HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network articles from April 2006

HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network archives from April 2006

NEW YORK UNDER COVER.
April 3, 2006... Textiles week kicks off with suppliers ready to put their new products to bed, like Anichini's silk Peacock quilt, pictured here. HFN's complete coverage is in the textiles and floor covering sections. Caption(s): Pictured here, Anichini's...

HOME DEPOT DIRECT'S LUXE APPROACH.
April 3, 2006... Byline: Nancy Meyer, Karl Kunkel NEW YORK-The Home Depot has added white gloves to its orange apron uniform. The home improvement giant has gotten much more aggressive in its direct-to-consumer business, through Home Depot Direct's...

MERCHANTS ON THE HUNT AT NYC TEXTILES WEEK.(New York City)(home textiles)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Barbara Thau NEW YORK-Retailers coming to town for this week's New York home textiles market are setting out to build upon their house brands and sift out soft home goods with a luxury sheen. So said merchants, who will be...

HOME PAGE.
April 3, 2006... A Look Ahead Advance retail sales for March will be released by the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau on April 13. The Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago from April 21 to 23. ...

'WHIRLTAG' CLOSER TO REALITY.(Whirlpool Corp. and Maytag Corp mergers)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Michael Rudnick BENTON HARBOR, Mich.-With Whirlpool Corp. and Maytag Corp. closer than ever to closing their merger thanks to a long-awaited government stamp of approval, the combined white goods giant hopes to benefit from the...

Z GALLERIE TARGETS THE NORTHEAST.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Rosamaria Mancini NEW YORK-Expansion-that's what it's all about for Z Gallerie. The home retailer opened its first New York store last month and is moving forward with plans to open additional stores in the Northeast. "The...

CLARIFICATION.(Correction notice)
April 3, 2006... In the March 6 issue of HFN, it was written that Sears had not named a head merchant for The Great Indoors. Teresa Byrd was named senior vice president and general manager of The Great Indoors in October.

MAY INTO MACY'S: PART 1.(Company overview)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Barbara Thau CAMBRIDGE, Mass.-The Filene's store in the CambridgeSide Galleria mall is in the midst of a merchandise purge as the 124-year-old chain morphs into Macy's. Percent-off signs pepper the department store and...

TRADE SHOW CALENDAR.
April 3, 2006... March 3/31-4/6 New York Home Textiles Spring Market New York Showrooms (212) 279-6063 7wnewyork.com April 4-7 Coverings Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Fla. (866) 285-3691 coverings.com...

15 MINUTES OF STYLE.(American Wannabe Mass Market Designers' Association)(Wal-Mart Stores Inc)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Baltar There are some damn fine sultans of style kicking around but lately it seems like someone is producing designers-everywhere, especially for home. I just got back from this year's AWMMDA draft-that's the American Wannabe...

OPPOSITES ATTRACT.
April 3, 2006... Byline: Michael D. Devine Black and white are taking retail by storm this season. The shelves of some of the nation's largest merchants are well stocked with the dynamic duo. In styles ranging from classic to modern, the combination makes...

SPRING FEVER.(changing economy and consumer spending trends in America)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Warren Shoulberger "There's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear." That's how Buffalo Springfield put it a couple of musical generations ago talking about the social protest scene of the 1960s. (Does anybody...

QUICK TAKES.(Jane Gilmartin executive vice president of merchandising for Linens 'n Things)
April 3, 2006... RETAIL JANE GILMARTIN, executive vice president of merchandising for Linens 'n Things, has left the home specialty chain. Gilmartin joined Linens 'n Things from Ross Stores in August 2005, where she was senior vice president and general...

THE NEW YORK KNITS; AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT BUYERS CAN EXPECT AT THE SPRING MARKET.
April 3, 2006... Byline: Rosamaria Mancini, Michael D. Devine and Lea LaNotte assisted with the product selection and styling. NEW YORK-The home textiles industry continues to set the bar high when it comes to innovation and design. At this New York...

VENDORS WELCOME SCHEDULE CHANGES.(textiles market schedule )
April 3, 2006... Byline: Rosamaria Mancini NEW YORK-For vendors in the textiles business, the upcoming schedule adjustments that await them after this final spring market are somewhat of a welcome change. After this textiles market, the following...

SFERRA MIXES ELEMENTS IN A TIMELY FASHION FOR NEW COTTAGE COLLECTION.(Sferra Bros.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Rosamaria Mancini NEW YORK-Calling it a marriage of past and present, Sferra combined the elegance of grand European design and cutting-edge technology for its new Cottage collection. The collection is about bringing relaxed...

HELPING CONSUMERS REST RIGHT.(American Textile Co. (Duquesne, Pennsylvania))(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Rosamaria Mancini NEW YORK-In a bid to provide comfort and relief to consumers who suffer from common skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, the American Textile Co. plans to introduce at the New York home textiles market a...

ROLLING OUT THE WELCOME MAT.(new collection of rugs and carpets)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Jennifer Quail NEW YORK-The outlook is sunny for those rug vendors participating in the New York home textiles market this week. From cheerful designs that harken to warm weather days to optimistic executives ready to write some...

MANSOUR MODERN OPENS LOS ANGELES SHOWROOM.
April 3, 2006... Byline: Jennifer Quail NEW YORK-The unveiling of its premiere showroom on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles complete, Mansour Modern is on its way to making a new name for the family-run business that has long specialized in antique,...

FLOORING AMERICA, FLOORING CANADA HONOR MEMBERS.
April 3, 2006... Byline: Jennifer Quail NEW YORK-At their annual Winter Convention held last month in Anaheim, Calif., Flooring America and Flooring Canada introduced member retailers to new products and plans for the company, as well as awarded certain...

ORDERLY FASHION.(New York textiles market )(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Jennifer Quail NEW YORK-Providing direction for their respective designs, introductions popping up in time for the New York textiles market are featuring repetitive fashion to create looks that range from simple to sophisticated....

BALTA EXPANDS IN GREAT OUTDOORS.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Jennifer Quail NEW YORK-Balta is introducing two shapes in its Patio Rug program during the New York textiles market this week. The company said the new styles were created to keep up with the ever-growing outdoor living...

HUNTER TURNS BATH FANS INTO DECOR ITEMS.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Sharyn Bernard MEMPHIS, Tenn.-Hunter Fan Co. is expanding its collection of bath fans with several models designed to coordinate with popular home decor materials. The new Designer collection is intended to make a utilitarian...

MARIO INDUSTRIES WINS $1.53M JURY VERDICT OVER TRADE SECRETS.
April 3, 2006... Byline: Nancy Meyer ROANOKE, Va.-Lamp maker Mario Industries has won a $1.53 million jury verdict against a competitor founded by a former employee, for conspiracy, theft of trade secrets, interference with business expectancy and two...

ENERGY STAR ENDORSES GU-24 PIN BASE AS STANDARD DESIGN FOR FIXTURES.(Fluorescent lighting)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Sharyn Bernard NEW YORK-In an effort to make it easier for consumers to adopt energy-efficient lighting alternatives, Energy Star is now endorsing the GU-24 pin base as the preferred standard base design for all fixtures using...

LIVING THE HIGH-END LIFE.(new designs in home furnishings)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Carla Webb O'Connor NEW YORK-Maybe it's due to the reported comeback of the luxury market, or maybe it's consumers' proven willingness to pay more for something that's different from the masses. Whatever the reason, two new...

DALLAS MARKET CENTER STEPS UP TO THE PLATE.(Dallas Market Center Company Ltd.)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Carla Webb O'Connor DALLAS-Dallas Market Center is pushing tabletop this year, adding new showrooms and new lines in existing showrooms, as well as creating several marketing promotions and special events for the category. ...

PLAYING WITH TIME.(Clock and watch vendors)
April 3, 2006... Byline: Sharyn Bernard ATLANTA-Some clock vendors are looking to new designs, such as oversized clocks, wood and neutral colors while another is repositioning itself at the higher end, all in an effort to drive home sales. Suppliers...

GOURMET CATALOG CREATES VENDOR ADVISORY PANEL.(Brief article)
April 3, 2006... NEW YORK-Gourmet Catalog has formed the Vendor Advisory Panel to work with its 144 independent store members to determine better ways of doing business between vendors and small specialty stores. Vendors were introduced to store members...

NEW LAW MAKES AN IMPACT ON CONSUMER BANKRUPTCIES.
April 3, 2006... Byline: Michael Rudnick NEW YORK-The new bankruptcy reform looks to be working, as filings sunk following its enactment, pointing to future relief from charge-off activity for credit card providers and retailers that manage in-house credit...

DESIGN OF THE TIMES.
April 3, 2006... Byline: Michael D. Devine McGuire Furniture hosted a cocktail party for designer Laura Kirar at its New York showroom to present the collection she is doing for the company. The 200 Lexington Ave. space was packed wall to wall with New...

LETTER PERFECT.
April 3, 2006... A newcomer to the New York retail scene, Z Gallerie hosted a fete at its new SoHo location. A portion of the evening's sales was donated to the American Diabetes Association. Caption(s): Linda Seidman of Modern Bride / Samantha Emmerling of...

COLOR BY NUMBERS.
April 10, 2006... Fashion and style in today's home furnishings get a big boost from the full spectrum of hues.

CAN MARTHA FIX MACY'S HOME MIX?(Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Barbara Thau NEW YORK-The domestic diva without peer will take a shot at reviving Federated's home business. Federated Department Stores' bold move to launch an exclusive home collection from Martha Stewart next year is...

LNT'S NEW UNIT REVISITS HOME.(Linens 'n Things Inc.)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Michael Rudnick SECAUCUS, N.J.-Linens 'n Things has gone above and beyond a simple spring cleaning with the recent opening of a new store format here. The "things" have been cleaned up at this new one-off store, as its design...

HOMEPAGE.(J.D. Power and Associates measures customer satisfaction)(Newell Rubbermaid Inc. profits)(Las Vegas Gourmet Housewares Show to be held at Las Vegas)
April 10, 2006... A Look Ahead The U.S. Department of Commerce will release March housing starts data on April 18. Newell Rubbermaid will release its first-quarter earnings on April 27. The Las Vegas Gourmet Housewares Show will be held at the Las...

FIT HONORS INDUSTRY, STUDENTS AT 10TH ANNUAL BREAKFAST EVENT.(Fashion Institute of Technology)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-The Fashion Institute of Technology's Home Products Development Department held its 10th annual scholarship awards breakfast at the Waldorf Astoria last week. The breakfast, which was attended by more than 450 people, honored both...

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS FROM NEWELL.(Newell Rubbermaid Inc.)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Jennifer White NEW YORK-Not much news has come out of the Newell Rubbermaid offices since the naming of Mark Ketchum to succeed Joe Galli as chief executive officer six months ago-and that's not necessarily a bad thing. ...

QUICK TAKES.(Pier 1 Imports Inc. suffers losses)(Sears Holdings Corp. appoints Bill Stewart)(Wal-Mart Stores Inc. appoints Lawrence Jackson and Susan Chambers)
April 10, 2006... RETAIL WAL-MART STORES has named Lawrence Jackson president and chief executive officer of its global procurement division. He previously was executive vice president of the retailer's people division, responsible for all human resources...

MADE IN THE SHADES.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Michael D. Devine The life of a best-selling color is often unpredictable, especially in fashion. This year, a roundup of top sellers from across several markets proves that it's going to be a bright year ahead. Yellow, purple,...

A LOOK AT THE LOOKS AHEAD.
April 10, 2006... Byline: Jennifer White NEW YORK-Successful home furnishings in the very near future will multitask with a sense of purpose. They will protect us from the world around us and bring us a constant digital stream of information and...

PRIMARY COLORS.(hot favourite colors in home furnishings)
April 10, 2006... Byline: HFN Staff Report NEW YORK-Consumers are a fickle bunch. Consider their choices of top colors for popular home furnishings items. Just because a color was a favorite in 2004, meant nothing when tracking its popularity in 2005. Take...

THE DATING GAME.(home textile trade shows don't get noticed)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Warren Shoulberg Don't look now, but the home furnishings industry seems to be losing its home textiles trade show. Actually, make that misplaced, rather than lost. There is a home textiles trade show out there-in fact, there...

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS MAKES CHANGE TO STAND-ALONE EVENT.
April 10, 2006... Byline: Rosamaria Mancini NEW YORK-Exhibitors at Global Connections, the showcase for Asian and other international suppliers, said they preferred a uniform format that combined American and European vendors as opposed to the stand-alone...

GLM RECOGNIZES THE BEST NEW PRODUCTS AT TEXTILES SHOW.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Jennifer Quail NEW YORK-Winners and finalists in five categories were honored with Best New Product Awards at the 29th semiannual New York Home Textiles Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. An award was also given for...

EWHT DISCUSSES RISK TAKING.(Executives Working in Home Textiles)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Rosamaria Mancini NEW YORK-Executives Working in Home Textiles held its semiannual market week breakfast at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The topic of discussion was "Risk Taking: Who Has Done It and Won," and the panelists...

BITES FROM THE BIG APPLE.(new home furnishing products)
April 10, 2006... REVMAN INTERNATIONAL launched its Australian bedding collection Aurahome. The parent company of Linen House International, Aurahome drew inspiration from exotic locales and the result was a collection of contemporary bedding that was also...

MISSONI IN ACTION.(broadloom coming to Italy)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Jennifer Quail NEW YORK-Long known for its signature patterns and knitwear in women's fashion, the Missoni label has been expanding for some time, moving into the home arena and other areas, such as accessories fragrance. Now the...

FIT STUDENTS TO CREATE RUG FOR KARASTAN.(Fashion Institute of Technology, Karastan Rug and Home)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-Karastan has teamed with the Fashion Institute of Technology for New Views on Traditional, a collaborative program that challenges 35 upper division textiles and surface design majors at the school to create a rug that will be produced...

ITALY'S STILE BK JOINS RUGMARK.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-RugMark has found its latest partner in Stile BK, a company founded in Torino, Italy, with U.S. headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. Under the agreement, Stile BK has agreed to open the doors of its Kathmandu-based factories for random...

ART RELEASES EVENT SCHEDULE, PROGRAM FOR ANNUAL CONFERENCE.(Accessories Resource Team)
April 10, 2006... CHARLOTTE, N.C.-The Accessories Resource Team, the decorative accessories industry association, has several networking events planned for the upcoming International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C.; has unveiled its annual ART...

PROGRESS SHEDS SOME LIGHT ON 'THIS OLD HOUSE' PROJECT.(Progress Lighting Inc. works with Mi Casa)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... WASHINGTON-Progress Lighting worked with "This Old House," the Emmy Award-winning TV series, on Mi Casa's urban renewal project in Duke Ellington's old neighborhood here. The lighting manufacturer, based in Spartanburg, S.C., provided selection...

LAVA LAMPS ON THE GO.(product from Lava World International)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... ELMHURST, Ill.-Lava lamps aren't just for mellowing out anymore. The manufacturer, Lava World International, is turning its iconic product into functional novelty items. Lava World has extended its mini "end ups" product line into such gifts as...

IT'S TEA TIME FOR THE INDUSTRY.(tea industry grows)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Carla Webb O'Connor NEW YORK-It's no longer a secret that tea is a "hot" beverage. According to the Tea Association of the USA, the estimated wholesale value of the tea industry in the United States has grown from $1.84 billion in...

LIBBEY TO ACQUIRE THE REMAINDER OF VITROCRISA.(Vitrocrisa Holdings acquired)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-Libbey plans to acquire the remaining 51 percent of Vitrocrisa Holdings, the Mexican glass tableware company, for $80 million in cash, bringing its ownership to 100 percent. Crisa's 2005 sales were approximately $192 million,...

ENESCO EXPERIENCES TOUGH YEAR IN 2005.(Enesco Group Inc. suffers losses)
April 10, 2006... ITASCA, Ill.-Enesco Group continued to feel the loss of the Precious Moments license last year. The company experienced a net loss of $54 million during the 2005 fiscal year, ended Dec. 31, down 20 percent over its $45.2 million net loss in...

GIEN ENTERS THE KITCHEN WITH BAKEWARE.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Carla Webb O'Connor NEW YORK-Gien's newest product category, ceramic bakers, underscores the brand's continuing focus on the casual dining market. "It's driven by demand from the marketplace," said Pia Gschossmann, brand...

NPD TABLETOP RANKINGS POINT TO TRIED AND TRUE.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Allison Zisko NEW YORK-Last year's ranking of the top dinnerware and stemware patterns, as calculated by NPD, the Port Washington, N.Y.-based market research firm, revealed an eclectic mix of casual and quality casual patterns from...

HOME PORTUGAL TRADE SHOW PROMOTES COUNTRY'S PRODUCTS.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-For the second season, the Portuguese Business Association and Icep Portugal, the Portuguese Trade Commission, are sponsoring the Home Portugal trade show at 7 W New York. It is a joint effort between the Portuguese government and a...

ARTLAND COMES TO MARKET WITH TWO NEW LICENSES.(World Vineyards and Dick Idol Ventures L.L.C sign licensing agreement)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-Artland is coming to market next week with offerings from its two newest licensed partners, World Vineyards and Dick Idol Ventures. From Montana outdoorsman, artist and outdoor lifestyle personality Dick Idol comes the Woodberry...

ROYAL WORCESTER, CLARE MACKIE IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT.(launch holiday collection)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-Royal China & Porcelain's Royal Worcester brand is introducing a holiday collection from its latest licensee, Clare Mackie. Mackie, who was brought up in the Scottish countryside surrounded by animals and insects, has adorned her...

SNAPSHOT OF GENERATION X SPELLS OPPORTUNITY FOR FRAME BUSINESS.(trade show of Photo Marketing Association International)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Allison Zisko NEW YORK-New data from the Photo Marketing Association International points to a key consumer and key opportunities within the photography market that could have an impact on ancillary businesses, including the photo...

HAMPTON FORGE LAUNCHES NEW BRAND.(of silver cutleries)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Allison Zisko NEW YORK-Hampton Forge will make a foray into the upstairs silver department at the tabletop show here later this month with a new brand called Argent Orfevres. Fifty patterns will debut in the company's...

ANNA WEATHERLY REVIVES AN ART FORM.(on porcelain )(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-Anna Weatherly is applying her painterly talents through a new medium: a collection of original paintings on porcelain that will debut at the spring tabletop show here later this month. The painted porcelain plaques replicate a...

TIFFANY GOES FISHING WITH FRANK GEHRY.(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... The new Frank Gehry for Tiffany & Co. collection is set for its New York debut after premiering at the company's Rodeo Drive store in Beverly Hills, Calif., late last month. The architect's collaboration with Tiffany has resulted in a...

STUDIO STUDIES THE MARKET AND CONCENTRATES ITS EFFORTS.(Studio Silversmiths)(Company overview)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Allison Zisko NEW YORK-What started out as an attempt to fill a niche in the silver business has led to the growth of a company "that has taken on a life of its own," said Max Harris, the newly named vice president of merchandising...

CLEANING UP AT THE HIGH END.(prices go up)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Michael Rudnick NEW YORK-Since Dyson three years ago resurrected historically price-driven floor care with the launch of a $399 bagless upright, other vacuum makers have pushed upmarket into $300, $400 and $500 price points,...

TUPPERWARE PUTS RINNA ON ITS 'DANCING' CARD.(Lisa Rinna signed)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-Tupperware has named actress Lisa Rinna its latest celebrity consultant. Rinna is a talk-show host, boutique owner and most recently a competitor on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." "Tupperware consultants are the cornerstone of our...

CUTLERY COMPANIES FORGE NEW TERRITORY, FIND AN AUDIENCE.
April 10, 2006... Byline: Allison Zisko NEW YORK-For the handful of cutlery companies angling for a slice of a well-established pie, the recent International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago was a successful venue for getting their names and products out...

THE WHISTLE VAC RECEIVES SEAL OF APPROVAL FROM COOKING CLUB OF AMERICA.(FreshVac gets award from Cooking Club of America)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-FreshVac said its Whistle Vac line of vacuum-sealed food storage containers received the Cooking Club of America Kitchen Tested Seal of Approval from Cooking Pleasures magazine. The Whistle Vac line features FreshVac's patented...

RANGE KLEEN'S ENVIRONMENTAL EFFORT HITS L.A.(Range Kleen Manufacturing Inc., Los Angeles)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... NEW YORK-Range Kleen received the initial order from the city of Los Angeles for the Fat Trapper Trap the Grease Program. The Fat Trapper, a plastic airtight container that holds used cooking grease in a disposable foil-lined bag, will be...

DAEWOO SPEAKS OUT WITH VOICE-ACTIVATED MICROWAVES.(new microwave ovens from Daewoo Electronics Company Ltd.)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Michael Rudnick LYNDHURST, N.J.-Daewoo Electronics America will give a voice to its appliances-with a new line of voice-activated microwave ovens. Daewoo plans to bring the new microwaves to retail in the fourth quarter of this...

MAYTAG CEO HAKE RESIGNS.(Ralph Hake)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Michael Rudnick BENTON HARBOR, Mich.-Whirlpool's top brass is set to lead the newly merged Whirlpool/Maytag following last week's resignation of Ralph Hake, Maytag's chief executive officer. "Whirlpool's current executive team...

BSH'S THERMADOR BRAND MAKES ITS FIRST FORAY INTO INDUCTION COOKING ARENA.(cooktops from BSH Home Appliances Corp.)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Michael Rudnick HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.-BSH Home Appliances Corp. is cooking up plans to launch its first Thermador induction cooktop later this summer. The Thermador induction cooktop will be available at retail by September...

DIVA DE PROVENCE FORMS AN ATTRACTIVE OPTION FOR APARTMENT DWELLERS.(cooktops to be introduced)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Michael Rudnick TORONTO-Diva de Provence will bring induction cooking to apartment dwellers with the launch of a new compact cooktop. The manufacturer is gearing up for the introduction of a 24-inch induction cooktop, which it...

MARCH SALES INCH UP SLIGHTLY, BUT RETAILERS BLAME EASTER SHIFT FOR SOFTNESS.
April 10, 2006... Byline: Michael Rudnick NEW YORK-The Easter Bunny did not come in time this year to help somewhat-soft retail sales gains. While home furnishings retailers' same-store sales inched up slightly from the previous month, some retailers...

YOU GOTTA HAVE ART.("The Natural Genius of Umbria" celebrated)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Byline: Michael D. Devine Umbria, the romantic region of Italy, held a night of culture and food at the Guggenheim Museum in New York to conclude its weeklong celebration of "The Natural Genius of Umbria." The evening included a...

MAXIM EFFECT.(launches bedding collection)(Brief article)
April 10, 2006... Maxim, one of the leading laddie magazines, launched a bedding collection under the Maxim Living brand at Macy's Herald Square in New York. The new line was toasted at an event at the store hosted by Seth Meyers and Jason Sudeikis of "Saturday...

THE PERFECT SETTING.(Brief article)
April 17, 2006... it's tabletop time again in new york as the market opens this week with plenty of product debuts, including Wedgwood's Barbara Barry collection. HFN provides the complete dish on what to expect. Caption(s): Wedgwood's Barbara Barry...

IS IT THE END FOR TABLETOP TRADE GROUP?(National Tabletop & Giftware Association)
April 17, 2006... Byline: Allison Zisko NEW YORK-This could be the last market ever for the National Tabletop & Giftware Association. The trade group is questioning whether it has any relevance now as it tries to combat declining membership and fading...

HOME PAGE.(Kmart Holding Corp.)(Sears Holdings Corp.)(Smith and Hawken Inc.)
April 17, 2006... A Look Ahead Emanuel Weintraub Associates Inc. will host a seminar entitled "Retail/Apparel Landscape-2010 & Beyond," addressing such issues as department store consolidation, private brand growth, specialty store expansion and the future...

NEW, EXCLUSIVE BRANDS DRIVE SEARS HOME 'REINVENTION'.(Sears, Roebuck and Co.)
April 17, 2006... Byline: Barbara Thau HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.-Sears is rolling out Grace Designs, a new collection of casual/transitional home goods, and expanding its signature Kenmore appliance brand into cookware and gadgets. Those are among the...

ONEIDA NAMES JOSEPH PRESIDENT, SEEKS NEW CEO.(James Joseph)(Oneida Foodservice)(Brief article)
April 17, 2006... NEW YORK-Oneida has named James Joseph company president, effective at the end of May. He succeeds Terry Westbrook, who took over as president and chief executive officer a year ago after Pete Kallet stepped down from the position. Joseph...

LA DOLCE VIVID.(Salone Internazionale del Mobile)(Brief article)
April 17, 2006... Byline: Michael D. Devine The 45th edition of the internationally acclaimed Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, Italy, was a big success, in part because of the great new fairgrounds at Rho-Pero. Easy to get to by subway-a nightmare...