HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network articles from January 2008

HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network archives from January 2008

A letter to our readers.(home page)(Editorial)
January 7, 2008... Dear Readers, Welcome to 2008 and welcome to the brand-new HFN. The new issue in your hands this morning is the latest generation of this publication, one that has served the home furnishings industry for more than 80 years. The 2008...

Salton, Applica set for more acquisitions as deal is done.(news)
January 7, 2008... LAKE FOREST, III. -- With the Salton-Applica merger finally done, Salton sent a strong signal that it is ready to look at acquiring other businesses. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Salton stockholders voted to approve the merger with...

Product designer Ettore Sottsass dead at 90.(news)(Obituary)
January 7, 2008... MILAN, Italy--Ettore Sottsass, an Italian designer who was a founder of the Memphis Group and created Olivetti's famous red plastic typewriter, died at his home here. He was 90 years old. Born in Innsbruck, Austria, in 1917 and trained as...

Former Sears CEO Edward Brennan dies.(news)
January 7, 2008... BURR RIDGE, III. -- Edward Brennan, the former chief executive officer of Sears, died here. He was 73. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Brennan was the last of the old guard regime of merchants who spent their career at Sears, rising through the...

Correction.(Correction notice)
January 7, 2008... An entry in the trade show calendar for the "19th China International Furniture Fair" in the Dec. 17 issue (page 27) should have been listed twice, and as follows: MARCH 18-21 21st China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou) (Home...

MoMA Tokyo store a hit so far.(news)
January 7, 2008... NEW YORK -- Sales from the The Museum of Modern Art's first international store in Tokyo, which opened in November, have thus far exceeded expectations, executives from the museum said during a press breakfast here recently. [ILLUSTRATION...

Letters.(news)(Letter to the editor)
January 7, 2008... Dear Editor: I'm writing in response to your piece in HFN Nov. 19 regarding the subprime mortgage debacle. Did everybody really get caught off guard? And is it really surprising that financial crises happen again and again? The common...

Home specially stores showed negative growth during 2007.(news)
January 7, 2008... WASHINGTON -- Last year was not a good one for stores specializing in furniture and other home furnishings. Data released by the U.S. Commerce Department show that from January through October, the latest month for which such information is...

Retailers unwrap promotional ploys for holiday: merchants battle a sluggish economy with coupons, free shipping and extended hours.(in focus)
January 7, 2008... NEW YORK -- Retailers may not have done as much business this holiday season as they had hoped, but what they did do was driven by a mix of unprecedented promotional stunts layered on top of the tried-and-true merchandising strategies of the...

Museum masterpieces.(trends)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whether it's a look backward or forward, museum exhibitions provide inspiration for a number of industries, and home is no exception. From small decorative items to a liquid that covers two-thirds of the earth, they...

New Year's non-resolutions redux.(HOME ALONE 2)
January 7, 2008... It's Jan. 7: Do you know where your New Year's resolutions are? For most of us, they have already disappeared in a cloud of hangovers, tree-deconstruction and general post-holiday melancholy. The retail industry is no different, though...

A place at the table: Portmeirion is rolling out its new Pimpernel line of mats and more at the Atlanta gift market.(tabletop)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA -- Portmeirion wants people to think about their placemats. Here at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, it is rolling out a sizeable collection of licensed...

The Zrike Co. stirs up new licensing program with Campbell's.(tabletop)
January 7, 2008... ATLANTA -- The Zrike Co. heads into the Gift & Home Furnishings Show here with its Campbell's collection, a product of its latest licensing endeavor. The company has received the worldwide rights for all ceramic, glass and melamine...

Niche gift items gain prominence in Atlanta.(tabletop)
January 7, 2008... ATLANTA -- Tabletop and gift introductions at the International Gift & Home Furnishing Show here this week tap into the mini-trends that are currently helping to sustain business. Sales of collectible figurines have been healthy, according...

Shades of things to come: the leading color forecasters predict the hottest hues for the year ahead and the impressions they will make.(textiles)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- While many colors fall and rise in favor with the passing seasons, the color-forecasting industry is also undergoing...

Planet-textiles.(THE 2008 GLOBAL HOME TEXTILES REPORT)
January 7, 2008... Walk into any store selling sheets and towels and such in the United States, and it's almost like getting a geography lesson like when you were back in high school. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There are twin sheets from Sri Lanka, towels...

Asian persuasion: manufacturers from the continent continue to pursue the U.S. market.(THE 2008 GLOBAL HOME TEXTILES REPORT)
January 7, 2008... The United States remains a highly tempting, and highly challenging, market for exporters of home textiles based in Asian countries. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That the opportunities are still here for Asian producers is clear from a look...

Cash poor: importers deal with weakness of the U.S. dollar.(THE 2008 GLOBAL HOME TEXTILES REPORT)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The weakening state of the U.S. dollar has created a new rash of problems for importers of textiles. These difficulties are a result not so much of the fact that the dollar has gone south, but more to the fact...

Good morning, Vietnam? The nation is establishing itself as a future industry leader.(THE 2008 GLOBAL HOME TEXTILES REPORT)
January 7, 2008... Among the nations most likely to emerge as tomorrow's global textiles leaders, Vietnam may show the greatest promise. It has set itself a goal of exporting $10 billion in both apparel and non-apparel textiles to the world by the year 2010--a...

Staying home: some U.S. manufacturers still find manufacturing here to be the low-cost solution.(THE 2008 GLOBAL HOME TEXTILES REPORT)
January 7, 2008... While the move in the textiles community has been increasingly toward sourcing offshore for the past decade, it still makes sense for some U.S. manufacturers to do the lion's share of their production here. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In...

All the world's on stage: country-specific workshops stand out at the show.(THE 2008 GLOBAL HOME TEXTILES REPORT)
January 7, 2008... On-site workshops for attendees on the ins and outs of doing business with specific countries will be featured at this year's Global Home Textiles trade show at the Sands in Las Vegas. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As always, the show is...

Artistic endeavors: CH Designs opens its first showroom, staged to showcase its rugs in a gallerylike setting.(floor covering)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CUMMING, Ga. -- In a retail climate where cutting back has been the theme for many smaller shops for several years now, Charles Hobgood has moved ahead with a plan, several years in the making, to bring fine art and...

Domotex adds more exhibitors, space for the latest edition.(floor covering)
January 7, 2008... HANNOVER, Germany -- Domotex Hannover 2008 is set to exceed its figures from last year with both exhibitor participation and exhibition-stand space up. The global floor covering event takes place Jan. 12 to 15. Known for showcasing the...

Kaleen set to serve up chef Deen-licensed rugs.(floor covering)
January 7, 2008... DALTON, Ga. -- The first Paula Deen area rugs are set to launch this month in Kaleen's showrooms with a special appearance from the Food Network star scheduled for during the International Area Rug Market in Atlanta. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Flooring America takes green step with bamboo flooring.(floor covering)
January 7, 2008... HOUSTON -- Flooring America and Flooring Canada members this week will see their company take another step in the green direction as the buying cooperative debuts strand-woven bamboo flooring at its biannual convention here. Reportedly...

Shaw shows its innovative side in Atlanta.(floor covering)
January 7, 2008... ATLANTA -- The stage is set for Shaw Innovations, the manufacturers' annual regional flooring market, to be held at AmericasMart simultaneously with the first three days of the International Area Rug Market next week. The event marks the first...

1 Gayatri Overseas.(hfnew: floor covering)
January 7, 2008... Gayatri Overseas combined multiple materials for its new shag accent rug. gayatrioverseas.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

2 Home Comfort.(hfnew: floor covering)
January 7, 2008... Surfs up with this new style of Jellybean rug by Artist Michelle Killman for Home Comfort. homecomfortrugs.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

3 Clodagh.(hfnew: floor covering)
January 7, 2008... Designer Maria Henderson has created Babik, a collection of rugs made from swatches of handmade, flat-woven wool for Clodagh. clodagh.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

4 828 International.(hfnew: floor covering)
January 7, 2008... The new Watercolors Collection from 828 International was inspired by American and Indian artworks. 828rugs.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

5 Halvai.(hfnew: floor covering)
January 7, 2008... Vase in Gold is from Halvars hand-woven Presidio Collection. halvai.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Gift show presents introductions in the accent category.(floor covering)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA -- Opening up a busy couple of weeks in Atlanta, the International Gift & Home Furnishings Show does bring some business to rug vendors throughout the...

Open for business: at least 15 World Market Center tenants are joining forces to offer a mini-market for buyers at the Consumer Electronics Show.(furniture & lighting)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LAS VEGAS -- As the Consumer Electronics Show gets underway here this week, home office and entertainment furniture vendors are hoping to attract buyers to their permanent showrooms at the World Market Center in a...

Catalina Lighting trims program for showrooms.(furniture & lighting)
January 7, 2008... MIAMI -- Catalina Lighting has virtually closed its decorative Aziano Lighting program for lighting showrooms and has given up its Dallas Market Center showroom in order to focus on its roots in the mass market. "We have focused the Aziano...

Spring Air devotes itself to quality, service, value for 2008.(furniture & lighting)
January 7, 2008... ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill. -- Six months after new ownership took over the company, Spring Air has begun reinventing itself for 2008. The nation's number-six mattress manufacturer, which has always aspired to be considered among the "S"...

Craftmade heads outdoors with acquisition of Woodard LLC.(furniture & lighting)
January 7, 2008... COPPELL, Texas -- Ceiling fan and lighting specialist Craftmade International hopes that diversification into the outdoor furniture and accessories business will help counteract the negative impact of the housing crisis. Craftmade's...

Casablanca Fan Co. teams with FanDiego to support fire victims.(furniture & lighting)
January 7, 2008... SAN DIEGO -- Casablanca Fan Co. and fan retailer FanDiego have teamed up to support victims of the San Diego fires by offering a free ceiling fan to residents whose homes were lost or damaged. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Red Cross...

Well represented.(letters)(Letter to the editor)
January 7, 2008... To the Editor: Forty-five years as a manufacturer's representative in the house-wares and hardware industry have not given us many columns like yours. We thank you for the recognition and the accurate comments. Without patting our own...

Brewing up a storm: as tea's popularity blossoms, the electric teakettle market anticipates even more growth in the years to come.(housewares)
January 7, 2008... NEW YORK -- "With growing consumer interest in tea as a beverage as well as an ingredient in foods like ice cream and other desserts, the teakettle category represents a solid business in the housewares industry." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Staub gains a new office and sales manager.(housewares)
January 7, 2008... LONG BEACH, Calif. -- French cast-iron cookware manufacturer Staub has named Matt Mozzer sales manager, a new position. Reporting to Christophe Oudin, sales and marketing director of Staub USA, Mozzer will be located in the company's new...

Cutting class.(housewares)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After holding hundreds of knife-skills classes since 2002, cooking class company kitchen On Fire has released its first DVD, targeting 18- to 35-year olds. Called "Mastering Knife Skills: Cutting-Edge Tips, Tricks &...

Young chefs to counter old myths at Fissler booth.(housewares)(Company overview)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LOS ANGELES -- They can't vote, drink or drive, but two young kids will show they can cook, demonstrating the Fissler line at the International Home & Housewares Show this March. At 10 and 11 years old, the...

More green from green.(opinions)
January 7, 2008... Many of you have probably had it with energy efficiency and environmental marketing. You have been as greened as Kermit in a bed of lettuce. You've been AI Gored on the issue to the point of wanting to chop down every tree hugger in sight. ...

1 Electrolux.(hfnew: housewares)
January 7, 2008... Cordless quick cleaning is one of the features of Electrolux's Rapido hand vacuum cleaner. electroluxusa.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

2 Cuisinart.(hfnew: housewares)
January 7, 2008... The Cuisinart Griddler Combo is designed with reversible, nonstick grill and griddle plates. cuisinart.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

3 Kuhn Rikon.(hfnew: housewares)
January 7, 2008... Kuhn Rikon's expanded collection of Nonstick Knives Colori is now available in red, blue and black. kuhnrikon.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

4 Applica.(hfnew: housewares)
January 7, 2008... The Black & Decker BLP14600TB is a 14-speed blender equipped with an intelligent fuse system to protect the motor. applicainc. com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

CES paints Vegas green: exhibits, seminars and more focus on environmental and economic sustainability in 2008.(consumer electronics)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LAS VEGAS -- The city is going to see a different kind of green this year as the International Consumer Electronics Show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center Jan. 7 through Jan. 10, is stepping up its efforts to...

Accessories for iPods invade Consumer Electronics Show.(consumer electronics)
January 7, 2008... LAS VEGAS -- Apple may not exhibit at the International Consumer Electronics Show, but its presence is felt as iPod accessories, from docking stations to cases, continue to fill the show floor. Audio manufacturers and electronics storage...

Analysts: Pier 1 poised for rebound: some predict that a focus on smaller-ticket items, as well as the new marketing campaign, can boost sales at the retailer.(business & finance)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FORT WORTH, Texas -- Pier 1 Imports in the coming year stands to reverse a long-running trend of negative same-store sales and narrow its losses, thanks to a renewed focus on smaller -ticket impulse items, improved...

Study: shoppers paid more attention to green.(business & finance)
January 7, 2008... NEW YORK -- Concerns about environmental degradation and less availability of discretionary spending funds combined to alter consumers' holiday shopping this year. An annual study by KPMG LLP found that consumers were more willing this...

Citigroup makes Wal-Mart top stock pick in 2008.(business & finance)
January 7, 2008... NEW YORK -- As consumer spending continues to feel the squeeze from macroeconomic factors including the lending crunch, housing slump and high fuel costs, Wal-Mart's low-price focus should help it to survive and potentially thrive this year....

Design cares.(HFend)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Metropolitan Home and the New York Design Center held its annual Design Cares charity auction and holiday cocktail party last month. More than 500 industry influencers bid on luxury home furnishings and accessories...

Education in luxury.(HFend)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Columbia Business School and Parsons The New School for Design, as part of the Luxury Education Foundation, developed solutions to real-world business challenges. The students worked closely with executives from...

Driade does Miami.(HFend)
January 7, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Italian furniture company Driade opened its first U.S. store recently, debuting its new Miami location during the Art Basel Miami Beach fair here. The Miami store, located in the Design District, has the world's...

Experts: the CEO transition at target should be smooth.(home page)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MINNEAPOLIS -- Most industry watchers expect a seamless transition as Target shifts from Bob Ulrich, who has led the retailer for 14 years, to Gregg Steinhafel, currently the chain's president. [ILLUSTRATION...

Politics and Euros leave impression upon Heimtex.(news)
January 14, 2008... FRANKFURT, Germany -- If you thought worldwide geopolitical developments had nothing to do with the price of sheets and towels, think again. All throughout the Heimtextil fair here this week the largest textiles trade show in the...

HFNdex: confidence plunges to nine-year low.(news)
January 14, 2008... NEW YORK -- Retail and manufacturing executives in the multifaceted home furnishings industry registered their most pessimistic evaluation of the economy in nine years, as the HFNdex, a proprietary measure, plunged an unprecedented seven points...

Welspun launches new unit, names Walter sales director.(news)
January 14, 2008... NEW YORK -- Welspun, the manufacturer of decorative top-of-the-bedding products, has debuted a basic-bedding unit and has appointed Scott Walters to head the sales and product initiatives in North America for the new sector. Walters, who...

Costco home keeps plugging away: high-end products help build business for the warehouse chain's two-unit spinoff.(in focus)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Five years after launching its first store in Kirkland, Wash., Costco Home is still in test mode. Today, the two-unit home furnishings spinoff of the nation's leading warehouse club chain is...

NRF Honor, TV spot on tap for Macy's CEO.(news)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- The National Retail Federation will award Terry Lundgren, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy's, its Gold Medal Award on Jan. 15 during a formal luncheon at its annual convention and expo here....

Williamsburg touts licensed lines in Atlanta.(news)
January 14, 2008... ATLANTA -- Williamsburg is celebrating its biggest launch of licensed products in the program's 60-year history at the International Gift & Home Furnishings Show here this week. Among the licensees are Aldik, which is showcasing permanent...

Trade show calendar.(news)(Calendar)
January 14, 2008... january 12-15 Domotex Hanover Fair Grounds Hanover, Germany 011-495118931018 domotex.de 12-15 Canadian Home Furnishings Market International Centre Mississauga, Ontario (514) 866-3631 thcfm.com ...

Pottery Barn's new catalog riding the color wave.(news)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Pottery Barn has banished the beige. The Williams-Sonoma furniture brand bowed a new catalog bursting with bold, brights colors, a palatable departure from a retailer known for its medley of neutrals....

Savoring Sottsass.(trends)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ettore Sottsass was not subtle. The Italian designer and co-founder of the Memphis Group, who died last month, was renowned for bringing color and creativity to mass-produced, everyday objects. An ordinary...

Ed Brennan and the sad saga of Sears.(HOME ALONE 2)
January 14, 2008... Ed Brennan, the one-time Sears head who died earlier this month, sadly lived long enough to see what had happened to Sears. But perhaps even sadder, he lived long enough to see what didn't happen to Sears. And therein lies the real tragedy...

Brighter days ahead? Retailers, vendors headed to Dallas are wary of oversupply and say managing their business is a top priority.(TOTALLY DALLAS)(Cover story)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AS THE LIGHTING INDUSTRY GATHERS for its semiannual market in Dallas, executives said they're concerned about oversupply and will focus on managing their businesses in a very tough economy. While some call this...

Dallas under the lights.(TOTALLY DALLAS)
January 14, 2008... All lights will be on Dallas this week as the lighting industry gathers for the semiannual Dallas Lighting and Accessories Market. Among all the new products, several trends have emerged. Here's a sampling of the direction the market is taking....

Graceful lines.(TOTALLY DALLAS)
January 14, 2008... The movement toward simple forms, graceful lines and gentle curves continues in all styles and segments of lighting. Whether it's influenced by vintage French deco or mid-century modern, the look is right on. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Prism escape.(TOTALLY DALLAS)
January 14, 2008... Designers continue to update the crystal lighting category, incorporating traditional elements in new ways to broaden the appeal. A modern take on crystal is the increasing use of the prism. James R. Moder presents this contemporary Eclipse...

Crystorama celebrating two major milestones at market.(TOTALLY DALLAS)
January 14, 2008... CRYSTORAMA IS MARKING TWO BIG milestones during the Dallas Lighting Market. This year represents Crystorama's 50th anniversary, as well as founder Abe Kleinberg's 80th birthday. At 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, Crystorama will host a dual...

Layer it on.(TOTALLY DALLAS)
January 14, 2008... Designers are taking a dimensional approach to their introductions this market with the use of intricate filigree work, layered iron over glass and other techniques. Kichler presents this grand Sebastian scrolled iron chandelier made with...

Getting up off the floor: the Atlanta market marks the rug industry's first salvo in its fight to right itself for 2008.(floor covering)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA -- Changes are afoot in the rug industry. Importers, manufacturers and retailers alike are gearing up for a year in which they will have to fight for every penny they earn. The good news is, despite the...

Jane Seymour line hits the floor in Atlanta.(floor covering)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA -- Jane Seymour will soon cover the home from floor to ceiling as she gears up to launch her first rug collection at the International Area Rug Market this week. The actress and designer has partnered...

CMI toasts 30th anniversary, looks ahead to more growth.(floor covering)
January 14, 2008... ATLANTA -- It's a family affair as CMI celebrates 30 years in business and moves ahead with plans for expanding its presence on the market circuit. The business has been a family one from the onset. Don Scarlata, president and chief...

Kaleen's Deen collection set to debut.(floor covering)
January 14, 2008... ATLANTA -- The product is ready and raring to go, much like celebrity chef Paula Deen herself. Deen will make an appearance in Kaleen's showroom this week to kick off the launch of her first three collections with the company. ...

It takes two.(floor covering)
January 14, 2008... ATLANTA -- Two's company, so why crowd it? Palettes are going simple this season in that many designs are limiting themselves to just two shades, proving more is not always better. The classic black-and-white combination makes a strong play...

The new blues.(floor covering)
January 14, 2008... ATLANTA -- A decorative staple, blue has shown many faces in the rug industry, from the deep navy of traditional Orientals to smoky, graytoned shades to the icy aqua blues dominating this season. This incarnation started popping up paired with...

Skins move in.(floor covering)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA -- Skins are still in, but they're not quite the same. Designers have managed to glam the look up even more by adding unexpected colors and various takes on the idea, going for designs that are less authentic...

Dream state.(floor covering)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA -- Throughout history, artists have been inspired by the places their minds visit while dreaming, and the influence has certainly crept into the psyche of designers in the area rug...

Vendors head to the Atlanta Rug Market stocked for the New Year.(floor covering)
January 14, 2008... This week at the International Area Rug Market in Atlanta... CMI adds to its roster of braided options with new looks for its Simply Modern line. The collection uses classic color combinations, like black-and-white and blue-and-brown for...

Mervyns softens its stance: California retailer eyes expansion with eco-friendly home goods and a new bedding line from designer Susie Coelho.(textiles)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HAYWARD, Calif. -- Building on its mix of exclusive fare, Mervyns is testing the organic waters with a new soft-home line as it fine tunes its partnership with designer Susie Coelho. The soft-home expansion is...

Getting the feel: design, organic fibers rule in bath.(textiles)
January 14, 2008... NEW YORK -- With the prevailing trends toward adventurous design and ecofriendly fibers, quality and value have come to rule over the bath-rug market. Both trends owe much of their strength to the fact that today's bathrooms are growing...

Phoenix keeps rising: upon its 20th anniversary, the manufacturer, based in China, strives for more growth.(furniture & lighting)
January 14, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HONG KONG -- Phoenix Art Co., which celebrates its 20th year in business this year, is setting its sights on growth so that it can celebrate another 20 years supplying the fighting,...