Cabinet Maker articles from March 2005

Cabinet Maker archives from March 2005

Call for EU to dump PSF duty.(polyester staple fibres)
March 4, 2005... The European Commission is under pressure to scrap plans to increase tariffs on polyester staple fibres (PSF), after a warning from pillow, duvet and cushion manufacturers that it would hurt EU business. A delegation including...

Stronger team.(Airsprung Beds)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Airsprung Beds has increased its sales team to 14 with five new members. It has divided its key accounts role after the departure of Mark Grey, who left to set up a catering company. David Fothergill is now responsible for regional accounts and...

MEF debuts in Bangor.(Mark Elliot Furniture)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Mark Elliot Furniture has selected Northern Ireland for its first franchise operation. The seven store chain is poised to open a 16,500sqft store at Clandeboye Retail Park in Bangor on 17 March. It is likely to be the first of several...

Stores enjoy upturn.(furniture stores)
March 4, 2005... Furniture and floorcoverings retailers enjoyed an upturn in sales last month, in contrast to the retail sector overall where sales were well below average for the time of year. A balance of 6% of furniture stores reported higher sales...

Doubling up for marketing.(opening two new showrooms)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Vale Upholstery and Bridgecraft are being rebranded as Vale-Bridgecraft to improve their marketing strength. The move comes as the company plans to add another two consumer showrooms. Stuart Chadwick, md said he hoped the rebranding...

Eureka chain.(Eureka project)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... John Lewis has become the latest retailer to sign up for the Eureka project, designed to promote cooperation between retailers, manufacturers and designers. It joins previous participants Fired Earth and Crabtree & Evelyn. The department store...

Retailer keeps doors locked.(owners of Adur Design Interiors kept doors locked due to attack)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... A West Sussex furnishings retailer has been forced to keep the store's front door locked after suffering an unprovoked attack. Irene and Michael Law, owners of Adur Design Interiors in Shoreham-by- Sea have taken the move after Michael was...

Upholstery change.(Stocktons installs Contempo gallery )(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Manchester store Stocktons has installed a 900sqft Contempo gallery in place of its Natuzzi one after it was rejected as a possible location for Natuzzi's Manchester franchise. Breck Stockton, owner broke off the relationship after it was...

Manchester search.(Mark Haslam looks to open discount warehouse)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Mark Haslam, former Alan Ward md is looking to open a discount warehouse in the Manchester area, before moving back into the non- discount sector. He declined to comment on claims he is in the running for Natuzzi's Manchester franchise. ...

Happy at work.(job satisfaction)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Interior designers enjoy the 19th happiest profession in the country, according to the annual City & Guilds Happiness Index. But, with 9% of professionals reporting a `very happy' work life, they were a long way behind the happiest -...

Autumn reopening.(of stores by Primark)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Homewares and clothing chain Primark will not reopen the six Allders stores it bought from the administrators until the autumn. Trading in the past six months has grown by about 6% on a like for like basis, parent ABF said. Copyright: CMP...

Sign up.
March 4, 2005... The annual FTBA Big Shots clay-pigeon shooting day is set to be the biggest Big Shots yet. Some 55 teams have signed up to take part in the 9 June event. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, ranging from #500 to #5,000. It takes place...

Higher wages.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... The National Minimum Wage is to rise above #5. The adult rate goes up from #4.85 to #5.05 in October 2005, with a further 6% rise to #5.35 in October 2006. For 18-21 year-olds the minimum wage will rise to #4.25 in October 2005, and to #4.45 in...

MFI scores points.(services)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... MFI is offering Tesco shoppers the chance to swap Tesco Clubcard vouchers for MFI ones and earn Clubcard points when shopping at MFI. The chain is hoping to attract Tesco's 10million Clubcard holders and is the first furniture retailer to...

Private talk.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Department store chain Beale could be about to go private, with Hoopers owner David Thomson and his son Richard, strongly tipped to buy the 12-store chain and merge it with its eight store company. The Thomsons own 24% of Beale's shares...

Award zone.(Best New Product Supplier for Furniture and Floorcoverings )(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Zone achieved an awards double when it was named Best New Product Supplier for Furniture and Floorcoverings for its Cuba dining range by the Cooperative Retail Trading Group. Zone won the living dining room category at The Furniture Awards in...

CITY: Revolution in the department stores.(stock prices)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Marks & Spencer lost 12p as previously unknown South African financier Mark Paulsmeier denied any interest in bidding at 410p a share. Previous bidder Philip Green has ruled himself out of contention for a further six months. Fearful of...

William Ball exclusivity.
March 4, 2005... Bedroom and kitchen company William Ball is switching its distribution to a network of authorised centres, where stores give sales preference to its products. The move is designed to improve loyalty between retailers and the company while...

Laid back advertising.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Ercol is investing #250,000 in its latest consumer advertising campaign, promoting its recliners. With the theme of `It's every chair you've ever wanted', the campaign will appear until the end of March in the Telegraph Magazine, The Guardian...

Kingfisher's disappointing dips.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... The Kingfisher chart shows how the shares have churned around 300p for three months. The disappointing fourth quarter trading update brought the price close to December's 288p low. Technical analysts believe support at a similar level could...

Singapore to go global with one-stop shop for furniture.(Singapore Furniture Industry Council )
March 4, 2005... The Singapore Furniture Industry Council (SFIC) announced at the International Furniture Fair Singapore this week, plans to launch a furniture hub to develop global furniture trade for the region. International buyers will be able to visit the...

Letter: DP Furniture Express to carry on importing.(Letter to the Editor)
March 4, 2005... The closure of the national distribution centre does not signify the end of importing for DP Furniture Express (CM, 11 Feb, p3). We will still supply selected imports using local distribution, in-keeping with several successful European...

Quality excels at fabric shows.(Fabric exhibition Scoperta)( Comocreainterni )(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Fabric exhibition Scoperta will feature 14 new exhibitors for its seventh event in May. Sister event Comocreainterni will also boast two new firms as it moves to the centre of the Swiss show, creating an inspirational environment for...

LEADER: Three methods of persuasion.(market research)(Brief article)
March 4, 2005... This week has seen the results of three companies - Vale Upholstery, William Ball and MFI - taking a look at their marketing and concluding that a change was needed. At Vale (see p4), Stuart Chadwick, md has decided that it is time the...

Views By Mike Spencer.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... For many consumers, post-Christmas is the perfect time to complain about their purchases. Complaints are always more prolific following a traditional sale period, but what has changed markedly in recent years is the consumers' readiness to...

Talk: Will the increase in the National Minimum Wage affect you?
March 4, 2005... `It doesn't concern me at all because we're such a small operation. In fact, we only employ two other people. Larger companies may suffer. However, the margin will have to be passed on to someone and taken up and absorbed so either the business...

Balancing work and benefits.
March 4, 2005... Labour has outlined proposals to extend maternity and paternity leave, but how would the changes affect furniture retailers? asks Simon Crawshaw It's that time again. Election season has begun in earnest with all parties making huge...

STORE MANAGER: Beware double purposes.(capital gains tax)
March 4, 2005... We detail what expenses the Inland Revenue says can go through the books, but as John Hiddleston explains, be careful as some have paybacks Deciding what expenses can be put through the books can be simple. On a basic level, nothing can be...

SHOP WINDOW - BEDSTEADS: Corndell.
March 4, 2005... Corndell's Overture blends the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement with oak. It has a rich, roasted brown finish for a sumptuous feel. The bed is part of a wider bedroom range and comes in 5ft or 6ft sizes. Tel: 01993 776 545 ...

SHOP WINDOW - BEDSTEADS: Sweet Dreams.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... The Garbo, from Sweet Dreams, is designed to be outrageous and stay in the shoppers' memory. It is available in chocolate or cream finishes with a matching bedside cabinet. Tel: 01282 830 033. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW - BEDSTEADS: Jay-Be.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Jay-Be's Forge is a hand-cast metal bed in a pewter finish. It is available in four sizes up to super king size and has a matching bedside table. Tel: 01924 517 820. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW - BEDSTEADS: Alstons Furniture.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... The Malmo leather model is designed to fit with all of Alstons Furniture's bedroom ranges, particularly its four latest Lumina, Solent, Fullerton and Synergy. It is available in 4ft6in and 5ft sizes. Tel: 01473 725 571. Copyright: CMP...

SHOP WINDOW - BEDSTEADS: Van Houdt.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Offering a classically timeless look, Van Houdt's Vista is available as a four-poster, bedstead with headboard or bedstead with headboard and footboard. All options come with a built-in light. Tel: 01732 844 129. Copyright: CMP...

SHOP WINDOW - BEDSTEADS: Airsprung Beds.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Manhattan combines shiny chrome legs and headboard struts with a black leather effect platform surround and cream faux leather upholstered headrests. The Airsprung Beds model also has a sprung slatted base. Tel: 01225 754 411. ...

SHOP WINDOW - BEDSTEADS: Silentnight Beds.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... Starlight is one of 19 designs that make up Silentnight Beds' Imagine range. The sweeping lines of the light wood bedframe contrast with its base and leather headboard to make a statement of individuality. Tel: 0870 742 9920. ...

RAW MATERIALS: Price reality check.
March 4, 2005... Furniture manufacturers can no longer afford to absorb the rising prices of steel and will have to pass on the increases to stockists, reports Mark Lewis This is the year that retailers will have to get used to higher prices for furniture....

Bed makers steel themselves for further price rises.(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... One of the biggest product sectors vulnerable to price increases is mattresses. Sherwood Beds proprietor Simon Jepson who has four stores in Derbyshire and Nottingham has observed that 50% of his suppliers have absorbed the increased cost of...

Tariffs add to the burden for fillings.
March 4, 2005... Fillings are another furniture component that have encountered rising prices in recent years. Prices for polyester fibres in particular have increased 25% to 30% because of oil price hikes. For the past 15 years they have been the subject...

BEDS - ADDED VALUE: Point of order.
March 4, 2005... The bedding industry wants its share of consumers' rising levels of spend, we look at how this can be done by selling up from the main price points As the level of disposable income continues to rise in the UK, the bed industry is faced...

REVIEW - IMM COLOGNE: Shapely forms.(imm Cologne- international furniture fair)
March 4, 2005... Trends took many guises at imm, Stephanie Baum looks at the unusual ones Colour, in particular warm green tones, vintage designs and variations of shape flexed their muscles at the imm Cologne international furniture fair this year. ...

RETAIL INTELLIGENCE: January trading.
March 4, 2005... January is the month for furniture retailers. More than any other month, January can shape the outcome for the year. So how did the year begin? Well, `OK but it could have been a lot better', would be a fair summary. The main problem seems...

TECHNOLOGY - RFID: Don't lose track of products - tag them.
March 4, 2005... RFID tagging allows companies better control of the supply chain which means fewer lost products and ultimately higher profits, says Greg Gilbert The benefits of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in the supply chain are...

MARKET REVIEW: Multiyork's direct hit.
March 4, 2005... Multiyork scores with its direct website for smaller items and accessories as it doesn't compete with its main offer in stores, says Stephanie Baum Multiyork Direct's website, www.multiyorkdirect.co.uk, poses an interesting response to the...

Name the price.(furniture industry)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... It's amazing the number of people who are willing to fork out for secondhand furniture - as long as there is a bit of celeb involvement. Take a recent auction in New York where various bits and pieces linked to the Kennedy family went...

Riding high with leather furniture.(Bill Parratt)(Interview)
March 4, 2005... Bill Parratt is the proprietor of Scandinavian furniture specialist Kai Kristens in Saltney near Chester How did you get into the industry? I've been a businessman in Chester for 25 years. I trained as a saddle- maker and run a shop in...

Bed spotting.(donations)(Brief Article)
March 4, 2005... We don't know how the good people of Hilding Anders manage to keep their feet on the ground. It's all celebrity, celebrity, celebrity at Oldham. First, George Best starts off its charity efforts by signing a bed and now it's got the cast...

Money for muffin.
March 4, 2005... Hopefully by now you've worked off all the calories you ate at The Furniture Show? `What?' I hear you say, `surely we shed pounds walking the halls.' Well, most of you did, but 1,920 didn't. That was the number of you who bought an FTBA Muffin...

Chinese feathers warning.(scientist warn feathers from China could contain avian flu )
March 11, 2005... Pillow importers fear a collapse in sales after a leading scientist warned feathers from China could contain avian flu. Professor Hugh Pennington, former Aberdeen University professor of bacteriology, said the Department of Environment,...

Parker Knoll joins Christie-Tyler stable.(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Former stockists have welcomed the purchase of Parker Knoll by Christie- Tyler from Silentnight Group for an undisclosed sum. `It is very good news. It is some relief that it has been bought by a manufacturer and not a retailer,' said Derek...

Flotation for Land of Leather.(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... SB Capital Europe looks set to make a speedy return on its investment in Land of Leather. The chain is being lined up for a summer flotation - only a year after SB Capital bought a 50% stake in the retailer. In January Cabinet Maker was...

New brands for Today.(Today Interiors contracts with Squigee and Natasha Marshall brands )(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Fabric and wallcovering distributor Today Interiors has signed a #3m deal to market the Squigee and Natasha Marshall brands in the UK. Over the next five years, Today Interiors will take over responsibility for new products from Squigee....

Haskers sells online.(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Hampshire retailer Haskers has begun selling online through its haskers.co.uk website. Initially soft furnishings and rugs are being sold, with furniture planned to be introduced once the website is established. Haskers has promised...

Yorkshire pair not guilty.(Simon Rose and Jason Rose)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Two Yorkshire furnishings retailers due to stand trial for importing drugs have had their case thrown out of court - 18 months after they were arrested. Simon Rose, interior designer, and Jason Rose, showroom manager run Rose and Co...

Fraud on the up.(Credit card fraud)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Credit and debit card fraud jumped by a fifth to #504.8m last year, according to the Association of Payment Clearing Services (APACS). Fraud due to cards being stolen in the post jumped 62% to #73m, partially due to the 90million chip and pin...

Staying longer.
March 11, 2005... Attendance at The Spring Fair fell by 126 to 71,759. Companies represented by visitors to the Birmingham show rose 4.4% to 52,846 and visitors stayed almost an hour longer than in 2004. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Award shortlist.(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Textile company Timorous Beasties and Jasper Morrison have been shortlisted for the Design Museum's Designer of the Year award. Work by the finalists are on show at the London museum, where visitors can vote for their favourites. The winner of...

Modern investment.(Zurich-AMR Art & Antiques Index)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... The value of modern 20th century furniture has risen in the past year, according to the Zurich-AMR Art & Antiques Index. But the value of traditional English furniture has fallen, with Regency pieces down 8%, Victorian 9% and 18th century 4%....

Furniture hall.(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers is to lease 12 Austin Friars, London, which will include a 1,000sqft showroom for members. It is looking for items to furnish what will be called Furniture Makers' Hall. Copyright: CMP Information...

Ikea tourism.
March 11, 2005... Ikea's Glasgow branch has become the city's latest tourist attraction thanks to Northern Irish shoppers visiting the store. An average of 600 people travel from the province every Saturday in an 18-hour round trip. Copyright: CMP...

FRN founder quits amid computer row.(Stanley Conder of Furniture Repair Network resigns)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Stanley Conder, Furniture Repair Network (FRN) co-founding director and shareholder has resigned after being accused by FRN of attempting to copy the company's data transfer system for his own firm, and of trying to sign FRN clients, including...

Bonus for shareholders.(British Vita PLC to return money to shareholders)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Foam maker British Vita is to return #185m to shareholders as part of its efforts to rebuff Texas Pacific Group's proposed #624m takeover offer. The company again rejected TPG's approach, describing it as opportunistic and looking to take...

Designer talk.
March 11, 2005... Dutch upholstery and cabinet company Leolux has launched its 2005 brochure. The 234-page catalogue also includes interviews with several designers, including Axel Enthoven and Frans Schrofer. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

MFI's winter sale rise.(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... MFI's like for like sales increased by 2% during its winter sale, compared with a 4% fall in 2004. The growth was driven by bedroom furniture and beds, while in 2004 sales were hit by a reduction of new ranges as the chain concentrated on...

Jail sentence for employee who stole takings.(Karl Willis of In Store )
March 11, 2005... A furnishing store's former duty manager has been jailed for 10 months after he admitted stealing more than #17,000 from his employer. Karl Willis took home some of the takings of In Store (formerly Poundstretcher), Northwich, Cheshire...

Edinburgh shows promise for Hepple.(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Traditional furniture maker Hepple said it has high hopes for its new Edinburgh showroom despite a quiet first week. The company has invested around #150,000 in the renovation of 3,000sqft premises in the heart of the Scottish capital,...

Multiples effect hits Airsprung Beds' profits.(Airsprung Furniture Group PLC)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... A slow bed market that saw multiple bed retailers cancel or postpone orders has forced Airsprung Furniture Group to issue another profits warning. Tony Lisanti, chief executive said the loss-making group would miss its expected performance...

A tough task for Milan show.
March 11, 2005... Milan's Saloni Internazionale del Mobile next month could prove to be one the most important shows in recent years for the Italian furniture industry that is faced with falling exports. Growth in sales to the UK fell by two thirds last year....

Letter: James Jacobs: a true gentleman.(Letter to the Editor)
March 11, 2005... As a friend and colleague of James Jacobs for 36 years, I would like to add to your comments on James (CM, 18 Feb, p8) and pay my own tribute. If anyone in the trade mentioned the name James, everyone knew who was being referred to. As...

LEADER: Making up for a long absence.(Christie- Tyler adds another consumer brand, Parker Knoll )(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Well it's finally happened - Parker Knoll has a new owner, Christie- Tyler. As we predicted a couple of weeks ago, the UK's largest upholstery producer has added a second consumer brand to its stable. Now the first stage of hard work...

Talk: Do you receive enough product information from representatives?
March 11, 2005... `Generally our experiences have been very good. We are a specialised dealer though, dealing in top-of-the-range products and as such we only encourage certain agencies to approach us - these people are usually very good and clued up about their...

Is low interest a sales saviour?
March 11, 2005... Many furniture retailers want the Bank of England to lower interest rates to help lift sales, but Tom Levitt asks whether marketing could also be a lever The British Retail Consortium's assessment on the furniture sector in February -...

STORE MANAGER: Rights and wrongs of leases.
March 11, 2005... Not knowing your legal obligations can prove costly, says Stuart Darlington There are many misconceptions about leased premises, and while some are relatively harmless, there are a number that may be particularly costly. The right to...

SHOP WINDOW - DINING CABINET: YP Furniture.(introduction of Country House )(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... YP Furniture's Country House is now available in seven hand-painted pastel finishes: soft white, ivory; duck egg, soft blue, pear tree, beige and green. Tel: 01427 615628 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW - DINING CABINET: Alstons.(introduction of Padstow)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Alstons' Padstow collection has been styled to appeal to the traditional sector of the market. It features the same modern teak finish as the company's Solent bedroom range for whole house appeal. Tel: 01473 725571 Copyright: CMP...

SHOP WINDOW - DINING CABINET: Willis & Gambier.(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Featuring solid oak and oak veneers in a honey finish, the Chambery collection from Willis & Gambier is a modern interpretation of French farmhouse furniture. Its clean lines detail a gently aged finish, giving a hint of the contemporary to the...

SHOP WINDOW - DINING CABINET: Rolf Benz.(Product introduction)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Rolf Benz's 8870 extending dining table and 8100 chair combine for a modern look. The table top is available in oak or walnut veneer, stained wood tones or smoked glass, while its aluminium frame ends in wooden legs. The chair, designed by...

SHOP WINDOW - DINING CABINET: Gola Furniture.(Product introduction)(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Gola Furniture's Galaxy dining range with its bow fronted styling and clean, contemporary lines allow it to be used in both formal and informal settings. Tel: 00 353 47 87211 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW - DINING CABINET: Corndell.(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Corndell has extended its Nimbus dining collection with 10 new pieces including extending dining tables, chair and console table. All are available in a rich oiled or pale lacquered finish with wooden or metal handles. Tel: 01993 776 545...

EASYCARE UPHOLSTERY: The rise of faux suede.
March 11, 2005... Demand for microsuede is increasing among consumers who want upholstery that feels good and is easy to maintain, says Stephanie Baum It will probably come as something of a shock to some readers to find faux suede the subject of an easycare...

EASYCARE - UPHOLSTERY: Suitable case for treatment.(Leather Trend )(Brief Article)
March 11, 2005... Contrasted with its microsuede product offer, Leather Trend has unveiled an easycare suede upholstery product that is treated during the dying process. Plush by Leather Trend uses a new technology that provides a built-in, lasting protection...

REVIEW - MAISON ET OBJET: Luxurious lifestyles.
March 11, 2005... Furniture and fashion combine to create a rich mix of extravagant offerings at the Paris show's 10th birthday. Stephanie Baum details the highlights Celebrating its 10th anniversary, biannual furnishings exhibition Maison et Objet offered...

REVIEW - SALON DU MEUBLE: Showstoppers.
March 11, 2005... Mixed among the me-too products at this year's event, there were some really eye-catching and innovative designs to be seen, reports Alison Gay As Salon du Meuble starts the year's circuit of shows, you expect to see a taste of the coming...

MARKET REVIEW: Coping with a crisis.
March 11, 2005... What happens if there's a problem with your company?Act positively and quickly, and most of all don't turn a crisis into a disaster, says Nicky Stephen `Brand Republic reports TV advertisement withdrawn due to consumer complaints'... ...

Aiming high and reaching goals.(Tangerine Tulips)(Interview)
March 11, 2005... Ian Taylor is the director of Tangerine Tulips, a funky upholstery company How did you get started in the industry? I used to work in the textile industry in the high performance sector. I had the idea of taking a beanbag and raising...