Home Accents Today articles from May 2003

Home Accents Today archives from May 2003

Packed with good things. (From The Editor).(May issue discussed)(Editorial)
May 1, 2003... There's this one drawer in my kitchen. You may have one something like it. It holds everything, sorta crammed in one way or the other. Our May issue always feels a bit like that drawer, to me. We write, choose product, push, shove, compile...

SARS has industry travelers slowed, but not fearful. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(severe acute respiratory syndrome)
May 1, 2003... PEOPLE EVERYWHERE ARE worried about the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome and the home furnishings industry, where thousands of people travel to the Far East regularly, is not immune. Most recently, the Hong Kong Trade Development...

Frances Mayes introduces at home in Tuscany accents. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... AUTHOR FRANCES MAYES quietly teamed up with a host of vendors for the introduction of her At Home in Tuscany collection during the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C. Her more than 50-piece alder wood furniture collection...

Kids Today conference set for June in fort Lauderdale. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... SPACE IS FILLING UP quickly for the Third Annual Kids Today conference, which takes place June 4-6 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. This year's theme "Playing to Win" brings together industry experts to tackle the big questions to help...

Baldwin, Emess sign Cresswell and Alsy for lamps and lighting. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Baldwin Hardware Corp.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... BALDWIN HARDWARE and Emess Design Group announced an agreement for Emess to produce and market portable lamps, lighting and accessories under the Baldwin brand to be sold by Emess divisions, Cresswell Lighting and Alsy Lighting. The...

Mystic Valley Traders has new owners. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... MYSTIC VALLEY TRADERS, a company owned for nearly 20 years by Nancy Mills and her late partner, Nettie Shansky, has been bought by Adam and Kyle Tager. Adam Tager, 31, said the company will continue to offer both quick-ship and custom...

Art Frame Direct launches Wilderness line. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... ART FRAME DIRECT has unveiled the Wilderness Collection of furniture and accents designed in conjunction with Dan Haggerty, known for his role on the television show Grizzly Adams. Haggerty has long been known for his love of and commitment...

A little something extra. (Retail Update).(customer appreciation)
May 1, 2003... Though I'm loath to admit it, I'd never heard the word lagniappe--pronounced lanyap--until last year. And frankly I didn't really know what it meant until I looked it up. Webster says a lagniappe is "a small gift given a customer by a merchant...

Store openings. (Retail Update).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... I always like reporting on store openings because it means someone somewhere is growing and that's good for the industry. Minneapolis-based Gabberts is seeking warmer climes with the opening of its Scottsdale, Ariz. store slated for later...

Marble-ized (Style: what's hot).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... SWIRLING AND WHIRLING with no real rhyme or reason, marbleized patterns are on the verge. With patterns gaining in popularity overall, the latest option echoes the stone from which it gets its name (of course!), but that's not all. Remember the...

Arhaus builds business on its own name. (Retail profile: Arhaus).(Company Profile)
May 1, 2003... Arhaus is a very very very fine house. And this Cleveland-based business is a little known gem that's quietly been growing since its inception in 1986. It all began when owner John Reed and his father converted four franchise stores in the...

Uttermost now in its second year, Uttermost's lighting collection reaches an impressive 450 SKUs. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).
May 1, 2003... Last year, Uttermost successfully entered the lighting category with an impressive debut collection of no SKUs. In this, its second year, the line has quadrupled, and now totals some 450 different items. And as president and CEO Mac Cooper...

Mastercraft International brings back ceramic for attractive aged look. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).
May 1, 2003... The High Point Market saw a return to ceramic for Mastercraft International, featuring heavy glazes and worn paint that combine to produce an attractive "centuries old" look. The trade liked what they saw, and the Mastercraft family of products...

Lake Shore Studios strives to present complete package to lighting buyers. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).(Company Profile)
May 1, 2003... The guiding principle at Lake Shore Studios has always been that great lighting makes a room. Further, the Lake Shore Studios team believes that each room has its own personality. To this end, the company offers a vast line of designer lighting...

North Bay's three new collections remain true to founding principle. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).
May 1, 2003... "The industry looks to us for more sophisticated designs and finishes, but we go even further than that," says Bob Phillips, vice-president of sales for North Bay Collections, a division of Hallmark Lighting. "This company was founded on the...

At Murray Feiss, design achievements are in the small details. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).
May 1, 2003... For more than 50 years, the design team, customer service center, sales support and field representatives of Murray Feiss have been recognized and respected as the gold standard for the lighting and home furnishings industry. "Our biggest...

Expanded showroom and new warehouse facility signals continued growth for Cal Lighting. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).
May 1, 2003... Continued growth for Cal Lighting has necessitated larger showroom space in High Point, as well as plans to break ground on a new state-of-the-art warehousing facility this month. During this past High Point market, buyers were able to view...

Veteran lighting name--Cardinal Products expands further into higher end market. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).
May 1, 2003... With distinctive collections such as Ebony, Zhenni and Arnie this year, Cardinal Products continues on its mission to develop a more sophisticated product line. New materials, as well as dramatic new combinations, add flair to the 2003...

Paul Sahlin Tiffany adds beauty of stained glass to fireplace screens. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).
May 1, 2003... Just as lighting adds ambiance to a room, a beautiful fireplace screen can perfectly complete the package. This season, Paul Sahlin Tiffany transfers its elegant stained glass designs to complete its line of fireplace screens. "This is a...

Willow Green broadens line with addition of fabric shades, new finishes. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Willow Green has broadened both its look and its customer base by introducing new design concepts and finishes this season. The company has also added more fabric shades with and without trims to expand its range of unique shading options....

The leader in fashion-forward lighting still in expansion mode and launches new traditional division called Lite Source Classic. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).
May 1, 2003... It's not surprising that LITE SOURCE CEO, David Lu views times like these as a time of opportunity. He places the highest values on the care of his customers and has assembled a dedicated and competent staff to insure that Lite Source customers...

As a new company, Legend Lightning debuts with old world charm. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Bursting onto the lighting scene at the April High Point Market was a new company with fabulous Old World designs. Legend Lighting introduced 24 chandeliers with grand lodge, sporting and whimsical styles. Legend Lighting's "Chandeliers of...

Dale Tiffany teams with Sergio Orozco for launch of mid-priced Dale Home Collection. (A Special Section To Home Accents Today).
May 1, 2003... Dale Tiffany, Inc., one of the largest producers of decorative lighting and accessories in the industry, has launched a third product brand. Named Dale Home, this line of mid-priced decorative home accessories will complement and enhance Dale...

Making good cents of scents. (The consumer counts: fragrance).
May 1, 2003... PERFUME AND COLOGNE SALES hit $4 billion last year, not quite twice the size of the home fragrance market, according to figures from Kline & Company. Tracking and building on what consumers like for their personal fragrances can translate into...

Aromachology? (The consumer counts: fragrance).(influence of smell on emotions)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... NEW TERM, OLD IDEA. The Fragrance Foundation and the Sense of Smell Institute, both based in New York, coined the term aromachology and define it as the scientifically observable influence of smell on emotions and moods. A worldwide...

Wrap it up. (Candles & home fragrances: design directions).
May 1, 2003... There is a reason we all love presents so much. When something is wrapped, replete with bows and tags, it makes it more special. Candles and home fragrance may seem like they would be luscious enough on their own, but the additional effort of...

Sweetest smells. (Candles & home fragrances: design directions).
May 1, 2003... The world of home fragrance has come a long way from a beginning in plain candles. Offering everything from potpourri to scented rocks to oil lamps, the latest home fragrance options are as diverse as the scents available. New and different is...

Hold tight. (Candles & home fragrances: design directions).
May 1, 2003... Candles are really only half of it. The holders they are displayed in set off the beautiful scents and provide a visual dimension as well. Simple glass votives will no longer do, as the latest candleholder looks range from sleek and...

Newest soft goods styles boast a level of sophistication. (Soft goods portfolio: color is ripe for the picking ...).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... WHILE THERE IS a variety of looks from which to choose, the overall feel in new soft goods designs is one of sophistication--clean-lined but detail-oriented, elegant but with touches of whimsy, bold but refined. Among the highlights: a...

Soft goods sales coming in soft, price matters. (Soft goods portfolio: color is ripe for the picking ...).(Industry Overview)
May 1, 2003... SOFT GOODS, which are defined for this story as decorative pillows, throws and luxury linens, took a $2.5 billion slice of the home accents pie in 2002, according to Home Accent Today's Universe Study. While the category as a whole reflected a...

Hot stuff. (Soft goods portfolio: color is ripe for the picking ...).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... THE WARMING TREND continues with hues that radiate in the hot zone. Soft goods, in particular, provide the perfect excuse to introduce a refreshing wash of color into the home. All the colors that have made such a juicy splash in the market are...

Classic concepts. (Soft goods portfolio: color is ripe for the picking ...).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... WHEN ALL IS SAID and done, a classic is, well, just that. A perennial favorite in the soft goods category, classic looks are as strong as ever with a little something extra in the way of style. Taking a cue from fashion, dressmaker details,...

Print parade. (Soft goods portfolio: color is ripe for the picking ...).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... GET READY FOR PATTERNS and prints that literally pop off the page. With both poised for a big resurgence, keep a look out for unique, stylized motifs. Choose from abstracted contemporary, lush, exotic florals or retro Asian themes--it really...

Registry of sources in soft goods. (2003 Soft Goods Portfolio).(Directory)
May 1, 2003... registry of sources in soft goods COMPANY NAME & CONTACT PRODUCTS & PRICE RANGES vendor decorative top- throws home base, phone number pillows ...

The name game: vendors seek a philosophical fit with licenses. (Licensing).(Panel Discussion)
May 1, 2003... VENDORS TAKE A GAMBLE each time they sign a licensing agreement. Will it be successful? How long will it last? Is it credible? But more and more are willing to take that bet and form partnerships with the hopes that everyone comes out a winner....

Retailers mixed on value of licensed product. (Licensing).
May 1, 2003... LICENSING IS A BIG business. While it starts with the artist/designer/entity that is the drawing card and flows through the manufacturer responsible for translating the ideas into viable product, ultimately the success of a licensed product...

Robb & Stucky debuts new concept. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... ROBB & STUCKY (Fort Myers, Fla.) branched out with the opening of its 14th store in March. The Boca Raton location carries the high-end furniture, home accents and design services the chain is famous for--it does $20 million a year in window...

Tracy Porter debuts bedding. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... HOME FURNISHINGS and lifestyle designer Tracy Porter has introduced a bedding collection with L. Kee Company. Featuring a cheerful mix of patterns and colorful florals, the collection layers lace, cotton and velvet for a light-hearted, feminine...

KEM adds second furniture and accessory market in Long Beach. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Karel Exposition Management)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... REGIONAL MARKET producer Karel Exposition Management (Aventura, Fla.) is launching an additional Long Beach Furniture and Accessory Market in 2004. The Long Beach Furniture and Accessory Market, based in Southern California, showcases...

Thomasville adds frames and mirrors. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... THE THOMASVILLE Furniture Industries' brand has introduced a licensed line of decorative photo frames and mirrors. The Thomasville Home Accents line features wood, metal, resin and mixed materials in traditional, contemporary and casual...

Woolrich establishes home division, licensing. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... OUTDOOR APPAREL producer Woolrich Inc. (Woolrich, Pa.) is launching a home division and developing licensed lines of case goods, upholstery, rugs, lighting, decorative accessories, tabletop, table linens and outdoor furniture. "We are...

Boyter joins Riddle & Company as VP. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Rhonda Boyter )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... RIDDLE & COMPANY has named Rhonda Boyter vice president of product development over its Home & Gift division and its Gold Coast division. Boyter is responsible for all stages of product development and design. Boyter joined Riddle from The...

Madden expands Mohawk soft goods. (News: retailing manufacturing internet licensing marketing).(Chris Madden, Mohawk Home)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... TAKING HER MESSAGE of home as haven one step further, Chris Madden has expanded her Sanctuary Collection of soft goods for Mohawk Home with a new grouping entitled Hollywood and created a new collection, Vermont Getaway. Hollywood is a...

Events.(Calendar)
May 1, 2003... June 18-25 Dallas International Gift & Home Accessories Market. Dallas Market Center, Dallas. phone: 800-DAL-MKTS, web: www.dallasmarketcenter.com Friday, June 20 10:30 a.m.--Future Home: Trends in Color and Design. Michelle Lamb,...

GLM temps relocate at Dallas market. (Dallas).(George Little Management Temporaries' gift and home temporary show)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... At next month's Dallas Super Market, the gift and home temporary exhibits will be relocated to floors 12 and 13 of the World Trade Center. Handmade will relocate to the 12th Floor of the WTC from its previous location in Market Hall-Main. At...

This artist's quirky side matches his city and his designs. (Portrait: Paul Gruer).(Interview)
May 1, 2003... I've never had a frying pan--it's always been the fire," said Paul Gruer, proving his point by relating the odyssey of a 16-year-old adrift in New Orleans who ultimately, and improbably, became an award-winning designer. Please don't mistake...