GREENSBORO, N.C.–WithIt announced the keynote speakers for its 2013 Education Conference. Titled “Vision of the Modern Renaissance Woman,” the Aug. 12-14 event in Raleigh, N.C., will include the following speakers:

Mary Lou Quinlan, marketer, speaker, women’s advocate and author of “The God Box: Sharing My Mother’s Gift of Faith, Love and Letting Go,” will speak on “Building a Life that’s Brand YOU.”

LAS VEGAS–Contemporary furniture designer and manufacturer Armen Living is returning to Las Vegas Market after a two-year hiatus. The company will be showing its colorfully sleek, classically retro collections at the Las Vegas Market, July 29-August 2, in a 2,500 square-foot showroom in Building B-755.

NEW YORK–Roche Bobois held a grand opening last night for its second New York showroom, which has opened on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

The 3,800 square-foot space targets interior designers and contractors, and is the Paris-based company’s 23rd store in the United States.

Gilles Bonan, CEO of Roche Bobois, said that the U.S. is a growing market for the design-driven company. “The brand is well established here,” Bonan said. “You will see some other Roche Bobois projects in the U.S. in the near future.”

LAS VEGAS–The Summer 2013 Las Vegas Market, taking place July 29-Aug. 2, will kick off with a double header of First Look new-product presentations.

On Monday July 29, at 10 a.m., attendees can attend First Look: Home Furnishings for a fast track to the hottest new products debuting this season.  Julie Smith Vincenti, a longtime home trends editor, along with blogger Emily Henderson, will reveal the newest looks in bedroom and accent furniture, upholstery, floor coverings and home decor. The seminar will take place in Building B, 16th Floor, World View.

NEW YORK–Christopher Guy has opened a new flagship showroom in the New York Design Center (NYDC).

The Christopher Guy showroom, located on the penthouse floor of the NYDC, features a 225 foot-long furniture runway which showcases a number of pieces along with beautiful cove ceilings, state of the art lighting, reeded columns, high polish white glass floors and a chained glass wall.

DALLAS-Designer Amy Howard will present an environmentally friendly approach to furniture refurbishment during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market later this month. Howard will speak on Friday, June 21, at 4 p.m. in the World Trade Center Hall of Nations.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Magnussen Home Furnishings  has entered into a multi-year licensing agreement with Crayola and plans to launch a youth bedroom line in its name at the High Point Furniture Market this October.

The home category has hit the gold standard. Gold, the centuries-old status symbol, has made a resurgence both in fashion and home. With the Midas touch, these items exude warmth, perfect for any abode.—Andrea Lillo

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.-More than 40 educational seminars will be among the activities slated for the summer debut of NY Now, the rebranded New York International Gift Fair.

According to Christian Falkenberg, director of the show and senior vice president of GLM, the seminars will provide “relevant trend information and actionable business advice.” The seminar series will complement NY Now’s four product collections: Handmade, Home, Lifestyle and New.

GREENSBORO, N.C.–Shannon Marie Kennedy, who had a long career in the home furnishings industry, has died. She was 54.

Kennedy, who was once the director of marketing for the High Point Market Authority, also held posts at Furniture Today and at the High Point Enterprise.

She is survived by her daughter Erin Ann Moulson of Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, donations can be accepted at any Wells Fargo Bank for Moulson. The name on the account is the Shannon Marie Kennedy Donation Fund.

LAS VEGAS–International Market Centers will host the third annual “Up on the Roof” gala charity event benefiting Gift For Life, the sole charitable organization for the gift, stationery and home decor industries, on Tuesday, July 30, during the Summer 2013 Las Vegas Market, running July 29-Aug. 2, at the World Market Center Las Vegas.

HICKORY, N.C.–HSM, the new name of Hickory Springs, has named Gregg Greulich corporate vice president of innovation and technology.

Responsible for developing a vision for the company’s growing engineering and research and development team, Greulich’s goals include the development of a portfolio of integrated products across the company’s transportation solutions, bedding solutions, furniture solutions and diversified solutions business units.

HONG KONG–“Think Asia, Think Hong Kong,” the largest Hong Kong promotion ever to be launched in the United States, according to organizers, will take place next month in New York (June 11) and Los Angeles (June 14).
 
Francisco J. Sánchez, undersecretary for international trade in the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Stephen Bird, CEO, Asia Pacific, for Citigroup, are the latest high-profile players to confirm their participation in the event.
 

ST. LOUIS-Furniture Brands International has reached an agreement with mattress manufacturer Boyd Specialty Sleep for collections of mattresses and related sleep accessories under several brands in the Furniture Brands portfolio.

The sleep products will be offered under the Broyhill, Lane, Drexel Heritage and Thomasville brands. They will range from mid- to ultrapremium price points and will be marketed through multiple bedding distribution channels.

LOS ANGELES–Mike Pollard, retired vice president of Costco Wholesale, has joined the board of directors of Abbyson Living.

Pollard retired from Costco Wholesale earlier this year. He’d held various management positions in warehouse operations, international, Internet technology and e-commerce since joining the company in 1985.

THOMASVILLE, N.C.–Thomasville will launch a new magazine-like catalog and a $10,000 consumer sweepstakes in anticipation of the Memorial Day weekend.

The new catalog format reads more like a magazine than a catalog and features designer tips on how to refresh one’s home décor, the company said. The mag-alog, as the company calls it, will be mailed to consumers in Thomasville’s store markets in mid-May.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The Powell Company’s John Conrad was named the president of the American Society of Furniture Designers at a recent meeting of the nonprofit organization.

Conrad has served on ASFD’s board since 2008. He succeeds Dudley Moore, Jr., of Otto & Moore. Moore will serve as ASFD chairman for the next two years.

New directors to the board are C.J. Grudzinskas, Catina Unlimited; Timothy O’Hare, H. Thomas Keller Associates; and Katy Skelton, Katy Skelton, LLC.

LAS VEGAS–The International Market Center has adjusted its Winter 2014 Las Vegas Market dates to take place Sunday, Jan. 26-Thursday, Jan. 30.

“After careful consideration of the feedback we received from buyers and exhibitors as to the best way to deliver a truly exceptional Las Vegas Market experience, we are adjusting the market dates to comprise a weekend day while ending on a Thursday to accommodate optimal Friday return travel,” said Robert Maricich, IMC’s president and chief executive officer.

CHICAGO–Port 68 will debut its first official showroom at Dallas Market Center next month, showing in space 536 in the World Trade Center. The new showroom is 2,500 square feet, and Port 68 will be sharing it with the company Eastern Accents. Each company will have its own separate space within the showroom, along with a combined lifestyle vignette in the center. A ribbon cutting will be held during the show to celebrate the new space.

1 | Kontextur
Inspired by the bold yet minimal and functionalist aesthetic of Eastern European motorcycles, the x3 indoor watering can from designer Paul Loebach is available in solid copper or painted steel. kontextur.com

2 | The Rug Market America
Always a popular theme for kids, cars were among The Rug Market’s juvenile designs launched earlier this year. The Crazy Cars design in turquoise is shown here. therugmarket.com

SAN LEANDRO, Calif.–Zuo Modern will debut its new showroom at the upcoming Tupelo Furniture Market scheduled for Aug. 15-18.

The company said the almost 3,000 square-foot space, located in Building 4, space 4438, will mostly display Zuo’s promotional sets and barstools.

“We had walked the Tupelo show for two years and we see the growing market opportunity,” said Luis Ruesga, Zuo Modern’s CEO. “More and more international travelers visit this show looking for local manufacturers and good deals.”

CARTHAGE, Mo.-A jump in gross margin and reduced income taxes offset relatively flat sales to deliver an 11.6 percent gain in net income for Leggett & Platt, to $49.1 million, in its fiscal first quarter.

LAS VEGAS–Momentum continues to build for expansion of better home décor at Las Vegas Market, according to show organizers International Market Centers, with a planned launch of a new floor of permanent showrooms dedicated to the category at the Summer 2013 Market, July 29-Aug. 2.

In line with this introduction, IMC also will reposition its home decor-focused temporary exhibitors to create dynamic synergies between permanent and temporary resources.

ROSEVILLE, Calif.–The new North American Home Furnishings Association board of directors will officially gather for the first time in New Orleans, June 1-4, 2013, at the Home Furnishings Industry Conference.

HIGH POINT, N.C.-Borkholder Furniture is exhibiting in its new showroom at the International Home Furnishings Center during this week’s High Point Market.

The space is located in the IHFC’s Hamilton wing in room H1103, and measures 3,500 square feet. At last October’s High Point Market, Borkholder exhibited in the Made in America pavilion in the Suites at Market Square. Ola Yoder, the company’s president and owner, said, “We had a good experience at our first High Point Market in October, and this new IHFC space will advance our efforts to expand our business.”

HIGH POINT, N.C.—High Point Market opens today as the home furnishings industry reviews the season’s trends, styles and new designs in furniture, rugs, lighting and decorative accessories. The event runs through Thursday, April 25.

ATLANTA-Home Source International has increased its showspace at the International Home Furnishings Center in High Point.

The company is still exhibiting in the Loloi Rugs space, room D320 of the IHFC building, but has doubled its space in that room. Janette Huff, Home Source’s vice president of design and marketing, said the enlarged space will offer the company the opportunity to showcase its beach towels produced under its recent license agreement with Coca-Cola. Home Source also displayed this line at the New York Home Fashions Market last month.

ROCKY MOUNT, Va.–Uttermost celebrated its winning sales reps for 2012 with a week-long trip in Costa Rica this past March. Twenty-two reps, along with two Uttermost executives and 10 family members were on the trip, which centered in Liberia and the Papagayo area of Costa Rica.

Based at a resort on the West Coast of Costa Rica, the contest winners enjoyed activities ranging from snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, zip lining, and relaxing at the resort’s spa.

MARTINSVILLE, Va.-Rising sales and margins, plus a return to profitability in its upholstery segment, carried Hooker Furniture to huge gains in net income for both its fourth quarter and fiscal year.

For the quarter ending on Feb. 3, Hooker’s net jumped 489 percent to $3.7 million. For the year, net income rose 70.6 percent to finish at $8.6 million.

BURNSVILLE, Minn.–Veteran home furnishings writer, editor and marketing/communications specialist Kimberley Wray has joined FurnitureDealer.Net as editorial director.

BASSETT, Va.-A 31 percent jump in net sales helped Bassett Furniture Industries to transform its first-quarter bottom line from a $596,000 net loss to net income of $980,000.

Net sales totaled $79.8 million. Robert Spilman, Bassett’s president and CEO, said the company had gained some momentum on its top line at the end of last year, which continued into the first quarter, which ended on March 2. Sales improved in Bassett Home Furnishings stores, and the company gained market share from its independent retailers, Spilman said.

ARCHBOLD, Ohio–Sauder Woodworking has acquired and completed construction of a 5,500-square-foot expansion of its showroom in the 220 Elm Building at the High Point Market. The expanded showroom, now totaling nearly 30,000 square-feet, will enable Sauder and sister company Progressive to more effectively showcase new and existing products as well as expanded categories of RTA.

This month’s High Point market will attempt to continue the year’s nearly perfect record of well attended shows. If the product introductions are any indication, the April market will be another winner. Here are some items we’re looking forward to seeing in person.

For more market product coverage please go to http://hfnmag.com/product-gallery/2682

ROSEVILLE, Calif.–The new North American Home Furnishings Association has established its board of directors, effective May 1, 2013.

SAN FRANCISCO–Williams-Sonoma Home will release its spring catalog next week, highlighting what the company calls “a fresh new look for the brand.” The new large format catalog will be delivered to customers’ homes beginning April 2.

HOUSTON-Income-tax expenses drove fourth-quarter net income for Mattress Firm down 56.3 percent, to $7.6 million.

That expense compared to an income-tax benefit of $9.7 million in the fourth quarter of last year. For the fiscal year ending on Jan. 29, Mattress Firm’s net increased 16.1 percent to $39.9 million.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Stars Under the Stars at the High Point Market is offering two nights of entertainment at the spring event, April 20-25.

On Saturday, April 20, market will kick off with Carolina Stars, featuring a tasting menu from North Carolina wineries paired with famed Southern cuisine, and accompanied by music from jazz fusion band Tizer.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Magnussen Home announced changes in management and executive positions as part of its growth plan for 2013 and beyond.
   
Nathan Cressman has been promoted to president of Magnussen Home.  Cressman began his career with Magnussen in 1997 as product development manager. He has been senior vice president of sales, marketing and product development since 2009.
         

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The Antique & Design Center (ADC) is once again staging a full slate of lectures and speakers during next month’s High Point Market.

Sponsored by VandM.com, the online source for vintage furniture, all lectures take place in the Antique & Design Center Lecture Room on the ground level of Historic Market Square. There is no charge to attend and continuing education credits are attached to two of the seminars.

LAS VEGAS–The Winter GIFT+HOME at Las Vegas Market recorded a 25 percent increase in U.S. buyers while international buyer attendance surged 45 percent, according to show organizers.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.–Twin-Star International has named Peter Harper chief financial officer. Harper will report to Robert Cohen, Twin-Star International’s president and CEO.

“We feel very fortunate to have someone as knowledgeable and talented as Pete join us at Twin-Star,” Cohen said. “His expertise in all facets of finance and strategy with special emphasis in creating value, accelerating growth and integrating strategic planning with operational execution will be very beneficial to us as we continue to grow as an industry leader.”

CARLSTADT, N.J-Pantone has created the Fall/Winter 2014/2015 edition of the Pantone View Color Planner. This multidiscipline color forecast, titled Discovery, highlights the key color palettes for womenswear, menswear, active wear, cosmetics and lifestyle, as well as industrial and graphic design.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The High Point Market (@hpmarketnews) and the collaborative online community Decor Mentor (@decormentor) are co-hosting a Twitter Chat at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, which will preview new products for the upcoming spring show, April 20-25.

High Point Market exhibitors are invited to submit photos of their new April introductions to editorial@highpointmarket.org by 5 p.m. Thursday, March 14. Submissions are limited to two photos per company.

CARTHAGE, Mo.–Leggett & Platt’s board of directors announced the promotion of two senior executives: Karl G. Glassman is promoted to president of the company, and retains his current role as chief operating officer; and Matthew C. Flanigan is promoted to executive vice president, and retains his current role as chief financial officer.  

CHICAGO-Pantone has debuted Pantone View home + interiors 2014, a trend forecast with nine key color and design trends, encompassing 74 colors, for home furnishings and interior design.

Unveiled at the International Home + Housewares Show here, the forecast is available in book form detailing visual inspiration, suggested color harmonies, individual tear-out palette cards, swatches and images for use in presentations and storyboards. The nine trends are:

DALLAS—Dallas Market Center announced that Meredith Hite has been named vice president of corporate communications.

 In her position, Hite is responsible for leading Dallas Market Center’s internal and external communications including public relations, direct marketing, social media and employee communications.

NEW YORK–In collaboration with brand partners Bassett Furniture, ELK Lighting, P/K Lifestyles, Shaw Floors and Sherwin-Williams, HGTV Home has announced its HGTV Home Make It Mine campaign. The three-part campaign, which will run Monday, March 4 through Friday, April 12, features a $50,000 consumer sweepstakes, a first-time partner-wide discount on HGTV Home products and a new one-hour special, “HGTV Home Makeover,” that follows network star Meg Caswell as she designs a new living room for a homeowner.

By Andrea Lillo
For those consumers who need stylish seating for small spaces, the answer has increasingly been the pouf.

Proliferating in a vast range of materials, colors, designs and price points, the powerful pouf has proven irresistible to manufacturers and retailers as well, as many have jumped into this category of casual yet chic accent seating.

Z-Line’s Holland Collection is generously scaled, and features luxuriously comfortable pieces that will rejuvenate even the most expansive open-air spaces. The all weather wicker is woven by hand, UV resistant, fully recyclable and virtually maintenance free. High quality frames are powder-coated aluminum and rust resistant. Cushion and pillow fabrics are 100-percent solution dyed. Tempered glass tabletops are designed to be easy to clean. z-linedesigns.com

NEW LONDON, N.C.–The American Society of Furniture Designers is launching a communications campaign, “Touching Lives by Design,” to raise awareness of good design in home furnishings.

“The end game of our efforts is to stimulate consumer desire with a greater appreciation for our home environments,” said Dudley Moore, Jr., president of ASFD.  “By celebrating the intrinsic importance of the furniture designer, we bring public awareness to the purpose of good design.”

ROSEVILLE, Calif.–Members of National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA), Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) and Home Furnishings Independents Association (HFIA) voted last week to approve the merger of the three organizations. This vote officially endorses the new alliance, which will serve more than 2,000 corporate entities representing more than 10,000 storefronts.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of the High Point Market as well as The New York Tabletop Show in April. Exhibitors at each show are invited to submit information and high-resolution images of products that they plan to highlight at the respective show. The New York Tabletop Show will take place April 16-19. High Point Market is scheduled for Apr. 20-25, 2013.

MONROE, Mich.-With all systems go from both the wholesale and retail segments, La-Z-Boy’s net income and net sales both made double-digit gains in its fiscal third quarter ending on Jan. 26.

Net income rose 14.1 percent to $17.1 million, and net sales posted a 10.3 percent pickup to finish at $349.1 million. The company’s numbers benefited from an increase of 12.3 percent in upholstery sales, along with a gain of 14.1 percent in overall retail sales and an 11.8 percent jump in same-store sales for the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries store network.

ST. LOUIS-Furniture Brands International’s bottom line turned significantly redder in its fiscal fourth quarter, with the company ending its fiscal year with a $22.9 million net loss for the quarter, compared to the net loss of $9.5 million in the same period of last year.

ATLANTA–Jill Brady Ford has been named vice president of leasing for AmericasMart’s outdoor/casual furnishings category.

Ford’s election to vice president follows a 12-year AmericasMart tenure dating to her original engagement as an intern in 1992 and subsequent appointment to Gardens category leasing in 1993.  She managed the grand opening of the Gardens in 1994 and continued in Gardens leasing through 2001.  Ford returned to AmericasMart Building Two leasing in 2009 and assumed leasing and management of the Gardens in 2010.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The High Point Market is co-sponsoring the 2013 Junior League of Greensboro ShowHouse during the April Market.

The ShowHouse is a partnership between the Junior League of Greensboro and its national media partner Traditional Home magazine, and will be open April 20 through May 5. Designers for the historic Adamsleigh estate include Miles Redd, Suzanne Kasler, and Eric Cohler.

CARTHAGE, Mo.-A slimmer cost picture and a one-time tax benefit boosted Leggett & Platt’s fourth-quarter bottom line by 745 percent, to $73.5 million.

That performance elevated the manufacturer’s profit for the fiscal year by 62 percent, to $248.2 million. Net sales for the quarter, which ended on Dec. 31, were flat at $853 million. For the year as a whole, net sales totaled $3.7 billion, up 2 percent from the prior year.

LAS VEGAS–Alexa Hampton of Mark Hampton LLC received the Design Icon from International Market Centers and Las Vegas Design Center during Winter Las Vegas Market last week. Hampton is the first woman to receive the Design Icon award, which honors modern-day design legends and their significant contributions to the industry.

Hampton is the daughter of legendary designer Mark Hampton and the president and featured designer with Mark Hampton LLC.

SAVANNAH, Georgia-Furniture designer Dakota Jackson has joined Savannah College of Art and Design as honorary chair of furniture design. Jackson will mentor students from the university’s undergraduate and graduate furniture design programs during his two-year appointment, continuing SCAD’s mission to prepare talented students for creative careers.

LAS VEGAS–The winter version of the Las Vegas Market opens today, featuring a new Gift+Home section with new and expanded showrooms, more high-end home decor suppliers and a completely updated categorization of temporary exhibits into 10 distinct, themed product sections. More than 70 exhibitors in furniture, home décor and gift will be hosting special ribbon cutting ceremonies over the next three days. The show runs through Feb. 1.

Here are some events/highlights scheduled for Monday:

MINNEAPOLIS-Fourth-quarter net income for Select Comfort fell 18.7 percent to $12.5 million, with increased expenses applying much of the pressure on the bottom line.

Along with releasing its quarterly financial report, Select Comfort said it has purchased the assets of Comfortaire, which manufactures adjustable, air-supported mattresses. The acquisition, valued at $15.5 million, closed on Jan. 17.

MEDIA, Pa.-Foam manufacturer FXI has promoted Diane Adams to chief marketing officer, a new position for the company.

In her new role, Adams oversees customer marketing for all of the company’s divisions. She reports to John Cowles, president and CEO, who said, “With Diane leading the way, our company will continue to make significant investments in marketing and R&D to present our business partners with more innovative solutions to improve their own performance.”

NORWALK, Ohio–Norwalk Furniture has opened a 3,300 square-foot showroom in Building A of the World Market Center, space A225, which will be open during the markets and week days, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The new space projects an urban attitude and places a focus on the more than 850 fabrics and leathers that Norwalk offers as part of its highly customized upholstery, the company said.

LAS VEGAS-Sixteen vendors will participate in ART’s ART Card program during the Las Vegas Market. ART retail members can take advantage of exclusive deals and promotions, listed below, during the show when they present their ART Card when placing an order.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.–Twin-Star International has named Peter Ormond as its new director of Canadian business. Ormond will report to Andrew Bandremer, senior vice president of Twin-Star International.

Previously, Ormond was the trade program development manager for Nabisco and director of customer marketing for Congra Foods before becoming the vice president of business development for Greenway Home Products. He will be based out of Ontario, Canada.

LAS VEGAS-Standard Furniture, a manufacturer of wood furniture, has moved its Las Vegas Market showroom to room 1489 in building C of the World Market Center.

DALLAS–The Dallas International Lighting Market opens today at the Dallas Market Center, part of Dallas Total Home & Gift Market. The lighting market runs from today through Jan. 21.

During the show today, DMC will offer snacks for hungry lighting attendees: artichoke dip with chips and crostini will be served at 2 p.m. on Trade Mart 3, outside showroom 3931; and spiked caramel hot chocolate at 4 p.m. on TM 4, outside showroom 4929.

LAS VEGAS–Gift+Home at Las Vegas Market will welcome 76 new exhibitors to the newly categorized temporary exhibits on the fourth and fifth floors of Building C for the Winter 2013 show, Jan. 28-Feb. 1, at World Market Center Las Vegas.

In total, Gift+Home at Las Vegas Market’s 10 categories will present more than 250 temporary exhibitors in more than 70,000 net-square-feet of exhibit space.

DALLAS–HGTV’s John Gidding and interior designer Shay Geyer will be the special presenters at the 24th annual ARTS Awards, which will take place this Saturday, Jan. 19. Organized by Dallas Market Center and Accessories Resource Team, the awards will also be presented by Dallas Market Center’s Bill Winsor, president and CEO, and Cindy Morris, chief operating officer, and ART’s Sharon Davis, executive director, and Mindy Lowack, executive vice president.

NEW YORK–Next month, interior designer and architect Richard Mishaan will reopen Homer, the New York City retail store which he closed in 2008.

 In its newest incarnation, located at the corner of University Place and 10th Street, Homer will feature a revolving collection of curated furniture, decorative accessories and art which will be re-imagined every four months to reflect Mishaan’s design vision. Homer was originally located within the Whitney Museum of Art.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.–Twin-Star International has named Raymond Tam as its vice president of operations, reporting to Robert Cohen, president and CEO of Twin-Star International.

“Raymond’s technical knowledge, blended with his proven leadership ability and vast understanding of both western and eastern cultures, will be an enormous asset to the Twin-Star team,” Cohen said. “Raymond will be based out of our China office and will have worldwide responsibility for Twin-Star’s operations team that includes the company’s quality, production, and logistics functions.”

LAS VEGAS-Gift + Home at Las Vegas Market will present products from about 20 new showrooms and five expanded showrooms for the market’s next edition, Jan. 28-Feb. 1.

DALLAS-The Dallas Market Center has announced the 10 finalists for The Next Big Give, its contest that highlights specialty retailers for their work in their communities.

GREENSBORO, N.C.–WithIt, the women’s leadership network serving the home and furnishings industries, announced its 2013 Board of Directors.

Betty Lyn Eller, vice president, home division of IMRE, a marketing agency, takes the helm as 2013’s WithIt president.  “Being involved in WithIt is an investment in your success and your professional future,” Eller said. “This is your organization and it’s up to you to get involved and see the return on your investment.”

Sitting Pretty
2013 marks the 80th anniversary of the iconic Stool 60 from Artek, designed by architect Alvar Aalto.
Stool 60 was introduced at the Wood Only exhibition in London in November 1933 and has been recreated by several contemporary designers to celebrate the anniversary. Here, Nao Tamura used screen prints of the cross section of a tree for his stool, suggesting the passage of time. artek.fi

By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

With President Barack Obama in the White House for another four years, and the economy a little more stable, members of the casual furniture industry are looking forward to a relatively strong year of business in 2013.

A continuation of new distribution channels, coupled with lots of innovative new products, will ensure a strong year, said Joe Logan, executive director of the International Casual Furnishings Association.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center announced that its Outdoor Living showroom, 1F201, International Trade Plaza will present new resources for the Total Home & Gift Market, Jan. 16-22, 2013, including Western Imports and McCann Baskets.

Western Imports brings hand-forged, ornamental wrought iron. Its wide selection includes a variety of gazebos, arbors, trellises, planters, patio furniture, benches, wall decor and fencing.

MARKHAM, Ontario-Furniture and bedding-protection vendor Caber Sure Fit has reconfigured its North American sales and marketing operations, with an eye toward increasing its profile with retailers on this continent.

Mark Dentale and Lisa Mellet, who had been leading the sales effort in the United States and Canada, are now focusing on different sales channels. Dentale has become division vice president of upholstery and bedding, gearing his efforts toward mattress and furniture retailers, including specialty mattress, furniture and baby stores.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Universal Furniture is celebrating the new year by launching a digital campaign with Better Homes and Gardens. Home Today, Aruba Tomorrow, a 60-day promotion and sweepstakes, launches today at www.bhg.com and www.bhgfurniture.com.

WARREN, Mich.-Art Van Furniture has donated 150 twin mattresses to needy Detroit Fire Departments across the city.

LAS VEGAS–Abbyson Living is returning to the Las Vegas Market with a new permanent showroom in space B-0880, according to a statement by International Market Centers, which owns and operates Las Vegas Market.

The 6,256 square-foot showroom is in a “prime, atrium space right off the escalator,” said Yavar Rafieha, vice president of Abbyson Living. “We are remodeling the space for market to create a stunning presentation.”

GREENSBORO, N.C.–WithIt will present Margaret (Peggy) Traub, CEO and president of Adesso Inc., with its highest honor during the 2013 WOW Awards dinner and ceremony Jan. 27, 2013, at World Market Center–Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS–Four well-known brands will open showrooms within Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center in time for the Winter 2013 Las Vegas Market, scheduled Jan. 28-Feb. 1: Christopher Guy, Stanley Furniture, Julian Chichester/Mr. Brown and Norwalk Furniture.  These four new-to-market showrooms encompass more than 26,000 square feet and are located on the first two floors of Building A.

Christopher Guy will open an 8,184-square-foot showroom on the first floor of Building A, A100.

LAS VEGAS–Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich will be the special guest at an exclusive breakfast during the inaugural Gift & Home CEO Summit here next month. Gift and home executives who register no later than Jan. 4, 2013, for the summit, which takes place during Las Vegas Market, will be able to attend the event with Reich.

ATLANTA–HD Home, AmericasMart’s showcase for lifestyle home décor, welcomes three new companies—Emporium Home, Elaine Smith and Jamie Young Company—to the fold in time for the International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and the International Area Rug Market in January.

Emporium Home, July 2012’s Best in Show award winner for visual display, embodies fashion for interiors. Elaine Smith offers a line of luxury outdoor pillows. Jamie Young Company is a purveyor of lighting, occasional furniture, mirrors and home accessories.

LAS VEGAS–Five days of seminars and special programs will be among the highlights at the upcoming Winter Las Vegas Market, Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 2013.

The diverse assortment of complimentary educational events and CEU-accredited seminars created specifically for retailers, design professionals and other registered market attendees, offer up-to-the-minute information to help industry professionals better manage, grow and market their businesses.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.-The At Home section of the New York International Gift Fair will present products from vendors of furniture, bedding, accessories and other home decor products.

The hard-line portion of At Home will be consolidated at Pier 94 of New York City’s Passenger Ship Terminal—which, along with Pier 92 and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, serves as the Gift Fair’s locale. Three hundred and fifty vendors will be at this location, including 16 that are expanding their spaces for the winter show.

DALLAS–Employees of home furnishings and accessories importer Southern Enterprises, Inc. (SEI) recently joined together to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas (DSG).

Each year, the DSG hosts the Buddy Walk, a fun-filled day that includes a one-mile walk, live music, food truck vendors and activities for the whole family.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn.–HGTV Home products are being featured at the HGTV Home Pop-Up Showroom and at the HGTV Holiday House at the Mall of America.

Through New Year’s Day the 2,000 square-foot HGTV Home Pop-Up Showroom offers shoppers an up-close look at the breadth and diversity of products in the collection, including flooring from Shaw, furniture from Bassett and lighting options from ELK Lighting.

LYNDHURST, N.J.–Outdoor furnishings manufacturer Cast Classics opened yesterday in a temporary facility.

The company’s office had been closed following massive water damage due to flooding from Hurricane Sandy.

Cast Classics hopes to return to its refurbished offices by mid-December.

By Andrea Lillo

“We really know our customer—we can give them exactly what they want,” said Tom Delavan, the creative director of Gilt Home. And so it did, with the launch of Gilt Home’s first private label collection of furniture, rugs and decorative pillows last month.

By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

Good weather and plenty of opportunity for retail growth were two of the factors that contributed to making 2012 a good year for outdoor furniture.

“Overall, 2012 has been a good year for the industry,” said Joseph P. Logan, executive director of the International Casual Furnishings Association. “Many companies have experienced significant gains in sales for the year.”

NEW YORK–Props from the upcoming movie “Life of Pi”—including the lifeboat—are part of a three-day sale that launched today on Gilt Home’s website. The movie, which opens in theaters on Wednesday, Nov. 21 and is directed by Ang Lee, follows the fictional journey of an Indian boy named Pi as he is lost at sea for 227 days on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.

MEMPHIS, Tenn.–Stein World plans to open its first showroom at AmericasMart, which it will unveil at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market in January.

Located on the eleventh floor of Building 1 in spaces A8-A10, the 5,800 square-foot permanent showroom will showcase the company’s accent furniture, mirrors, chairs, lighting, occasional tables, vanity sinks, media consoles and casual dining sets.

GREENSBORO, N.C.-WithIt, the women’s leadership development network serving the home and furnishings industries, will tackle the issue of women’s leadership during a one-day Leadership Institute, “Critical Success Factors for Women Leaders.” The program will be held Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at Greensboro-High Point Marriott Airport in Greensboro, NC.

DALLAS–Luxury Home FINDS and Home FINDS are sold out for the January edition of the Dallas Temp Show and Total Home & Gift Market, Dallas Market Center said.

Luxury Home FINDS (Jan. 16-21), a juried collection of high-end home décor, furniture, home accessories, lighting and textiles located on the first floor of the World Trade Center Hall of Nations, makes its debut in Dallas this January. Exhibitors include Authentic Models, Design Legacy by Kelly O’Neal, The Elizabeth Lucas Company and Tritter Feefer Home Collection.

CULVER CITY, Calif.–Powell Company has named Jeffrey Wallner president of its furniture division.

It’s a new position at Powell. Wallner has been in the furniture business for 24 years, most recently with Philadelphia-based World Imports where he was the executive vice president.

At Powell, Wallner will be responsible for sales, marketing and merchandising.

Well Heeled in Paris
Everything about the Palace of Versailles is larger than life, and that includes “Marilyn,” a public work piece by Joana Vasconcelos. Part of a recently ended exhibition at Versailles, the giant pair of high heels was made with 312 pots and 670 lids and displayed in Versailles’ renowned Hall of Mirrors.

emma gardner design
Daphne is a stylized study of a delphinium and comes in two colorways, including blue. emmagardnerdesign.com

Waterford
Waterford extends its Lismore Diamond collection with blue-hued crystal giftware. waterford.com

La-Z-Boy
La-Z-Boy’s Malina sofa features the color of the moment. la-z-boy.com

Z-Line Designs introduced its Luna Collection to retailers at the International Casual Furniture Show’s pre-market in July. The company describes the collection as “classic, comfortable, versatile and multi-functional.” Luna’s all-weather wicker is woven by hand, is ultraviolet-resistant, fully recyclable and virtually maintenance free, according to Z-Line. The frames are powder-coated aluminum and rust-resistant. z-lineracing.com

LAS VEGAS-Registration for the next Las Vegas Market, Jan. 28–Feb. 1, 2013, is now open online at lasvegasmarket.com. Attendees who book before Dec. 6 will be able to take advantage of “early bird” discounts with select partner hotels.

LAS VEGAS–Online registration is now open for the inaugural Gift & Home CEO Summit, which will run concurrently with Gift+Home at Las Vegas Market, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2013, at World Market Center Las Vegas. Registration will take place at www.giftandhomelv.com/ceosummit.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Buyers enjoyed a sun-drenched day at High Point Market yesterday as they combed the showroom-packed streets and buildings here for the latest and greatest. The market concludes tomorrow.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The High Point Market has been true to form with something new for just about every taste and style.
 

HIGH POINT, N.C.-The High Point Market, now in its third day, has been notable for vendors expanding into new categories, along with thousands of trend-setting introductions.

Bond, James Bond
To commemorate James Bond’s 50th anniversary, Christie’s auction house is offering the chance to acquire a piece of James Bond memorabilia through Oct. 8, including the ice coffee table, candelabra, champagne bucket and prop champagne bottle shown here from “Die Another Day.”

Cookies for Brains
The Bone Collector Cookie Jar from Boston Warehouse serves up sweet treats with a ghoulish grin. Happy Halloween! bwtc.com

Chicago’s Merchandise Mart hosted the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market last month, and exhibitors showed off everything needed for the outdoor room. Introductions at the show reflected indoor styles and designs as the outdoors becomes just as comfortable as the indoors. –Duke Ratliff

Palm Springs Rattan

LOS ANGELES-The California Market Center (CMC) has joined the American Society of Interior Designers, as part of CMC’s mission to expand its design center and to cement its position as a destination for interior designers, architects and hospitality specifiers on the West Coast.

Welcoming CMC to the ASID fold, Katherine Fern, president of ASID Los Angeles, said CMC’s membership “will synergistically extend our mutual leadership in the eyes of the public, as well as throughout the design community.”

ATLANTA–Home Source International and its furniture unit, Shiner International, will move its exhibit space at High Point Market to the Loloi Rugs showroom, room D-320 at the International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC), for the upcoming market.

At the April High Point Market, Home Source and Shiner exhibited in the Made in America Pavilion at the Suites at Market Square, room 1-447. Home Source and Shiner then partnered with Loloi for the summer Las Vegas Market, exhibiting in 1,000 square feet of Loloi’s World Market Center showroom in room 480 of building B.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The Carolinas Chapter of International Furnishings & Design Association is planning a star-studded “Night of Luminaries” on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at the High Point Country Club. Center stage will be designer, author and room makeover television personality Libby Langdon.

MOSCOW–Koelnmesse, the German trade show organizer, and Media Globe Krokus (MGK), which operates the Moscow International Furniture Show, will jointly organize Rooms Moscow, an international furniture trade fair scheduled for May 21-25, 2013, at the Krokus Expo International Exhibition Center here.

COLUMBUS, Ohio–The National Home Furnishings Association, Western Home Furnishings Association, Best Buy For Business, and R&A Marketing have partnered to create the The Social Spot, a dedicated space inside the Retailer Resource Center at the Plaza Suites at High Point Market for the industry to learn the ins and outs of social media.

LAS VEGAS–Broadcast journalist Claire Shipman is one of the speakers confirmed for International Market Center’s inaugural Gift & Home CEO Summit at the Las Vegas Market in January 2013.

ONTARIO, Calif.–O.W. Lee was named the Manufacturer of the Year Award by the International Casual Furnishings Association.

O.W. Lee was selected as the Manufacturer of the Year as a result of its high point standings in a variety of categories, including quality of products, design, merchandising, customer service, ethics/trade relations and communication.

NEW YORK–The Bombay Company has launched a new commerce site at bombaycompany.com.

The site will offer a range of Bombay’s signature pieces, including furniture, decor, gifts, wall decor, lighting, bedding textiles, seasonal and holiday items. The assortment will include a mix of best-selling Bombay archival pieces, in addition to a range of new designs. Featuring over 250 products, the items will range in price from approximately $25 for accessories to $1,500 for furniture pieces.

ST. LOUIS, Mo.–Furniture Brands International said it has successfully closed on a new five year secured credit facility comprised of a $200 million asset-based loan and a $50 million secured term loan. These facilities repay the amounts outstanding under the existing asset-based loan, and after associated closing costs, result in over $90 million of excess borrowing availability.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Contemporary furnishings source Zuo Modern is adding a second showroom for the upcoming High Point Market, scheduled for Oct. 13-18, to accommodate the launch of a new collection of rustic-transitional styled case goods, occasional and upholstered furniture.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Case goods importer folio 21 is introducing a correlated dining room program at the October High Point Market designed to complement its bedroom collections.

The initial introduction will feature four fashion-forward dining groups that correlate with existing folio 21 bedrooms. They include Avignon, a transitional group in poplar solids and primavera veneers with champagne-finished hardware; Cologne, a large-scaled European traditional design; Lisbon, a clean-lined transitional set; and Metro, a contemporary group in rosewood veneers.

AUSTIN, Texas–Four Hands has appointed Mike Bullock vice president of marketing.

Bullock joins Four Hands from Springbox, an Austin-based interactive marketing firm, where he served for three years as group account director and general manager. In these positions, Bullock partnered closely with major global brands such as Disney, Dell, Honda, Microsoft, PayPal and Nestle Waters.

HIGH POINT, N.C.—SALON, the curated collection of stylish home furnishings at Market Square & Suites, will feature 22 new exhibitors for the High Point Market next month for a total of 57. In addition, SALON has expanded beyond the ground floor displays to include the mezzanine on the second floor.

HIGH POINT, N.C.—At next month’s High Point Market, the Antique & Design Center, located on the ground and mezzanine levels of historic Market Square, will have a number of social and educational events.

On Friday, Oct. 12, from 4-7 p.m., the A&DC will kick off market with a “Welcome to Market” party, where there will be live music, food from 1618 Seafood Grille and a chance to win a $500 gift certificate towards an A&DC purchase.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–More than 40 exhibitors—17 of which are new—will exhibit a diverse mix of fashionable furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, wall art and decorative accessories in the Made in America Pavilion at the Oct. 13-18 High Point Market.

Located in the Suites at Market Square, the Pavilion provides an easy-to-shop venue for the latest developments in made-in-America furnishings. The Made in America Pavilion debuted at the October 2012 High Point Market.

DALLAS-Friday, Sept. 14 is the deadline for submissions for the Dallas Market Center Pinterest trends contest.

Designers are invited to submit a photo of a current trend they featured in a recent design project for a chance to win prime exposure on DMC social media and a prize package worth more than $1,500. Any design trend element from color, material and textures to shapes, products and layouts may be submitted.

ST. LOUIS–Furniture Brands International announced that Gregory Heller has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president, Thomasville retail and chief creative officer. Heller will be responsible for the creative direction and merchandising of the Thomasville brand and will oversee the company-owned Thomasville stores. 

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Rowe Furniture has reached an agreement with International Market Centers to relocate to the first floor of the Showplace Building here.

Rowe’s new showroom will take up the entire west side of the building and will feature a Studio Rowe Gallery, providing an onsite example of what can be created in a retailer’s own store.

“The new showroom provides an opportunity for us to showcase the amazing progress that our associates have made in expanding and redesigning the product lines for each of our brands,” said Phil Haney, CEO of Rowe.

HIGH POINT, N.C.-The International Market Center has released the schedule of seminars for the High Point Market in October.

The seminars will be held from Oct. 13-16 at the IHFC Ballroom A on the 11th floor of the Green Wing. The sessions will include:

•“Modern Meets Traditional: Candice Olson and Ann Maine,” in which Olson, the HGTV host, and Main, editor-in-chief of Traditional Home magazine, will discuss key design and color trends and Olson’s new collection of upholstery and casegoods for Highland House

NEW YORK—Fashionistas unite once again for the fourth annual Fashion’s Night Out, where retailers worldwide offer special promotions, events—including some home-oriented happenings—and celebrities, to celebrate and support the fashion and retail industries.

MARTINSVILLE, Va.-Sliding sales cut into the bottom line for Hooker Furniture in the second quarter, which ended on July 29.

The furniture resource’s net income dropped 10.4 percent to $1.5 million, on a 9.7 percent decrease in net sales, which totaled $50.2 million. While citing Hooker’s sales declines since the beginning of the fiscal year, Paul B. Toms Jr., chairman and CEO, added that the company has achieved higher profitability on lower sales for both casegoods and upholstery.

NEW YORK–Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ charitable organization, announced that the recent special sales event hosted by One Kings Lane raised $36,000 to benefit the charity.  

NEW YORK–HFN is coordinating its editorial coverage of October’s High Point Market.

It may be centuries old, but the rich history of handcrafted work in Mexico provides a fertile resource for today’s designers and manufacturers. Whether made in Mexico by local artisans or inspired by them, these products incorporate the intricate patterns, saturated colors and traditional motifs for which the country is known. —Andrea Lillo

See http://hfnmag.com/product-gallery/2622 for more Mexico trends

The mirror and wall decor categories continue to attract new players, and Safavieh is the latest manufacturer to break into this category. At the Las Vegas Market Safavieh debuted its mirrors and wall candle holders, a grouping of about 100 SKUs strong, said Jonathan Yaraghi, furniture manager. The addition was due to “customer demands,” he said. Overall the company has 30,000 SKUs, and the new mirrors and wall decor bring “another element to customers.”

Along with its new showrooms this year—first in High Point, then in Dallas and Las Vegas—Adesso also continued to add new collections as well as expand existing ones. The Danbury and Brookfield torchieres both use mercury glass as a shade in a newly developed process, said Paul Berk, vice president, sales. They received a good reaction at market because they offer a variety of styles and finishes, from contemporary to transitional, he said. There is also an inside shade, which can be removed if the consumer wants to use a specialty bulb. “It’s the beginning of a new series.”

Lauren Ralph Lauren Home’s Willowwood Road furniture collection recently launched exclusively at Havertys.

ELLISTON, Va.–Rowe Furniture announced today that Bobby Robinson will take on the position of vice president of sales.

Robinson follows Mark Danish, who will become director of national accounts and western regional manager.

Robinson started his career with Rowe in 1994 as sales representative for Northern California, and he was promoted to western regional manager in 2001.

“My passion toward Rowe Furniture’s success has spanned almost 20 years,” Robinson said. “I am thrilled about this next chapter for Rowe and look forward to getting to work.”

DALLAS—Arteriors has appointed Steve Davis as president, succeeding Rich Beckert, who has been interim president since March 2011.

BASSETT, Va.–The HGTV Home Design Studio debuts this week in Bassett stores across the country featuring an HGTV Home-branded line of custom upholstery and accent furniture.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Interior designer Lisa Mende, of Lisa Mende Design, won the ninth spot as a Style Spotter for the October High Point Market, having received the most votes in a contest given by High Point Market and Olioboard, an online interior design moodboard creator. Mende was one of 15 finalists, each of who created room boards on Olioboard, using a library of photos from April High Point Market to design a virtual room. Voters were then invited to view the final boards and vote for their favorite.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–The Accessories Resource Team (ART) has named Miami Beach’s Palms Hotel and Spa as the site for the association’s 2013 conference, scheduled for May 7–10, 2013.

The oceanfront resort is minutes from the heart of South Beach and focuses on complete wellness and environmental awareness. It was selected by ART’s conference committee cochairs: Cody Hutcheson, Codarus; Crystal Vilkaitis, Snap Retail; and Lee Hershberg, IMCenters.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Starting next year, GLM plans to launch Sources, an exhibition connecting international and domestic manufacturers, artisans and producers of materials, home décor, accessories, gifts, private label apparel and handcrafts, with U.S.-based importers, wholesalers, volume buyers, product designers and U.S. retail chains. The semi-annual event will first take place as SourcesNY at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center Sept. 18-19, 2013; SourcesLA will launch in February 2014, at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif.

LAS VEGAS–The Summer 2012 Las Vegas Market. which wrapped up earlier this month, delivered an “energized” show and attracted thousands of “upbeat” home furnishings buyers, according to show owner and organizer International Market Centers.

HICKORY, N.C.–Home furnishings veteran Ron Downs has launched The Downs Group, providing senior financial consulting services to the furniture and home furnishings industry working with manufacturers, distributors and its suppliers.

Prior to launching The Downs Group, Downs was treasurer and chief financial officer at Taylor King Furniture, Inc. Before Taylor King Furniture, Downs had a senior management consulting company, providing financial and operational advisory services to more than 50 companies.

HIGH POINT, N.C.-Following up on its first-ever appearance at a High Point Market this past April, Agio International said it plans to return to the market this October.

The outdoor furniture manufacturer will exhibit in a larger space in the market’s Showplace building. It has signed a lease for a space measuring almost 3,000 square feet, which will expand to about 5,000 square feet at the High Point Market in April 2013. This past April, the company exhibited in an 1,800 square-foot space also in Showplace.

ST. LOUIS, Missouri–Furniture Brands International has appointed  Rick Stroud vice president, sales for Thomasville.

Stroud will be responsible for leading the Thomasville gallery sales organization and will oversee the management of all Thomasville retail gallery accounts. He reports to Ed Teplitz, president of Thomasville and Drexel Heritage Furniture.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center and Accessories Resource Team (ART) have announced the judges for the 24th annual ARTS Awards: Melanie Belew, Cheryl Holland-Bridges, Jena Hall, Susan Inglis, Leslie Newsom Rascoe and Ignaz Gorischek. These judges will select the winners in 23 different categories, and the awards will be presented during a gala event on Saturday. Jan. 19, 2013, at the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–The first part in a three-stage process, the Accessories Resource Team unveiled its new logo, which uses the organization’s acronym in place of spelling out its full name as well as pops of color. ART also debuted its new tag line: A Creative Home Furnishings Network.

CHICAGO–Next month’s International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, which will be held Sept. 20-23 at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, will feature HGTV’s John Gidding; editors from national, consumer home and garden publications; and a selection of other complimentary educational and networking events for exhibitors and attendees.

NEW YORK-Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) has named Patricia DiPette senior vice president of licensing.

DiPette has assumed responsibility for developing and negotiating new domestic merchandising opportunities for MSLO. She reports to Ann Bukawyn, executive vice president of global licensing.

ATLANTA-Entertainer Donny Osmond and his wife, Debbie, are preparing to introduce their branded line of home furnishings with Clique Here, a brand-management and merchandising company, as the brand’s exclusive rights holder.

According to a statement from Clique Here, the brand, which will be called Haven, will encompass bedding, bath products, home decor items, flooring and rugs, textiles, lighting, outdoor living, kitchenware, tableware and various categories in home improvement. The products are expected to reach retail in the fourth quarter of 2013.

LAS VEGAS—The International Market Centers (IMC) announced plans to implement an evolution of the World Market Center here, transforming its Gift + Home Market into a premier destination.

Beginning next year, floors 1-14 in Building C, which comprise 1.7 million square feet, will be repositioned as a gift and home powerhouse. The plans include the addition of such underrepresented categories as tabletop, home textiles, kitchenware and gourmet, as well as expansion of existing categories and re-merchandised presentations.

CARTHAGE, Mo.-Leggett & Platt has introduced a multilevel campaign designed to promote its adjustable beds.

LAS VEGAS–The summer edition of Las Vegas Market opens today, and it looks to be a busy show with a slew of events on tap. Numerous new showrooms are debuting to the industry this market,  and there will be multiple chances to network, learn or just socialize. And, of course, there will be a plethora of product introductions.

CARTHAGE, Mo.-Second-quarter net income for Leggett & Platt jumped 19 percent to $64.9 million, in spite of a 1 percent slip in net sales.

Drops in key expense categories was the prime reason for the bottom line’s added health in the quarter. Thanks to a decrease of 1.5 percent in cost of goods sold, gross margin picked up 70 basis points to finish at 19.9 percent. Selling, general and administrative expenses shed 6 percent in dollars and 53 basis points as a percentage of sales, to 9.9 percent.

LAS VEGAS–Adesso Home will debut a new showroom at Las Vegas Market next week. The company is still in Building A, but has moved to space A453. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new showroom will take place there on Tuesday, Aug. 31, at 10 a.m.

HIGH POINT, N.C.—Acclaimed hotel and furniture designer Roger Thomas has partnered with The Phillips Collection to offer a licensed collection that will debut next year. Thomas, known for his interiors at Las Vegas’ Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas and Encore at Wynn Las Vegas and Wynn Macau and Encore Macau, already has licensed products in his Roger Thomas Collection, which includes mirrors, furniture, carpet, sustainable lighting and outdoor furnishings.

LAS VEGAS -United Furniture Industries is one of the newest permanent lease holders at World Market Center in Las Vegas.

The company, which was created in early 2000 through the merger and acquisition of three established companies-Comfort Furniture, Parkhill Furniture and United Chair, will occupy a 21,332-square-foot showroom in Building B, Suite 1380, doubling its original space, according to World Market Center.

LAS VEGAS–Four Hands, maker of home decor, furniture and lighting, will kick off the summer Las Vegas Market next week with a ribbon cutting for its recently expanded showroom at Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center. The new showroom is located in Building A-140. It is one of several expanded showrooms at World Market Center here, according to International Market Centers, which owns and operates the show.
 

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.—Designer Isaac Mizrahi will bring his bright and happy design sensibility to the furniture, rug, lighting and decorative pillow categories next year, as Xcel, which owns the Isaac Mizrahi New York brand, has inked a deal with Safavieh to manufacture and distribute products for the brand in these categories. This agreement also marks Safavieh’s first licensed collection outside the rug category.

LOS ANGELES-The California Market Center (CMC) has formed alliances with the Gift & Home Trade Association (GHTA) and the Accessories Resource Team in its ongoing effort to expand its gift and home showcase.

The three organizations will work together to enhance the market center’s gift and home trade shows. Founded in 2000, GHTA is the professional trade association for the gift and home industry. It provides opportunities for its members to exchange ideas and network with industry leaders.

LAS VEGAS-The B-2 temporaries section of the World Market Center will present 75 furniture collections at the upcoming Las Vegas Market.

Located as usual on the second floor of Building B, the section will also include the Lodge Living area, which is relocating to this section from Building C. This section will feature homespun furniture and accessories for outdoor-inspired rooms in decors ranging from lodge to western, Santa Fe and desert living. Exhibitors in this area will include Montana Woodworks, Viking Log Furniture and Pure Country Rustic Decor.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Accessories Resource Team (ART), the association for the decorative accessory segment of the home furnishings industry, has 15 vendors participating in the organization’s ART Card program during the upcoming Las Vegas Market, July 30-Aug. 3. In addition, ART will host a mini-seminar series in two vendor showrooms and co-sponsor a market-wide merchandising seminar during market.

HIGH POINT, N.C. and LAS VEGAS–Upholstery and home furnishings manufacturer G. Romano Inc. has signed permanent leases at both World Market Center Las Vegas and the International Home Furnishings Center in High Point, N.C.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The High Point Market has revamped its website (highpointmarket.org), adding new tools and features to help buyers better plan and navigate the market, and to help exhibitors promote themselves to attendees.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center Las Vegas has announced a full line-up of social events and receptions that will take place during the Summer 2012 Las Vegas Market later this month.

Kicking off the week, prior to Las Vegas Market’s official opening, WMC will host a Rep Appreciation Party on Sunday, July 29 from 12 p.m.- 2 p.m. in the Grand Plaza. Reps can take a break from their preparations and enjoy good food and networking with their peers.

ROSEVILLE, Calif.–The Western Home Furnishings Association and website developer MicroD will host a webinar featuring 8 Website Best Practices for retailers on July 17, at 3:30 EST.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with WHFA by offering retailers relevant webinars,” said Mona Nigam, MicroD vice president. “The Internet is greatly changing how retailers do business, and by mastering their websites, they can gain more online traffic and visibility.”

LAS VEGAS-The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) and National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA), will offer an extensive summer Las Vegas Market educational seminar schedule.

During Market, the Retail Resource Center, located in C-496 at the World Market Center, will host a selection of industry speakers on a diverse range of specific retail issues. Sessions feature topics such as sales and sales management, social media, design, operations, promotions and more and will be offered Monday, July 30 through Thursday, August 2.

GREENSBORO, N.C.–WithIt, a not-for-profit organization for women in the home furnishings industry, will honor exemplary home furnishings professionals and businesses during its newly scheduled WOW Awards during the Las Vegas Market next January.

The awards honor the commitment, achievement, leadership potential and service of home furnishings leaders. A total of five awards will be bestowed, plus the President’s Award, on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The High Point Market has partnered with Olioboard.com, the interior design online 2D and 3D moodboard creator, to develop a new contest to select a ninth Style Spotter.

LAS VEGAS–The Gift for Life Charity Reception, “Up on the Roof,” leads a large line-up entertainment and hospitality events at the upcoming Summer 2012 Las Vegas Market, July 30–Aug. 3.

DALLAS–The recently completed Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, held June 20-26, had a high and positive energy level, the Dallas Market Center said. Buyer attendance included the most new stores attending since 2006, the DMC said, and an increase in buyers from the Southwest, Mid-America and West regions.

DALLAS–Later this month is the deadline to nominate companies and people for the 24th annual ARTS Awards, the annual program that recognizes top manufacturers, retailers, product designers and sales representatives. This year’s awards include 26 categories.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Accessories Resource Team (ART) is targeting industry professionals younger than 40 years of age with its new Under 40 associate group. The mission of the group is to provide education, mentoring and best-practice benchmarking opportunities for industry professionals in this age group. The group’s first event will take place at Las Vegas Market, touring online retailer Zappos’ corporate facility.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–As part of a global growth initiative in the upholstery category, luxury furniture maker Theodore Alexander has appointed industry veteran William Gibhardt to the newly created position of director, fabric merchandising.

By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

As the season for swimming pools and parties on the patio kicks into high gear, retailers of outdoor furniture are ready to serve with well-stocked stores, good deals, and plenty of decorating ideas.

The Summer Classics showroom in Roswell, Ga., for instance, boasts a beautifully merchandised sales floor and a wide range of high-end deep seating pieces, dining sets and decorative accessories.

HICKORY, N.C.–Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company has hired John Mayo as its new general counsel. He will succeed Blake Trimble, who is retiring at the end of this month.

Trimble has helped guide Hickory Springs and its management throughout his 13 years with the company.

“Blake’s guidance, opinion and diverse legal experience have made him a trusted and well respected part of our team,” said David Colburn, president/CEO of Hickory Springs. “He has been a mentor, leader, teacher and valued friend to us all and will certainly be missed.”

NORTHBROOK, Ill.-Crate and Barrel has introduced the 3D Room Designer, an application that will be available at all of the retailer’s home store locations beginning on June 27.

IRVINE, Calif.–Hazz Design will present its GenderBlending design philosophy at the upcoming Las Vegas Market on Tuesday, July 31, at 10 a.m. As women influence or make up to 80 percent of furniture and consumer goods purchases in the U.S., Hazz Design’s co-principals Tracy and Tom Hazzard will demonstrate how tailoring product and interior design for both men and women—incorporating buying trend data—yields a better outcome.

DALLAS–For the dozens of showrooms that will celebrate openings, expansions, anniversaries and relocations for the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, which opens today, Dallas Market Center will recognize them with ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The schedule of the ribbon-cutting ceremonies includes:

SAN LEANDRO, Calif.–Zuo Modern is opening a 2,500 square foot showroom at the Atlanta’s AmericasMart, and which will make its debut next month at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. The new showroom will be located in Building 1 on the 11th floor, 11-E-1.

At the market, Zuo will showcase its bedroom, office, dining, bar, kids, outdoor, accents and lighting lines. It will also offer buyers free shipping on orders over $2,000 placed at the show, as well as have Zuo margaritas and daily lunch for customers.

EAST HAMPTON, N.Y.–Lexington Company, the Stockholm-based lifestyle brand, has opened its first U.S. store here, a 1,000-square-foot concept store that showcases many home furnishings categories, including towels, bedding, furniture and tabletop.

GREENSBORO, N.C.-WithIt and Ergo Bedroom will co-sponsor a panel discussion on what makes for happiness in bed, which will take place during the upcoming Las Vegas Market.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla.-Twin-Star International, manufacturer of electric fireplaces, bathroom furniture, media consoles, wine cabinets and heaters, has named Brian Brigham director of marketing and public relations, reporting to Bill Caples, vice president of sales and marketing. He succeeds Alexia Rouquette, who is no longer with the company.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Lexington Home Brands announced that Katrina Peed Patton has been promoted to senior vice president of product development, a new position. She reports to Phil Haney, president and CEO. Previously, she was vice president of product development for the company.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of the Las Vegas Market in August. Exhibitors at the show are invited to submit information and high-resolution images of debuting products for possible inclusion. Submissions for furniture should be sent to Duke Ratliff (dratliff@hfnmag.com); for lighting, floor covering and home decor products, Andrea Lillo (alillo@hfnmag.com); and for mattresses, Dave Gill (dgill@hfnmag.com).

Lite Source
Living up to its commitment to provide “the largest selection of fashion forward lighting that is always in style,” the company introduced a slew of offerings featuring modern design. A highlight  for the company was Dario (pictured), a contemporary table lamp with chrome metal base, mirror body and black transparent mylar shade. “It’s one of the top sellers for this show,” the company said. “People love the contemporary look of this lamp, and the combination of mirror body and black transparent mylar shade.” lite-source.com

RICHMOND, Calif. – Celebrity designer Jeffrey Alan Marks, the star of Bravo’s “Million Dollar Decorator,” has collaborated with home furnishings designer and manufacturer Palecek for a line of furniture, accessories and lighting that will launch at October’s High Point Market.

Based in Santa Monica, Calif., Marks has received such accolades as being named to Elle Décor’s 2011 ‘A-LIST’ Top 25 Designers list and House Beautiful’s ‘A Family Tree of American Designers.”

LAS VEGAS–Palliser Furniture Upholstery has signed a multi-year lease at World Market Center here to display its products in Showroom B-770 of Building B in the Modern Trends area.

MAHWAH, N.J.–Furnitureland South, in Jamestown, N.C., has selected TD Retail Card Services to develop and administer its new private label credit card.

The new Furnitureland South credit card will offer consumers a six-month deferred payment program and other special features. Under the agreement, the business unit of TD Bank, N.A., will direct all aspects of the retailer’s private-label credit card program.

ST. LOUIS–Outdoor living and casual furniture retailer Seasonal Concepts has undergone a total remodel of its store here as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

NEW YORK–This year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair did not disappoint with introductions focused on both the fun and functional and the sophisticated and stylish.

NEW YORK–The showcase for contemporary design, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, opens tomorrow at the Jacob K. Javits Center here, and more than 25,000 attendees are expected to attend over the four-day run. The show will have more than 500 exhibitors from 34 countries in 10 categories, including furniture, lighting and accessories.

DALLAS–The Cooper family of Uttermost will receive the Academy of Achievement Award at the 24th annual ARTS Awards next January. The annual honor recognizes companies and/or individuals that have made significant contributions to the industry.

NEW YORK–Grange Furniture has appointed Jaithan Kochar as marketing and public relations manager, replacing Marlie Massena Pattillo, who has joined Resource Furniture as public relations director.

Centuries of Silver
Sterling silver through the centuries—from a Dutch beaker made for a Van Rensselaer family member in 1598 to a Hanukkah lamp crafted in a Bronx workshop in 1999—are showcased in the New-York Historical Society’s new exhibition, “Stories in Sterling: Four Centuries of Silver in New York.” The exhibition is divided into seven sections, including Converging Cultures in Colonial New York, Drinking in Style and Elegant Dining.

HICKORY, N.C.–Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, one of the nation’s largest integrated manufacturers and an international supplier of components for the furniture and bedding industries, has hired Eric Geiger as corporate director of foam research and development-organic growth.

Geiger joins the flexible polyurethane foam research and development team at Hickory Springs’s foam plant in Conover, N.C. His direct responsibilities are the internal growth of new foam products and new process development.

NEW YORK–The International Furnishings and Design Association, formerly known as the National Home Fashions League, will celebrate its 65th anniversary tomorrow when the group presents its 2012 Circle of Excellence Awards at the Union League Club here.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The Board of Directors of the American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation Inc. has elected new officers and board members, as well as appointed new members to the Hall of Fame Legacy Board.

Randy Ford, Leggett & Platt, has been elected board president; George Cartledge, III, Grand Home Furnishings, first vice president; William D. Kimbrell, Star Furniture, second vice president; and Bill Markowitz, The Veneman Group, secretary-treasurer. Kurt L. Darrow, La-Z-Boy, will continue to serve on the executive committee as board chairman.

NEW YORK-Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and Interlude Home have been tapped by CBS Consumer Products to create furniture and home décor lines inspired by CBS’s “The Good Wife.”

Announced at High Point Market, the line will be developed in collaboration with the show’s set decorator, Beth Kushnick, and inspired by actual set decoration ideas seen on the series. It is the first license for the show, which stars Julianna Margulies.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–While the second day of High Point Market yesterday brought a cold rain, it couldn’t dampen the excitement of the new category and licensed introductions seen in the rug, lighting and home decor categories at the show.

Another bright note is the continuing theme of bright, bold colors, which these categories saw as the perfect complement to the popular neutral and leather furniture sold at retail.

NEW YORK–San Francisco furniture designer Dylan Gold is the season two grand prize winner of “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly,” announced on television last week.

After a makeover with Macy’s style expert Clinton Kelly and a formal business pitch to celebrity judges Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger and Marcus Samuelsson, Gold secured his place as the ultimate winner of $1 million and the opportunity to sell “Dylan Gold Design Furniture” at select Macy’s stores.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–High Point Market opens today with thousands of items to be introduced in product categories including furniture, rugs, home decor, lighting and more.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.—Safavieh has purchased its first European warehouse, centrally located in Belgium, to respond to the increased consumer demand and sales growth in all retail channels the company has seen overseas. The 100,000-square-foot facility is five miles from the port of Antwerp, and will house Safavieh’s range of products, including rugs, furniture, lighting and decorative accessories.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Bridging the gap between educational institutions and the residential home furnishings market, the University Hall of Innovation and Job Creation will debut on the top floor of Suites at Market Square during this High Point Market, in showroom 1-836. The industry co-operative will provide an opportunity for retailers, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, journalists and industry professionals to network with students and discuss possible job opportunities. 

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Judging by the number of companies celebrating anniversaries at this week’s High Point Market, there will be a lot of cake served in showrooms.

Century Furniture is celebrating its 65th anniversary with a major collection called Chin Hua, Market Square 500.

Temple Furniture is honoring 50 years with a cake-cutting celebration on Sunday, April 22, from 5-7 p.m. at 200 N. Hamilton, S Ct 210. The company also is planning to donate 50 items to its local Habitat for Humanity chapter this year.

ST. LOUIS–Gary Greenbaum has joined Furniture Brands as regional business manager-dealer owned stores for Thomasville.

This newly created position will put an increased focus on Thomasville’s retail partners and help them grow their Thomasville business.

Greenbaum brings a wealth of furniture knowledge with many years of experience in the industry. He most recently was with Kinwai USA and also held leadership positions at Natuzzi, Boyles Furniture, Sherrill and Wayside. Greenbaum reports to Kevin Kramer, vice president, Thomasville Retail Stores.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–There will be a lot more of Twin-Star International on the main floor of Plaza Suites at the High Point Market, scheduled for April 21-26.

The parent company of brands including Tresanti Furniture, ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces, and licensee of Duraflame Electric Stoves and Heaters, and Black & Decker Electric Heaters, has nearly tripled its footprint by adding over 2,500 square feet to its existing showroom 1-500, Plaza Suites, just through the building’s Main Street doors.

BASSETT, Va.-Bassett Furniture Industries posted a net loss of $596,000 in its fiscal first quarter, compared to a net loss of $8.3 million in the first quarter of last year.

The manufacturer/retailer accomplished this in spite of a net-sales drop of 5.1 percent, to $61 million. The key item for the quarter, which ended on Feb. 25, was a reduction in charges for bad debt and notes-receivable valuation of from $6.8 million in the first quarter of last year to $32,000 this year.

By Duke Ratliff

In the public eye for decades, Priscilla Presley is known for a lot of things. Most obviously, she’s the former wife of Elvis Presley and the mother of Lisa Marie Presley. She’s acted in a slew of television shows and movies; as a businesswoman she helped turn Graceland into a moneymaking powerhouse; and most recently she competed in Dancing With the Stars.

HIGH POINT, N.C.—Phillips Collection’s Seat Belt Chairs were featured in the hit film The Hunger Games.

Eight of the company’s green Seat Belt Dining Chairs adorned an ultra-modern dining table in the penthouse training apartment in the movie.

 “It goes without saying that this is unbelievable exposure for Phillips Collection,” said company President and CEO  Mark Phillips. “What is most exciting is how many of our customers and fans have called in letting us know they saw the movie and immediately noticed our chairs.”

CHATSWORTH, Calif.–Upholstery designer and importer Abbyson Living has launched a giveaway on its Facebook page and Pinterest board in an effort to maximize brand exposure and direct consumer traffic to its website.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Four new exhibitors will be showing in the Design District at 200 N. Hamilton St. during next month’s High Point Market: Modern Traditions Furniture, Friedman Brothers Mirrors, Charles Luck and Antique Rug Connection. These companies target high-end furniture stores and interior designers with their products, which range from ornate mirrors and stone tables to handmade rugs and custom upholstery.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Case goods importer Najarian Furniture will renovate and occupy a new, two-floor showroom in time for the April High Point Market.

Moving from another showroom location within 220 Elm to space 220, which is accessible from the building’s courtyard, Najarian’s will increase its showroom size from 17,000 square feet to 23,500 square feet.

ST. LOUIS–Bob Klassen has been named vice president, creative interiors division at Furniture Brands International.

In his new position, Klassen has overall responsibility of the creative interiors division and reports to Mark Wiltshire, president, Furniture Brands special markets.

GREENSBORO, N.C.–WithIt has named two new members to its board of governors: Doug Bassett, chief operating officer, Vaughn-Bassett Furniture Company, and Steve Elton, vice president of sales and marketing, Brown Jordan.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Rocker Lou Gramm, voice of Foreigner, will headline the Stars Under the Stars concert series at the Spring High Point Market, April 21-26.

Gramm takes the stage on Sunday, April 22. The vocalist and songwriter will perform some of his greatest hits with the hard-driving group Foreigner, including “Cold As Ice,” “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.”

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The presence of casual furniture at the High Point Market continues to grow with the addition of new exhibitor Agio International Co., which will make its debut in Showplace for the April 21-26 event.

At the upcoming market, Agio will exhibit in an 1,834-square-foot showroom in Showplace, space 1512.  In addition, Agio will provide outdoor sets for attendees at the Sunset on 3 hospitality events being held on Showplace’s third-floor balcony during market.

LAS VEGAS–International Market Centers announced today that Scott Eckman has joined the company as chief marketing officer/chief strategy officer.

LENOIR, N.C.–Upholstery and case goods resource Bernhardt Furniture has hired Michelle Rosson as vice president of sales, residential upholstery division.

In her new position, Rosson will oversee the upholstery sales force and work with key retail customers.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The American Home Furnishings Alliance presented its 2011 environmental leadership awards last month at the 2012 Sustainability Summit in Raleigh, N.C.

The good vibes of the winter home furnishings shows continued in Las Vegas for the Winter Market at the World Market Center. Vendors unveiled numerous new products for a seemingly hungry retail contingency. Here are some of the highlights from the show.

Bassett

Moultrie Park, Bassett’s newest collection, made its Las Vegas debut at the show.

Buying group Mega Group USA unveiled a Whirlpool Appliance Gallery at the Las Vegas Furniture Market.

This new gallery format gives furniture dealers the power to become a complete home furnishings resource to their customers, said Missy Hodges, Mega Group USA’s appliance manager. “Similar to a gallery concept for furniture, it’s a store within a store. It will bring customers into the stores more often.”

NEW YORK–HFN is in the midst of coordinating its editorial coverage of April’s High Point Market.

ATLANTA-Home Source International has acquired Shiner International, a manufacturer of furniture and lighting.

Terms were not disclosed. Launched by Joe Manus in January 2010, Shiner produces eco-friendly seating, surface products, beds, sofas, couches and lighting.

NEW YORK-Claudia Giselle Tejeda, owner of Claudia Giselle Design, has been appointed 2012 president of the New York chapter of the International Home Furnishings and Design Association.

Tejeda succeeds public-relations consultant Wendy Silverstein. In addition, Penny Sikalis, vice president of GLM, has been named treasurer. Journalist and author Jean Nayar has become recording secretary, and Linda Kulla, vice president of Bardwil’s bath division, has been designated director at large.

EL MONTE, Calif.–Brown Jordan has appointed Chris Carmicle president. Carmicle has been with the company since 2002, most recently serving as president, national accounts.

In his new position, Carmicle will be responsible for overseeing the company’s global supply chain, manufacturing, product development and distribution efforts in addition to his existing duties.

NEW YORK–HFN is in the midst of coordinating its editorial coverage of April’s High Point Market.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation has opened nominations for new candidates to become an Industry Fellow and to be inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame later this year.  Foundation members are eligible to nominate, second and vote.

An independent Industry Fellows Selection committee will choose the best qualified candidates for the ballot. Industry Fellows are then determined by the combination of a vote of the membership and a points-based rating of each nominee by the Selection Committee.

CALHOUN, Ga.–Area rug and textiles supplier Rizzy Home has partnered with Furniture First, a purchasing cooperative made up of retail furniture dealers, in a two-year partnership. The deal allows the co-op members access to Rizzy’s multiple product categories.

A 17-year-old national buying group for the retail home furnishings and mattress industry, Furniture First has 186 company members representing 398 store fronts and $1.2 billion in retail sales, a release said.

JAMESTOWN, N.Y.–Bush Industries announced today that Jim Sherbert has stepped down as CEO and will retire this spring.  Sherbert, who has served as CEO of Bush Industries since August 2005, will continue to serve in a transitional role until his retirement date.

Jim Garde, who has served as CFO and most recently as president of the BBF Division, assumes leadership of Bush Industries.

LAS VEGAS–The Las Vegas Winter Market opened yesterday with a bang, continuing the good vibes of the January trade shows.
 
Showgoers packed the showrooms and hallways, and educational and socializing events were well attended.
 

NEW YORK–Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) has named Margaret M. Smyth to its board of directors.

Most recently, Smyth served as vice president and chief financial officer of Hamilton Sundstrand, part of United Technologies Corp. Prior to that, she was United Technologies’ vice president and corporate controller. She also served in financial positions with 3M, Deloitte & Touche and Arthur Andersen.

By Andrea Lillo

Inspired by belly buttons and baby bottoms, Eva Zeisel, who passed away in December at the age of 105, left her iconic mark on the home furnishings industry.

Telescope
The Villa Collection features classic lines and substantial proportions constructed of tubular and solid wrought aluminum.  The collection, containing both deep seating and dining pieces, includes cushion, sling and wicker items. It’s available in 190 fabrics, providing numerous color combinations, and it’s made in America.  telescopecasual.com

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center Las Vegas announced that Riverside Furniture has renewed its partnership with Las Vegas Market and relocated to a new, nearly 6,400-square-foot showroom in Building B, Suite B-1080.

DALLAS–The lighting market kicks off the new year with the opening today of the Dallas International Lighting Market.

Many companies are debuting renovated or new showrooms at market, and among the lighting companies unveiling them today include Adesso (TM 4-4906) at 1:45 p.m., Light Source, Inc. (TM 4-4804) at 2:30 p.m. and Artcraft Lighting (TM 3-3501) at 5:15 p.m. Edge Lighting (TM 4-4515), CAL Lighting (TM 4-4323), Hinkley Lighting (TM 3-3210) and ELK Lighting (TM 3-3606) held their ribbon cuttings earlier today.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center today announced that many of its showrooms will celebrate openings, expansions and relocations with ribbon cutting ceremonies during this week’s Total Home and Gift Market, which runs today through Jan. 24. The market includes the Dallas International Lighting Market, which runs tomorrow through Jan. 23. The schedule for ribbon cutting ceremonies is as follows:

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center’s full suite of custom publications — InStore, The Source, Light Source and Christmas Source — are now available for free download on the Dallas Market Center website.

“The positive feedback we receive from retailers encouraged us to offer our award-winning custom publications in a new digital version,” said Cindy Morris, chief operating officer, Dallas Market Center. “Offering the magazines online allows us to reach a larger audience beyond the traditional methods.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Fourteen vendors will participate in Accessories Resource Team’s ART card program during the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, which starts today. In addition, ART will also host an event during the Market, on Saturday, Jan. 14.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center has announced the 10 finalists for The Next Big Give, its national search for specialty retailers that give back in their communities, whether through volunteering, raising funds or donating goods.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Lexington Home Brands announced the promotion of long-time chief financial officer Craig Spooner to the newly created position of chief operating officer for the company.

PICO RIVERA, Calif.–AICO (Amini Innovation, Corp.) will show its complete line of top-of-bed designs in its now-permanent showroom in Atlanta at the International Gift & Home Furnishings Market from Jan. 11-18.

The company said to expect richly patterned ensembles with intricate detailing and plush accents throughout the showroom, located in Building 1, space 9 E5. Sold in complete sets for ease of merchandising, each bedding ensemble is fully accessorized with euro shams and feather-filled decorative pillows to create a custom-designed look.

MEMPHIS–Creative Co-Op is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and starts the celebration at the 2012 winter markets in Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas.

Visitors to the company’s showrooms in Atlanta (Gift Building, Suite 1003), Dallas (Trade Mart, Suite 2802) and Las Vegas (Building C) can register to win the grand prize of a $1,000 Visa gift card, or, as a runner-up prize, one of 10 $100 Visa gift cards. In addition, in Dallas and Las Vegas, 20 pieces of Kelly Rae Roberts luggage will be randomly given away throughout the show.

SPOFFORD, N.H.–UFA and the World Market Center Las Vegas Market have completed arrangements for a showroom dedicated to exhibits by manufacturers of real wood custom finished furniture.

The showroom is B-1065 in Building B on the 10th floor where permanent showrooms for furniture closely align between buildings A, B and C. The market is scheduled for Feb. 1-5.

ATLANTA—AmericasMart will present numerous seminars and celebrity design demonstrations during the International Gift and Home Furnishings Market Jan. 11-18 and the International Area Rug Market Jan. 12-15.

DALLAS–Swarovski Elements will sponsor the 23rd annual ARTS Awards gala, which will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market at the Dallas Market Center.
 
“Swarovski Elements is the ideal partner for the ARTS Awards gala and we are honored to work with them on this special evening,” said Cindy Morris, chief operating officer, Dallas Market Center. “Their beautiful crystal work will add a new level of elegance to the event. We thank them for their collaboration and commitment to the industry.”
 

LAS VEGAS-Sonax will open a new permanent showroom at World Market Center Las Vegas for the Winter Las Vegas Market, Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2012.

The Canada-based ready-to-assemble furniture manufacturer will open a 4,400-square-foot showroom in Building B, Suite B-646.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of the markets it will cover in the February issue: Las Vegas Market, the New York International Gift Fair and Ambiente.

PICO RIVERA, Calif.–Case goods and upholstery manufacturer Aico held a drawing at its corporate offices here last month for a bedding give-away contest promoted on its Facebook page.  The winner, drawn randomly from a list of contest entrants, was Debbie McCalpin of Forney, Texas.

“When I decided to check out Aico’s website, I came across their Facebook contest and signed up,” McCalpin said. “I have loved Aico product for years, so this is very exciting for me.”

ROSEVILLE, Calif.–The 2012 Home Furnishings Industry Conference will feature a product showcase in which vendors can display products and services.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center Las Vegas announced that wall art company Somerset Studios, Inc., has inked a new multi-year deal to return to Las Vegas Market for the upcoming show, Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2012.

Somerset’s new 2,800-square-foot showroom will be in Building A, Suite A-330.

New York City felt a lot—well, a little bit—like High Point, N.C., this week when furniture giants Lexington Home Brands and LaZBoy braved Manhattan’s infamous holiday traffic to highlight their ongoing efforts to expand beyond their traditional roots.

Lexington unveiled its brand-spanking new 10,000-square-foot showroom in New York’s Design Center; LaZBoy invited consumer and trade media to a studio in the Meatpacking District—with help from reality star/designer Jillian Harris—to show that it’s much more than a maker of recliners for television-watching dads.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Lexington Home Brands has expanded its license with Tommy Bahama to include casual furniture for outdoor living.

Lexington launched the initial Tommy Bahama lifestyle collection in April 2000.

“Tommy Bahama Outdoor is a natural extension for Lexington,” said Phil Haney, president and CEO of Lexington Home Brands. “We have a keen understanding of the brand, and will leverage our design and marketing expertise in energizing the product line through the current outdoor distribution channels.

WINNIPEG, Manitoba–Palliser Furniture said it will participate in the Las Vegas Market for the first time in the January 2012 market.  Palliser will show its products in showroom 770 of Building B in the Modern Trends area.

This market venue will allow Palliser to reach the large number of retailers in the western U.S. and western Canada who find Las Vegas a convenient market, the company said in a press release.  This will also be an important market for Palliser customers from Latin America.

LONDON–The Laura Ashley label has launched a new blog that provides information on lifestyle advice and tips on designing one’s interior spaces.

The blog includes posts that communicate all aspects of the brand, and keys in on its range of candles, sofas, lamps and throws. It also creates a hub of information for the brand’s “advocates,” as a Laura Ashley statement described them, about arts and crafts, recipes and artisan reviews.

NEW YORK–Gift for Life, the gift, stationery and home decor industries’ leading charitable organization, announced today that trailblazing architect and developer John C. Portman, Jr. will receive a special Legend for Life honor at the organization’s gala event to be held here on Jan. 29.

This award, which is being presented upon the 20th anniversary of Gift for Life, recognizes Portman’s more than five decades of entrepreneurship and service to the industry.

MCLEAN, Va.–Rowe Fine Furniture announced a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
 
During the October High Point Furniture Market, Rowe announced that a percentage of sales would be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. To promote the initiative, signs were posted throughout the showroom and sales associates wore pins to bring awareness to Rowe’s support of the cause.  After a successful market, Rowe Furniture was able to make a substantial donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

MONROE, Mich.–Sales increases and the company’s lean operating platform fueled La-Z-Boy to a dramatic 99.5 percent increase in second-quarter net income, to $7.9 million.

WHITTIER, Calif.–Leggett & Platt Consumer Products Group has joined forces with “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” the ABC network show, in which the company has donated three Leggett & Platt Fashion Bed products to recently filmed episodes.

CARTHAGE, Mo.–Leggett & Platt Home Furniture Components was nominated for the home furnishings industry’s Sage Award for environmental excellence.

The Sage Award, launched in 2008 by the American Home Furnishings Alliance and Cargill’s BiOH, is presented to environmental innovators in the home furnishings and bedding industries. The competition is open to retail, manufacturing and supplier companies.

Leggett & Platt was named one of two finalists for the Sage Award in response to its environmental progresses.

ROSEVILLE, Calif.–Western Home Furnishings Association and DispatchTrack have partnered to offer DispatchTrack’s end-to-end furniture delivery operations software to members at reduced pricing.

PICO RIVERA, Calif.–AICO has announced an aggressive consumer advertising campaign for 2012 that focuses on leading national magazines.

By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

Players in the casual furniture industry who are taking stock of 2011 say that despite cautious consumers and a chilly start to the season, business has been surprisingly steady this year.

“Our business for our fiscal 2011 was good,” affirmed Rory Rehmert, vice president of sales and marketing for Pride Family Brands. “We posted a 20 percent-plus increase, which was good in light of the cold and wet spring that we found around the majority of the country.”

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.–Out of the more than 2,600 sales reps who entered, Christie Blevins was selected at random as the winner of the GuildMaster Amazing Race, winning her the choice of $10,000 — or a trip for two around the world. She choose the trip, and will start in Italy with her family.

After hearing GuildMaster’s CEO, Steve Crowder, say her name as the winner on a conference call yesterday, Blevins, who works for In Detail in Dallas, said, “I’m here, but I’m not believing it....Oh my goodness. Thank you so much.”

LAS VEGAS–At the upcoming Las Vegas Market, Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2012, Gift+Home will offer attendees complimentary educational seminars, which include such topics as home furnishings trends, social media, implementing customer loyalty programs and more.

HIGH POINT, N.C.-Ralph Scozzafava, chairman and CEO of Furniture Brands International was elected 2012 chairman of the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) board of directors during the group’s 2011 annual meeting last month.
   
Wyatt Bassett, president/CEO of Vaughan-Bassett, moves to first vice chairman, and George Revington, CEO of Home Meridian International, was elected second vice chairman.

Agio

The Del Sol is an all weather wicker collection. The Dining set has a woven rim that holds a glass top table. It is also offered in a Chaise lounge and a 6-piece Deep seating collection, which includes a swivel glider allowing for 360 degree and gentle rocking motion, an ottoman and side and coffee tables. The Sunbrella cushion fabric is specifically designed for outdoor use. agio-usa.com

Pride Family Brands

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–Charles McCurdy, CEO of GLM Holdings, the unit of Providence Equity Partners that acquired GLM in September, will become GLM’s CEO at the operating level, the company said today. The current management team of Alan Steel, GLM’s president, Jeff Little and Jack Withiam, senior vice president, will be leaving the company.

Steel, Little and Withiam will remain through a transition period of a length of time not specified. Doug Smith, formerly chief financial officer of Education Dynamics, will become GLM’s chief financial officer.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The fall High Point Market opens today with a plethora of events and trend-setting introductions.

Notable debuts include the Martha Stewart Fine Furniture collection from ML Brands International, formed by upholstery maker Miles Talbot and case goods supplier Lefa. The Libby Langdon Upholstery Collection for Braxton Culler makes its world premier at the Market. Lexington Home Brands will feature Sligh furniture after acquiring the 131-year-old company earlier this month.

HIGH POINT, N.C.-English furniture designer and manufacturer Jonathan Charles will debut its newly revamped and expanded showroom at High Point Market, which will also include a handcrafted pub and outdoor beer garden. Now with 10,000 square feet more space, the showroom is located at 200 N. Hamilton St., North Court space 125. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the pub opening will happen tomorrow at noon, and traditional British food will be served.

HICKORY, N.C.—Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company has named David Colburn its new president/CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2012.

He succeeds Don Coleman, who is retiring at the end of this year after 39 years with the company.

NEW YORK–ML Brands International, a joint venture between Miles Talbott Furniture and Lefa, Inc., will introduce Martha Stewart Fine Furniture at the upcoming High Point Furniture Market.

The Martha Stewart Fine Furniture line is a comprehensive assortment of upholstery frames, fabrics, case goods and occasional pieces. For the first time, Martha Stewart is offering a custom-design upholstery program, enabling consumers to create upholstered furniture pieces that meet their individual scale and style preferences.

NORFOLK, Va.–In conjunction with its collection of introductions for the upcoming furniture market, Furniture Classics, Ltd., has launched a new and improved website at furnitureclassicsltd.com.

The website is designed to be user friendly to browse for furniture while also offering expanded product search options. Online users can now check stock availability, download high resolution images and print product tear sheets.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Seventeen member vendors of the Accessories Resource Team (ART) will participate in the ART card discount loyalty program for the upcoming High Point Market. Membership in ART is required and ART member retailers will need to show their membership cards to receive discounts on orders placed during market.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Century Furniture, Judy George International and 40 individual WithIt members will sponsor WithIt’s Student Mentoring Day here on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

The event, one of three WithIt will produce during the High Point Market, will deliver business and design insights to students pursuing careers in home- and furnishings-related fields.

Lexington Home Brands is acquring Sligh Furniture Company.

The transaction, slated to close this month, will give Lexington a major presence in the home office and home entertainment categories while adding a well-respected brand to its portfolio which includes Lexington, Tommy Bahama Home and Henry Link Trading Co.

Sligh Furniture Company was founded in 1880 and is known for its innovation in the home office and home entertainment categories. Sligh designers have earned seven Pinnacle Awards for outstanding design from the American Society of Furniture Designers.

The outdoor furniture industry converged on Chicago’s Merchandise Mart last month for the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market with a singular purpose: to take advantage of the continuing consumer trend to take the inside outdoors. Exhibitors responded with new showrooms, more motion furniture, plenty of firepits, and in some cases, lower priced collections. Here are some of the highlights of the show.–Duke Ratliff

Pride Family Brands

Craig Wilson was named executive vice president of sales training at Kingsdown, succeeding Tom McLean, who is retiring after 42 years with the mattress manufacturer.

Wilson assumes responsibility over delivering sales training and education to Kingsdown’s retail customers. He has been working with McLean over the past year, coming to the company from Simmons where he was vice president of sales training and development. Wilson reports to Kevin Damewood, executive vice president of sales.

McLean will remain a member of the Kingsdown board of directors.

Don Coleman, president and CEO of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, announced his plans to retire this December after 39 years with the company. He has been president and CEO of the company since 1996.

“Hickory Springs has been my ‘life away from home’ for almost 40 years—and what a great life it has been,” Coleman said.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The High Point Market has recruited home fashion trendsetters to showcase their favorite products and top trends at the October show. Bloggers and/or interior designers called Style Spotters will post and curate their favorite looks on Pinterest, a website that lets users organize and share photos on virtual pinboards.

PHOENIX–The newly redesigned catalog from aspenhome has received the Spectrum Award from the Phoenix Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and the American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA (GD USA).

CARTHAGE, Mo–Leggett & Platt has promoted Perry Davis to president of its Residential Furnishings segment.

The move is effective Feb. 18, 2012. Davis will succeed Paul Hauser, who has held the post since 2006 and who is retiring. A 30-year Leggett & Platt veteran, Davis has served as president of the Bedding Group for the past five years. He reports to Carl Glassman, chief operating officer.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team (ART) have refined the submission and judging procedure for the ARTS Awards to simplify the process and broaden the judging panel. 
Judging will now include a panel of judges, a peer panel of five ARTS Awards Hall of Fame members, and an ART membership vote. All finalist categories will have a digital component to streamline and enhance the process.

“The ARTS Awards continues to evolve to best recognize leaders in the industry,” said Bill Winsor, president and CEO, Dallas Market Center.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The High Point Market is sponsoring Six Causes That Matter, a complement to the Market’s tagline, “The Next Six Days That Matter.” Each day of Market, which runs Oct. 22-27, a charity will be spotlighted at the show, offering an opportunity for exhibitors and attendees to make a donation to that day’s charity. Promotion of the charities will include signage, lapel pins, social media, press alerts and more. Exhibitors who participate will receive showroom signs to highlight their participation in that day’s cause during Market.

HICKORY, N.C.–Don Coleman, president and CEO of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company, announced his plans to retire this December after 39 years with the company. He has been president and CEO of the company since 1996.