Cabinet Maker articles from September 2004

Cabinet Maker archives from September 2004

Julian Bowen in #5m warehouse investment.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Work has begun on a #5m warehouse for bedroom furniture importer Julian Bowen. The 100,000sqft Nottinghamshire unit will be on the site of the former Bentick Colliery, near junction 28 of the M1. It consolidates the company's three...

Lord Kirkham hedges his bets for takeover.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Lord Kirkham was this week putting his faith in hedge funds to win his #496m takeover battle for DFS. The funds have been steadily buying shares since March when Lord Kirkham said he wanted to buy the group, and now own about 30% of the...

COMMENT: Discounting out of business.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... The furniture and floorcoverings sector saw its eighth consecutive month of growth in August, according to the CBI, managing to defy the current retailing trend (see p4). It achieved the highest sales increase on the High Street. On the surface...

Retailer halves its outlets.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Lincolnshire retailer Thompson Home Furnishings is to close three of its branches in Burton upon Humber to concentrate on beds and floorcoverings. The 129 year-old company has six outlets on the town's Fleetgate, each specialising in...

Highs and lows of C-T.(Christie Tyler)(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Christie-Tyler maintained its position as the UK's largest furniture manufacturer, with sales of #399m, according to a new report. But, despite its position in terms of sales, it was the second largest loss-maker after Silentnight Group...

Stores shrug off rate rises.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Retailers of furniture and floorcoverings shrugged off the effects of increased interest rates in August, with stores seeing annual sales growth for the eighth successive month. It was one of only two sectors to see strong growth, along...

Traders' training.
September 3, 2004... Duresta, Tempur and Paragon Finance are sponsoring a three-day training course for staff organised by members of the Furniture Traders buying group on 14-16 September. The course, run by Nigel Wesson, training project leader, will cover leather...

Chinese advice.
September 3, 2004... Due to the success of its first event in July, The Consulting Company is to hold another seminar and discussions on manufacturing or investing in China. The event, on 7 October in Oxford, will be run by Dave Roberts, who has 20 years experience...

Quality mark.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Garden furniture manufacturer Barlow Tyrie has been awarded the Investors in People standard. Departmental communication improved and a staff training programme was developed as a result of the work towards the standard. Copyright: CMP...

Making deliveries.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Dreams is to add another 20 Mercedes delivery vans to its fleet by the end of the year, increasing numbers to just over 100. The chain delivers more than 1million beds a year. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Retailers satisfied with happy Monday sales.
September 3, 2004... Independent furniture retailers across the UK enjoyed good Bank Holiday trading - if they opened on Monday. `It went extremely well; I was very surprised,' said Phil Wright, Bournemouth Bedding Centre manager. `We were up a fifth on last...

Refund policy.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Marks & Spencer is considering altering its `no quibble' refund policy. The chain is famed for its willingness to accept a returned product, as long as there is no obvious evidence that it has been used. The policy is being examined as part of...

Kitchens tops for shopping.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... More shoppers plan to buy a kitchen in the next three months than they did in the past quarter. But, fewer people plan to buy furniture, curtains or carpets. Some 7% of consumers intend buying a kitchen, up 1% on the summer, according to a...

Bed warehouse blaze.(Supersave)(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Lincoln bed and bedding retailer Supersave lost #25,000-#30,000 worth of stock after its warehouse caught fire on Monday (30 August). The blaze, which took more than 26 hours to bring under control, also caused the closure of Lincoln's...

New site and new lines for Winchester.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Leather upholstery manufacturer Winchester Furniture has moved from Burnley to a 4,740sqm (51,00Sqft) purpose built site 15 miles away at Belthorn near Blackburn. The move is intended to make production more efficient by relocating...

Is being the cheapest a worthy challenge?
September 3, 2004... VIEWS FROM AN IMPORTER: MARTIN KAY Importers, contrary to some opinion, should have no easier a life than the average manufacturer if they take their business seriously. So if you're finding it all very simple, watch out, there could be...

Money talks for retailers.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Retail employees will receive the same level of pay rise of 2.8% in 2005 as they did this year, increasing the average salary of a store manager to #36,340. According to a survey by human resources firm Mercer, just 38% of retailers still...

Revamped showroom.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Wood Bros has revamped its Ware, Hertfordshire showroom to demonstrate how its designs look in a contemporary setting with muted shades and wooden floors. `With regular retailer visits, coach trips and bi- annual consumer events, the showroom...

EXPO UPDATE: World wise.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Highlighting different designs from around the world has emerged as one of the major trends of London show 100% Design and satellite event 100% Guaranteed (23-26 September). London retailer Chaplins will showcase French design at 100%...

CITY: HoF profit sharing deal on the cards.
September 3, 2004... House of Fraser gained 5p on a `strong buy' recommendation from analysts at Arbuthnot Securities, who believe that a new deal with store card finance providers will include a lucrative profit-sharing agreement. Arbuthnot's enthusiasm...

Celebrating a decade of east London design.
September 3, 2004... Julian Mayor will be among the furniture designers celebrating a decade of east London design at the Geffrye Museum from 23 September to 16 January highlighting 10 years of Hidden Art. Phorm, Suck UK, Ella Doran and Georgina Dunkley will be...

Courts' pattern of long-term decline.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... This week's chart shows the deterioration of retailer Courts since July 1999. It records a significant long-term pattern of decline, where each sequence of fall and recovery peaks below the previous high, culminating in a precipitous 60% plunge...

Opening in triplicate.
September 3, 2004... Linda Barker, Julia Carling and Lesley Waters will open the Autumn Ideal Home Show next month. The designer, TV presenter and chef will star in pre-event publicity for the Earls Court show on 8-17 October. The event's themed...

When basic education and work don't add up.
September 3, 2004... Many school leavers lack basic skills, but Mark Lewis found that some retailers will take them on There is a real problem with basic educashun in this country. Grammar ain't up to much, spelling is diabolical and 16 year-olds don't know...

LONG POINT: DAVID GUNDRY.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... This range of traditional hand-made upholstery makes use of solid hardwood frames, coil sprung units and hand-finished upholstery. Contact David Gundry Upholstery on 0115 972 9147 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: STEED.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... The Norfolk range is part of a large collection of transitional designs in exclusive fabrics sourced from Italy, America and Belgium. Contact Steed Upholstery on 0115 973 4166 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: PARKER AND FARR.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... The most distinctive mark of each piece of Parker & Farr furniture is the tailoring of its upholstery fabrics of exclusive collections or customers' own material. Contact Parker and Farr on 0115 925 2131 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd....

LONG POINT: ABBEY LIVING.
September 3, 2004... On show will be a range in Indonesian solid teak alongside a collection of new rattan furniture for contemporary indoor living. Contact Abbey Living on 01625 820 483 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: CHARLES BARR.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... The decorative Grandeur collection takes centre stage at Long Point, as well as a new antiqued painted finish on the popular Fenland range of dining, occasional and bedroom furniture. Contact Charles Barr on 01767 681 444 Copyright:...

LONG POINT: ARTISTIC UPHOLSTERY.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Each bespoke piece from Artistic is hand-made from start to finish. A wide range of luxury fabrics and trimmings give the furniture an individual look. Contact Artistic Upholstery on 0115 973 4481 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: DURESTA.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Duresta will present its collection of Country House and international upholstery in a number of new designs and distinctive fabrics. Contact Duresta on 0115 973 7000 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: DERWENT.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... The company's range of classic upholstery has been expanded to include a contemporary collection called Mezzanine. The collections have extensive ranges of fabrics. Contact Derwent on 01773 604 121 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: YP FURNITURE.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Additional pieces for the Sumatra range are aimed at increasing its versatility, while fresh designs for Country House will strengthen this popular range. Contact YP Furniture on 01427 615 628 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: GAMMA.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Showing for the first time in the UK market, Gamma will display its latest table, chair and occasional ranges, in wood, metal and glass. Contact Gamma of Venice on 01604 832 965 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: JENSON.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Manufactured in Norway, the Northern Comfort range of ergonomic leather recliners are available in various leather grades and wood stains. Contact Jenson on 01823 44 4300 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: WADE FURNITURE.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... New finishes will be unveiled for the traditional ranges, designed to blend with genuine antiques, while Oakhampton will have smaller pieces added to the range. Contact Wade Furniture on 0113 263 0681 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: WADE UPHOLSTERY.
September 3, 2004... Wade Upholstery will be launching several models with luxurious new fabric ranges at the show. There will also be further additions to the Select range. Contact Wade Upholstery on 0115 939 4500 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

LONG POINT: CHELSOM.(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Chelsom will be launching its contemporary occasional furniture from Orsenigo of Italy. It features metalwork finishes in brushed nickel, chrome and aluminium, lacquered to an anthracite finish. Contact Chelsom on 01253 831 400 ...

Store manager - websites: Be more than a one-hit wonder.
September 3, 2004... Paul Smart offers a guide to creating a website that will be visited many times The problem I'm a furnisher and want to expand my customer base using a website but I'm not sure how to proceed. My biggest questions are: who will design...

Retail Intelligence.
September 3, 2004... July continued where May and June had left off. Cutting prices in the summer sales proved to be the way to boost sales. Some 48% of stores reported an increase in the value of sales, 29% maintained sales at the same level as in June and 23%...

COPYRIGHT: Surface tension.
September 3, 2004... An appeal court interpretation of copyright law means designs have to be registered. Mark Lewis explains what the law means and its effect on designs The advice to furniture designers after the Court of Appeal's judgement on copyright...

COPYRIGHT: A question of detail.(Teddy Smith and Next)(Brief Article)
September 3, 2004... Lambretta Clothing Company alleged that Teddy Smith and Next had infringed its copyright by copying its tracksuit top design. The litigation was not to do with the shape of the top, which was not original, but its colours. Both Next and...

DANIEL LYNCH SALES COMPANY: Master of sales.
September 3, 2004... Daniel Lynch gets customers queueing for bargains and retailers queueing for help with stock clearances, says Stephanie Baum A group of people walk purposefully up a high street to the entrance of a store where they quietly wait, shuffling...

FIRST PERSON - DANNY BRYAN: Drawing on the best.(Interview)
September 3, 2004... Danny Bryan, the md of furniture manufacturer Charles Barr, doesn't like under-achieving and hasn't felt the need to give anything up How did you get started in the industry? At the ripe old age of 16 my mother advised me there was a...

Blow for structural guarantees.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... The prospect of furniture retailers having to pay huge VAT bills came closer this week after a tribunal failed to rule in favour of Courts in the row over structural guarantees. Courts, along with other retailers, charged shoppers the 5%...

New role for Baumgart in reshuffle at Courts.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Courts has reshuffled its management again, moving Mireille Baumgart from her buying director's role and into the new position of director of strategy and design. `Mireille understands great products which sell, but she is also very strong...

COMMENT: Knowing your customer.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Be in touch with your customers, could have been the mantra for furniture retailing this week. A basic retailing principle it may be, but one that can often be forgotten in the hubbub of buying, selling, stock-taking and deliveries. Andrea...

Time wasters: blame the management.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... British retail staff waste more than a third of their time at work largely due to poor management. Retail staff are productive for only 59% of the time, against an average of 63% across all industry sectors, according to the Managing...

Wrexham store is demolished.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Walmsley's Hill Street, Wrexham branch was demolished on Tuesday (7 September) after a fire gutted the 5,000sqft store. The fire began at about 11.30pm on Monday night and spread to five adjoining buildings, including a thatch-roofed pub....

Call to size up for a big generation.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Furniture manufacturers are being urged to adjust the dimensions of their products, after a study revealed that the population's increasing weight is making traditional sizes obsolete. The results of the first UK National Sizing Survey...

Hypnos range.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Hypnos is to launch a range of National Trust branded beds this month. The four strong collection takes its inspiration from National Trust properties in Grasmere and Buttermere in the Lake District. The licensing deal means that sales of the...

Peroda boost.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Peroda Furniture has become the UK marketing agent for Chateau d'Ax, the Italian leather upholstery manufacturer. The company has plants in Italy, China, Romania and Brazil. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

M&S resignation.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Paul Denham, one of the masterminds of the Gateshead Marks & Spencer Lifestore and the Your M&S Home branch in Kingston-upon-Thames, has resigned. Director Niall Trafford has taken over the role of home programme director. Copyright: CMP...

Bedding down.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Bed retailer Dreams plans to introduce bedding and linen into its stores by the end of this month. `It is a logical step forward,' said Greg Southern, marketing director. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Maxdivani move.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Maxdivani has appointed Graham Bilton as UK agent for the Italian leather upholstery company. The manufacturer already supplies 40 UK customers and is hoping to grow its business. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Raising standards.(Arenson)(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Office furniture group Arenson has achieved the environmental management standard ISO 14001.196.The firm already has the quality standard ISO 9001.2000 and FSC certification. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Shares rise with LA speculation.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Laura Ashley's share price continued to climb as Cabinet Maker went to press, on ongoing speculation of an imminent takeover offer. Khoo Kay Peng, whose Malaysian holding companies control 58% of the shares, is thought to be the most likely...

Lord Kirkham plays the waiting game for DFS.(Lord Kirkham)(DFS Furniture Company PLC)(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Lord Kirkham has insisted he has not made up his mind on his future if his revised takeover offer for DFS is rejected. Weekend Press reports claimed he had decided to set up a rival chain if shareholders voted against his increased offer...

Dolce & Gabbana has more designs on furniture.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Dolce & Gabbana has hired Italian manufacturer Rattan Wood to produce a dining and upholstery collection, marking the fashion label's second move into the furniture arena. Branded Dolce & Gabbana, the range is expected to be ready for the...

Mid-market kitchens being squeezed out.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Retailers of mid-market kitchens face a dramatic reduction in their market as it polarises between the luxury and discount sectors, warned Eimar Duffner, Poggenpohl business unit manager. The middle market held a 49% market share in 1973...

Salespeople should know what they sell.
September 10, 2004... VIEWS ON SELLING: ANDREW ADAMSON Just to let you know that poor salespeople are alive and well in other retail sectors, let me tell you about a recent experience. My daughter has just bought her first house and is turning it into a...

John Lewis sees furniture sales excel.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Department store chain John Lewis saw furniture sales `excel' in the last week of August. Furniture and textile sales rose 4.8% in the week to 28 August, and increased by 6.1% in the month to 28 August. `Furniture excelled, as did linens once...

Cohens' pay-offs total #956,000.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Steven Cohen, former Courts UK md received a pay-off of #209,000 when he left the loss-making group in June. Cohen, who received a 4.3% pay rise in 2003, earned #170,000 a year. The group's annual report also revealed that the other...

Inside out looks at Spoga.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... The garden's ongoing transformation from a place for plants into an extra room for the house continued at Spoga this week. The Cologne event (5-7 September) saw more metal furniture and wood/glass and metal combinations as the contemporary...

Excellence doubled.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... The Outdoor Furniture Centre of Excellence covered two halls with 49 exhibitors - more than double last time. Companies were vetted by participants from the debut event last year. Oliver Kuhrt, Koelmesse vice president said the area...

Spanish sextet show at 100% Design.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Spain will be represented by six companies at 100% Design later this month. Textile and furnishings firm Gandia Blasco has recently expanded into the furniture market and will show its collection of contemporary outdoor furniture along...

Teaming up for Eureka.(Brief Article)
September 10, 2004... Heal's, Fired Earth, The Conran Shop and Crabtree & Evelyn have combined to showcase new designs at Eureka, part of the London Design Festival from 20-30 September. Nine designers were commissioned in April to create products for the...

More companies join the Collection.
September 10, 2004... GillmoreSpace, Lema and Stokke are among the companies that have signed up for new contemporary furniture show Collection next January. The event takes place alongside The Furniture Show in halls seven and eight of the NEC from 23-26...

DFS: still standing at the crossroads.(Lord Kirkham)
September 10, 2004... Lord Kirkham may have increased his offer for DFS, but whichever way the voting goes, the issues remain the same, argues Andrew Kidd Lord Kirkham's raised bid of #507m to take over the chain he founded in 1969 may have improved the odds of...

SHOP WINDOW: HARLEQUIN.
September 10, 2004... The Coast collection reflects organic textures and elements from the beach. Comprising three cotton prints and two cut chenille and linen- mix weaves, the fabrics are suitable for both drapes and upholstery. Contact Harlequin on 08708 300...

SHOP WINDOW: WACKENHUT.
September 10, 2004... Making use of simple lines, neat detailing and good storage solutions, the Vinur range is available in a choice of birch or ash, with frosted or clear glass doors with wood or metal trims. All storage options can be tailored to specific...

SHOP WINDOW: GEMS.
September 10, 2004... Spanish company Gems has brought the unusual Rul-la chairs and ottoman to the market, with its neat chrome base. A choice of different upholstery colours and chair shapes are available. Contact Gems on 00 34 93731 3377 Copyright: CMP...

RETURNS POLICY: Comebacks unwrapped.(returnable goods)
September 10, 2004... As Marks & Spencer considers changing its `no quibble' returns policy, Andrew Kidd looks at how other companies deal with returned furniture After waiting for eight weeks, the sofa finally arrives. The customer's excitement rises as the...

Undercover in Slough.
September 10, 2004... Home of the Mars bar and to TV series The Office, Slough has had a fairly chequered past. Slough Ice Arena was the training ground for British ice skating champions Torvill and Dean, Slough had Britain's first black female mayor appointed...

WOOD TRENDS: Going with the grain.
September 10, 2004... Stephanie Baum talks to style gurus about future trends for wood in furniture and finds a diverse range of opinions, but one thing is certain, there's always a place for oak Anyone wanting a neat and tidy explanation of furniture trends for...

IAN ARCHER: Designer eye on change.
September 10, 2004... Ian Archer was brought in to create a new look for Wade and Welbeck. Alison Gay finds out how he's getting along with the makeover It might be an over-statement to say that Ian Archer is the new Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen of Long Eaton. He's...

First person - Tom Penn: Offering no offence.(Danish Hardwoods UK)(Interview)
September 10, 2004... Tom Penn, Danish Hardwoods UK sales rep, sees himself as tougher version of Jeremy Paxman, but his best friend reckons he's a really funny man How did you get started in the industry? By accident; 40 years ago I applied for one job,...

Long struggle ahead for MFI to deliver on supply chain.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... MFI faces months of problems fulfilling orders as it battles to fix its stock management software. Two directors have resigned over the debacle as John Hancock, chief executive assumed responsibility for its supply chain. Gordon MacDonald,...

Comment: Hancock must fix IT.(John Hancock)(information technology)(usage of stock management software takes its toll)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... A year is a long time in retailing. Last summer MFI was steaming ahead and confidently predicting it could grow by 13% a year. Now just achieving last year's sales would be a huge achievement. As anyone installing a new computer system...

Ikea appeals against Stockport decision.(IKEA UK)(Stockport Council)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Ikea is appealing against John Prescott's decision that prevented it from opening a store in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The challenge to the deputy prime minister comes in the same week as the company was fined #7,000 by Walsall...

Flooding work forces store closure.(Woodentops)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... West Midlands retailer Woodentops is to cease trading after flood defence construction reduced customers to a trickle. Bewdley has flooded regularly over the past few years, but flood barrier work has led to a cut in parking spaces. Ann...

Inflation returns to furniture sector.(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Higher prices on bedroom products saw annual retail inflation return to the furniture sector last month. `There were special offers at several major retailers last year, compared with recoveries this year,' said National Statistics. ...

End of contract.(Mattison Woodworking Co.)(Myers Industries Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Myer's has sold its Myer's and Staples contract operations to Mattison for an undisclosed sum so it can concentrate on the domestic market. All production staff have been retained. The acquired designs will be sold under the Mattison brand. ...

DFS vote date.(DFS Furniture Company PLC)(Brief Article)
September 17, 2004... Shareholders will vote on Lord Kirkham's increased #507m takeover bid for DFS on 27 September. Excluding the Kirkham family, 75% of shareholders must vote in favour of the offer for it to go through. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.