Cabinet Maker articles from March 2004

Cabinet Maker archives from March 2004

Refits slowed profits.(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... The store refit programme restricted MFI's UK retail pre-tax profit growth to 10% (#41.7m) in the year to 27 December 2003. Sales rose 5.7% to #911m and by 1.8% on a like for like basis. Sales growth slowed in the second half of the year....

MFI boosts spending to promote new look.(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... MFI is to increase its advertising spend by 15% this year, reaching #30m. The progress of its store refurbishment programme, where two thirds of stores have been converted, will allow it to promote the revised stores and product nationally...

COMMENT: Making the changes work.(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Adding 15% to your marketing budget usually means one of two things - you are in desperate need of customers or you think you have everything in place. In MFI's case it has plenty of customers, but feels now is the time to start reaping...

Deeside `under review' says management.(Deeside Furniture)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Management at Deeside Furniture, the Christie-Tyler owned cabinet firm, have insisted that no decision on the firm's future has been made. Nick Hill, Deeside site director, said operations were under review after it switched to a three-day...

Makeover celebrations.(Pocket Sprung Bed Company)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Pocket Sprung Bed Company officially marked the #250,000 refurbishment of its Skipton factory last month. `With an order book that is getting bigger by the day, we desperately needed to increase our capacity levels to continue our growth,'...

February sales volumes brighten up.(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... February proved to be a good month for furniture and floorcoverings stores. A balance of 25% of retailers said sales volumes were higher than in February 2003, when a balance of 21% of companies reported sales were lower than in 2002. ...

Rates on the up?(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Inflationary pressures are set to cause the Bank of England to increase interest rates, according to a survey by accountant BDO Stoy Hayward. The survey found that business confidence was at its highest level for six years which could see...

Court date.(cases of John Owens)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... John Owens, Seconique buyer, is to reappear before Stroud Magistrates Court in Gloucestershire on 15 March. Owens has been on bail since January. He was charged along with five other men with evading tobacco duty of about #4m last October. Some...

More confidence.(investments of retailers)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Retailers have increased business confidence and are investing more in shopfittings, claims the Shop and Display Equipment Association. It found that 77% of members said sales were up on 2003, while just 13% said sales were down. Three quarters...

Ashley Wilde triumphs in copyright wrangle.(cases)(Kocaklar and Bahar Dosem lose copyright case)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Fabric firm Ashley Wilde has been awarded damages and costs of almost #325,000 against two Turkish firms which copied its Wildlife cushion panel designs. Kocaklar and Bahar Dosem were also ordered by Justice Peter Smith at the High Court...

Ikea burns the midnight oil.(Ikea UK)(stores to stay open later)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Ikea is to put the late into late night shopping at its Croydon branch by staying open until midnight. From 17 March it will open from 10am to midnight during the week and 10pm on Saturdays. The idea, designed to encourage shoppers to...

Rash royal.(beliefs and opinions)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... A suggestion in the national press by Prince Charles that the increase in soft furnishings, among other things, has led to more allergies has been dismissed by the trade. Janus Cooper, Tetrad sales director said: `We have more man-made...

A zest for life in M&S homewares.(Marks & Spencer)
March 5, 2004... The new Lifestore is expected to raise the pulse of Marks & Spencer, reports Andrew Kidd Marks & Spencer has spent #170 per sqft on its 70,000sqft Lifestore at the Metro Centre, Gateshead which opened last week. Vittorio Radice,...

What the experts think.(beliefs and opinions)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... We provided two furniture designers with a selection of images of the Lifestore and its products. Here's what they thought of it Hugh Elliot, Alchemede `The store looks really exciting. Basically I'm full of admiration for what Marks &...

City: Next and Kingfisher benefit from good buys.(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Next set a new high as a `buy' note from analysts at ABN Amro urged investors to cash in on expansion potential. MFI was fortunate to lose only 3p as good figures for 2003 were offset by a disappointing start to 2004 and analysts at Seymour...

Share Update on 1 March 2004.(securities)(Illustration)
March 5, 2004... Share Update on 1 March 2004 Bold=new High/Low Now Change Change 03/04 03/04 over since High Low 2 weeks 1...

Design takes the stage in Singapore.(21st International Furniture Fair)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... There was a big push for design at the 21st International Furniture Fair in Singapore this week (1-5 March) as the organiser tried to lift the show to a higher level. A gallery showcasing six firms producing design-led furniture was a new...

SHOP WINDOW: KIANI.(product information)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Designed by Jeff Banks, the Frejus sun loungers come in handwoven rattan for conservatories and sun rooms or a weatherproof teak and polycore finish for use outside. Contact Kiani on 0151 549 010 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: BURBIDGE.(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Hoxton Light Birch has slab style doors that are curved at the top and bottom. A range of accessories blends with the doors' curves. Contact Burbidge on 024 7667 1600 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: JEWEL.(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Inspired by the excesses of the court of Imperial Russia, the deep velvet pile Odessa is available in jewel shades including ruby, sapphire and amethyst. Contact Jewel on 0870 8300359 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: EASTERN TREASURE.(product information)(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... The square bevelled mirror has a tobacco leather frame with polished steel edging on the inner recess and outer edge of the frame. Contact Eastern Treasure on 020 7624 4422 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Store manager - tax: Under the microscope.
March 5, 2004... The Inland Revenue knows all the tax tricks, so it's best not to give it cause to investigate, says Adam Bernstein The problem I'm honest in my business dealings, but occasionally I use my own interpretation on declaring income and...

Retail Intelligence.(sales and revenue)
March 5, 2004... January ultimately proved to be a good month for retailers. Spurred on by winter sale discounts shoppers returned to stores. A fifth of retailers saw sales values fall compared to January 2003, 40% maintained them and the same number saw an...

RETAIL PROPERTY: Watch this space.
March 5, 2004... Retail premises are putting the squeeze on furniture retailers as never before. With retail park costs soaring, occupiers could be forced to look elsewhere - but can furniture ever go back to the high street? In the first of a two-part feature,...

BEDS: Thinking big.
March 5, 2004... Experts say bigger beds aid restful sleep and while many consumers agree, they simply don't have the room, reports Cabinet Maker National Bed Month takes on the flavour of a rallying cry this year as bed manufacturers demand larger bedrooms...

BEDS: How will you celebrate National Bed Month?(Brief Article)
March 5, 2004... Meyer Wahnich, Amazing Emporium md, London: `We are promoting Tempur and the Blanco bed and our sleigh bed, Savoy. We will offer a discount of about 20%. Every little helps in marketing, but if it is only NBM, I don't think it reaches...

STOCKHOLM INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE FAIR: Today and tomorrow.
March 5, 2004... This year's Stockholm show took a look at the future and promoted the work of young designers. Stephanie Baum highlights some of the best The Stockholm International Furniture Fair continued to push the envelope of design by taking...

FIRST PERSON - GEOFF MARTIN: Secure in success.(interview)(Interview)
March 5, 2004... GEOFF MARTIN How did you get started in business? A personal introduction to a forestry and timber multinational in Brazil. I then moved from timber, to furniture produced in the same area of Brazil because that seemed to offer better...

Dunelm may be looking at flotation.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Soft furnishings and furniture retailer Dunelm could be floated on the stock market, netting a fortune for the founding Adderley family. Bill Adderley, chairman started the company in 1979 with his wife Jean. His son Will is md. It had...

Lord Kirkham will stay if his bid for DFS fails.
March 12, 2004... Lord Kirkham has insisted that he will carry on running DFS even if his #445m offer for the chain fails. He wants to take the company private so he can consolidate the 69-store chain in the face of increased competition. Lord Kirkham,...

COMMENT: Making an entry world wide.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Every week we hear about rising furniture imports flooding into the country. But this week sees positive news for local suppliers as UK Trade & Investment is putting its weight behind local furniture with a trade directory (see p6). But how...

Furniture duo mingle with hot fast movers.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Two furniture retailers are among the UK's 100 fastest growing independent firms. House of Bath, a Bath mail order furniture and homewares retailer, is the 26th fastest growing with annual growth of 117.1% over the past four years. ...

One of 359 companies.(Malaysian International Furniture Fair)(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Koda was one of 359 companies which took part in the Malaysian International Furniture Fair in Kuala Lumpur last week (2-6 March). Pictured is its X-Frame dining set. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Missing designer.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... A celebration of Hannah Timing's life is being held at Toddington, Gloucestershire on 24 April. The 28 year-old furniture design graduate, who was being groomed to take over her father Phil's business Upholstery Techniques, went missing...

MFI tops complaints.(MFI Furniture Group PLC)(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... MFI was the most complained about company in the past year, according to complaints firm ComplainDomain. MFI attracted 6% of 695 complaints handled by ComplainDomain in the past 12 months. Most concerned the late installation of kitchens and...

Development visits.(BFM Manager Development Group is planning a series of factory visits in the Midlands)(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... The BFM Manager Development Group is planning a series of factory visits in the Midlands next month. This will be followed by a trip to Latvia and Estonia to investigate the state of the import industry from Eastern Europe in July. Details,...

Housing inflation.(House price inflation was strongest in the North East at 26.7% in January)(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... House price inflation was strongest in the North East at 26.7% in January, according to Government figures. This was followed by Scotland (23.3%), North West (20%), Yorkshire & Humber (19.7%), Wales (19.3%), West Midlands (14.5%), East Midlands...

Divisional sale.(Robert Chelsom has sold its four year-old architectural lighting division to its management)(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Chelsom has sold its four year-old architectural lighting division to its management. Robert Chelsom, md said the sale would allow it to concentrate on its core lighting and furniture offer. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Omega AIMs to raise profile with flotation.(Omega International, Alternative Investment Market )(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Kitchen manufacturer Omega International will be valued at #8m-#10m when it floats on the stock market next month. The firm confirmed its flotation plans last week, three months after it said it was considering the move (cm, 9 Jan, p4). ...

No sign of a thaw in weak furniture sales.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... February was a weak sales month for furniture retailers, according to the British Retail Consortium/KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. The survey found that `overall furniture sales remained weak, despite some improvement in the bedroom and kitchen...

Cargo expansion plan is back on track.(Cargo Homeshop )(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Furniture chain Cargo Homeshop has resumed its expansion, two years after it agreed a deal with its creditors to rescue it from collapse. A 2,800sqft store opened on 4 March at the out of town Bishop Centre between Slough and Maidenhead. It...

Letter: Remembering Bill Bailey.(Letter to the Editor)
March 12, 2004... I'd like to thank your readers for their condolences after the death of my husband, Bill Bailey, former Homeworthy md. He died in December last year, at the age of 87. He was in the trade for more than 50 years starting in 1933 when, from...

Limited growth likely in bedroom market.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... The bedroom furniture market is likely to see little real growth over the next few years. While sales are forecast to reach #588m (at MSP) by 2007, annual growth will be limited to 2% - the same as the current inflation rate for furniture....

Diplomatic information.(UK Trade & Investment is to publish guides on the best of British furniture and furnishings, DIY and household goods )(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... The diplomatic service could be about to give UK furniture manufacturers a lift. UK Trade & Investment, which coordinates the activities of 200 overseas embassies and Government departments in the UK, is to publish guides on the best of...

MFI directors take their share of #1.9m.(MFI Furniture Group PLC)(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... MFI's directors cashed in shares worth almost #1.9m last week. Some 54% of the money raised was used to pay tax and National Insurance, while Bob Wilson, manufacturing and purchasing director, raised #494,000 for cash, John Hancock, chief...

Everything but food for Radice.(Vittorio Radice )(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Vittorio Radice has been promoted to Marks & Spencer head of general merchandise from director of home. As he tackles his larger empire, a bigger role is likely in homewares for Sally Bendelow, head of home design and product direction and...

Latest to join Nectar.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Magnet is the latest retailer to join customer loyalty programme Nectar. Shoppers will receive two Nectar points for every #1 spent at the kitchen and bedroom retailer. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Lebus fined after accident.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Lebus has been fined #3,000 and ordered to pay #1,936 of costs after being prosecuted by the Health & Safety Executive. A 19 year-old employee, Mark Sefton, required skin grafts to three fingers after an accident with a moulding machine in...

Second half profits leap at Steinhoff.
March 12, 2004... Profits rose by 46% to #53.4m in the second half of last year at Steinhoff International. Sales climbed by 22% to #439.7m. In the European Union sales rose 32% to #209m with European profits up 59% at #26.8m. Markus Jooste, chief...

DFS: going back to its roots.(DFS Furniture Company PLC)
March 12, 2004... Does anyone have almost #500m burning a hole in their pocket? If so, how do you fancy snapping up DFS? Lord Kirkham, DFS executive chairman's attempt to buy back the chain he floated in 1993 has effectively put the chain on the market. ...

FTBA events.(Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association)(Calendar)
March 12, 2004... FTBA events MARCH 27 Manchester area dinner, Manchester Ken Brenner 0161 9622123 APRIL 17 Sheffield area dinner dance, Kenwood Hall Bob Mellors 01142 444848 MAY 5 Kent area golf day, Faversham 01634 387 234 ...

SHOP WINDOW: BRIANFORM.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... The Yuko sofa is part of the Italian firm's contemporary collection and has generous, contrasting arms to provide practicality and interest. Contact Brianform on 077660 52843 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: LUXAFLEX.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Traditional shutter design has been reworked creating solid panel designs in wood, acrylic, woven metal and wood/metal lattice effects as well as louvred panels. Contact Luxaflex on 0161 432 5303 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: VILLA NOVA.(Odessa)(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... Suitable for upholstery and drapes, Odessa combines velvet and linen to emphasise the richness of the velvet. A floral trail is complemented by stripes, a check and plain. Contact Villa Nova on 01623 750005 Copyright: CMP Information...

SHOP WINDOW: RICHARD BUTLER.(Dynamic Design collection)(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... The Dynamic Design collection combines classic shapes with bold accent cushions, suitable for traditional or modern settings. Contact Richard Butler on 0161 872 6022 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Undercover in Cambridge.(Bensons Bed Centres)
March 12, 2004... Every two weeks Cabinet Maker will send its spies to report on sales techniques in furniture stores. This week we were looking for a bed on a limited income Bensons Bed Centres (within Rosebys), Beehive Centre Bensons for Beds shared...

EASYCARE UPHOLSTERY: Clean suite.
March 12, 2004... Tailored covers and wipe-clean fabrics are becoming popular. Mark Lewis follows the progress of easycare upholstery The candles flicker softly as the curtains are closed, the wine glass rests delicately in your left hand and Marvin Gaye...

EASYCARE UPHOLSTERY: Specialised protection.(Brief Article)
March 12, 2004... High quality leathers can also be easycare, and any problems such as scuffs can be treated with specialised protection products. A mini-industry has grown around these goods with companies such as Multimaster and Guardsman spawning...

DESIGN FORUM: Talent across nations.
March 12, 2004... Four designers from four countries told the International Furniture Fair in Singapore what design means to them and their nations Christophe Pillet: push the boundaries Lars Engman: tap new sources Philip Koomen: sustainable design...

LONDON FABRIC: Natural progression.
March 12, 2004... A natural fibre diet was on the menu at London Fabric, reports Stephanie Baum Making its last appearance at the Commonwealth Institute before the site is closed and put up for sale in July, London Fabric reflected a trend towards natural...

LONDON FABRIC: Capitalising on customs.
March 12, 2004... Two seminars at London Fabric were intended to raise awareness and advise companies on navigating the challenging waters of Customs & Excise legislation and inform them about opportunities to lower costs, particularly for duties on components....

WEBWATCH: But where are you?
March 12, 2004... Dargie Design's website works a treat but has one huge and disappointing flaw - no store details, as Andrew Kidd found out Dargie Design is definitely a place to go if you want modern European furniture. The store has a wide selection of...

FIRST PERSON - NICK SNELLER: Living the green way.(Interview)
March 12, 2004... NICK SNELLER How did you get started in business? Furniture maker Tim Stead viewed my work at the 1996 Edinburgh College of Arts degree show. He obviously liked what he saw because I then worked for him for five years. Who do you...

More Deeside uncertainty.(Deeside Furniture upholstery)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Deeside Furniture upholstery workers in North Wales have this week returned to work amid uncertainty over the future of their jobs. Employees of the Christie-Tyler subsidiary in Holywell, Clwyd were last week asked to stay at home on 90%...

Northumberland TSOs to step up fire testing.(Trading Standards officials)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Northumberland Trading Standards officials are to increase the frequency of flammability testing after an upholstered baby rocker became the latest product to fail. The M1 Nursery Supplies chair is the 11th piece of upholstery to fail The...

COMMENT: No payin', no gain.(A tangible link between motivating your staff and the service they offer can easily be made, but money is not the whole picture)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... It was intriguing to read this week that John Lewis Partnership is paying out an equivalent of six weeks' salary in bonuses to its staff this year (see p8). It got us thinking about just how much this would actually add up to in real...

Tribunal rejects racial discrimination claim.(Kally Sidhu cases)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... A sales assistant who said her boss called her his `little Indian slave', has lost a claim for racial discrimination, but won one for unfair dismissal. Kally Sidhu claimed to have been discriminated against while working at Gallaghers...

Milan offers food for thought in design.(Salone Internazionale del Mobile will host 1,600 firms from 14-19 April)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Retailers will have the products of almost 2,000 companies to see when they visit Milan next month. Salone Internazionale del Mobile will host 1,600 firms from 14-19 April, while the biennial kitchen show Eurocucina and office furniture...

Driving on.(Frayling Furniture Ltd.)(Bentley)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... About 25 former Frayling employees have found work at car maker Bentley. The sewing staff are stitching the leather in the interior of the firm's Continental GT. `Bentley was looking for new people, and many of these highly-skilled ladies...

No new measures.(The products used to measure retail price inflation for furniture will remain the same in 2004, said National Statistics)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... The products used to measure retail price inflation for furniture will remain the same in 2004, said National Statistics. The index will continue to use dining tables and chairs, wardrobes, beds, hanging mirrors, chairs, sofabeds, bookcases,...

Disability sale.(Hemcare furniture for disabilities)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Millbrook Furnishing Industries has sold its disability division, Hemcare, to recliner manufacturer Wilcare Wales for an undisclosed sum. Wilcare is to move production to its Bridgend factory and recruit at least four members of staff, lifting...

M&S vows to slash discounting - by 2007.(Marks and Spencer PLC)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Marks & Spencer has set a target of sales of #450 per sqft for its Lifestore and vowed to slash the number of days when it discounts its furniture. Vittorio Radice, now in charge of all products bar food, set the target but gave the store...

KI turnover to top #5m.(Kitchens International)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Edinburgh kitchen retailer Kitchens International (KI) is due to open a second store in the summer. The 500sqft Causeway branch should see the company's turnover rise above #5m for the first time in its 10 year history. KI, which was...

CCTV to deter vandals.(Norman Furnishings)(Closed Circuit Television)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Dumfries and Galloway furniture retailer, Norman Furnishings, is to beef up its security after suffering from repeated vandalism. In the last week alone three plate glass windows at the rear of the bed showroom have been smashed and a CD...

Littlewoods sees its profits leap.(Littlewoods organization PLC)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Profits at the Littlewoods and Index group leapt last year with dividends more than trebling. Operating profits rose from #24.2m to #28m in the year to end April 2003. But pre-tax profits jumped from #34.5m to #210m, helped by #157m raised...

CITY : Management doubts hit M&S share value.(Marks & Spencer)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Marks & Spencer lost 10p on doubts about top level management changes. First, Vittorio Radice, home director was given additional responsibility for clothing and merchandising. Then Luc Vandevelde, chairman announced his appointment as a...

Share Update on 15 March 2004.(furniture industry)(Illustration)
March 19, 2004... Share Update on 15 March 2004 Bold=new High/Low Now Change Change 03/04 03/04 over since High Low 2 weeks ...

Letter: Give me your views.(Letter to the Editor)
March 19, 2004... I am the owner of Mckenzies, a small single-store furniture retailer in Southampton. I am also studying part time for a BA Honours degree in business studies at a local university. For my dissertation I am working on `The future of the...

JLP plans 10 more stores.(John Lewis PLC)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Department store chain John Lewis is set to grow by almost a third in the next few years, as it embarks on a major store expansion programme, including its first Welsh branch. Some 10 stores are planned from 2007, increasing store numbers...

Furniture Selection website.(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Bedstead firm Furniture Selection is hoping for a lift in sales after the launch of its website. As well as viewing products, consumers can request a brochure and local stockist information at furnitureselection.com. Retailers can also find out...

Furniture prices leap.(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Furniture retail prices increased by more than any other retail sector last month. The annual inflation rate for furniture jumped from 2% to 3.5%, as retailers lifted prices by a higher level than last year after the winter sales. ...

A new name and new look.(Kirkstone Galleries, has changed its name to Touchstone Interiors and invested #200,000 on refurbishing its Skelwith Bridge store)(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Cumbria furniture retailer, Kirkstone Galleries, has changed its name to Touchstone Interiors and invested #200,000 on refurbishing its Skelwith Bridge store. The upmarket retailer, which boasts a clientele including Nicole Kidman and a...

Demerger windfall.(Brief Article)
March 19, 2004... Two directors of South Staffordshire, parent of warranty and repair group Regency, are set for a #70m windfall next month. Subsidiary Homeserve is to be demerged from the water company arm with a value of about #370m. This will give...

Where to get the best deal.(annual bonus )
March 19, 2004... As John Lewis staff celebrate a bonus of six weeks wages, Andrew Kidd looks at salaries in the furniture retail sector and how they vary from North to South The news that John Lewis staff are to receive just over six weeks salary as their...