Home Accents Today articles from February 2005

Home Accents Today archives from February 2005

A hit or miss on Target.(From The Editor)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
February 1, 2005... Frequently recognized as the store that brought class to the mass, Target has done it again--with mixed results, in my opinion. First, the national TV campaign got my attention. Elephants and other exotic animals walking out of a big crate...

Dallas Market Center gets new majority owner.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... CROW HOLDINGS is selling a majority interest in the real estate of its Dallas Market Center to investment firm CNL Income Properties of Orlando, Fla. The approximately $249 million deal includes 4.8 million square feet of property on the DMC...

Home Accents Today's Retail Advisory Board.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... HOME ACCENTS TODAY is pleased to introduce its 2005 Retail Advisory Board. Members, who serve as a brainstorming committee and provide insight into the industry, represent a cross-section of stores mirroring our readership. Members include...

Urban Expositions, GLM plan Atlanta building.(News)(George Little Management)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... URBAN EXPOSITIONS and George Little Management are negotiating with Atlanta-based commercial real estate firm Richard Bowers & Co. to manage and convert its 270 Peachtree building into a permanent gift showroom facility in downtown Atlanta. ...

Four Hands secures $6.8 million in financing.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... FOUR HANDS announced a $6.8 million financing arrangement with JPMorgan Chase in January, the new terms of which provide a more favorable interest rate and greater cash access to fund rapid growth. Effective Jan. 1, Four Hands terminated...

Stewart takes helm of CBK.(News)
February 1, 2005... TERRY STEWART has been named president of CBK, replacing longtime president Randy Eller, effective immediately. Stewart joined the company two years ago as national sales manager and in the past two years has taken on increased...

WMC offers hotel discounts for Vegas show.(News)(World Market Center)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... THE WORLD MARKET Center announced discounted hotel rates ranging from $52 to $169 a night for exhibitors and attendees at the first Las Vegas Market, July 25-29. The rates will not fluctuate throughout the week, nor is there a minimum stay at...

Currey & Co. adds three executives.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... PCURREY & COMPANY has announced the appointments of a new CFO, general manager of manufacturing and director of merchandising for the Atlanta-based lighting, garden and accent furniture company. Marc Keller has been appointed as chief...

Alan Galbraith named president of John-Richard.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... INDUSTRY VETERAN Alan Galbraith has been named president of John-Richard, effective Feb. 1. John-Richard owner Alex Malouf, who has held that title, said Galbraith will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Greenwood,...

Wildwood introduces Jonathon Charles furniture.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... WILDWOOD LAMPS AND ACCENTS and Jonathon Sowter, a Saigon furniture designer and manufacturer, have announced the creation of Jonathon Charles Fine Furniture from Wildwood, a partner ship with manufacturing facilities in Vietnam. The...

Show notes.(Retail Update)(Column)
February 1, 2005... INVARIABLY AT SHOWS I get asked, "What's the best thing you've seen? What trends are you seeing? What industry gossip have you heard?" I start off by explaining I'm the retail editor, and thankfully my job description doesn't include trend...

Terrific 2s.(Looking Back)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... In 1987, Accessories/Today, was published in January, April, July and October. Our first Product Focus, the precursor to today's Design Directions, debuted in January and spotlighted area rugs, still a strong category in home accents. This year...

Fashion forward.(Looking Back)(trends in home fashions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... ORIENTAL DESIGNS are reinterpreted and Southwestern statements are coming on strong. Country-styled accents remain in demand. Area rugs feature deepened colors, sculptured or "hand carved" effects and needlepoint designs. Sketchbooks...

Eastern Accents.(In The News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Eastern Accents, a Chicago-based producer of decorative pillows, is showing with Oriental rug exhibitors at the Winter Home Furnishings and Accessories Market in January.

Gear Inc.(In The News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Ainsley Lamps launches a collection created by Gear Inc., the company that helped put the idea of American country on the style map. Gear is headed by its designer and creative vice president, Raymond Waites.

Licensing programs are rapidly gaining popularity.(In The News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Licensing programs are rapidly gaining popularity in home furnishings.

Pennsylvania House.(In The News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Pennsylvania House debuts a major accessory program for its galleries at the October market.

Terri Roese.(In The News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Toyo launches its Terri Roese porcelain collection in July.

Commerce & Design Building.(In The News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Commerce & Design Building opens at the October Southern Furniture Market. Exhibitors include Sarreid, Norman Perry, Southampton, Added Oomph!, Alan Cousins Oriental Art, Blazquez Pillows, Dynasty East, Greg Copeland, Guildmaster Arts and...

Accessories Resource Team.(In The News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Executives of leading decorative accessory companies have banded together to form the Accessories Resource Team. The group's goal is to gather information from furniture manufacturers and coordinate accessories with them. Members of ART include...

People said ...(Looking Back)
February 1, 2005... * "If you don't buy anything else, buy greens, floral arrangements, books and brass," said Barbara Lewis, Pennsylvania House. * "Some of our best-selling pieces are birds and animals," said John Ruhl, Dolbi-Cashier. "Stores that put in...

America 1987.(Looking Back)
February 1, 2005... * Tom Wolfe's first novel, The Bonfire of the Vanities will be panned film. * Nobel Prize in Literature: Russian exile poet Joseph Brodsky. * FCC repeals most of the Fairness Doctrine. Personal Attack Rule remains. * Toni...

The great indoors: room enough for greatness.(Cover Story)
February 1, 2005... THE GREAT INDOORS, headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Ill., bills itself as "a home decorating and remodeling store with everything under one roof." Customers can find everything from accent furniture, appliances and area rugs to lighting,...

Divine deco.(What's Hot)
February 1, 2005... As styles from the glamorous Art Deco era surge in pop culture and fashion, this incredibly elegant look heads for the Classic yet refreshingly modem, the draw of deco graces accents with an alluring, urbane sensibility--yet another reason to...

Refined reflections.(Wall Decor Portfolio)
February 1, 2005... These mirrors reflect class, elegance and a touch of opulence. Decorative scrolling, metalwork and mirrored frames make a statement in embellished designs that fit perfectly with classic styling or add a touch of whimsy to a simple space. ...

Abstract ideas.(Wall Decor Portfolio)
February 1, 2005... Contemporary wall decor is still the hottest thing on the market and people just can't get enough. While styles range from colorful big blooms to small patterns, these abstracts can find a place in any decor. Simple frames, often without a mat,...

Class act.(Wall Decor Portfolio)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Despite the growth of contemporary home furnishings, traditional style is still in demand. Classic wall decor takes on the look of an antique heirloom or a great vintage find. Gold or wood frames offer a little more jazz than their sleek,...

Modern mirrors.(Wall Decor Portfolio)
February 1, 2005... Contemporary style is reflected in mirror designs featuring geometric shapes and simple frames. Dark finishes and metallic accents lend a hip element while simplicity rules with basic shapes and designs. Adding a modern mirror brings a fresh...

Artisan quality.(Wall Decor Portfolio)
February 1, 2005... Wall sculptures possess a rare artisan quality that brings avant-garde style and a refreshing mix to any look. Large or small, sculpture makes a statement in offbeat designs with spirited flair. Whether contemporary or rustic, wall sculptures...

Wall decor vendors see growth as diversity remains key to success.
February 1, 2005... Speaking with wall decor vendors, great winter markets and increasing business U are the favorite topics of discussion across the board. Most growth remains in contemporary and transitional wall decor using simple frames, large mats and lots of...

Over shadowed.(Wall Decor Portfolio)
February 1, 2005... Shadowbox frames are making a bold appearance in the wall decor market. Often encasing unique artifacts or metal designs, shadowboxes draw attention to what's on the inside while offering variety in framing. Styles range from traditional...

Old world appeal.(Wall Decor Portfolio)
February 1, 2005... From warming European castles to decorating traditional American homes, tapestries remain a staple of classic decor. Drawing inspiration from elegant European style, tapestries add a textural element to wall decor. Whether depicting blooming...

Registry of sources in wall decor.(Wall Decor Portfolio)(Directory)
February 1, 2005... registry of sources in wall decor COMPANY NAME & CONTACT PRODUCTS & PRICE RANGES vendor paintings/ home base, phone number mirrors prints A House in...

Smart storage.(Design directions: storage)
February 1, 2005... WITH CLASSIC STYLE, these storage solutions find the perfect balance between form and function. Easy to introduce into any traditional look, organization is the outcome without compromising good design. Whether it's a storage ottoman or...

Make space.(Design directions: storage)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... IF TRADITIONAL DECOR doesn't suit, these storage pieces offer practical solutions while maintaining a sleek, modern style. storage boxes and hideaway ottomans offer organization with the clean lines consumers are demanding, accented by a...

New art, framing show set for October.(News)(Marketplace Expositions LLC.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... GEORGE LITTLE Management and Marketplace Expositions have formed a joint venture to launch the Art & Framing Showcase, a new tradeshow debuting this October in New York. The first edition of the Art & Framing Showcase will run Saturday,...

Padma's plantation to produce Dick Idol, World Vineyards lines.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... PADMA'S PLANTATION has signed licensing agreements with Dick Idol and World Vineyards. The license with World Vineyards will focus on outdoor all-weather wicker furniture. The Dick Idol licensed products will reflect Idol's Urban Craftsman...

Home accent vendors commit to 34th Street.(News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... ABOUT 30 HOME ACCENT, tabletop and gift vendors have committed to showrooms in New York's high-end design center at 7 W. 34th Street, set to open in April. The tenants, for the most part, are vacating the 225 Fifth Ave. building, which was...

Rug vendors see higher price points and a growing Internet in future.(Atlanta Rug Market)
February 1, 2005... AN OPTIMISTIC MOOD marked the beginning of 2005 at the Atlanta International Area Rug Market. Busy showrooms, innovative merchandising programs and a trend toward rising price points all contributed to the positive overflow, stretching from...

Dallas gala honors industry's best.(Arts awards)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... In addition to the people pictured, other ARTS Award winners were: Midwest/Southwest Furniture Store, Louis Shanks; Global Views, decorative accessories; Mystic Valley Traders, home textiles; Fine Art Lamps, lighting fixtures; Bougainvillea,...

Magnussen Home adds Knoch.(People)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Karen Knoch has been named merchandise manager for occasional tables/accents for Magnussen Home. In the new position, Knoch is responsible for developing new tables and accents based on emerging style trends and needs in the marketplace....

Powers joins Progress Lighting.(People)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Paula Powers has joined Spartanburg, S.C.-based Progress Lighting as marketing communications specialist. Powers will develop and implement Progress Lighting's public relations initiatives in-house. She brings 15 years of writing,...

W.A.C. Lighting names prod. mgr.(People)(product manager)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * John Camp has been named product manager for W.A.C. Lighting, reporting to CEO Tony Wang. Camp will oversee product research and development, engineering teams and design consultants for W.A.C. Lighting. For the past 15 years, Camp...

Harlow joins Trans-Ocean.(People)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Trans-Ocean has named Linda Harlow vice president of merchandising. In this newly created position, she will spearhead Trans-Ocean's product development and sourcing efforts. Harlow most recently held the position of managing director of...

C & S Acosta adds Ellison as GM.(People)(General Manager)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Carl A. (Buster) Ellison III has joined C & S Acosta as general manager. Ellison comes to the organization with more than 20 years experience in the home furnishings industry as a sales representative, vice president of marketing and...

Sea Gull names Mitchell.(People)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Sea Gull Lighting Products has appointed Stephen Mitchell to the newly created position of director of retail sales. Mitchell will be responsible for creating, implementing and directing the company's retail sales initiatives. Most...

NATCO Home names Bogas EVP.(People)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... * Bryan Bogas has joined NATOO Home in the newly created position of executive vice president for the woven, handmade and printed rug division. Prior to joining NATCO Home, Bogas was business manager for Bacova Floorware for nine years and...

From Wal-Mart to Stein Mart.(Top 50 & Beyond Home Accent Retailers)(Industry Overview)
February 1, 2005... THE TOP 50 HOME ACCENT RETAILERS garnered $28.6 billion in home accent sales in 2003, up 7.8% from $26.5 billion for the same group in 2002. The Top 50 sold home accent products through 29,903 stores in 2003, a net gain of 1,446 stores from...

Nirvana Candles.(Product News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Nirvana Candles expands its product styles, colors, symbols and natural wax options. The Spa Candle featuring the Remover of Obstacles Ganesh Symbol is available in three sizes and made from dye-free, all-natural palm wax with a 90-hour burn...

Yankee Candle.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Yankee Candle introduces Housewarmer Tins, a new four-ounce container available in 26 fragrances, making great gifts or perfect for travel, eLink 564 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Museum of New Mexico.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The Museum of New Mexico has partnered with Nambe and The Phillips Collection to develop two modern collections taking inspiration from a series of ancient design motifs. The collections will be the latest additions to the Museum's Traditions...

Dansk.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Dansk has introduced a new collaboration with Liora Manne for a tabletop collection. The Square Accent Plate from the Sirena Pattern retails for $18. eLink 567 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Park Designs.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Park Designs has launched a Tim Coffey line of kitchen textiles called Fruit Market. The line features blue and yellow checked patterns with assorted fruits on placemats, dish towels and table runners with suggested retail prices ranging from...

Nova Lighting.(Product News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Nova Lighting has unveiled the Isley Series of sleek contemporary table and floor lamps available in a brushed nickel or wood finish. The cylindrical-shaped bases are complemented by black or tan fabric shades. Retail prices range from $140 to...

ABP Imports.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... ABP Imports introduces the Fishing pattern by Asianera in fine bone china in subtle shades of celadon green or pale blue. It is also available in a multicolored pattern with red, blue, green and yellow fish on a white background, eLink 570 ...

Jodhpuri Collections.(Product News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Jodhpuri Collections introduces fragrance items including salt luminaries, a natural salt candleholder, diffuser and potpourri sets in hand-painted containers, and iceberg candles, contemporary candles in shades of orange, yellow, green and...

Chantal.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... Chantal debuts a line of ceramic bakeware and serveware called Talavera, inspired by century-old designs of tile and pottery from Spain. The pieces are available in Compass, Square, and Four Round shapes in a variety of sizes and colors. Retail...

ME! Bath.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... ME! Bath debuts a line of shower sherbet in Strawberry Kiwi or Southern Magnolia scents. It comes in a 16 oz. ice cream tub but is actually an exfoliating body scrub that retails for $28 a pint. eLink 573

Arason Enterprises.(Product News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Arason Enterprises introduces the latest addition to the Fu-Chest Bed line, the Chantilly. The Chantilly is a space-saving bed hidden in a distressed finished cabinet. The retail price ranges from $349 to $488. eLink 574

Calendar.(Calendar)
February 1, 2005... MARCH 2005 9-10 NeoCon West. L.A. Mart. 213-763-5800, lamart.com 13-15 Fitchburg Furniture & Accessory Market. Royal Plaza Trade Center, Fitchburg, Mass. 305-792-9990, kemexpo.com 16-18 Material World. Miami Beach Convention...

Cupcakes & cartwheels key player: Kimberly Hodges.(Creative balance)(Column)
February 1, 2005... THE BACK STORY Artist Kimberly Hodges got her first big break in the home accents industry in 2000 when Bobbie and Tom Gottleib of Two's Company discovered her in the handmade section of the New York Gift Show. Kim had been a working artist for...

Editor's note.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... WHILE ATTENDING the International Gift & Home Furnishings Market in Atlanta last month, I was pleased to hear vendors gush about opening day business and the positive, upbeat attitudes of the buyers who came by their respective showrooms and...

Indoor gardening: blurring the line between inside and out.
February 1, 2005... THE POPULARITY OF outdoor living is still going strong and at the beginning of the phenomenon, consumers talked about creating living rooms outside. Traditionally indoor products like rugs, lamps, accessories and even wall decor migrated...

Container gardening.(indoor gardening)
February 1, 2005... MORE POPULAR THAN EVER, container gardening has branched out from just being a gardening alternative for apartment dwellers and homeowners with tight space, to people of all lifestyles. According to the National Gardening Association, container...

History in the making: estate licensing programs reach out to casual and garden designers.(history in the making)
February 1, 2005... Licensing programs have stood the test of time, many implemented decades ago with the introduction of interior furnishings and accents that were reproductions, adaptations or interpretations of antiques found in museum collections. More...

Fountains, decorative metal and twigs suit gardens in South Central region.(what's selling)(Flower City)(Column)
February 1, 2005... SALES OF FOUNTAINS require extra effort in delivery and set up, but represent the biggest growth category for Flower City in Oklahoma City, owner Steve Remerowski said. "I'm talking about growth all across the board, from a $200 fountain...

Tempting tropics.(outside in)
February 1, 2005... Earthy notes of palm and bamboo strike a stylized chord this season, touching on the sophisticated tip of tropical. Sleek lines and bold graphics benefit from brilliant flashes of green, resulting in a fresh, revitalizing approach to indoor...

Artist gives face-lift to everyday items.(designer)(Column)
February 1, 2005... FIVE YEARS AGO on a well-needed day off, Charlen Williamson decided to give a rusty metal table a face-lift with a little Mexican ceramic tile. What started out as "therapy" from Charlen's stressful job as a full-time nurse became a passion for...

Retailers digging up sales year-round with gloves, hats and more.(Garden attire not just a seasonal purchase)
February 1, 2005... ON THE RETAIL SIDE, buyers are busy discovering new designs and product in the garden apparel category. If they are scaling back in their stores, it's only because they don't have room for it all and are quick to point out it's not because...

Garden.
February 1, 2005... A CREATIVE CROP A variety of unique treasures were found during the January markets as buyers scoured the new crop of garden goodies in Atlanta, Dallas and New York. No copycats here--a new batch of garden and outdoor decor is moving...

Editor's notes.(report on juvenile retailers)(Editorial)
February 1, 2005... With Toy Fair here this month, the pages of Kids Today always have a bit more color. Our Show Biz section features a look at the newest introductions in the world of infant toys, and this year, as in years past, the pages have a cheerful feel...

Dorel takes over top spot in gear revenues; top three manufacturers stay ahead of the pack.(By the Numbers)
February 1, 2005... While numerous producers compete within the infant gear market, only three--Dorel, Graco and Evenflo--own the lion's share. The top three together sold an estimated $700 million to $850 million worth of carseats, strollers, high chairs,...

Aurora World to manufacture licensed Pink Panther products.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Sico Rivera, Calif. -- Toy and gift manufacturer Aurora World has signed a deal with MGM Studios to produce a line of licensed products based on the upcoming feature film "The Pink Panther." The line is composed of poseable plush Pink...

Lexington, O'Sullivan produce NASCAR line.(Licensing)(National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing)
February 1, 2005... Lexington, N.C. -- Lexington Home Brands and O'Sullivan have teamed up to create a NASCAR youth RTA group. Three youth pieces currently are being tested with consumers at some Wal-Mart locations, said Jim Myers, Lexington vice president of...

Globe joins WB group.(Licensing)(Warner Bros)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Burbank, Calif. -- Warner Bros. Consumer Products has named Brad Globe executive vice president and general manager. Globe will report to Warner Bros. Consumer Products President Dan Romanelli and will be responsible for the day-to-day...

Goebel to make line of licensed Crayola decor.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Pennington, N.J. -- Goebel of North America has signed a deal to create a line of products based on Binney & Smith's Crayola brand. The collection will consist of a colorful mix of gifts, collectibles and functional children's home decor...

It's Happy Bunny baby line launches at Hot Topic.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... New York -- The popular Jim Benton property It's Happy Bunny now has some very young fans. Baby It's Happy Bunny launched exclusively at teen specialty store Hot Topic during the holiday season, according to global licensing agency CopCorp...

Karen Neuburger to expand sleepwear offerings.(Licensing)(Apparel Depot)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... San Rafael, Calif. -- Lifestyle brand Karen Neuburger has partnered with Apparel Depot to expand its line of infant and children's sleepwear. Karen Neuburger's collection with Apparel Depot, a manufacturer of children's sleepwear, will...

Joester Loria to handle licensing for Genius brands.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... San Diego, Calif. -- Genius Products has retained the Joester Loria Group as the licensing agency for its Baby Genius and Kid Genius brands, and the agency will work with Genius Products to develop strategic marketing and merchandising...

Genius Products to release 'Jay Jay the Jet Plane' CDs.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... San Diego -- Genius Products has signed a licensing agreement with PorchLight Entertainment to develop music CDs based on the television show "Jay Jay the Jet Plane." The line of CDs will feature songs from the PBS Kids animated television...

Wayans create Thugaboo property.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Los Angeles -- Actors and comedians Shawn, Marion and Keenen Ivory Wayans have announced plans to launch their first children's property, Thugaboo. Thugaboo is a character-based property that takes a humorous look at the lives of children...

ShoPro, VIZ to form new company.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... San Francisco -- Two North American-based companies specializing in Japanese content, ShoPro Entertainment and VIZ, plan to merge this spring to create a new, still unnamed entertainment company based here. The two companies have...

The First Years launches Sesame Beginnings products.(Licensing)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Avon, Mass. -- Juvenile products manufacturer The First Years has launched a new line of licensed feeding and soothing products under the Sesame Beginnings brand, a division of Sesame Workshop. The new products feature baby versions of...

Tupelo Kids area to debut at spring furniture show: market follows, recent trend of placing multiple juvenile exhibitors in one location.(News Watch)
February 1, 2005... Tupelo, Miss. -- It seems that everywhere you turn, youth furniture is being taken more and more seriously, and Tupelo is no exception. This month's spring Tupelo Furniture Market marks the beginning of Tupelo Kids--a grouping of 11 youth...