet. Do they sell direct to the consumer, use it as a marketing tool, or do they use the site...

Glowing report.
February 15, 2002... It's the unusual that's switching on the lighting market, reports Sophie Baylis Lighting is taking a leap into the unknown as consumers take a shine to `unique' luminaries, according to retailers and manufacturers. In response, newcomer to...

Warming up to cool contemporary.
February 15, 2002... UK modern is definitely making its presence known, reports Richard de Melim If ever there was a case for coining the phrase `UK modern', upholstery at The Furniture Show provided it. Modern furniture designs, such as those seen in Milan...

Capital growth.
February 15, 2002... London Fabric promises to be a larger event this year, reports Sophie Baylis London Fabric may be the new kid on the block, but with its return to the Commonwealth Galleries in London's High Street Kensington comes a pledge that the fair...

Seeing the funny side.
February 15, 2002... Jim Harrower believes freedom and laughter help ease the stresses of work If at some point you don't see much of Jim Harrower, Sealy md, it's probably because he's stuck in a lift and doesn't want to leave. That is as long as Billy...

Retailers: mixed reactions to Code of Practice review.
February 22, 2002... The bssa (British Shops and Stores Association) and the British Retail Consortium are working with the DTI with an eye to amending the Consumer Protection Act 1987 Code of Practice. One of the areas being reviewed is discounts and how...

Taking the wind out of sales.
February 22, 2002... British consumers are notoriously price-led in their purchasing. And there lies the retailer's dilemma: where sales were once the means to clear out old or unseasonal stock at certain times of the year, they're now almost permanent because...

Hampton rise marks C-T succession plan.
February 22, 2002... Christie-Tyler has promoted Deeside md Steve Hampton to chief operating officer designate, effectively chief executive James Benfield's number two at the upholstery group. Ultra md Trevor Evans and Contour md Steve Egan have stepped down...

Siddall & Hilton sells bed springs division.
February 22, 2002... Siddall & Hilton Group has sold its bed springs division to Legett & Platt Bedding Components Europe for an undisclosed amount. The company will trade as L&P Springs UK. Legett & Platt Bedding Components Europe president Anthony Joyce...

Oriental and English influences form centrepiece of fabric collection.
February 22, 2002... Oriental and English influences form the centrepiece of Romo's latest fabric collections. China Rose combines Oriental images and English country house styling in a collection of prints, lace and embroideries. It includes florals, stripes and...

Igoe investment.
February 22, 2002... Igoe Furniture has invested #100,000 in machinery to reduce lead times after strong demand for its Sasha and Valentino ranges. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Design Interiors up.
February 22, 2002... The number of visitors to Design Interiors rose by 10% to 29,154. Some 7,606 visitors registered for the show, an increase of 10%. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Excellence in April.
February 22, 2002... The Manufacturing Institute is opening a regional centre for manufacturing excellence in Manchester on 5 April. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Delivery move.
February 22, 2002... Contemporary mail order furniture and homewares company Ocean Home shopping has contracted its deliveries to Business Express. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

First for Egger.
February 22, 2002... Egger Group has been awarded ISO9001, which it claims is the first time a company in the chipboard industry has received the quality standard on a group basis. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Morris winners.
February 22, 2002... Mike Read was the G Plan Cabinets salesman of the year for 2001 (cm, 15 Feb, p33). John Turnbull won the award for Beautility. Apologies for any confusion caused. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Burbidge launch modern styled Worcester.
February 22, 2002... Burbidge has added to its Albaster range of foil wrap kitchen frontal designs with the launch of themodern styled Worcester with a square inside profile. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Newell to streamline business quartet.
February 22, 2002... Newell Window Fashions and Hardware UK will streamline by turning its four separate businesses into one within two or three years. In its current form the business is also comprised of components manufacturer Douglas Kane, Spur Shelving and...

Peter Guild takes two wins at DuPont Awards.
February 22, 2002... Peter Guild scored a double triumph at the DuPont Furniture Awards announced yesterday (21 February), winning two of the five categories. The Alexis large sofa, designed by Richard Carruthers, won the Luxury award. The judges described it...

Your questions answered.
February 22, 2002... Q: Recently we gave some guidance on the indication of previous prices regarding sale reductions (cm, 14 Dec 2001, p4). Munro Cobb furniture manager Douglas Holmes asked for clarification (cm, 11 Jan, p5). A: The Consumer Protection Act...

Independents in the frame.
February 22, 2002... Joynson Holland is making a selection of Highly Sprung models available to 30 independent retailers in the UK. The move will target independents at the upper end of the market, such as Arighi Bianchi, particularly in the Midlands and...

Delphine blinds launched by Sunflex.
February 22, 2002... The dolphin design Delphine (above) is among the latest blinds launched by Sunflex. Aimed at bathrooms and children's bedrooms, it is available in four sizes from 60cm to 180cm with a 160cm drop. The company has also released three Roman blind...

Morris Funiture: Geoff King.
February 22, 2002... Morris Furniture has recruited Geoff King as south London and the South East agent. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Slumberland: David Chrystal.
February 22, 2002... David Willis has been promoted to sales and marketing director at Slumberland. David Chrystal has been promoted to commercial director. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Hammonds Logistics: Jim Thornton.
February 22, 2002... Hammonds Logistics has created a dedicated furniture division. Jim Thornton has been named as divisional general manager, Terry Di Stasi as business development manager and Stephen Stones as general manager. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd....

Airsprung Furniture issues profits warning.
February 22, 2002... Airsprung Furniture is expected to see pre-tax profits of only about #300,000 in the current year. The future of its Airsprung Scotland plant will also be decided in the next few weeks In April the group is to appoint a chief...

Royal Oak Furniture launch sofa table.
February 22, 2002... The Royal Oak Furniture Company has expanded its range of occasional tables with the launch of the 48in solid oak Sofa table. The tabletop can be raised and lowered by four oak stays, revealing storage space. The tabletop can also be used as TV...

Management guru Scase is key speaker at WCFM course.
February 22, 2002... The keynote speaker at the Worshipful Company of Furniture Maker's retail management course is to be management guru Professor Richard Scase. Scase is the author of Britain 2010: The Changing Business Landscape, which was used in the...

Make name dropping pay off.
February 22, 2002... What's in a name? Well, if it's well known enough, profits, so retailers would do well to stress the importance of their brands, says Colin Long Without realising it, everywhere we go we all identify with recognised brands, whether it's a...

A fashionable tan.
February 22, 2002... Leather upholstery has never been more accessible, exciting or innovative according to retailers, as Jane Lea reports The leather upholstery market has grown enormously over the past few years, and Lenleys md Mike Chapman perhaps sums up...