HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network articles from October 2007

HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network archives from October 2007

Bloomie's homes in even more in new store.(news)
October 1, 2007... CHEVY CHASE, Md. -- Can Bloomingdale's new store here help reinvent home the way its New York SoHo unit redefined apparel for the chain? Michael Gould, chairman and chief executive officer of the upscale department store, hopes so. ...

Bed Bath going beyond borders.(the markets: business)
October 1, 2007... UNION, N.J. -- Bed Bath & Beyond is jockeying to leverage its winning formula internationally with its first store in Canada as it eyes other markets abroad, executives said during a conference call to review second-quarter results. The...

A look ahead.(home page)
October 1, 2007... The U.S. balance of trade in home furnishings and other categories will be released by the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau on Oct. 11. The Heimtextil India trade show will be held at the Bombay Exhibition Center in Mumbai, India,...

A look back.(home page)
October 1, 2007... Thirty-three years ago this week, the president and chief executive officer of WT Grant Co., a leading "five and dime" chain rivaling Woolworth's and Kresge, insisted that the company was viable. "Our customers have not left us," he told HFD on...

Mediums.(home page)
October 1, 2007... House & Garden surveyed 20,000 design professionals online for Designers' Best 07, its unprecedented survey. Below are some of the preferred brands available at retail for the living room: Designer favorites for national consumer brand home...

The HFN stock index.(home page)
October 1, 2007... The HFN Stock Index took a hit last week as both manufacturers and retailers suffered declines for the Sept. 20 to 26 period. Pier I Imports dragged down retailers with a whopping 19.58 percent decrease. Industrie Natuzzi led the manufacturers'...

Ralph Lauren, the book.(news)
October 1, 2007... "Ralph Lauren" Rizzoli International Publications 480 pages $135, slip-cased hardcover; $400, leather slip-cased hardcover with brass template [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In 1967, Ralph Lauren walked into the Blooomingdale's...

GLM, DMG world media merge.(news)
October 1, 2007... WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- The completed acquisition of George Little Management by dmg world media will fuel growth for both trade show organizers and promises retailers and other fair attendees a hill slate of "must-attend" shows, according to...

Former Storehouse executives create consulting firm.(news)
October 1, 2007... ATLANTA -- Former Storehouse Inc. executives have teamed up to form a new consulting firm serving the home furnishings industry. Caroline Hipple, former Storehouse president; Dixon Bartlett, former Storehouse senior vice president of...

Correction.(Correction notice)
October 1, 2007... In the Sept. 10 issue of HFN, Keith Plowman, executive vice president and principal accounting officer of The Bon Ton Stores, was incorrectly quoted. His quote should read: "We know we will be up in inventories throughout the third quarter...

Trade show calendar.(Calendar)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] october 1-7 High Point Market High Point, N.C. (336) 869-1000 highpointmarket.org 10-13 Heimtextil India Bombay Exhibition Center Mumbai, India 011-91-22-2202-22021377 ...

Being B. Smith: the designer is ready for High Point with the second iteration of her At Home collection.(top story)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HIGH POINT, N.C. -- The "B" in B. Smith is for "Barbara," but it could stand for "bold." The designer/restaurateur/ex-model launches the second iteration of her At Home With B. Smith by Clayton Marcus furniture...

Rowe president Lucas leads with blend of old, new ideas.(news)
October 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- These are interesting times for the furniture industry, particularly if you are a domestic producer that struggled through bankruptcy, was bought by a private-equity investor and made a major change at the top of management,...

Las Vegas market touts survey results.(news)
October 1, 2007... LAS VEGAS -- World Market Center is touting results from a survey it commissioned about home furnishings markets and buyer and seller preferences about trade shows. The survey showed that 65 percent of buyers surveyed believe Las Vegas...

Hello, High Point.(trends)
October 1, 2007... What's new, you ask? It's all new at the High Point Market, which runs this week in North Carolina. Buyers will find a multitude of new products in furniture, lighting and home decor showrooms throughout the market. Here's just a sampling of...

Parts are parts: today's contest: se if you can match up the correct slogan parts in each column.(opinions: home alone 2)(Column)
October 1, 2007... [] SAVE MONEY [] PAY LESS [] EXPECT MORE [] LIVE BETTER You've got a 50-50 chance to get it right, and that's about the odds I'd give Wal-Mart's new slogan for lasting anywhere near as long as the now dearly departed "Always...

It's buying time in High Point: vendors have modest expectations for the market this week, but are prepared with new products and promotions.(the markets: furniture & lighting)
October 1, 2007... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- The High Point Market kicks off here this week, but with retailers reporting flagging sales and economic pressures mounting, it's anyone's guess how the market will shape up. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As the home...

Pointing out many of the market happenings.(the markets: furniture & lighting)
October 1, 2007... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- The events calendar for this week's High Point Market is full of educational and entertainment events to make buyers' shopping trips more productive and enjoyable. The full slate can be found in the High Point Market...

Market goes to the mattresses in tough business climate.(the markets: furniture & lighting)
October 1, 2007... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- The mattress manufacturers that plan to show at this week's High Point market are readying new products in an atmosphere in which, as one vendor noted, "retail is lousy." The author of that appraisal--Kathy Grigg, vice...

Business at casual market comes up roses.(the markets: furniture & lighting)
October 1, 2007... CHICAGO -- Big brands like Hunter Fan and Woolrich are tapping into the casual furniture channel and made their debut at the recent International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market here, as retailers shopped the new lines offered by patio...

Broyhill creates design center; names Foster, Teague to head it.(the markets: furniture & lighting)
October 1, 2007... LENOIR, N.C. -- As part of Broyhill Home Furnishings' initiative to return to a position of dominance, the company has shaken up its product development structure, launched a Design Center of Excellence and appointed two industry veterans to...

New images are everything: in wall decor, the latest looks--with a fashionable influence--are what's driving sales at retail.(HOME DECOR REPORT)
October 1, 2007... WHILE THE SLOGAN "FRESH IS BEST" was created for the food industry, it certainly applies to the wall decor business. Retailers that stay on top of fashion trends and keep a constant flow of goods in stores are the ones that are faring best...

Market's buzz key to strong 2nd half: importers and manufacturers see High Point as spurring business for the rest of the year.(the markets: floor covering)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HIGH POINT, N.C. -- The second half of the year is the busier time for rugs, and importers and manufacturers are looking for the fail High Point Market to jump-start this increased activity. "This is definitely...

High Point celebrations Mark Feizy's 35th year.(the markets: floor covering)
October 1, 2007... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Feizy Rugs celebrates a high point in its history at this week's High Point Market. The company, which started as a small retail shop, kicks off a year-long 35th anniversary celebration by introducing a slew of rug...

India Carpet Expo to showcase 150 exhibitors.(the markets: floor covering)
October 1, 2007... VARANASI, India -- The Carpet Export Promotion Council has organized a three-day event for the floor covering trade--the India Carpet Expo--set to run here, at the Hotel Taj Ganges, from Oct. 17 to 19, with more than 150 manufacturers and...

The rug market to launch licensed Mark Abrams collection.(the markets: floor covering)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HIGH POINT, N.C. -- This week in High Point, The Rug Market will debut a licensed collection by designer Mark Abrams. The collection, which is divided into two themes--Adventure Series and Irving Park--includes 12...

Coffee and cream.(the markets: floor covering)
October 1, 2007... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- For many a market now, the talk has been nonstop about chocolate, so it was only a matter of time before the entire palette went to varying shades of brown. This market shows what might be called a full spectrum of chocolate...

In bloom.(the markets: floor covering)
October 1, 2007... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- At a time of year when the flora begin to give way to a little chill in the air, designers are prolonging nature's blooming cycle with a variety of botanical patterns. Covering a range of decorative styles, the newest...

A softer edge.(the markets: floor covering)
October 1, 2007... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- The latest rounds of contemporary design continue the trend for the softening of the category. Squares take on curvy edges, palettes go tonal and lines flow gracefully. The movement solidifies consumers' desire for something...

Traditionally speaking.(the markets: floor covering)
October 1, 2007... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Always a staple for this industry, traditional designs get a lot of play during High Point Market. This market's introductions include classic old-world styles, plus a hearty helping of traditional motifs updated with more...

Rug vendors are ready to roll out the new products for High Point.(the markets: floor covering)
October 1, 2007... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Among the new products launched during High Point Market this week... ABBYSON unveils three new collections: Renaissance, Chateau and Enlightenment. The Renaissance Collection includes floral patterns ranging from...

An end to the numbers game?(the markets: textiles)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- There's no denying thread count is a topic of concern in the bedding industry. For a long while, and perhaps still, it was the easiest way for retailers to convey a message...

Epoch Hometex debuts Alternative Naturals brand.(the markets: textiles)
October 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Epoch Hometex has launched the Alternative Naturals brand of utility bedding products. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new brand includes cotton-filled blankets, comforters and mattress pads;...

Letters.
October 1, 2007... HFN received this open letter written by Susan Hirsh, president of the International Furnishing and Design Association, and Gloria Lang, facilitator of Executives Working in Home Textiles, which was addressed to Dianne Morris, president of the...

Variety is the spice with lifetime: the company and designer Lisa Jenks--stepping away from jewelry making--are unveiling a range of products at the New York show.(the markets: tabletop)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- At the tabletop show later this month, designer Lisa Jenks will demonstrate her ability to fit in while standing out. The jewelry designer, who significantly expanded her imprint on the home...

Godinger revs up NASCAR license.(the markets: tabletop)
October 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Godinger's newly signed licensing deal with NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. just got sweeter with Earnhardt's recent announcement that he was switching sponsors and car numbers. The car change, from number 8 to 88, and from...

Buyers eye India Gifts Fair.(the markets: tabletop)
October 1, 2007... NEW DELHI, India -- International buyers representing several channels of distribution will gather here later this month for the Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair, a twice-yearly show sponsored by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, a...

Lazy Susan focuses on 3 themes.(the markets: tabletop)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- For last month's New York International Gift Fair, the company Lazy Susan USA took a different approach with its introductions, dividing them among three themes: a contemporary group called Modern Blonde,...

Open for business.
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Replacements opened its temporary seasonal store here last month, welcoming more than 1,000 customers in its first week. The store includes a full range of tabletop and gifts, most of which are...

RedEnvelope gets pink for October.(the markets: tabletop)
October 1, 2007... Retailer RedEnvelope includes a number of new Items for the fall season in its Think Pink collection, of which 10 percent of sales will be donated to the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund through October. Items...

All in the name: more personal-care companies are finding product licenses benefit business.(the markets: housewares)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK--Brands---always a key selling point in personal care--have grown even more important with licensed names. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Two of the industry's leading...

Wait there's more: Ronco emerges with new ownership.(the markets: housewares)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SIMI VALLEY, Calif. -- Ronco Corp., the brainchild of the legendary television pitchman Ron Popeil, has emerged from bankruptcy prepared to make waves in the housewares and personal care markets. The company's...

NPD: housewares is big in back to school.(the markets: housewares)
October 1, 2007... PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. -- Two studies of back-to-school purchases by The NPD Group have shown that housewares is a critical category in this important shopping season. In data tracking purchases from May to July, fans and electric...

Major moves: Ultimate Electronics introduced white goods to three stores in Oklahoma this month.(the markets: major appliances)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THORNTON, Colo.-Regional electronics retailer Ultimate Electronics last month took its first steps into major appliances. The retailer introduced white goods to the floors of three stores this month--two in...

Georgia to promote energy-efficient appliances with tax holiday.(the markets: major appliances)
October 1, 2007... ATLANTA -- Georgians this week will be encouraged to purchase energy-efficient appliances due to an Energy Star tax holiday created by the state legislature. The state's House Bill 128 provides for an exemption from both state and local...

Whirlpool cleans up clothes washers with introduction of Affresh tablets.(the markets: major appliances)
October 1, 2007... BENTON HARBOR, MiCH. -- Energy-efficient washers may clean clothes in an environmentally friendly manner, but they do not clean themselves, and Whirlpool is addressing this with a new high-efficiency washer cleaner. The major appliances...

American TV & Appliance acquires Kennedy-Hahn.(the markets: major appliances)
October 1, 2007... MADISON, Wis. -- Midwest regional appliance, electronics and furniture dealer American TV & Appliance last week acquired local competing dealer Kennedy- Hahn Appliance in an effort to grow its presence in the contract-and-builder channel. ...

Baird: consolidation in housewares to continue.(the markets: business & finance)
October 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Vendor consolidation in the housewares sector should continue at a rapid pace on a continued wave of merger and acquisition activity, according to Nick Pavlidis, director of consumer investment banking for Robert W. Baird & Co. ...

Lowe's on track with growth plan despite housing and credit woes.(the markets: business & finance)
October 1, 2007... CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Despite a worsening housing scenario and credit crunch, Lowe's said its growth plans are on track. At its 2007 analyst and investor conference here, the Mooresville, N.C., home center chain also revised its 2007 outlook,...

Bloomie's cuts to Chevy Chase.(hfend)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bloomingdale's feted its new store in Chevy Chase, Md., with a gala reception that featured a live band. The evening's proceeds benefited the John E Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' Millennium Stage. ...

Casually Woolrich.(hfend)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Woolrich debuted its outdoor line at the recent Chicago Casual Market and celebrated with a launch party at the showroom for Whitecraft, which produces furniture for the line. Other vendors producing items for the...

IKEA drives point home.(hfend)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Home is the most important place in the world, says IKEA's new tagline. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Swedish giant unwrapped a new brand-positioning campaign in New York. The campaign is the outgrowth of a...

Home industry could find coal in its stockings over holidays.(news)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Home furnishings retailers should brace themselves for a not-so-merry Christmas, as the nation's housing woes will have their most dramatic effect on the sector this holiday selling season, economists...

Corrections.(Correction notice)
October 15, 2007... The Rug Source Book printed in the Sept. 17 issue of HFN listed an incorrect contact name for Bowron Sheepskin Co. The correct contact for the company is Cynthia Maisel. Miresco Decorative Rugs was accidentally omitted from the Rug...

Salton, Applica try, try again: deal is on.(news)
October 15, 2007... LAKE FOREST, III. -- After breaking off their engagement during the summer, Salton and Applica are heading down the aisle again. The two companies entered into a new merger agreement late in September, almost two months after the original...

A look ahead.(home page)
October 15, 2007... Sales of newly built housing for September will be released by the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau on Oct. 25. New York tabletop week will be held in various locations in New York City from Oct. 27 to 31. Consumer confidence...

A look back.(home page)
October 15, 2007... Eighteen years ago this week, the Southern Furniture Market, held in High Point, N.C., announced that it was changing its decades-old name to the International Home Furnishings Market. The name change reflected the event's belief that it had...

Mediums.(home page)
October 15, 2007... "Julius Shulman, Modernism Rediscovered" Taschen $300, 3 volumes, 1,160 pages [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This follow-up to photographer Julius Shulman's "Modernism Rediscovered" (2000) spotlights more than 400 architectural gems...

The HFN stock Index.(home page)
October 15, 2007... The stock performance of retailers (2.02 percent gain) offset poor-performing manufacturers to lead the HFN Index to a 1.81 percent gain in the week of Oct. 5 to 11. Cost Plus led retailers with a 4.51 percent increase. Gottschalks suffered a...

Home field advantage.(top story)
October 15, 2007... NEW YORK -- It's not the same old sports licensing as fans are looking for products that are better designed, of higher quality and, increasingly, pink. "There's more interest in sports home furnishings from females," said Nell Mandell,...

High-tech high point.(trends)
October 15, 2007... It was mostly all about furniture at the High Point Market earlier this month, but the role of consumer electronics in furniture design seemed to capture a lot of attention. Whether it was accommodating flat-panel TVs, Internet connections or...

To be stuck inside of High Point with the furniture blues again.(opinions: home alone 2)
October 15, 2007... Hey, things could be worse: You could be in the furniture business. Was trying to gather my thoughts on the plane ride home from the High Point furniture market earlier this month and it was as mixed a bag as the one full of nuts they...

Start spreading the hues.(the markets: textiles)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Wander through a retailer in the next few weeks and one thing becomes clear--color is big for fall. Across all home textiles categories, shades ranging from rich chocolate brown to fiery bright red fill...

Kmart revamps soft home goods.(the markets: textiles)
October 15, 2007... NEW YORK -- Kmart's soft home section has undergone a hardcore makeover. The retailer has completely overhauled its Martha Stewart Everyday textiles offerings and added a new brand, Abbey Hill, to its merchandise mix. In total, about 1,100...

Meijer launches Cannon push to boost business.(the markets: textiles)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Meijer is betting big on the Cannon brand to upgrade its textiles business, jump-start its home business and capture a younger consumer. The Midwestern...

Cherokee.(NEW HIRES AND APPOINTMENTS)
October 15, 2007... There's been a slew of hiring and appointments in the home textiles industry lately. CHEROKEE has hired Lourdes Mestre as brand director for Mexico and Central and South America. This is a new position for the company.

George Little Management.(NEW HIRES AND APPOINTMENTS)
October 15, 2007... GEORGE LITTLE MANAGEMENT has named Penny Sikalis vice president of global business development. Sikalis will focus on GLM's growth in foreign markets. Her responsibilities will include building and maintaining relationships with international...

Scalamandre Silks.(NEW HIRES AND APPOINTMENTS)
October 15, 2007... SCALAMANDRE SILKS named Robert J. Iommazzo president and a member of the board of directors. It's the first time a non-family member has held an executive leadership position at the company. Meanwhile, Mark J. Bitter and Robert F. Bitter became...

Perfect Fit Industries.(NEW HIRES AND APPOINTMENTS)
October 15, 2007... PERFECT FIT INDUSTRIES' senior vice president of sales and marketing, Herb Briggs, has resigned. Jeff Chilton was appointed senior vice president of sales at the company. Allen Robinson, vice president of marketing and product development, was...

United Feather & Down.(NEW HIRES AND APPOINTMENTS)
October 15, 2007... UNITED FEATHER & DOWN has added Adam Briel to its hospitality sales team. He will focus on developing programs to increase guest satisfaction and decrease overall operating costs

Open forum.(the markets: textiles)
October 15, 2007... In our Oct. I issue, HFN published a letter by Dianne Morris, president of the Home Fashion Products Association. The response from Penny Sikalis, vice president of George Little Management, came in after our press deadline. Dear Dianne,...

1 Lacoste Home.(the markets: new: textiles)
October 15, 2007... 1 Lacoste Home Lacoste Home's collection of beach towels includes the Roll Sport, a wide-stripe towel with a built-in elastic band. sunham.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

2 Anichini.(the markets: new: textiles)
October 15, 2007... 2 Anichini The earthy, Indian-inspired Taj bed from Anichini features more than 10 colors of yarn that are individually woven to create a paisley stripe. anichini.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

3 MUkitchen.(the markets: new: textiles)
October 15, 2007... 3 MUkitchen MUkitchen's microfiber dishcloth, the MUcloth, has an inset scouring scrubber; can hold up to seven times its weight in liquid, dust or dirt; and is available in eight colors. The hypoallergenic, environmentally friendly cloth...

4 Blissliving Home.(the markets: new: textiles)
October 15, 2007... 4 Blissliving Home The bright orange and pewter color combination on the Milo duvet set from Blissliving Home is a modern take on toile. The shams and duvet reverse to a solid gray. Decorative accents include the silk satin Zach pillow,...

Veritas Fine Organic Linens.(the markets: new: textiles)
October 15, 2007... Veritas Fine Organic Linens The 310-count, luxury Ambra sheeting from Veritas Fine Organic Linens is made using 100 percent organically grown cotton, which is produced without pesticides, harmful fertilizers, toxins or chemicals. ...

The many shades of green.(opinions)
October 15, 2007... Judging from the myriad product that's being pumped into the marketplace--and from talking with many of you in the past few months--it seems safe to say that eco-friendly textiles aren't just a blip on the trend continuum. At the August...

Lauren Home making a bold statement in spring '08 rollout.(the markets: textiles)
October 15, 2007... NEW YORK -- For those who think they know what to expect from Ralph Lauren's bedding, the Lauren Home spring 2008 line includes a The seven beds in the collection, which are scheduled to ship between December 2007 and April 2008, include...

Fashioned for fall.(the markets: floor covering)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NEW YORK -- Pale. Peaceful. Elegant. Whimsical. Sound like trends for several different seasons? Well, every one of those adjectives is actually drawing attention in designer showrooms at present, oftentimes combined...

RugMark picks up initiatives for fall.(the markets: floor covering)
October 15, 2007... WASHINGTON -- RugMark is into a busy fall season with new sponsors, educational presentations and a now-annual raffle for a child-labor-free rug. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Apartment Therapy, a home and design blog, has become the latest...

Low return rate gains Couristan kudos.(the markets: floor covering)
October 15, 2007... FORT LEE, N.J. -- Couristan was recognized by Home Decorators for the second consecutive year for achieving the lowest return rate among all vendors in the area rug category. The award was presented at Home Decorators' Annual Vendor Conference....

Feizy's festivities kick off.(the markets: floor covering)
October 15, 2007... HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Feizy Rugs kicked off a year-long celebration in honor of its 35th anniversary at the High Point Market. Founder John Feizy hosted an event at Market Square to set the year in motion. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Lighting the way in High Point.(the markets: furniture & lighting)
October 15, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HIGH POINT, N.C. -- If the recent High Point Market is any indication-and, of course, it is--changes are afoot in the accessories business. Although High Point Market Authority hadn't published its attendance...

Evans Designs.(NEWS FROM THE MARKET)
October 15, 2007... EVANS DESIGNS, of Healdsburg, Calif., was sold to a group of seven local investors headed by Bob Bernard, a certified public accountant who is now president. Bernard succeeds founder Tony Evans, who has headed the company for 25 years and will...