Home Accents Today articles from August 2004

Home Accents Today archives from August 2004

A bear-y good idea.(From The Editor)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... On the flight home from the Los Angeles shows, my seatmate shared an article from The New York Times about a company called Build-a-Bear. You probably know how it works--you go in the store, choose a bear style and essentially make it...

Accent furniture producers stung by antidumping ruling.(News)(Industry Overview)
August 1, 2004... ANTIDUMPING DUTIES were intended to target Chinese bedroom furniture, but many accent/occasional companies are finding their goods hit as well. A year ago, American case goods manufacturers came together to find a way to stay alive against...

Breuners' bankruptcy ripples through industry.(News)
August 1, 2004... BREUNERS HOME Furnishings Corp., Lancaster, Pa., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection July 14, and while 29 home furnishings companies, owed a total of $20.5 million, are among the 33 largest unsecured creditors, companies across the home...

Maxim Lighting buys HMH.(News)(Company Profile)
August 1, 2004... THE MAXIM GROUP Companies has purchased the assets and name of the Harris Marcus Home Companies. The purchase, finalized July 9, includes HMH Furniture, Harris Lamps, Jaru Accessories and Rembrandt Lamps. The Harris Marcus Home...

Magnussen signs agreement with Kinder.(News)
August 1, 2004... MAGNUSSEN HOME, designer, importer and distributor of medium to high-end occasional tables, accent furniture and case goods, has signed a five-year licensing agreement with veteran home accents designer Carolyn Kinder. Kinder will design...

Carolyn Kinder terminates execs.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... CAROLYN KINDER INTERNATIONAL has terminated three top executives, who are David Voth, vice president of marketing, licensing and entertainment; Michael Toups, vice president of finance and administration; and John Blair. The St. Petersburg,...

Emess, Stein World merge, acquire lampshade maker.(News)(Nicole Corporation.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... LIGHTING MANUFACTURER Emess Design Group has merged with accent furniture supplier Stein World, and purchased lampshade maker Nicole Corporation. The consolidation is a move to expand the lighting company's product offerings and market...

York named managing editor of Home Accents Today.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... JENNY HEINZEN YORK has joined Home Accents Today as managing editor. For the past four years, York has served managing editor for Kids Today, a monthly supplement to Home Accents Today, Furniture/Today and Home Textiles Today. Prior...

Eller resigns as CBK president.(News)
August 1, 2004... RANDY H. ELLER, president and COO of home accents company CBK, announced his plans to step down from his position last month to begin what he calls "a lifestyle refocus." Parent company Blyth Inc. is expected to name a successor by Nov. 1....

Next Dimension closes, auction set.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... AFTER NEARLY A DECADE of supplying wall decor, Next Dimension Studios, a Kathy Ireland Home Collection licensee, has closed its Covington, Ky.-based business. The Bank of Kentucky, which forced liquidation, has scheduled an auction for Aug. 11....

Currey signs Claiborne license, promotes Caldwell.(News)
August 1, 2004... LIGHTING AND ACCENT furniture manufacturer Currey & Company has reached an agreement with Liz Claiborne Inc. to design and manufacture lighting for the Liz Claiborne Home Collection. The line will include lamps, lighting fixtures and decorative...

ART signs container shipping deal.(News)(Accessories Resource Team)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A CONTAINER SHIPPING deal signed between the Accessories Resource Team and UTi Worldwide will allow its members to enjoy volume cost advantages with no volume commitments. UTi Worldwide will ensure all applicable laws are followed, and ART...

Style zigzag.(What's Hot)
August 1, 2004... ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENTS come on strong this season with designs that Lake their cue from the stylized lines of the ziggurat and the accordion. Bold and graphic, the appeal of rids look is dean and modern and even more fun when twisted a touch....

DeZign of the times: contemporary stores come in all styles but DeZign Home melds funky modern, Asian and design-oriented styles for the ultimate experience.(Retail Profile / DeZign Home)(Company Profile)
August 1, 2004... HEAD HONCHO Linda Cezar, division manager A BRIEF HISTORY DeZign Home, which metamorphosed from Z-Home this summer, is a division of C.S. Wo & Sons, a third-generation family-owned business, the largest furniture retailer in Hawaii and #86...

Modern Eclectic: the lure of the urban.(Summer sketchbook. August)
August 1, 2004... THE LURE OF THE URBAN lifestyle centers on an aesthetic that is chic and contemporary, yet fuss-free. Defined by a few good, carefully chosen pieces with great lines, accessory designs split time between fun, funky and fashionable. Elegant,...

Diversity and exclusivity drive wall decor growth.(Special report: wall decor)(Interview)
August 1, 2004... Wall decor is a vital category in the home accents business because it is one of the few products almost everyone has in their homes--as framed art or mirrors. Because it is a product that reaches across all demographics, the offerings in the...

Statement makers.(Art glass: design directions)
August 1, 2004... ART GLASS OFFERINGS ii, the modern vein showcase an emphasis on shape, thrown into relief by a vibrant riot of color. Extravagant patterns, often inspired by nature, preserve the one-of-a-kind appeal. 1 Abstract swirls of color complement...

Prime-time drama.(Art glass: design directions)
August 1, 2004... ART GLASS TAKES the black tie approach with the newest dramatic, spotlight-worthy selections. An elegant palette of clear, frosted, white and black glass sets the tone for all-out glamour, highlighted with shimmering touches of gold and silver....

Easy does it! Quick display ideas.(Retail Update)
August 1, 2004... TO BADLY MANGLE Shakespeare, display is the thing. Almost every retailer I talk to gets excited about a new merchandising idea or laments not having the budget to do some of the more creative ideas ala Barney's, Macy's and Bloomie's windows....

Arte Italica continues to expand, both in category and medium.(Special Advertising Section)( Arte Italica)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... Over the past year, the design team at Arte Italica has been on a mission to expand the company's renowned decorative accessories and tabletop collection significantly. The results are impressive, with buyers at the summer shows treated to...

Franz Collection receives outstanding response to Summer 2004 introduction.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... The latest additions to Franz Collection's elegant porcelain home accessories have again received rave reviews from retailers across the country. As "functional pieces of art" the collection integrates unique production methods, combining...

Enesco's Blue River tabletop line captures popular "rustic Americana" theme.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... With its bold stripes and rustic hues, Blue River by Erin Doell is bringing attention to Enesco Home and Garden's tabletop line this season. The success of the collection is especially gratifying for the company because the talented Doell is a...

Traditions presents vibrant Meditteranean color in a host of glassware products.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... From the bold colors of Mille Fiori to the beauty of Vin Santo, the Traditions glassware and decorative accessories line continues to present a unique Mediterranean flavor. In this attractive line, color, texture and design all work together to...

With the Knork[R], Phantom Enterprises seeks to revolutionize tabletop market.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... With the innovative new Knork[R], Phantom Enterprises is seeking to revolutionize more than 1,000 years of dining. With the functionality of a fork and a knife combined into one attractive product, the Knork[R] provides a dining experience with...

Kallahari Trading celebrates the artistic beauty of African Penzo[R].(Special Advertising Section)(Kallahari Trading Company Inc)(Advertisement)
August 1, 2004... The vibrant Penzo[R] dinnerware collection, a joyous declaration of Africa, its people and its character, is proud to be celebrating its 10th year in business. The line is now distributed by the newly-formed Kallahari Trading Company Inc.,...

The Mane Lion presents "accessories for an entertaining life".(Special Advertising Section)
August 1, 2004... Believing that elegant serving pieces and dinnerware enhance the art of entertaining, The Mane Lion continues to highlight "accessories for an entertaining life" in its growing tabletop collection. Most prominent is the company's assortment of...

Archatrive.(Summer Markets)
August 1, 2004... Designed by Lewis Krevolin, the Deconstructionist Collection debuts. Featuring an elegant, feminine framework headboard in white sand ($2,500), a corner armoire with curved doors in several colors, including Old Wildflower ($4,600), a display...

Cricket Forge.(Summer Markets)
August 1, 2004... Whimsical royal characters are spotlighted on aluminum King and Queen chairs from Cricket Forge. Designed by artist Don Drumm, the chairs are appropriate for indoor or outdoor use ($800 each). The Magnolia Bench offers a unique take on the...

Crystorama Lighting Group.(Summer Markets)
August 1, 2004... Crystorama Lighting debuts several designs in the Paris Flea collection. Birch is a six-light chandelier crafted of a wrought iron frame with crystal beads and Strass golden teak crystals, while another chandelier in the collection features a...

Denali.(Summer Markets)
August 1, 2004... Denali introduces the Birds and Branches Collection, featuring a stylized design in French blue and cream. The machine-washable, double-sided plush is offered in throws, pillows, shams and bedspreads ($34-$300). eLink 523 [ILLUSTRATION...

DJC Design Studio.(Summer Markets)
August 1, 2004... DJC Design Studio premiers a selection of tweed-like throws in rich, autumnal hues, including the Provence Sunburst, Sherwood Russet and Lakeside Persimmon designs ($57-$65). Additionally, the Denali Throw debuts in a mossy gray and green...

Dragon 88.(Summer Markets)
August 1, 2004... In Paris Moderne, additional daisy and lattice laser-cut micro-suede pillows debut with contrast color linings and a three-dimensional look, available in pink, blue, light pink, brown, sage, cognac, beige and purple ($94-$98). In the same...

Edgewater Designs.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... The Arrow Windmill Garden Stake is introduced, part of the In The Country Collection. The metal stake features a verdigris patina and arrow design. Also introduced is the Happiness/Tart Burner in the Inspirations line by Leanna Dent. The...

Infinity Instruments.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... A striking aqua glass Melting Vase debuts from Infinity Instruments ($45). Also in aqua is the Opal and Blue Bubble Vase in a modern, rounded form ($40). Another vase and accompanying bowl offer the trendy color pairing of aqua and lime ($69,...

Intrada.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... The feel of a cozy Italian kitchen is evoked in the Umbria collection of ceramics from Intrada. Vessels for olive oil, vinegars, wine and liqueurs are hand-painted with intricate, but casual Italian imagery ($150-$850). Also introduced is the...

Jamie Young.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... Reminiscent of a seat cover, the square leather insert in the Luxe Table Lamp ($315) from Jamie Young adds dramatic flair, especially when paired with the Herb Stripe Linen shade ($140). The model is from the Leather Luxe collection, which also...

The Koko Company.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... Vibrant polysilk with soutache and embroidery in contrasting colors mark the Corolla line of pillows from The Koko Company ($50-$90). Indian-made plastic floormats come in bright and dusty colors ($36-$50). eLink 506 Shows: Atlanta,...

Lampe Berger.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... New items premier, including the Degas fragrance lamp ($130), as well as an assortment of shaped candles, home fragrance sprays and scented incense sticks and holders ($6-$80). eLink 524 Shows: All majors [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Mane Lion.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... Hand-painted, Italian made ceramic tabletop offerings premier from The Mane Lion. Selections include a scallion- and olive-embellished chip and dip plate ($96), a set of four cabbage-shaped plates ($21 each), and the Autumn in Tuscany Serving...

Mariposa.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... A classic woven look adds interest to the Basket Weave collection that debuts from Mariposa. Pieces include a wine coaster ($39) and bowl ($96). Also shows a line of serveware with grapevine details including a round cheese board, serving...

Matouk.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... Matouk rolls out several lines including Umbria and Lemons Table Linens, Waffle Terry and Milagro Micro Cotton Towels and Legato and Gotham Bedding. Legato features sand-colored sheeting with a contrasting handed border made of 600-count...

MEO.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... The Ilex division of MEO introduces a line of Trumeau mirrors that incorporate canine images, signed by the artist. Customizable, the mirrors feature rubbed wooden molding with bead accents ($112). eLink 520 Shows: Atlanta, New York

Mosaicwares.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... Zebra stripes and a classic mosaic pattern offer contemporary detailing on the upholstered Hampton side chair from Mosaicwares. A mesh-enclosed armoire with soft pink paint and a floral mosaic serves up more traditional, almost childlike...

Our Name is Mud.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... As a sweet treat for the holidays, peppermint-themed dinnerware from Our Name is Mud premiers. The whimsical plates, bowls and mugs feature a festive red, white and green color scheme ($12-$24). eLink 526 Shows: All majors ...

Repertoire.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... Blown glass-filled candles in sage or beige make up the Novena collection from Repertoire ($8-$10). Also offered are additions to the Soma collection, including a five-wire tea-light holder in a clear, lacquered metal finish ($16) and hanging...

SDH Enterprises.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... Evoking an Italian country estate, the Traviata Bedding Collection from SDH Enterprises combines six spice-influenced colors and a sophisticated floral pattern into a rich jacquard ($1,300). The Tosca Collection also incorporates a spice color...

Simon Pearce.(Summer Shows)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A dramatic spiral glass matrix is the focal point of the Stratton collection from Simon Pearce. The line includes candleholders, barware, lamps, candleholders and tabletop serveware. eLink 509 Shows: Atlanta, New York [ILLUSTRATION...

Textillery Weavers.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... Vivid poppy, gold and oregano tones are accented by curry detailing on chenille throws, available in two sizes, from Textillery Weavers ($98-$120). eLink 521 Shows: Atlanta, New York, San Francisco [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Tozai Home.(Summer Shows)(Tozai)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Hand-blown glass in a rich swirling pattern marks the Butter Scotch flower vase and bowl from Tozai ($45 and $50). In metallics, the company debuts a gold Bottle Vase ($240) and gold Maipin Jar ($440). eLink 510 Shows: All majors except San...

Trans-Ocean.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... Horizontal stripes and a rich, but tempered color palette add contemporary flair to the Corsica Rug from Trans-Ocean ($399). The Corsica group includes three designs and colors and is part of the Liura Manne Collection, which also debuts Mardi...

Visual Design.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... A sage green silk organza shade and bulb cover from Visual Design add a see-though, but softening effect to an onyx marble lamp ($270). eLink 514 Shows: Atlanta, New York [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Vitra.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... Another series based on George Nelson wall clocks' original models and drawings is introduced. Four designs from the oversized clock collection and expanded color options debut. The Star Clock features alternating spokes of chromed and polished...

Yankee Candle.(Summer Shows)
August 1, 2004... A stylish glass container with removable label marks the new line of Housewarmer Accents candles from Yankee Candle. The three-wick models are available in 20 fragrances ($22). The Stripes line features Holiday Cheer and Autumn Feast color...

Sears opens third Grand store in Vegas.(Retail)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Sears, Roebuck and Co. opened its third Sears Grand pilot store in Las Vegas on July 31. The 165,000-sq. ft. store features a combination of private and national brands and consumables as well as traditional department store products. Sears...

Sandoval is merch. mgr. at Macy's.(Retail)(merchandise manager)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * The Macy's Home Store appointed Luis Sandoval to the newly created post of regional merchandise manager for big ticket items (furniture, mattresses and area rugs) for the company's Burdines-Macy's division. The responsibilities for this new...

Report: retailers may be undervalued.(Retail)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * A new report from Deutsche Bank Securities speculates that six broadline retailers may be worth more than their share prices indicate--once their real estate holdings are taken into account. The firm's most interesting finding: that Kmart...

Jane Seymour line drives Saks traffic.(Retail)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * The Jane Seymour Home Collection is generating a growing portion of home sales at the Saks Department Store Group stores. Bath towels will be the latest addition to the soft goods category of the collection, which also includes sheets and...

Fortunoff names Cobuzzi SVP.(Retail)(senior vice president)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Fortunoff has named Peter Cobuzzi its senior vice president, marketing and sales promotion. Cobuzzi joins Fortunoff with a retail, wholesale and direct-to-consumer marketing background that includes advertising, public relations, direct...

New Chicago Ikea location on tap.(Retail)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Ikea plans to open its second Chicago area store by 2005. Pending city approval, construction of the Bolingbrook location could start in the fall. The 21-acre site would include a 310,000-square Riot Ikea store with 1,300 parking spaces.

Robb & Stucky sets new patio format.(Retail)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Robb & Stucky is partnering with Whirlpool/KitchenAid and a custom-cabinet maker for the next generation of its patio store format. It acquired a 25,000-square-foot building on U.S. 41, a former restaurant and retail establishment, and will...

Garden Ridge boasts 15% sales jump.(Retail)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Comp sales at Garden Ridge Corp. increased 15% vs. July 2003; the highest comp-store increase in more than four years. The second quarter finished with a 3% comp, the first quarter with a positive increase since 2000, stated the company,...

Great Indoors sets scatter rug program.(Retail)
August 1, 2004... * The Great Indoors, which recently hired Catherine David as vice president and general manager, will roll out an expanded scatter rug program this fall and position its soft flooring department to give the small size rugs better exposure. The...

Home Depot heads to The Big Apple.(Retail)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Home Depot will open the first of its two planned Manhattan stores in the Flatiron District Sept. 10. The store will be located in the Hasbro Building (located at 23rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues). The Home Depot's second Manhattan...

Home improvements and remodeling--a big and growing market.(The consumer counts: home sweet home)
August 1, 2004... ACCORDING TO ESTIMATES by Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies, about 41 million homeowners took on almost 100 million improvement projects between 2000 and 2001. Nearly two-thirds of them involved replacing structural elements or major...

Dream house.(The consumer counts: home sweet home)
August 1, 2004... THE AMERICAN Dream House Survey, a national sampling of 1,029 Americans, found only about one out of three people--35%--felt their current home measured up to the one in their dreams. The high-end home improvements that consumers felt would...

Yankee Candle promotes Kent.(People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Yankee Candle Company has promoted Harlan Kent to president. In his new role, Kent will have responsibility for both the wholesale and retail business units, as well as marketing and innovation. "Harlan brings exceptional...

W.A.C adds Sofarelli, Wang, sales agency.(People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... W.A.C. Lighting has named Michael P. Sofarelli to the newly created position of media supervisor. In his new post, Sofarelli will help oversee the firm's advertising and public relations programs, the production of all sales literature,...

Magnussen taps Cressman.(People)(Magnussen Home Furnishings Ltd)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Nathan Cressman has been named director of merchandising for Magnussen Home Furnishings Ltd. He will focus on product development in all categories, reporting to Richard Olmeda, senior vice president. Magnussen Home, which currently...

BJI names Pickard to VP post.(People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Doug Pickard has been named vice president of home furnishings at Brown Jordan International. (Pompano Beach, Fla.) Pickard is responsible for establishing and developing BJI's home furnishings retail channel and reports directly to Ron Ball,...

Pellenberg heads Domestications.(People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Hanover Direct (Edgewater, N.J.) has named Charlie Pellenberg as president of its Domestications catalog. Pellenberg joined the company in 1983 when he founded Domestications and took over The Company Store catalog in 1993. He has spent the...

Illuminations names president.(People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Illuminations has named Brian Laliberte president of the company. Laliberte, who has served as the company's chief operating officer since 2002, will retain his current responsibilities and serve as both president and chief operating...

Colonial Mills adds 2 managers.(People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Colonial Mills (Pawtucket, R.I.) has named Federico E. Read production manager. Read manages training and development of the production team as well as all manufacturing. He previously was production supervisor for Serta Mattress Co. CMI...

Schoenwald leaves NCE.(People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Tom Bowles, CEO of Decorative Concepts, will take over as acting president of New Creative Concepts with the departure of Mark Schoenwald, who joined Thomas Nelson, a book publishing company specializing in Christian and spiritual books. ...

Wolff joins Figi as account exec.(People)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... * Deanne Wolff has joined gift and garden manufacturer Figi (San Diego) as a national key account executive. She covers the Southeast region and works closely with Janis Deady, vice president of national key accounts. For the last 14 years,...

ART conference goes West.(News)
August 1, 2004... MORE THAN 100 retailers, vendors and sales representatives gathered in Keystone, Colo., in late July for the 13th annual ART conference. Programs on design and retailing trends combined with fun activities to provide a full conference schedule....

Design Within Reach goes public.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... SAN FRANCISCO -- BASED Design Within Reach, a multi-channel retailer of distinctive modern design furnishings and accessories, went public in June with an initial offering of 4.1 million shares of common stock at $12 per share. Design Within...

Top rug retailers honored at ROY awards.(News)(Atlanta International Area Rug Market-11th anual AmericasMart Atlanta Rug Retailer of the Year Awards)
August 1, 2004... CROWNING THE SUMMER Atlanta International Area Rug Market was the 11th anual AmericasMart Atlanta Rug Retailer of the Year Awards. Each July, the ROY Awards salute outstanding achievement among rug retailers. All nominations are submitted by...

Zak Designs to open office in Toronto.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... ZAK DESIGNS will expand its global business by opening an office in the greater Toronto area in May. "This move will reinforce Zak Designs' dedication to the Canadian market, and our partners in retail and licensing," said Rick Brinkman,...

Cal Lighting opens new facility.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Cal Lighting has opened its new facility in Ontario, Calif. The building is about 100,000 square feet and opened in mid-July. The new address is 3625 E. Philadelphia St., Ontario, Calif., 91761. The company's phone, fax and 800 numbers remain...

Wax impresarios.(Portrait)
August 1, 2004... KEY PLAYERS Gretchen Hollingsworth, 33, and David Duncan, 31. THE BACK STORY When Gretchen graduated with a degree in environmental science in 1996, she knew she didn't want to join the corporate world, but didn't know what type of business...

Editor's notes.(Kids Today Conference)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... At the 4th annual Kids Today Conference in June, we brought in a group of moms and kids who had plans to purchase new youth furniture to talk about what it is they're looking for. And while we've all heard about the tremendous influence kids...

Exclusive report: top kids retailers.(By the Numbers)
August 1, 2004... The top 20 kids home furnishings retailers experienced modest growth in 2003 with $9.83 billion in sales, a 4.9% increase over $9.37 billion in 2002. Kids products were sold through 11,087 stores in 2003, down a net of 25 units from 11,112...

Whisper Soft licenses Save the Children: full line of room decor will help benefit the global non-profit.(Licensing)
August 1, 2004... Westport, Conn. -- Textile manufacturer Whisper Soft Mills is developing a line of juvenile bedding under license from Save the Children, with royalties going to the global nonprofit relief and development organization. Also on board is LC...

Benetton enters juvenile products arena.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... New York -- Italian-based clothing maker and retailer Benetton has appointed The Licensing Company to conduct an extensive licensing effort in North America, including a full range of juvenile products and home decor. Everything from cribs...