Cabinet Maker articles from November 2007

Cabinet Maker archives from November 2007

Independents will feel the pinch of the housing slump.
November 2, 2007... Marketing and buying power favour multiples as market faces consolidation Independent furniture retailers are heading for a massive shake-out as consumers tighten their belts in the face of mounting evidence of a house price slump. ...

Cool kids.
November 2, 2007... MFI's new Ice White bedroom range comprises beds, chests of drawers and wardrobes and is suitable for both toddlers and teenagers. The bedstead and sleepover pullout kit, will retail for #210. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Crystal clear acquisition.
November 2, 2007... Swarovski is primed for a push into the home and interiors markets following its acquisition of lighting manufacturer Schonbek Worldwide Lighting. The crystal producer, best known in the fashion industry, has made significant headway into the...

Full service on Ikea kitchens.(Brief article)
November 2, 2007... Measuring charge levels price comparison with independents The independent retail trade has welcomed Ikea's plan to offer a home measuring service for its kitchens, saying it will level out the perceived difference in price between the...

Waste law intensifies BFM policy review call.
November 2, 2007... The BFM has backed new regulations that came into force this week compelling furniture manufacturers to treat non-hazardous waste before it is sent to landfill. The regulations, effective from the end of October, represent the next step in...

IN BRIEF: Style winner.(Brief article)
November 2, 2007... Edinburgh retailer Jeffreys Interiors has been voted Scotland's Best Interiors Store at the Scottish Style Awards. The interior design boutique beat off competition from rivals including Timorous Beasties, Dallas & Dallas and Gallatley to claim...

IN BRIEF: Vegas discounts.
November 2, 2007... US furniture trade show, the Las Vegas Winter Market has announced details of its partner hotels and opened its online pre-registration service. Rooms will be available at discounted prices between $40-$379 (#20-#184) a night and shuttle...

IN BRIEF: Management course.
November 2, 2007... The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers' Retail Management course takes place from 13-17 April 2008. The five day residential course is being held at Highgate House in Northamptonshire. For more information and to book a place, contact the...

IN BRIEF: Care labels.
November 2, 2007... The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) and Association of Soft Furnishers (ASF) are to launch a label for members aimed at reducing consumer complaints and meeting statutory requirements. The labels, which measure...

Record sales.(Brief article)
November 2, 2007... Julian Bowen has smashed its previous monthly sales record, turning over #1.5m for October. The importer has introduced three new ranges in the past two months, including the Cotswold dining collection. Julian Bowen, owner, said it was a...

Furniture store staff take a beating.
November 2, 2007... Union says service and training needs to be addressed to curb violence against retail workers Shopfloor staff in furniture stores face higher levels of abuse than any other retail sector. In the wake of the British Retail Consortium's...

Legals - Liquidator appointments.
November 2, 2007... Stoneleigh Furniture Ltd, manufacturer. Co no: 05751574. Liquidator: Nigel Price and Mark Elijah Thomas Bowen, Moore Stephens LLP, Birmingham. Appointed: 27 September. Markfield Services Ltd, designer. Co no: 01845416. Liquidator:...

Legals - Petitions to wind up (companies).
November 2, 2007... Bumbles Furniture Ltd, supplier. Co no: 05796931. Venue: High Court of Justice, Bristol District Registry, The Guildhall, Small Street, Bristol, 21 November at 9.30am. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Legals - Final meetings.
November 2, 2007... Midland Furniture Ltd, retailer. Co no: 04591723. Venue: 257 Hagley Road, Birmingham, 10 January 2008, at 11am and 11.15am. D&D Sofas Ltd, retailer. Co no: 05422367. Venue: Sharma & Co, 257 Hagley Road, Birmingham, 17 January 2008, at 10am...

Bed buy tips help reticent retailers.
November 2, 2007... The Sleep Council's new store poster campaign aims to reduce customers' aftersales complaints The Sleep Council has launched a POS campaign aimed at tackling the issues retail sales staff are reluctant to mention. The poster campaign,...

Zara takes Home products online.
November 2, 2007... Spanish retailer Zara has entered the online homewares market with the launch of a transactional website for its Zara Home branded products. www.zarahome.co.uk, which went live last week, features about 2,000 products from its Zara Home...

HK eyes up high end market.
November 2, 2007... Beanbag brand launch aims to change UK perceptions with quality designs A leading Hong Kong designer has dismissed suggestions that Eastern nations cannot supply the top end of the European furniture market and aims to prove it in the UK...

Views by Rhianwen Roberts.
November 2, 2007... Have you heard the one about the man who tried to bring legal proceedings against God? Sounds like the start of a joke, doesn't it? Well it isn't! In Romania recently a man convicted of murder claimed he'd entered into a contract with God when...

Talk - Can Hong Kong offer UK retailers a better service than China?
November 2, 2007... `People treat mainland China as a big factory. When you deal with Hong Kong you see we have vision and design sense. Hong Kong has a good legal system and you do not get the logistical, exporting and insurance problems that come with China....

Leader - Cream of the independents will always rise to the top.
November 2, 2007... The property and home retail markets are intrinsically linked, so the first fall in house prices (see p3) in more than two years will do little to boost the already fragile confidence of furniture retailers. The fall might be slight (0.1%), but...

ANALYSIS: Home in on opportunity.
November 2, 2007... Retailers can benefit from Ikea research revealing that consumers are still spending money on their homes. Richard de Melim looks at the results Ikea rarely puts a smile on the faces of independent retailers, but the findings from its...

Household facts and figures.
November 2, 2007... The growth of the Kipper (Kids in Parents Pockets Eroding Retirement Savings) generation is due to the significant challenges facing first time buyers: * 40% of 25-34 year-olds still think of their parents' home as `home' * `Mummy's...

STORE MANAGER - Calling the shots on claims.
November 2, 2007... Do the new rules on derivative claims by shareholders provide more ammunition for troublemakers? Stephan Weber explains how changes to the Companies Act work No matter what size a company, a single disgruntled shareholder can make the...

The Companies Act 2006.
November 2, 2007... Changes to the law on directors' duties form one of the central pillars of the Companies Act 2006, the biggest shake-up of company legislation in 40 years and, at 1,300 sections, the biggest single statute in the history of UK law. There...

SHOP WINDOW - Bugge modular furniture system.
November 2, 2007... Bugge modular furniture system by Norweigen designers Katrine Vest+l, Ingse Galtung D+svig and Caroline Harstad, graduates from the Bergen National Academy of the Arts, and is designed to encourage children's creativity and imagination. Every...

SHOP WINDOW - Vitra.
November 2, 2007... Vitra's Panton Junior chair is a reworking of the iconic Panton chair designed by Verner Panton. With no sharp edges or legs it is child friendly and its polypropylene structure makes it easy to clean and suitable for inside or outdoor use. ...

SHOP WINDOW - Children's furniture - Cosatto.
November 2, 2007... The Bateau cot bed from Cosatto harnesses this season's nautical look with its boat inspired shape and clean white lines. The sailor chic bed features three mattress heights and can be converted into a junior bed. Copyright: CMP...

SHOP WINDOW - Children's furniture - Ligne Roset.
November 2, 2007... Special miniature editions of Ligne Roset's ever-popular Togo for children and babies launched this year. The Mini Togo is aimed at the 5 to 12 year-olds while Baby Togo is for two to four year-olds. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW - Children's furniture - Thomas and Thomas.
November 2, 2007... The Toy Cupboard from Thomas & Thomas is a timeless, traditional cupboard which can reinvent itself for more than one type of storage around the home. It comes with four hand-woven willow baskets to store and transport toys. Copyright: CMP...

SHOP WINDOW - Children's furniture - Mamas and Papas.
November 2, 2007... The ivory colour Coastline collection from Mamas & Papas provides a clean, calm haven for children's and babies' rooms. It includes a wardrobe, convertible cot/bed, and dresser/changer unit. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

INTERVIEW - RON SMART: Digital dynamo.
November 2, 2007... The migration of production to China spelt closure for many remaining UK print houses. Ron Smart has managed to buck the trend, says Rachel Calton Ron Smart is convinced that the growth in digital printing can put the UK back in a prime...

MARKET - DATA: Delivering service.
November 2, 2007... Retail Intelligence: bedroom furniture With delivery charges becoming more common, high street retailers should ensure service levels are better managed to meet customer expectations and gain advantage over the Internet, says Alexa...

INTERIORS - BIRMINGHAM: Join the celebration.
November 2, 2007... The UK's largest interiors event has a new spin, joining with Designersblock in its trends area, and partnering the FTBA in an awards night to remember The Interiors Gala Dinner & Awards is back this year, by popular demand. The black tie...

INTERIORS - BIRMINGHAM: Standing for style.
November 2, 2007... From 20-23 January 2008, 12 halls at the NEC will be filled with the very best of both contemporary and traditional design Interiors Birmingham 2008 encompasses furniture, Soft (furnishing accessories), Collection (the modern furniture...

Great British design.
November 2, 2007... Think London Routemasters, red telephone boxes, milk floats and the Mini - just a few of the iconic designs that have originated in our home country. Britain's repertoire includes interior-related designs such as the Anglepoise lamp and key...

CM OFFCUTS - Hands on at work and in the family.(Diamond Living)(William Diamond)(Interview)
November 2, 2007... William Diamond is owner of Dublin retailer Diamond Living How and why did you get into the furniture industry? I set up my first furniture store when I was 23, and it has just grown from there. Describe your normal day to day...

CM OFFCUTS - `Green' record deal.
November 2, 2007... You've reached the point where you can no longer pretend you're a DJ and that vinyl collection you once proudly kept on display is now gathering dust in the attic. Your digitally cool grandkids don't even want to listen to stories about your...

Distribution site cutbacks for Ikea.(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... Ikea is to move out of its Northamptonshire distribution warehouse after a strategic review found that it was not cost effective. The Swedish giant will relocate the Thrapston operation to its warehouse in Doncaster by the end of February....

LoL remains confident despite sales setback.(Land of Leather)(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... Chief executive said the retailer will overcome the current difficult trading conditions as store openings continue Land of Leather said it remained confident that second quarter sales will pick up after posting disappointing like-for-like...

Councils may get more say on road charges.(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... Local authorities could be given more freedom for setting road pricing schemes. The Local Transport Bill aims to give local authorities `greater freedom and choice' to set their transport policies, including more `freedom and flexibility'...

New look Vegas.
November 9, 2007... Jim Thompson, known for its Thai silk, has launched the Vegas collection of fire retardant prints in intricate woven material. All the prints in the range use ground cloth known as Sukhumvit which is 100% taffeta weight fabric that is woven to...

Gilpin's blames the multiples.
November 9, 2007... December to be last month of trading for Belfast independent The influx of multiple stores will see the end of Belfast retailer Gilpin's after 81 years of trading. The furniture and furnishings business is to cease business at...

Bssa dismisses findings of supermarket probe.
November 9, 2007... The British Shops and Stores Association (bssa) has hit out at the Competition Commission saying that the findings of its supermarkets' probe did nothing for the High Street. The Commission, which published the preliminary findings of its...

Seasoned to taste.(Cocoon)(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... Cocoon Furniture has launched a collection of sofas for the winter period. The four styles include the Denver De Luxe, the Divan the New Lounge Corner and the Philadelphia. The sofas can be made to any size or specification, and upholstered in...

IN BRIEF: Store goes online.(Queenstreet Carpets & Furnishings)(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... Queenstreet Carpets & Furnishings of Exeter has launched into online sales via its website www.queenstreet.co.uk. The website will sell many of the ranges displayed at its store in Alphington, starting with beds, mattresses and furniture and at...

IN BRIEF: Sales growth slows.(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... The weaker housing market and consumer caution meant overall furniture sales growth was well down on a year ago, according to the British Retail Consortium monthly sales monitor. Beds and bedroom furniture fared generally better than sofas,...

IN BRIEF: KBB heads to London.
November 9, 2007... CMPi will launch KBB London, a new exhibition for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry at Earls Court, London from 17-19 May 2009. Aimed at architects, developers, interior designers and retailers, the new exhibition will showcase the...

IN BRIEF: Rush for BoKlok.
November 9, 2007... Ikea's BoKlok flatpack housing development in Gateshead is three times over-subscribed. Developer Live Smart @ Home has received 180 applications from people vying for the 60 flats and houses in the first phase of the development at St James...

Furniture leads in M&S sales growth.
November 9, 2007... Store modernisation keeps recovery on track Furniture and homewares outperformed all other sectors at Marks & Spencer with trade up by 10.4%. Announcing its interim results for the half year to 29 September on Tuesday (6 November), the...

Komfi steps up export efforts.(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... Luxury mattress manufacturer Komfi has secured deals to supply beds to four more countries. Komfi plans to offer products from its entire range of beds, mattresses, linen and towelling lines to stockists in Norway, Spain, Portugal and...

City: Mixed fortunes for DIY parents.(Do It Yourself)(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... HRG gained while share prices fell for both Nobia and Kingfisher Kitchen company and Magnet parent Nobia lost 95p to 431p, on mixed third-quarter figures showing group operating profit down by 3%, squeezed by rising raw materials costs. ...

Furniture tops bssa survey.
November 9, 2007... Independents face tough time despite positive sales monitor Furniture was the strongest performer out of all non-food retail sectors in the British Shops and Stores Association's (bssa) first quarterly sales monitor. Like-for-like...

October footfall drops.(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... Fewer consumers hit the shops in October with visits dropping by 2.4% compared to last year. According to FootFall, interest rate rises and house prices contributed to the downturn in the number of shoppers. The South West and Wales...

Comparing rivals in decline.(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... There are comparative declines of ScS [down 63%] and Land of Leather [down 23%] since November 2006. At their high points, they had similar stock market values of around #185m, but ScS is now worth #63m, and Land of Leather #110m. Analysts,...

Letter: Focus on sustainable production methods.(Letter to the editor)
November 9, 2007... The BFM is leading a consortium on a two year study for the furniture manufacturing sector. With funding from the DTI, the study aims to develop best practice regarding a range of issues along the furniture supply chain in order to move towards...

Views by Rogerde van r Matten.
November 9, 2007... Choice. It has never been greater; or has it? We increasingly live in a throwaway society where the mentality is that when you've tried something once, try something else. People seldom buy the same make of car or TV time and time again....

Talk: Is Competition Commission failing to protect consumer?
November 9, 2007... `I guess it is. It seems the case that the big ones are getting bigger and the small ones are getting smaller. It's just the way of the world these days and there's probably very little that can be done about it.' Bob Branford, Dovetail...

CM COMMENT - Leader: Independents can win the battle with supermarkets.
November 9, 2007... The results from the first British Shops and Stores Association quarterly retail sales monitor brought good news for independent furniture retailers. It revealed that sales have climbed year on year, pouring cold water on suggestions that all...

ANALYSIS - Clock ticking for big ticket.(prediction of furniture sales)
November 9, 2007... Although furniture sales have held up in the face of interest rate rises, there are growing signs that 2008 will be bleak for retailers, says Deven Pamben Reports that the housing market is set to slow down and that repossessions are...

STORE MANAGER - How to close the door on bad payers.(management tips by Cheryl O'Brien)
November 9, 2007... Cheryl O'Brien's top 10 credit and risk management tips for small businesses Do you offer credit to your business customers? If so, you will understand the importance of an effective credit management strategy. It is important that you...

SHOP WINDOW: Lighting - Scabetti.
November 9, 2007... Drawn to the Light, by Dominic Bromley for Scabetti, has a grandeur akin to traditional chandeliers. Pure white bone china forms `float' around the light source to create shadows. It is also available in black china, wood, sapphire blue glass,...

SHOP WINDOW: Lighting - Jocelyn Warner.
November 9, 2007... Jocelyn Warner's lighting creates moods and focal points using hand- screen and machine printed wallpapers. The Black Kaleido lampshade can be used as a ceiling pendant or with the Tall Tripod in black or silver powder-coated aluminium. ...

SHOP WINDOW: Lighting - Orangewonder.
November 9, 2007... Orangewonder's Flop polypropylene pendant can be used with the petals hanging free or tucked inside, giving subtle changes to the effect. It is available in white and red. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: Lighting - Arturo Alvarez.
November 9, 2007... V is a sculptural light designed by Hector Serrano for Spanish manufacturer Arturo Alvarez. Polycarbonate layers create a sense of rhythm and strength. It is available as a floor or a suspension lamp. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: Lighting - Mojo Interiors.
November 9, 2007... Verner Panton's Floor Lamp from Mojo Interiors is made from mother of pearl chains suspended from a trio of rings. Panton was a master of the fluid, 1960s style which introduced the pop aesthetic to interiors. Copyright: CMP Information...

SHOP WINDOW: Lighting - AXO Light.
November 9, 2007... Subzero tablelamp by AXO Light designed by Manuel Vivian is made of Bohemian crystal, in red, vanilla, white or chrome. Buyers can enter a prize draw to win a De Beers diamond. Special packaging and POS promote the initiative. Copyright:...

SHOP WINDOW: Lighting - Fambuena.
November 9, 2007... Suspension chandelier Swing was designed by Nicola Nerboni for Spanish company Fambuena. Made from white, black, scarlet or olive green cotton string and black chrome, it can be hung at different heights to suit its environment. Copyright:...

CHINA: REVIEW - Taming the dragon.
November 9, 2007... The China International Furniture Expo provides a helpful first step in the complex journey of sourcing product from the country. Mark Lewis reports Next to the yawning chaos of Shanghai city, where people, bicycles and cars blend into a...

CHINA: INTERVIEW - Cultural go between.
November 9, 2007... Lifestyle is dedicated to passing low prices on to its customers and it is Russell Stevens' job to ensure service to the UK does not suffer in the process As he walks around the Lifestyle stand at the Furniture China fair in Shanghai...

UNDERCOVER SHOPPER: Dublin.(City overview)(Column)
November 9, 2007... Five stores are visited every month to check service. This month we look at: Dublin Dublin is the largest city in Ireland and the capital of the Republic of Ireland. Originally a Viking settlement, the city has been Ireland's primary...

UPHOLSTERY: LIFT & RISE - Heavy duty.(Celebrity Furniture)
November 9, 2007... Latest market, technical and style developments in the lift and rise market The grey market has always taken the biggest share of lift and rise chair sales and this looks set to continue, but other avenues are also opening up. Needs change...

UPHOLSTERY: LIFT & RISE - High flyers.(Celebrity Furniture)(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... Heated cushions and massage pads are something you might expect to find on a first class flight from Los Angeles, but now they are an option on the new Westbury range from Celebrity Furniture. `The addition comes from the aeronautical...

CM OFFCUTS: Team resolves the nail biting issues.
November 9, 2007... Rhianwen Roberts is The Furniture Ombudsman head of service How did you get into the furniture industry? I started off in furniture working for bssa (British Shops and Stores Association) which has a mixture of furniture and fashion...

CM OFFCUTS: Cycle of success.(Respa Beds)(Brief article)
November 9, 2007... Irish manufacturer Respa Beds is aiming to ensure that its 60th birthday celebrations are the start of a new lease of life. Erica Crompton from the family business in Oldcastle, said: `A bed might look great but if it is made using...

CM OFFCUTS: Lie in.
November 9, 2007... Was BBC Midlands Today weatherman Simon Keeling so confident in his weather forecasting skills, that he agreed to present the broadcast from a bed in the middle of the town square in Birmingham? No. It was all part of a Kaymed Beds awareness...

Sponsorship first for Dreams.
November 16, 2007... Christmas TV deal puts bed store in the spotlight as brand building accelerates Dreams will be the official Christmas sponsor for ITV. The firm, which celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this month, said the deal was a `coup...

City style.
November 16, 2007... Danish furniture retailer BoConcept has unveiled its 2007/08 collection in more than 40 markets throughout the world. The new collection, inspired by the urban lifestyle, is available in its London, Bournemouth, Leeds and Glasgow stores and its...

New Year sales at risk from cutbacks.
November 16, 2007... Furniture retailers will be the hardest hit after a `sharp deterioration' in trade in the New Year. The warning comes from analysis carried out by Verdict Research which predicts shoppers will spend more than ever in the run-up to...

Furniture inflation up again.
November 16, 2007... Furniture and furnishings continue to get more expensive. Figures released by National Statistics show that inflation for the sector rose 2.5% in October, the fourth consecutive monthly increase. In July, the rate of inflation for the...

Next weathers volatile trading.(Next Directory Ltd.)(Brief article)
November 16, 2007... Group remains cautious as sales patterns continue to fluctuate Next expects trading to remain volatile as consumers tighten their belts. In a trading update for the 14 week period to 3 November, the group reported sales up 0.4%...

Whitby Oliver reopens.
November 16, 2007... Five months after having to close its doors, 110-year old York furniture retailer Whitby Oliver has reopened. Local businessman Nissar Hussain spent a six-figure sum on revamping the store and bringing it up to date with new stock. The...

People: Rosemary Turley.
November 16, 2007... Kaymed has appointed Rosemary Turley as head of global marketing to build its share of the UK market, strengthen its presence as a brand leader in Ireland and penetrate the US. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

People: Jonny Westbrooke.
November 16, 2007... FIRA has appointed Jonny Westbrooke as chief operating officer. After a distinguished career in the Army, he will be part of the strategic development and operational management team. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

People: Louise Rea.
November 16, 2007... Due to the increase in demand, Designer Contracts has promoted Louise Rea to regional manager for the West Midlands while Jason Doyle becomes senior contracts manager for the North East. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.