Cabinet Maker articles from September 2003

Cabinet Maker archives from September 2003

Polish sofas seized.(upholstery does not meet regulations)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... More Polish upholstery thought likely to fail the flammability regulations has been seized by Trading Standards officials. South Lanark Council Consumer and Trading Standards intercepted about 60 sofas after consumer complaints. The sofas...

UK set to pay more for Far East imports.(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... Companies importing furniture from the Far East face a rise in shipping costs of about 10% next month. The 15 member shipping companies of the Far East Freight Conference (FEFC) will charge an extra $225 (#143) per 20ft container shipped...

COMMENT: And now for the good news.(furniture industry)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... There hasn't been much good news in the furniture industry of late, but this week I think we have several reasons to be happy. If you are a UK manufacturer the planned increase in shipping costs from the Far East will bring a smile to your...

European losses.(Laura Ashley Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... Laura Ashley has moved nearer to ending its European operations by offloading its loss-making Belgian, Luxembourg and Dutch operations for #1.38. The 11 branches will become franchises after losing #2.2m in the year to 25 January from...

Dreams thinking big with expansion plans.(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... Dreams is to add 250,000 sqft of floorspace by the end of the year as it continues its larger store expansion plan. Some 18 branches, averaging 9,000 sqft each have opened so far this year with a further dozen scheduled, including three...

Directors share #1.2m.(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... MFI's six executive directors shared a bonus of #1.2m last year. John Hancock, chief executive received #385,000, two-thirds of which was paid in cash and the remainder in MFI shares. This helped lift his basic salary of #385,000 to...

Licentia slims down ranges to compete.(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... Flatpack manufacturer Licentia is to concentrate on volume retailers as part of the group's restructuring. Half of its product range has been axed to help achieve efficiencies of scale at its Danish and Swedish factories. A new...

At Home with Belvoir.(Belvoir Designs show)
September 5, 2003... Belvoir Designs is to hold an At Home at the Novotel Nottingham hotel from 14-16 September to coincide with Long Point. Visits to its Long Eaton factory will be available on 17 September. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Walker Greenbank pays #5.5m for Sanderson.(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... Wallcoverings and fabric group Walker Greenbank has paid #5.5m for failed rival Sanderson. The deal excludes Sanderson's #4m debt. It went into receivership last month after running out of cash to complete a restructuring. The company had...

Department store trio in Birmingham.(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... Birmingham was due to get a trio of new department stores this week with Selfridges, Debenhams and House of Fraser branches. Selfridges' fourth store was set to open in Birmingham city centre yesterday (4 September). The windowless...

Winning formula for sculptural fabric.(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... Fabric with a sculptural 3D surface won this year's Oxo/Peugeot Design Awards. Helen Murray's creation uses layers of hand-dyed polyester wadding with the top layer transfer printed to achieve the colour and smooth surface. Angled cuts are...

Gafa trends reach inside and outside.(furniture exhibition)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... Wood and metal was the main theme at Gafa outdoor furniture exhibition in Cologne (31 August to 2 September at Cologne Messe). The combination is part of a wider trend toward contemporary furniture for use inside or outside the home. ...

Awards opening.(Singapore International Furniture Fair )(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... As part of its efforts to strengthen furniture design in Asia, the Singapore International Furniture Fair is expanding its annual design competition. To mark the contest's 10th anniversary on 1-5 March, it will have an Open category, for...

City: Department stores move to centre stage.(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... A profits warning from Beale refocused the market's attention on the department store sector. Hot weather affected Beale's summer trading so badly that profits for the year to November are likely to be 50% below last year's #2.5m. The...

New hope for Ikea's Irish plans.(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... The possibility of Ikea expanding into the Republic of Ireland has moved a step nearer. The chain's hopes of opening an Irish store have been held back by the state's 2001 ban on retail outlets of more than 64,560 sqft. This was...

Share Update on 1 September, 2003.(furniture industry)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
September 5, 2003... Share Update on 1 September, 2003 Bold=new High/Low Now Change Change 2003 2003 over since High Low 2 weeks 1 Jan Retailers Beale...

Morris scores at Chelsea.(Morris Furniture show)
September 5, 2003... The football transfer window may have closed but Chelsea has another signing - Morris Furniture. The club's Stamford Bridge stadium will host the first of the group's regional At Homes next month. After the 22-23 October event the Morris,...

At sixes and sevens over opening hours.(furniture stores)(Brief Article)
September 5, 2003... Some stores are undecided about whether to open for six or seven days, reports Mark Lewis Retailers are still divided over Sunday trading, nine years after it was legalised for stores over 3,012 sqft in England and Wales. Conventional...

SHOP WINDOW: McDONAGH.(Advertisement)
September 5, 2003... The Fusion living/dining room range has been expanded and updated, with products including coffee table, hall table and dining table. Contact McDonagh Furniture on 028 3833 3215 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: NONO.(Advertisement)
September 5, 2003... The Nono Living range covers leather upholstery and accessories, including the Zebrano sofa, Opera lamp, Tiger Tiger and Sensuous cushions and Snuggle throw. Contact Nono Designs on 01565 757 400 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: FORM.(Advertisement)
September 5, 2003... The contemporary Mode bedroom range has a relaxed look and is available in oak, maple and beech in a natural wax or matt lacquer finish. Contact Form Furniture on 01 428 683 002 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Store manager - insolvency: The right lines for creditors.
September 5, 2003... New laws help put trade creditors further up the queue, says John Davies The problem One of my customers has been put into receivership and I am owed #5,000. Is there anything I can do to get my money? The law Currently you...

Retail Intelligence.(furniture industry)
September 5, 2003... July could be the month that marked a turnaround in the fortunes of furniture retailers. After months of poor sales, July was the second month in row when a balance of stores experienced both month on month and year on year rises in the...

COIL SPRUNG BEDS: Twisting and turning.
September 5, 2003... Intense rivalry in coil sprung beds, coupled with a diminishing price advantage over pocket springs, is making the market restless and forcing manufacturers to be ever more creative, says Jane Oliphant In today's liberal society people have...

THE BFM LONDON FURNITURE SHOW: Making an entrance.
September 5, 2003... New companies and products were the stars at Earls Court 2 this year. Cabinet Maker looks at some of the highlights The BFM London Furniture Show saw a wider variety of furniture compared to previous shows, with exhibitors such as Richard...

FIRST PERSON - Warren Evans: Art for beds' sake.(bed design)
September 5, 2003... WARREN EVANS How did you get started in business? I liked woodworking and was going to make bookcases but instead I started a bed company in 1979. We were only the second bed manufacturer in the UK at that time to sell direct to...

Homebase does it Mi way.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Homebase has branded its latest furniture and accessories format Mi Home, billing it as `pret a porter fashion for the home'. The trial was launched at its Chichester branch last week and will be rolled out to nine stores next week -...

BoConcept stores warm to UK needs.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... BoConcept is set to redesign its stores to make them warmer and more UK- friendly. The move comes as it introduced the `It's so Bo' marketing slogan. BoConcept, owned in the UK by South African conglomerate JD Group, has spent a year...

Comment: I say Bo, you say Selecta.(BoConcept )(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... It looks as though the announcement that two more pilots of Marks & Spencer's Lifestore concept are to open in Lakeside and Kingston-upon- Thames (cm, 29 Aug, p5 ) is getting its rivals running to their drawing boards to reassess their branding...

Burst water main chaos at Acton store.(World of Beds store)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... A west London furniture retailer faces months of disruption after a water main burst on the street outside the store. It is the second time in two years that World of Beds on Acton High Street has been flooded. The flow into the store...

Retail park request.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Furniture stores could form the centrepiece of a city centre development in Aberdeen. Developers are planning to turn the existing Kings Street bus depot into a retail park. Homebase would take 60,000sqft of the largest unit that has...

Joint effort for Nina Campbell.(Arthur Brett distribution)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Arthur Brett is to manufacture and distribute the Nina Campbell Furniture upholstery range. The 22-strong collection will be officially relaunched at Arthur Brett's showroom at High Point in the US next month (16-22 October). An...

CWV buy helps cover the market.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Coloroll and Wilman Interiors parent CWV Group has strengthened its position in the home furnishings and wallcoverings market with the purchase of Imperial Home Decor Group for an undisclosed fee. IHDG, owner of Shand Kydd, Storey, Crown...

Vale consumer quartet.(Vale Upholstery )(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Vale Upholstery has opened its fourth consumer showroom. In Loughborough, the 7,680sqft showroom has 40 ranges on show from Vale and Bridgecraft. It has three staff and is open seven days a week. Vale's other showrooms generate more...

Distributor for Thomas Dare.(Isle Mill)
September 12, 2003... The Isle Mill has become the UK and European distributor for fabric firm Thomas Dare, including its Archipelago collection. Isle Mill designed ranges will be launched in January. The deal will also give Thomas Dare a presence at the Chelsea...

Indygo wants to make a mark.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... A Huddersfield enterprise which rose from the ashes of two ailing textiles firms, has completed its first week of trading. Indygo is made up of the former dyeing and finishing arm of Drummond Parkland and Armitage, a Bradford cloth...

Congestion charge hits weekend sales.(London, England)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... John Lewis has called for the Mayor of London to fund a major advertising campaign to remind shoppers that the central London congestion charge does not apply at weekends. The group is concerned that shoppers are being deterred from...

Turkey, China and India Tip the balance in Brussels.(furnishing fabric show)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Indian, Chinese and Turkish companies were prominent at the furnishing fabric show Tip in Brussels this week (5-8 September). Traditional vine and floral embroidered patterns were in abundance, while textured plains and linen effect fabrics...

High tea for sandwich board battle in Exeter.(furniture retailers' altercation)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Police were called to calm a row over a sandwich board between two Exeter furniture retailers. Managers at Harveys and Furniture Warehouse in Marsh Barton were told by police to `cool the situation' after Jason Norah, sandwich boarder and...

Barbara Nason.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Barbara Nason, Nasons of Canterbury chairman died suddenly after a short illness on 5 September, aged 74. A memorial service will be held at All Saints Church, Petham on 16 September at 2pm. The family has requested no flowers, but...

Return to glory.(Vincent Sheppard launches Emma Lloyd Loom collection)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... A return to the glory of Versailles under Louis XIV will influence Vincent Sheppard's launches at Focus this month, with the Emma Lloyd Loom collection. It will be available in 32 colours. Focus takes place at the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre,...

Decosit hears call for free trade.(furniture exporting)
September 12, 2003... Decosit celebrated its 25th anniversary by courting controversy with a fiery debate on globalisation. The debate explored a range of issues from the ending of home textile quotas in 2004 to false currency valuations and challenges of...

Bogart homes in on Castle Donington.(Art Forma)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Art Forma is to hold an At Home at its Castle Donington showroom from 14-17 September, to coincide with Long Point. Among the UK launches will be Thomasville's Humphrey Bogart Collection. The Hollywood vanity unit has a rosewood finish...

Christie-Tyler At Home.
September 12, 2003... Ultra, Cambria, Contour, Lebus and Pendragon will form this month's Christie-Tyler At Home (21-24 September). Ultra will be adding to its leather and fabric ranges, including the Chelsea and a soft cover version of the Picasso. Copyright:...

Age old question.(furniture design)(ageing population and workforce)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... How furniture designers cope with an ageing population and workforce will be among the main topics at Workplace next month (7-9 October). Nine seminars will be held at the Excel, London show, with others including how innovation in office...

Nostalgia looks forward.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Trends for the coming year will be centre stage at London show Decorex International (21-24 September) where forecaster Trendhub will highlight looks for 2004. Key will be the Beaux Arts look, a refined and nostalgic feel with magical and...

Letter: Specialists head for home.(Letter to the Editor)
September 12, 2003... I was not surprised to read in Stephanie Baum's excellent article that general furnishers find selling home office furniture `hard going' (cm, 29 Aug, p10). Retailing is now more and more specialised. If the public require beds, kitchens,...

Production move boosts Dunlopillo.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... A dedicated production unit has improved efficiency at Dunlopillo and increased capacity after relocating to Slumberland's Oldham factory from Harrogate. Introduction of conveyor belts and capacity to hold one week's stock of latex in the...

Letter: The secret of exporting.(Letter to the Editor)
September 12, 2003... It was with interest we read the article on exports (cm, 4 Jul, p12). As a producer of hand made upholstery since 1937 we have been exporting for more than 30 years. Last year 38% of our production went overseas. Japan has been our best market...

Sales feel the heat.(retailers)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Retailers suffered in the heatwave of the first half of August, with a majority seeing sales volumes lower than last year. For a balance of 36% of furniture and floorcoverings stores sales fell, according to the CBI Distributive Trades...

SHOP WINDOW: MARTINO GAMPER.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... The furniture category winner, Martino Gamper's Sit Together bench is designed for use in corners, combining iroko wood panels with a semi- gloss lacquer. Contact Martino Gamper on 07989 512 239 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: KYLIE TURNER.(Modpod)(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... The winner of the lighting category, Modpod allows the user to arrange the acrylic pods to create unique lighting arrangements. Contact Kylie Turner on 020 7729 2028 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: WILCOX & MOSLEY.(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... Although the lamps, designed by Dominic Wilcox and Steve Mosley, are identical, the user can fold it from its upright position to create an infinite range of shapes. Contact Wilcox & Mosley on 020 8525 2665 Copyright: CMP Information...

RESTALL BROWN & CLENNELL: Part of the landscape.
September 12, 2003... Restall Brown & Clennell is genuinely proud of its traditional furniture, as Stephanie Baum discovered Modern furniture has a live fast, die young attitude that traditional furniture craftsmen cannot abide. To them, the light coloured...

AGENTS: Guardian angels.(furniture industry )
September 12, 2003... Charlie's Angels might not necessarily come to the rescue if you have problems with foreign suppliers, but other agents can certainly help, reports Mark Lewis Dave Singleton is the Willy Lomans' hero in Arthur Miller's play Death of a...

BELFAST: Cheers to regeneration.
September 12, 2003... Stephanie Baum spoke to three retailers to get a sense of how the retail landscape in Belfast is changing Belfast is being transformed. Redevelopment means people are moving into the city centre and the Victoria Square shopping centre - a...

Welcome development.(Victoria Square, Belfast )(Brief Article)
September 12, 2003... The development of the Victoria Square shopping centre is probably one of the most anticipated retail schemes in Belfast city centre. After four years of proposals and reviews, it was announced last month that German open-ended fund CGI is...

FIRST PERSON - JASCHA LENKIEWICZ: Independence rules OK.
September 12, 2003... JASCHA LENKIEWICZ How did you get started in business? I got sacked. After that I decided I would never put myself in that position again. I started to research funding opportunities and produced a series of prototype pieces. I made...

Buyers quit Allders amid reports of furniture cutback.
September 19, 2003... David Hussein is among key furniture personnel leaving the Allders department store group, as it reportedly axes furniture floorspace. Hussein, who was Allders' director of buying, heavy household, left the company last Thursday (11...

COMMENT: On an international scale.(Chris Jackson and Paul Mac Cann win Promosedia's International Chair Exhibition design competition)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... The good news is that young British designers are receiving international acclaim. The better news is that a local manufacturer is not letting them get away. Last week I witnessed the pride of Chris Jackson and Paul Mac Cann as they...

Silentnight to return to the family fold.(Clarke family buys back Silentnight Holdings )(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Bed, upholstery and cabinet group Silentnight Holdings is to return to the ownership of the founding Clarke family after its #72.2m offer was recommended. The move came as the group again warned that improved profitability was some time...

Ikea Croydon site clash.(Croydon Council against knocking down power station for store expansion)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Ikea and Croydon Council are at loggerheads over the furniture giant's plans to knock down a disused power station to make way for a store expansion. The council is in a race to assign listed status to the building, before Ikea has a...

Charmwood fails.(Charmwood Furniture in receivership )(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Charmwood Furniture was placed in administrative receivership last Friday (12 September) with Deloitte & Touche (tel: 0121 695 5611). Charmwood's directors are said to have been unsuccessful in seeking ways of funding a big growth in sales. ...

Dundee relocation.(Godfreys of Dundee )(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... A Dundee textiles company will shed 30 staff and relocate, after agreeing plans to cease production at its Wallace Craigie site. Godfreys of Dundee hopes to secure the company's other 50 jobs, but has yet to find a new site. Copyright: CMP...

Moving freely.(Willis & Gambier to open distribution centre)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Willis & Gambier is to open a 75,000sqft distribution centre in November. Products are being delivered to the Saffron Walden, Essex unit in preparation for its opening. The cabinet firm has also expanded its delivery fleet from five to eight...

Merger on the cards.(Remploy Furniture to merge factories)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Remploy Furniture is in staff consultation over merging two factories in Wales. The manufacturer, whose policy it is to employ disabled people, hopes to merge its Brynamman site into its Ystradgynlais site five miles away. Copyright: CMP...

Fast track to profit on the agenda at Frayling.(Frayling Furniture Ltd. acquisition)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Loss making upholstery manufacturer Frayling Furniture could become the centrepiece of a major UK owned furniture group if its new owners have their way, Cabinet Maker has learned. The Staffordshire firm has been bought by a group of...

Enterprising changes for unsecured creditors.(Enterprise Act )(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Creditors of failed firms stand more chance of recovering some of their debts from this week. The Enterprise Act means Customs and Excise and Inland Revenue will rank alongside other unsecured creditors when it comes to getting paid. ...

Keeping its distance.(BoConcept market research)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... A need to put more distance between itself and Ikea was one of the key results to emerge from BoConcept's recent research, said marketing executive Jamie Kerner this week. The research has prompted the stores to adopt a warmer image (cm,...

City: Walker Greenbank buy boosts share price.(Sanderson acquisition)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Walker Greenbank leaped 35% (4p) on news of its #5.5m acquisition of Sanderson wallcoverings and fabrics. The deal includes the Sanderson design archive, freehold property, overseas subsidiaries and prestigious trading names Morris & Co and V&A...

Furniture is centre-stage in JLP TV push.(John Lewis)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... John Lewis launched its first TV advertising campaign in England and Wales this week, with furniture and homewares taking centre-stage. The six-week campaign began on 15 September. It is supported by a door- drop to two million households...

Share Update on 15 September 2003.(Illustration)
September 19, 2003... Share Update on 15 September 2003 Bold=new High/Low Now Change Change 2003 2003 over since High Low 2 weeks 1 Jan ...

Fresh furnishings.(Sainsbury's launches soft furnishings range)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Sainsbury's has launched a soft furnishings range as part of its bid to increase its non-foods portfolio. Britain's third largest supermarket chain saw its share price jump 1.8% in response to the launch, which will also include cookware...

Letter: A sale of two sofas.(Letter to the Editor)
September 19, 2003... I was recently asked by a friend for advice on buying two leather sofas. Bearing in mind the current research into fibre use (FIRA Fibrefill project) and suites that do not satisfy flammability regulations, I decided this was a perfect...

Brit duo take the chair in Italy.(Chris Jackson and Peter Mac Cann's LTO Chair wins Caiazza Memorial Challenge design competition)(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... Two young British designers beat the Italians by taking first prize in the Caiazza Memorial Challenge international design competition at Promosedia's International Chair Exhibition In Udine, Italy last Friday (12 September). Chris Jackson...

Furniture plays strong part at new show.(first Autumn Ideal Home Show )(Brief Article)
September 19, 2003... The first Autumn Ideal Home Show is set to include `a very strong furniture section', according to show manager Sarah Stoddart. About 25% of space at the consumer fair will be down to furniture, which is equivalent to its presence at the...

Upholstery's vicious circle.
September 19, 2003... Consumers want low price upholstery, so imports increase and in turn UK, US and European production decreases, reports Andrew Kidd Global demand for upholstery will see little or no growth over the next two years, but Asian producers will...

SHOP WINDOW: PACO CAPDELL.(Advertisement)
September 19, 2003... The Cava armchair from Paco Capdell is an elegant piece with an aesthetic versatility achieved through a combination of leather and wood. Contact Paco Capdell on 00 34 96 5916470 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: DUNLOPILLO.
September 19, 2003... Dunlopillo's Viva features the stress-relieving benefits of viscoelastic velvetfoam with the underlying resilience and support of latex in a soft, cotton-rich velour cover. Contact Dunlopillo on 0161 6286565 Copyright: CMP Information...

SHOP WINDOW: BARLOW TYRIE.
September 19, 2003... Barlow Tyrie's designers have blended teak with a polished stainless steel frame to create this design-led range. The slatted range can accommodate all weather conditions. Contact Barlow Tyrie on 01376 557600 Copyright: CMP Information...

SHOP WINDOW: LIFESTYLE.
September 19, 2003... The oak Boston Living range from Lifestyle Furniture is finished with a clear oil to ensure durability and lasting good looks. Contact Lifestyle Furniture on 00 353 502 62424 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Store manager - liability: Good policies for insurance.
September 19, 2003... Two initiatives have been launched to ease employers' liability insurance, says Malcolm Tarling The problem Employer liability is an increasingly important issue for companies facing rising premium costs. What can be done to help...

B&B ITALIA: Transparent class.
September 19, 2003... Everything about supplier B&B Italia's Milan retail store is stylish, from its glass exterior to the products inside, reports Richard de Melim I am very proud of my association with B&B Italia's store in Milan. Apparently, I am the first...

SHOP TALK: The might of IKEA.
September 19, 2003... On its 60th anniversary Mark Lewis asked a selection of wise heads in the industry what impact Ikea has made in Britain Cabinet Maker defies anyone to go into an Ikea store to buy a sofa, and not emerge with candlesticks, a mirror, four...