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.

MORGANVILLE, N.J.–Bell’O International named industry veteran Steve Howcott as its national accounts sales director.

Howcott has an extensive history in the consumer electronics industry, spending the last 24 years at JVC in sales and marketing.

As the national accounts sales director, Howcott will focus on growing the company’s national account base.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Furniture industry veteran Paul Greenbaum has launched Ceja International, an importer of Italian marble tables and accent furniture.

The company, headquartered in Woodbridge, Conn., is debuting at the High Point Market next month in Suite 4L of the Commerce & Design Building (C&D).

A third-generation retailer, Greenbaum made a name for himself at Wayside Furniture, and later at Breuners.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–International Market Centers will make its debut at the High Point Market with “IMC Opening Night,” a concert and celebration co-sponsored by the High Point Market Authority, featuring the B-52s, on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Doors open for the concert at 7 p.m. at Center Stage, next to the Transportation Terminal. All market participants are invited to enjoy an evening of music, dancing, food and drinks under the stars.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Market Square & Suites has a variety of social, networking and educational events planned for next month’s October High Point Market, scheduled for Oct. 22-27.

GERMANTOWN, Tenn.–MEGA Group USA, a national buying group for appliance, electronics, furniture and bedding retailers, recently announced the launch of its MEGA WebAdvertising program.

Through online and display campaigns, MEGA WebAdvertising connects MEGA members with their local, purchase-ready consumers.  A patent-pending “Learning Engine” proactively funnels qualified sales leads for the retailers’ products by targeting consumers through contextually relevant websites and directing them to the nearest dealer.

AURORA, Ohio–Scott Thomas Furniture has collaborated with Dr. Michael Connors, a leading authority on Caribbean antiques and architecture, to introduce a new licensed furniture line with a Caribbean/Cuban Modern design aesthetic at High Point Market next month. In addition, as the introduction of the Michael Connors Collection by Scott Thomas coincides with the release of Connors’ new book, “The Splendor of Cuba: 450 Years of Architecture and Interiors,” Scott Thomas will host a book signing with Connors on Sunday, Oct.

HIGH POINT–The Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library will be closed from now until Oct. 22, 2011 while undergoing extensive renovations to better serve its clientele and have easier access to the collection.

NEW YORK–The third annual Fashion’s Night Out takes place tonight to celebrate and support the fashion and retail industries.

While New York City is the center of the action, the event is spread across the globe in a number of cites, including Atlanta, Milan and Hollywood, Calif. Participating retailers will host parties and performances tonight for the event, which runs from 6-11 p.m. Event and retailer listings can be found at http://fashionsnightout.com.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla.–Pride Family Brands has promoted Sylvia Henderson to director of sales and marketing.  Henderson joined Pride Family Brands in 1998 and previously held the title of marketing manager.

As director of sales and marketing, Henderson will be responsible for managing all sales and marketing functions for Pride Family Brands’ Castelle, Prestige and Summer Winds brands.

Prior to joining Pride Family Brands, Henderson served as an intelligence interrogator for the United States Army.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.–Building on the success of its previous two GuildMaster tours, GuildMaster has launched the GuildMaster Amazing Race contest, which offers a dream trip around the world to one retailer and one sales representative.

The trip will include stops in nine of the top global fashion capitals—to be determined by GuildMaster’s Facebook fans—or the winner can elect to receive $10,000 instead. 

LAS VEGAS–The Third Annual National Home Furnishings Month has begun and runs through Sept. 30, with more than 10,100 retail stores and brand leaders from across the U.S. participating, an 11 percent increase in retail participation over last year.

Sponsored by International Market Centers and a complimentary service to retailers, the Is It Home Yet? campaign offers consumers advice on home decor and this year features a Home Mortgage or Rent Sweepstakes, giving homeowners or renters the chance to win either mortgage or rent payments for one year.

NEW YORK—Homes will be smaller and furniture will have multiple purposes in the year 2020, according to a report issued by the International Furnishings and Design Association.

Titled “20/20: IFDA’s Vision for the Future,” the report is the result of a survey of nearly 2,000 IFDA members across the nation and abroad. Among the predictions for 2020 are:

•Americans will be living in smaller spaces and fewer rooms.
 
•Modular, moveable and smaller-scaled furniture will take the place of built-ins and larger pieces.

SUMMERVILLE, S.C.–Whitecraft is planning to host customers and guests with a brunch during the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market.

The brunch is set for Tuesday, Sept. 13, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., with champagne provided by Biltmore Winery. Each afternoon from 4-6 p.m., buyers are also invited to enjoy a selection of wines provided by Biltmore. The events will take place in Whitecraft’s newly expanded showroom in Suite 1752 on the 17th floor of The Design Center at The Merchandise Mart.

LAS VEGAS–Las Vegas Market’s “Up on the Roof” charity cocktail event for Gift for Life during the summer show earlier this month sold 500 tickets, and raised more than $12,000 for the Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids (DIFFA).

The supportive turnout of industry leaders and gift attendees enjoyed cocktails, appetizers, live music and prizes. Among the guests were designers Roger Thomas and HGTV’s Monica Pedersen. Prizes included raffle items such as a Peter Lik photo, autographed Bill Clinton books, and show tickets.

ROSEVILLE, Calif.—The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) has slated May 6-8, 2012, for the second Home Furnishings Industry Conference.

The conference will take place at the Westin Mission Hills in Palm Springs, Calif. The theme of the conference will be “California Dreamin’-Gaining Edge.” Sessions will focus on how attendees can gain a competitive edge in today’s marketplace, and will be tailored to meet the needs of retailers, manufacturers and service provider, according to a WHFA statement.

NEW YORK–HFN has started collecting new product information and high-resolution images for its editorial show coverage of both the High Point and tabletop markets in October. Please send materials by Friday, September 9, for possible inclusion. For furniture, email Duke Ratliff, dratliff@hfnmag.com; for lighting, area rugs and home decor, email Andrea Lillo, alillo@hfnmag.com; for mattresses, contact Dave Gill, dgill@hfnmag.com; and for tabletop, email Allison Zisko, azisko@hfnmag.com. 

ASHEVILLE, N.C.–Biltmore’s licensing division has been chosen by the Society of Product Licensors Committed to Excellence (SPLiCE) to host the 2011 Licensors Workshop. The event will be held at the Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville Sept. 10-14.

The SPLiCE Licensors Workshop provides members with a unique venue that affords an opportunity to speak with other licensors across industry lines. During the workshop, SPLiCE members will learn about the best practices in brand protection and how to leverage innovation through licensing.

NEW YORK-Four companies exhibiting in Accent on Design at the New York International Gift Fair this week were presented with awards to recognize excellence, innovation and creativity in product design.

“Across product categories, these Accent on Design participants have incorporated superlative design qualities which stand above an already impressive collection,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and senior vice president at GLM, which owns and operates the show. “These products combine form and function with exemplary design.”

DALLAS-Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team (ART) have announced the 23rd annual ARTS Awards finalists in 24 categories in manufacturing and retail.

Held each January during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, the ARTS Awards will be presented during a gala event on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at the ARTS Awards new location, the Hilton Anatole Hotel.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Interior designer, author and makeover television personality Libby Langdon has partnered with Braxton Culler Inc., to produce her first-ever licensed furniture collection.

Set for introduction at the High Point Market this fall, the upholstered furniture collection encompasses sofas and occasional chairs, as well as upholstered headboards, benches, ottomans and dining chairs.

TROY, N.C.–Capel Rugs will launch two Capel Anywhere collections during the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market, to be held Sept. 12-15 in Chicago.

Capel’s new Wildlife collection uses oversized animal prints on natural backgrounds, while Picnic consists of three patterns in five neutral hues highlighted with metallic yarns. Capel Rugs’ Casual Market booth is located in Merchandise Mart, Space 8-2054.

JAMESTOWN, N.Y.–Bush Industries, Inc., has completed the final phase of separating into two distinct operating divisions—Bush Furniture and bbf.  Effective immediately, each division assumes its brand name and will operate as a separate strategic business unit of Bush Industries.

LAS VEGAS–Three gift and home decor exhibitors were recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Visual Merchandising at Gift+Home at the 2011 Summer Las Vegas Market, which ends today.

Yessica’s, Couronne Company and Alef Design were recognized for creating innovative and visually appealing displays to attract strong retail buyers and traffic to their spaces.

HIGH POINT, N.C.-The High Point Market Authority board of directors has appointed trade show executive Tom Conley president and CEO, effective Aug. 15.

Conley replaces Brian Casey, who left the Market Authority in the spring.

HALEYVILLE, Ala.–Winston Furniture is back on its feet and thriving in the aftermath of a tornado that damaged part of its facilities here in April.

The company, a division of Brown Jordan International, has already rebuilt its administrative offices, increased production and sales, and has earmarked additional capital resources to support its increase in market share, the company said earlier this week.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Contemporary furniture maker Phillips Collection has named Jessica Phillips Penn to the newly created position of vice president, sales.

Jessica, daughter of owners Mark and Julie Phillips, will head sales, including key account and hospitality management. Penn brings sales and marketing insight from her previous positions at Discovery Channel and Craft Marketing, the company said.

CHICAGO–Celebrity chef Paula Deen has joined forces with furniture retailer Walter E. Smithe on a television advertising campaign to promote her Down Home furniture collection by Universal Furniture.

NEW YORK–A statement last week by Tempur-Pedic’s president and CEO, Mark Sarvary, should jangle the nerves of those that manufacture bed pillows.

Speaking to financial analysts on a conference call about the company’s second-quarter results, Sarvary dropped this bomb: “Beyond mattresses, we’re excited about the potential for our pillow business.” He went on to say that Tempur-Pedic will launch a range of new pillows and a redesign of its existing pillow line at this week’s market.

By Duke Ratliff

This year’s International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, scheduled for Sept. 12-15 at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, will look to address—and benefit from—consumer trends.

At the same time, the show will include a slew of new vendors—both permanent and temporary—to expand the market’s already significant offerings of outdoor furniture and a vast selection of accessories of every kind.

STEVENS, Pa.–Consumer confidence among the country’s wealthiest shoppers dropped significantly in the second quarter, according to Unity Marketing’s recent Luxury Consumption Index.

 The index dropped nearly 18 points to 66 points, which stands close to the level attained at the onset of the Great Recession in 2007.

LAS VEGAS–Western Home Furnishings Association will host its first-ever Las Vegas Market flash mob next week and is inviting anyone who is interested to join in the fun. The organization will celebrate its new WHFA website, whfa.org, by launching beach balls up into the air on Tuesday, August 2, at 2 p.m. in the World Market Center Courtyard.

Anyone who wishes to participate can visit the RRC in C-496 on Monday or Tuesday afternoon to pick up your ball. Video, photos and a news release will be available after the event on Tuesday.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center Las Vegas announced the renewal of five leading manufacturers in the furniture, bedding and ready-to-assemble categories.

Bush Industries, Furniture Traditions, Hollywood Bed & Spring Manufacturing, Legaré Furniture and Prepac Manufacturing all renewed their permanent showrooms and will showcase their latest wares at the upcoming Las Vegas Market, Aug. 1-5.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center Las Vegas has agreed to continue its program to provide complimentary retailer memberships to the Gift & Home Trade Association for new gift buyers who attend the upcoming summer Gift+Home at Las Vegas Market.

NEW YORK–The International Furnishings & Design Association and the New York International Gift Fair will offer a seminar on color theory and its practical applications at the upcoming Gift Fair.

DALLAS–Allan H. Palecek, founder, CEO and lead designer of Palecek, will receive the Academy of Achievement Award at the 23rd annual ARTS Awards taking place on Saturday, January 21, 2012, during the Total Home & Gift Markets here.

Target’s furniture and lighting offerings are primarily comprised of the retailer’s in-house Target Home and Room Essentials brands, with a few notable exceptions.

In furniture, Target devotes substantial space to shelving and office furniture, in addition to standard RTA furniture items such as end tables, side tables and occasional chairs. Target’s furniture section is comprised of four and a half aisles, plus a backwall packed with Room Essentials-branded shelving units running the length of the department.

Sutherland

The Poolside Armless Chair-Woven is part of Sutherland’s new Classic Wovens, a grouping of the company’s most popular designs reimagined in a synthetic woven material. The designs feature clean lines, impressive silhouettes and refined style designed by the late John Hutton. The modular nature of Poolside means individual pieces can be combined with each other and with Sutherland teak items for a variety of combinations. Additional pieces include corner tables and occasional tables. sutherlandfurniture.com

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation announced the 2011 Industry Fellows and candidates for election into the American Furniture Hall of Fame. The voting period begins July 8 and ends Aug. 5. Only members of the organization are eligible to vote.

The six nominees who will be made Industry Fellows are: Donald A. Belgrad, Schnadig International; George Alexander Bernhardt, Bernhardt Furniture; Donald G. Flanders, Lloyd/Flanders; John C. Portman, AmericasMart; Gordon Segal, Crate & Barrel; and Roy B. Unger, Sealy and Serta.

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).

HIGH POINT, N.C.-The Carolinas chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association will sponsor a financial planning seminar geared to sole proprietors and small business owners in the home furnishings industry.

HONG KONG–Li & Fung has swung several deals to enlarge its trading network, which includes the purchase of Exim Designs, a Thailand-based furniture trading company.

CHICAGO–The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, scheduled for Sept. 12-15 at the Merchandise Mart here, will once again feature the Garden Accessories Courtyard, a 10,000-square-foot area that is home to exhibitors showcasing outdoor accessories.

The Garden Accessories Courtyard, located on the northwest side of the eighth floor suites during market, is where buyers can find exhibitors featuring decorative accessories, outdoor lighting, hearth products, tabletop, rugs, pottery, statuary and more.

DALLAS–Upholstered furniture manufacturer Massoud has appointed industry veteran Ronna Griest to the newly created position of creative director.

In her new role, Griest will be responsible for the overall creative direction of the line, including fabric selection, frame development and trade showroom merchandising. She will also work closely with Massoud’s sales team, dealer and designer customers to help shape and strengthen the company’s marketing and merchandising direction. Griest will report directly to Massoud CEO Chuck Massoud.

TAYLORSVILLE, N.C.­–Tomorrow, Friday, June 10, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams will hold a “Moving Up” ceremony for the preschool children graduating from its Lulu’s Childhood Enrichment Center.

The daycare center is located at the furniture brand’s headquarters in Taylorsville, N.C. In addition to a speech about education and early childhood development by North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue, the ceremony includes presenting diplomas to 12 cap-and-gown-clad preschoolers moving onto kindergarten in the fall.

GREENSBORO, N.C.­—WithIt, the women’s leadership development network, named the finalists for its WOW Awards for 2011, with Stickley Furniture President Aminy Audi earning its Legacy Award.

The Legacy Award is bestowed to a woman who has made significant lifetime contributions to the home and furnishings industries.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.–More than 75 percent of home entertainers prefer the more laid back approach and spacious feeling they get from entertaining in the great outdoors, according to the NPD Group report “Outdoor Entertaining Trends 2010: Consumers Bring the Indoors Out.”

NEW YORK–The New York Chapter of the International Furnishings & Design Association will present a program detailing the trends in home furnishings seen at the Salone del Mobile Show in Milan and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair here.

The program will be conducted by interior designer Patricia Bouley and Susan Szenasy, editor-in-chief of Metropolis magazine. It will take place tomorrow at the M2L showroom at 135 Madison Ave. here, beginning with a wine reception from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by a photo “tour” of both shows.

MORGANVILLE, N.J.–Bell’O International, designer and manufacturer of audio/video furniture and accessories, has formed a Canadian distribution agreement with Gentec International.

Gentec International supplies a complete range of electronics, photo, video, digital, sport optics, home theater, wireless and mobile audio products to the Canadian retail marketplace.

NEW YORK–Espacio Sami Hayek, a luxury collection for the home that is a partnership between environmental designer Sami Hayek and Springs Global U.S. is launching at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, which opens tomorrow.

Select items were on view last night at a launch party at the Cooper Square Hotel.

ROSEVILLE, Calif.-A total of 370 executives with retailers and manufacturers attended the inaugural Home Furnishings Industry Conference April 30-May 2.

The event, which took place in San Antonio, was co-hosted by the Western Home Furnishings Association, the National Home Furnishings Association and numerous industry co-hosts. It presented educational sessions on retailer-manufacturer relationships, social networking, best practices and marketing. It also included an expo in which manufacturers such as Serta and Tempur-Pedic highlighted their products.

By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

With sunny skies and 80 degree temperatures, it’s beginning to seem a lot like summer in Atlanta—and two furniture store outlets here have taken advantage of the mini heat wave by promoting their outdoor furniture selections. Macy’s Furniture Gallery, a returnee to the casual furniture category, and Room & Board, a high-end furniture chain with 12 locations across the country, both played up their patio furniture with prominently situated vignettes and a wide variety of offerings to suit every taste.

ST. LOUIS–A 7.6 percent fall in net sales brought a reversal to the bottom line of Furniture Brands International in its first quarter.

COLUMBUS, Ohio–First-quarter retail sales at Big Lots fell 0.5 percent to $1.2 billion, according to a preliminary statement from the closeout retailer.

CULVER CITY, Cal.–Powell Furniture appointed Mark Price as vice president of sales for the Midwest.

Price was previously with Primo International, Rosalco and Amisco.

Gary Glick, Powell’s senior vice president of sales for the West and Clay Ackard, vice president of sales for the East, both veterans of the industry, will team with Price to handle sales management for the company.

NEW YORK-Interior designer Jonathan Partridge has launched the Jonathan Partridge Collection, a luxury home collection of nearly 250 pieces of custom-designed products.

The collection includes seating, dining and occasional furniture; lighting; bedding; pillows and throws; mirrors; rugs; dinnerware flatware and barware.

CARTHAGE, Mo.-Net income for Leggett & Platt in its first quarter finished at $45 million, relatively flat with the bottom line from last year’s first quarter.

CARTHAGE, Mo.–The Leggett & Platt Bedding Group has branded its line of fabric-encased coils as Comfort Core.

Under this new brand, the company has placed its trademarked coil types such as Body Print, Body Print Advanced, Bolsa, Hi-Low, Joey and Softech, and has posted information about these lines on beddingcomponents.com. Comfort Core’s design eliminates the need for layers of fabric and foam, producing a spring system that enables the manufacturing of mattresses on a thinner scale.

DUBUQUE, Iowa–Net income for furniture manufacturer Flexsteel increased 5.8 percent, to $2.5 million, in its fiscal third quarter, which ended on March 31.

The company said its net sales gained 4.6 percent in the quarter, to $85.2 million, helped along by a 5.6 percent increase in net sales by its residential segment. While selling, general and administrative expenses picked up 3.1 percent on a dollar basis, they fell 24 basis points, to 17.1 percent, as a percentage of net sales.

LAS VEGAS—­Registration for the upcoming Summer 2011 Las Vegas Market Aug. 1-5 is now open, including Quick Reg, which allows returning attendees to register with just one click.

NEW YORK–Hearst Magazines and HGTV are partnering to test a new magazine this fall, called HGTV Magazine. Sara Peterson, the former editor of Coastal Living, is the editor-in-chief of the new publication, which will cover the themes covered on the home and gardening cable channel, as well as go beyond what is featured on the network.

LONDON–Designer Tom Dixon is behind the pop-up restaurant and tea room Parlement, which will be open during most of Milan Design Week, which runs from April 11 to 17, 2011. Located in Multiplex, a viewing theatre, broadcasting center, shop and gallery that was created for the show in partnership with BlackBerry, Parlement will offer reinvented British cuisine from the hands of chef Stevie Parle of Dock Kitchen London.

DUBUQUE, Iowa–Flexsteel plans to build a new corporate office building in Port of Dubuque beginning in July.

The facility, pending approvals from state and local government entities, is scheduled for completion in summer 2012. Costing $12 million, it will measure 40,000 feet over four stories, and will be designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. It will display Flexsteel’s product lines including the DMI commercial-office, Flexsteel hospitality and home-furnishings collections.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–As HFN reported yesterday, an entity called the High Point Acquisition Company has purchased the the showroom buildings Market Square Complex, Hamilton Market, 300 S. Main Street, Furniture Plaza, Plaza Suites, and the National Furniture Mart from MMPI properties for $139.5 million.

These buildings and tradeshow spaces encompass 2.1 million square feet and represent some of the best known locations and properties within the High Point Market. The buildings had been in receivership since late last year, according to press reports.

By Allison Zisko

Ralph Lauren is on a roll.

As the spring show season begins, Ralph Lauren Home executives are confident they now have all the components needed for an integrated lifestyle presentation, with two distinct brands that do not overlap in price point or design yet share a common viewpoint.

By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

The latest technologies, along with the modern lifestyles of today’s kids, are dictating the designs and trends of new baby and juvenile furniture introductions. From wired nightstands to creative storage solutions, juvenile furniture truly fits the needs of today’s in-tune kids.

TRINITY, N.C.-The rollout of the Next Generation Posturepedic line in late January was a key factor in Sealy’s $902,000 net loss in the first quarter.

Larry Rogers, president and CEO, cited “significant strategic investments” in the new line, which represents a refreshment of about half of Sealy’s entire product portfolio, and which included a national advertising campaign to support the Next Generation debut. These and other costs associated with the launch slimmed gross margin by 382 basis points to 38.8 percent in the first quarter, which ended on Feb. 27.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–Gerry Borreggine, president and CEO of Therapedic, has been elected chairman of the International Sleep Products Association.

Borreggine succeeds Don Wright, chairman of Wright of Thomasville, who served as ISPA’s chairman for the past 18 months. He said his agenda will focus on strengthening ISPA’s advocacy for the sleep-products industry in Washington and in the nation’s state capitals.

GREENSBORO, N.C.–WithIt has created a new Retail Sales Associate Member program, under which qualified sales associates can join the group for a fraction of the full membership price.

By joining at the special $50 level, RSA WithIt members will earn benefits including free access to WithIt’s business webinars; the opportunity to connect with women across North America; a subscription to the monthly e-newsletter and other e-mailings; a profile posting at WithIt.org; job opening alerts and access to the WithIt members-only directory.

NEW YORK-Gilt Groupe, an online shopping destination, has acquired home decor site Decorati, expanding its footprint in home to include offerings for designers and trade-only manufacturers. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Decorati is a destination site for upscale interior design products and services as well as a community for the display of designer portfolios. For consumers, Decorati offers an inspirational library of product images, along with the ability to connect with design professionals and research products from over 650 trade-only manufacturers.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Brian Casey, High Point Market Authority’s president and chief executive officer is leaving the HPMA, effective April 30.

Casey, who has held the position since 2006, has been named the general manager of the Cleveland Medical Mart and Convention Center, owned by MMPI.
 
The HPMA executive committee said that it is overseeing an immediate search for Casey’s replacement.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Southern rockers 38 Special will be the headline act in a lineup of live performances for the Spring 2011 Stars Under the Stars entertainment series at the High Point Market, April 2-7.
 
On Saturday, April 2, the concert series kicks off with BlackHawk, sponsored by Wells Fargo Capital Finance. The country group has a dozen Top 10 hits including two number-one records to their credit and multi-platinum album sales that exceed 7 million records.
 

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

HIGH POINT, N.C.-The International Home Furnishings Center, the Accessories Resource Team and the Home Furnishings Independents Association are sponsoring another bowling night during High Point Market next month.

Scheduled for Monday, April 4, at the High Point Bowling Center on West Fairfield Road, the event will include dinner, bowling and a chance to unwind from the show and have fun. The festivities begin at 7 p.m.

LAS VEGAS—Las Vegas Market will be held Jan. 30 through Feb. 3, 2012 for Winter Las Vegas Market, and July 30 through Aug. 3, 2012, for Summer Las Vegas Market.

Hours will be consistent with the Winter 2011 Market, with permanent exhibitors open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; temporary exhibitors open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Summer 2011 Las Vegas Market will take place Aug. 1 through 5.

By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

The lines continue to blur between indoor and outdoor when it comes to trends in casual furniture. Manufacturers gearing up for the summer season report that improved fabrics, comfier seating and more substantial pieces are among the elements that consumers will see as they’re shopping for their so-called “outdoor rooms.”

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Magnussen Home Furnishings will unveil its complete home store concept for the Chinese market and its international product marketing program at the Chinese Home Furnishings show in Dongguan, China, this month.
 

HIGH POINT, N.C.-High Point Market’s International Home Furnishings Center building is in agreement to be sold by Bassett Furniture and other shareholders, according to a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. With a purchase price of $275 million, the buyers are identified as an entity called IHFC Acquisition Co.

The filing mentions a confidentiality agreement signed in October by the International Home Furnishings Center Inc., The Related Companies—a partner in World Market Center Las Vegas, L.P. and Bain Capital Partners, LLC.

LOS ANGELES–One Kings Lane, a private online shopping destination for home decor, furnishings and accessories, is teaming up with Traditional Home magazine to offer Tastemaker Tag Sales on the One Kings Lane website this summer.

LAS VEGAS–Aspenhome’s Annual Awards Dinner, held during the recent Las Vegas Market, celebrated “A Decade of Accomplishments and a Future of Even Greater Possibilities,” and recognized the top Territory CEO of the Year and the top Territory CEO of the Decade.

WHITEFISH, Mont.–Artist and outdoor lifestyle personality Dick Idol and Shadow Mountain are combining again to introduce refined rustic home furnishings with a distinctly modern twist.

Shadow Mountain will launch the new Mountain Loft Collection at the spring 2011 High Point Market.  The collection, including both casegoods and a full line of coordinating upholstery, is expected to include approximately 55 new SKU’s and targets customers looking for “modern rustic” designs that appeal to today’s more transitional, eclectic consumers.

ROSEVILLE, Calif.–WHFA and NHFA, along with their affiliates, have announced four new industry partners for the 2011 Home Furnishings Industry Conference (HFIC) scheduled for April 30–May 2 at the Westin River Walk in San Antonio, Tex. Aspenhome, FurnitureDealer.net, MicroD and Serta have aligned themselves with this first-of-its-kind industry event that will bring together different knowledge, skills and resources from each sector of the home furnishings industry.

NEW YORK–­ABC News has launched a Made in America project and is looking for companies in the home furnishings industry to participate.

The project will see ABC purchase a home and outfit it entirely with goods made in America. ABC News said it started the project to highlight the idea that using goods made in this country could stimulate the economy and create jobs. Companies interested in participating should contact Ellen Gefen at ellen@thehome.com.

LAS VEGAS–Full-line furniture source AICO/Amini Innovation presented several award categories at its annual Sales Award banquet during the recent Las Vegas Market. Jake Salman, who manages key international sales territories for AICO was named Sales Professional of the Year 2010.

“Jake has thrived in his position since joining AICO,” said Chuck Reilly, AICO senior vice president of sales and marketing.  “He has stretched boundaries for AICO and has achieved a high level of respect from his customers.”

LAS VEGAS–Three gift and home decor temporary exhibitors were recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Visual Merchandising at Gift+Home at the recent Las Vegas Market. This was the first-of-its kind awards presentation for the fast-growing gift sector at World Market Center Las Vegas.

Lynne’s Whim of Swampscott, Mass., Rustic Ironwerks of Chino Valley, Ariz., and The Light Garden of Oceanside, Calif., were recognized for creating original and visually stunning merchandising displays to attract retail buyers to their spaces.

LAS VEGAS–The World Market Center has responded to numerous reports that it is planning to merge with High Point’s three largest showrooms.

“We are aware of the various rumors and speculation,” the World Market Center said in a statement. “However, we remain focused on running our business and maintaining momentum from our January Market, where significant attendance increases among international buyers, designers and retailers drove record-breaking sales for many of our exhibitors.”

LAS VEGAS–Christopher Guy Harrison, known for merging classic and modern elements as the founder and designer for Christopher Guy, received the Design Icon Award from the World Market Center last week.

A presentation by Harrison and an awards ceremony took place during the Winter Las Vegas Market followed by a reception in the Robert Allen | Beacon Hill showroom.

Consumers are focusing on their outdoor spaces with the same attention that they have been giving to their indoor rooms. Indeed, with many new decor products available specifically for the outdoors—or, in some cases, intended for either indoors or outdoors—the outdoor “room” has become just as important in terms of decor as the living room, bedroom and dining room.

BASSETT, Va.—Bassett Furniture reported a 24 percent drop in its net income for the fourth quarter, and said it is negotiating to sell its 46.9 percent interest in the International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC).

FROM THE MARKET—Among the news at the first day of the Las Vegas show, World Market Center execs said rug showrooms currently on the eighth floor of Building C will relocate to the heart of the home decor section in Building B. The WMC said the move is being made to accommodate the growing gift sector in Building C.

The new rug showrooms in Building B, opening in August 2011, will span three floors and will be synergistic with WMC’s accessory resources.

Also heard and seen at the show:

FROM THE MARKET–The home furnishings industry’s trade show tour continues today at the World Market Center for the World  Market.

The mood for the opening day of the show appears to be a continuation of the optimism found at last week’s Dallas Total Home & Gift Market; and in Atlanta the previous week for the International Gift & Home Furnishings and the International Area Rug markets.

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Tempur-Pedic’s fiscal year closed with a powerful fourth-quarter performance, with net income jumping 59 percent to $46.3 million.

The mattress manufacturer benefited from improvements in sales and gross margin in the final quarter of 2010, which ended on Dec. 31, 2010. Net sales rose 20 percent to $292.7 million, fueled by a 32 percent gain in sales in North America. Gross margin rose 332 basis points to 51.9 percent.

ATLANTA—Simmons has named Jim Ruehlmann to the newly created position of executive vice president of product development.

Ruehlmann is responsible for developing and executing the mattress manufacturer’s new-product creation and innovation strategies. He reports directly to Gary Fazio, chief executive officer.

WESTBURY, N.Y.-Crystorama will unveil its new 2011 marketing campaign in its Trade Mart showroom, #3503 during the Dallas International Lighting Market this week.

Called Artistic Illumination, the campaign will celebrate the history of Crystorama’s 55 years in business with a focus on the next 50 years. It will also consist of three key pillars: enhanced communication, fashion forward designs and overall brand building.

In addition, the lighting manufacturer will also announce its 2010 Representative of the Year.

ESTERO, Fla.–Ethan Allen will hold a grand opening celebration at its newest Design Center at Via Villagio here from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 22. Following a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. visitors can tour the new Design Center, enter to win a $300 gift card and  experience Ethan Allen’s on-site touch screen technology, which allows customers to preview their purchases and offers room planning software to see room layout options.

CHICAGO—Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. has promoted Jim Gooding to vice president and general manager of the Washington Design Center in Washington DC, effective immediately.

In his new role, Gooding will be responsible for overseeing the operations and leasing efforts for the 60 showrooms and office tenants housed at the Washington Design Center. Gooding will also develop the strategic positioning for the facility, while overseeing and maintaining tenant relations at the Design Center.

LAS VEGAS—The Western Home Furnishings Association and the National Home Furnishings Association have slated a series of seminars to take place during the upcoming Las Vegas Market.

The WHFA-NHFA seminars are scheduled for Jan. 24-27. WHFA is partnering once again with the World Market Center Las Vegas to offer the association’s Business Survival Academy Series on Jan. 24-26 on the third floor of building C. In addition, the WHFA Retailer Resource Center, located in room 488/496 of building C, will host a number of workshops on specific retail issues.

NEW YORK—Kelli Turner, chief financial officer for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, will leave the company in the near future, according to the company.

An MSLO statement said Turner will “join a private company in the near future,” although it did not specify which company. MSLO has also begun a search for a new chief financial officer.

During the search, Allison Jacques, the company’s controller, will serve as MSLO’s principal financial and accounting officer.

DALLAS—One lucky buyer will win a 2011 Ford Mustang during the Dallas Holiday & Home Expo, Jan. 19-25, which is being given away by the Decorative & Holiday Association.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center has announced that the Dallas Area Rapid Transit rail now stops at its campus and will be available for use during this month’s Dallas Total Home & Gift Market.

By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

It’s been a trying couple of years for the casual furniture category, but industry players are hopeful that 2011 will bring good news for business as the economy slowly improves and solutions to challenges in shipping and labor are found.

NEW YORK—Adams-Hartford is doubling the size of its showspace at 7 W New York here, and is launching a line of home textiles.

The new space will be in room 527 of the showroom building; its previous space was in room C108. The textiles collection, which will be offered under the label of Diane Adams, the company’s founder and licensing agent, and for private label, will consist of bed ensembles with top-of-the-bed coverings, pillow shams and bedskirts; window treatments; and decorative pillows.

STAMFORD, Conn.–Exhibit and conference organizer dmg :: events has appointed Galen Poss to the newly created role of chief operating officer, reporting directly to Suresh Kavan, chairman and chief operating officer.

Poss will oversee the growth of the company’s five business units, one of which includes several trade shows, such as the New York International Gift Fair and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair.

SHELTON, Conn.—David Fisher, chief operating officer of Latex International, has succeeded Kevin Coleman as the company’s president and chief executive officer.

According to a company statement, Coleman has resigned for unspecified reasons. John Pouschine, Latex International’s chairman, cited Fisher’s experience in global manufacturing and building “strong customer-service organizations,” which “are ideally suited to bring (the company) to the next level.”

LAS VEGAS—Gift + Home at Las Vegas Market has scheduled a number of special events for the show, which takes place Jan. 24-28 at World Market Center Las Vegas.

An opening-night reception will take place Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. in the Grand Atrium of the market center. On Jan. 25 from 4 to 6 p.m., the Gift & Home Trade Association will hold a reception in room 786 of building C. The market center will also make available at buyers’ breakfast on all Gift + Home floors from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on each day of the market week.

AURBURN, Maine—­Thos. Moser has named Jim Ricci senior vice president of marketing and sales.  Ricci will oversee marketing, sales and customer service and be responsible for establishing strategies to expand business opportunities.

LAS VEGAS—The third annual Ante 4 Autism event, a Texas Hold’em tournament that benefits Autism Speaks, will take place during Las Vegas Market in January.

The tournament is scheduled for Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at Binion’s in downtown Las Vegas.

LAS VEGAS–The Winter Las Vegas Market will offer an increased number of exhibitors in its Vegas Kids section, plus a showcase for innovations in mattresses.

Vegas Kids, which debuted at last summer’s market, will showcase more than 100 exhibitors of home furnishings geared toward youth on the fourth floor of building C. In addition, Heather B. Armstrong, author and expert on marketing to young people, will provide insights on this demographic in a presentation on Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. in room 324 of building C.

Brown Jordan International has developed a patented technique for packing outdoor furniture for shipment that the company said is drastically cutting freight costs of its Isabella La-Z-Boy collection.

The new packing method has been used over the last few months to ship its Isabella La-Z-Boy collection, resulting in reduced total freight costs of nearly 50 percent.

Upholstery: Natuzzi Italy
Metaphora is a striking contemporary sectional with variations in both fabric and leather.
The sectional version (shown in leather) emphasizes versatility, as it can be used as a sofa with a chaise at the open end. The extra-wide plaform at the end can function as extra storage for books and magazines. The headrests are adjustable.

By Maxine Lauer

The news making headlines around the world continues to be economic: Consumer spending, the growth engine that has held up many economies for the last several years, is suffering, and homes, our most precious material possession, remain at risk for many. Yet, we are beginning to see a positive uptick in various components of economic health, painting a future of slow-to-moderate growth where a nation historically obsessed with consuming is learning to live on less.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Lexington Home Brands announced today that it has elected not to renew or extend its licensing agreement with Bob Timberlake, Inc., which is set to expire at the end of the year. This decision will end a relationship that began in 1990 with Lexington’s introduction of the industry’s first major licensed lifestyle collection.

Lexington will continue to market and sell the existing 833 World of Bob Timberlake product in 2011 until the inventory is depleted, at which time the line will be discontinued.

PHOENIX–Aspenhome’s new interactive web pages help retailers attract consumers to their stores by giving consumers decorating tips and incentives to ignite their desire to purchase.

FRIANT, Calif.—The polyurethanes business unit of Dow Chemical Co. is the lead sponsor of the Environmental and Safety Program of the Specialty Sleep Association.

According to an SSA statement, Dow’s support will enable the development of a new consumer-education section on the association’s website, sleepinformation.org; a training module for retail sales personnel; and the creation of a social-networking platform. All of these will be designed to guide and advise consumers on buying environmentally friendly sleep products, SSA said.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of the shows in January — the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, the Dallas International Lighting Market, the Gift & Home Textiles Market Week, the Las Vegas Market, and the New York International Gift Fair.

LAS VEGAS—Designer Christopher Guy will be recognized as a “Design Icon” by World Market Center Las Vegas during the January Las Vegas Market.

WOODBURY, N.Y.—Jennifer Convertibles, which has been under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since July, reported a net loss for its final fiscal quarter of the year of $6.3 million, compared to a fourth-quarter net loss of $5.3 million in its prior fiscal year.

Net sales for the quarter, which ended on Aug. 28, rose nearly 12 percent to $19 million, but this included a same-store sales decrease of 13.2 percent. In addition, the retailer’s gross margin dropped 792 basis points to 20.6 percent.

LAURIER-STATION, Quebec—AP Industries, the Canadian manufacturer of bedroom furniture, has created a new Website structure and design in an effort to increase the site’s efficiency and the company’s brand awareness.

The new APIndustries.com is divided into three distinct consumer categories: adult, youth and baby, each then divided into lifestyle categories of traditional, transitional and contemporary. There is also a buying guide highlighting the factors to consider when buying new bedroom furniture, as well as a planned dealer locator section.

MONROE, Mich.—Net income for La-Z-Boy dropped 34 percent in its fiscal second quarter, totaling $3.9 million.

N. CHARLESTON, S.C.–As part of the launch celebration for its new licensed collections with Biltmore, the largest privately owned residence in the U.S., casual indoor and outdoor furniture manufacturer Whitecraft presented a Biltmore products gift basket to Shelby Sari of Furnitureland South.

The custom gift basket contained an array of Biltmore-licensed items including wine from the Biltmore vineyards, coasters, table linens, and assorted gourmet foods.

HOUSTON–Mattress Firm has promoted Scott Ebner and Tim May to the newly created positions of regional sales directors.

HIGH POINT, N.C.-­Bob Duncan, chief executive officer of American Leather,
was elected 2011 chairman of the American Home Furnishings Alliance during
the organization's annual meeting in Scottsdale, Ariz., last week.

Jeff Cook, president of Broyhill Furniture, has moved to first vice
chairman. Wyatt Bassett, president/CEO of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture, was
elected second vice chairman.

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.–A survey of 351 women homeowners across the United States found that they have “significant interest” in purchasing eco-friendly home furnishings.

WOOLRICH, Penn.–Woolrich executives and home furnishings licensing partners gathered for their eighth annual Brand Partners’ Summit last month to discuss strategic planning and business opportunities for 2011 and beyond.

The meeting, held in the Shadow Mountain showroom during the High Point Market, was attended by executives from Woolrich Home licensees Shadow Mountain, Whitecraft, Picture Source, Mohawk and Rowe Pottery Works. Other participants included licensing executives from Woolrich and The Media Matters.

INDIANAPOLIS–Net income for mattress/appliance retailer hhgregg dropped 20 percent in its fiscal second quarter, to $3.4 million.

The bottom line suffered in spite of a 45 percent increase in net sales to $480.9 million in the quarter, which ended Sept. 30, 2010. Part of the quarterly numbers were a 41 percent jump in selling, general and administrative expenses and a 46 percent rise in cost of goods sold—the latter of which led to an 80 basis-point drop in gross margin to 30 percent. hhgregg also reported a 77 percent climb in net advertising expense.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–A number of vendors in the At Home section of the New York International Gift Fair will increase their exhibit space at the January show.

NEW YORK–HFN has begun preparing its coverage of the shows in January—the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, the Dallas International Lighting Market, the Gift & Home Textiles Market Week, the Las Vegas Market, and the New York International Gift Fair.

STANLEYTOWN, Va.—Stanley Furniture reported a net loss for its third quarter of $4.9 million, compared to a net loss of $5.1 million for the third quarter of 2009.

HIGH POINT, N.C. –“Weaving Sustainability into the Corporate Fabric: Competing in the Global Marketplace,” is the theme for this year’s All-Industry Sustainability Summit slated for Dec. 1-2 at the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park in Asheville, N.C.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Perfect Fit has appointed Jeff Kies chief financial officer, succeeding David Kennedy, who has left the company to pursue other interests.

Kies is responsible for managing the company’s finances along with financial planning, record-keeping and financial reporting. He reports directly to Dan Hammer, president and chief executive officer.

Kies’ background includes finance-related positions with Collins & Aikman, Tultex Corp. and RJ Reynolds. Most recently, he served as chief financial officer for Sleep Innovations.

By Andrea Lillo

Murray Feiss—the man—has returned to the lighting industry. After several years off, the founder of lighting company Murray Feiss is set to debut his new lighting venture, Authenticity, with his sons-in-law Ron Hersh and Robert Greene.

They enjoyed their time off, Feiss said, and while coming back into the category was actually “not the first thing on our minds,” it ended up being the logical spot for them. “We love the business,” said Feiss, who started Murray Feiss 55 years ago.

MEBANE, N.C.–Pat Flippin, president, chief operating officer and member of the board of directors of Kingsdown, will retire from these positions on Jan. 3, 2011.

Flippin began his career with the mattress manufacturer in 1986 as plant manager of the company’s facility here. Prior to becoming president, Flippin was vice president of manufacturing. He has also served as a past chairman of the International Sleep Products Association.

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Tempur-Pedic has rolled out the Tempur-Pedic Hugs Back campaign, an effort to raise money to advance research in pancreatic cancer.

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

Tempur-Pedic will donate $10 to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for every consumer who tests a Tempur-Pedic mattress at a participating authorized retailer this month. Also, the company has introduced a limited edition of its My Tempur-Pedic Teddy Bear, a portion of the sales of which will support the network.

By Andrea Lillo

Changes are afoot within wall decor, as some manufacturers at High Point will break into the category for the first time to complement their product lines. Other companies will debut new showrooms or recently acquired companies.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—The 2011 ART Conference, co-produced by the Accessories Resource Team and the Home Furnishings Independents Association, will take place at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, Calif., from May 12 to 15. The tagline will be “Living •  Learning  •  Laughing  • Lasting,” and will combine networking, retail workshops, creative sessions and fun all in one long weekend.

DANBURY, Conn.–Ethan Allen Interiors posted net income of $3.8 million in the third quarter, reversing a $13.6 million net loss from the third quarter of 2009.

AUSTIN, Texas–Chris Miller has joined Four Hands as national sales manager, responsible for the national sales team as well as the Las Vegas and Atlanta showroom personnel.

He previously spent 17 years with Rowe Fine Furniture in such roles as vice president of sales operations and regional sales manager for the southeastern region.

CASTLETON, Vt.–Lighting company Hubbardton Forge has received two Pinnacle Awards this year from the American Society of Furniture Designers, announced at the recent High Point Market. Hubbardton Forge’s Ondrian design received the competition’s first Green Leaf Design Award for Eco-Friendly Design, while its Antasia design received the Pinnacle Award for Design Achievement in Lighting.

MINNEAPOLIS–Net income for Select Comfort rose 52 percent in the third quarter ended Oct. 2, 2010, totaling $10.5 million and marking the seventh consecutive quarter of bottom-line improvement.

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Tempur-Pedic posted a 72 percent increase to its net income in the third quarter, to $44.2 million.

The mattress manufacturer improved its bottom line based on a net sales gain of 32 percent to $295.8 million, and a pickup of 340 basis points in gross margin, which finished the quarter at 51 percent. The sales increase included a 47 percent jump in sales in North America. These factors offset increases of 36 percent in selling expenses and 19 percent in general and administrative expenses.

GREENWOOD, Miss.—Viking Range has launched a national consumer sales promotion offering consumers what the company describes as “deep rebates” on individual products.

Through January 2011, consumers will receive a $500 rebate when they purchase any size Viking built-in refrigerator or freezer. They will also get a $500 rebate when they buy any size Viking Professional Series range and a $250 rebate when they purchase a Viking Designer Series range. Along with the rebates, consumers will also receive a $150 rebate if they become a Viking Facebook fan.

DALLAS–Global Views and Eastern Breeze Home Collections have formed a partnership to develop and expand the Studio A line of design-driven home decor accessories and accent furniture. Eastern Breeze has been selling its line under the Studio A name for the past year. With the new partnership, Studio A will be a stand-alone company which will utilize the infrastructure and market expertise of Global Views, and the design direction of Eastern Breeze founders Will Foster and Mary Wilson.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Phillips Collection, a leading manufacturer of high-end contemporary furnishings, has expanded its headquarters in High Point, NC to the former Rose Furniture Building on I-85 Business. The expansion of its Origins Collection and the need for more hybrid showroom and warehouse space necessitated a move to the new 166,000-square-foot facility, according to the company.

NEWTON, N.C.—Precedent, a division of Sherrill Furniture, is partnering with DwellStudio, the New York City-based lifestyle brand, to debut its first furniture collection in April 2011 at the High Point Market.

Bringing its signature eclectic modern look to furniture, DwellStudio has designed a complete collection of upholstered and occasional pieces that will be manufactured by Precedent and other Sherrill Furniture divisions.

MONROE, Mich.—La-Z-Boy has partnered with actress Brooke Shields on a new advertising campaign that will debut this fall.

The campaign will include broadcasts on more than 20 national cable television networks (including A&E, Bravo, CNN, ESPN, HGTV, Lifetime, TBS and USA), print and other elements. It will focus on convincing female consumers that La-Z-Boy fits their lifestyles, and on educating them about the company’s selection of furniture beyond its well-established recliner.

NEW YORK–Crate & Barrel has launched its first store within a store in its SoHo location here, with the grand opening of the Marimekko Shop.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Showplace, the showroom building, will celebrate its 10th anniversary in business at the upcoming High Point Market.
 
The building has arranged for a large cake that will be a representation of the showroom building, which first opened at the market 10 years ago. It will hold a cake-cutting ceremony on Oct. 18 at 2:10 p.m., which will be attended by High Point Mayor Rebecca Smothers and industry and community notables.
 

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The Antique and Design Center of High Point will open its doors to the trade for the first time at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 15, with 55 exhibitors—37 of which are new to the High Point Market.

To celebrate its grand opening, the Antique and Design Center will host an Opening Night Gala and Silent Auction benefiting Triad Health Project from 5 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 15—the evening before the fall High Point Market officially opens.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va.–Williamsburg’s various licensees will debut products at the New York Tabletop Show and the High Point International Home Furnishings Market this week.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Showplace, a multi-tenant showroom building, is unveiling a smart phone shopping app at the market designed to revolutionize the buyer experience.

GREENSBORO, N.C.–WithIt, the women’s leadership development network in the home and furnishings industries, is holding a raffle for a luxury getaway for two to the Monterey Peninsula in California. With a value of $14,000, the prize includes first class airfare within the U.S. where available, four nights at Pebble Beach Lodge with an ocean view room, and more. Available until Oct. 20, raffle tickets cost $100 each, and only 500 will be sold. Visit www.withit.org for more details or to enter.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Groovystuff has partnered with Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., to create a design competition that will give students real-world experience, a chance to earn royalties on successful design, and a reason to choose the home furnishings industry after graduation.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Longtime High Point Market exhibitor Fairmont Designs is relocating its showroom to the International Home Furnishings Center.

The new showroom, on the eighth floor of the IHFC’s Commerce Wing space C867, will be ready for the October Market, according to Brian Edwards, president of Fairmont Designs.

FRIANT, Calif.–Ralph Rossdeutscher has become chairman of the Green Initiative Board of the Specialty Sleep Association.

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.–Sleep Innovations will enlarge its manufacturing facility in Baldwyn, Miss.

The project will add 60,000 square feet to the facility’s current 300,000 square feet, and will create a polyurethane-foam manufacturing “center of excellence,” according to a company statement. The center, to be completed next summer, will develop new products such as mattress toppers, mattresses and pillows that will use Sleep Innovations’ proprietary memory-foam technology.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Natuzzi Americas has expanded its brand management team with two new hires, adding a new, digital marketing position in order to provide more Web-based features for consumers. 

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The American Home Furnishings Alliance has announced a furniture labeling program. Eco3Home is designed to communicate health, safety, and environmental features to consumers.

Kincaid Furniture’s Homecoming collection will be the pilot program for Eco3Home at the High Point Market.

The program includes hangtags, in-store brochures, and other in-store signage to communicate its core features to consumers. Central to the consumer communication will be a Web site, eco3home.com, that will launch in mid-October.

LAS VEGAS–Eastern Legends brings high-end home furnishings to Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas with a new 2,600-square-foot showroom.

Eastern Legends has had a consistent presence at Las Vegas Market in recent years.

ASHEVILLE, N.C.–Biltmore’s home licensing division recently unveiled several new ways to showcase its licensed products.

Each initiative is designed to make it easier for consumers to learn about and shop for the many different products Biltmore has to offer. These efforts include a new display in Biltmore’s Antler Hill Village, a catalog and an e-commerce Web site.

By Duke Ratliff

To paraphrase Ed Sullivan, the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market is a REALLY big show.

How big? Try 350 exhibiting manufacturers in approximately 350,000 square feet of permanent and temporary showroom space in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. Adding to its importance is that it’s the only show endorsed by the International Casual Furnishings Association.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–High Point Market attendees are invited to a bowling event sponsored by the Accessories Resource Team, the Home Furnishings Independents Association and the International Home Furnishings Center. The event will take place Monday, Oct. 18, at the High Point Bowling Center, with dinner starting at 7 p.m. and bowling at 8 p.m. The price is $40 per person in advance, or $50 at the door. Visit accessoriesresourceteam.org for more information and to register.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of High Point Market next month. Exhibitors at the show are invited to submit information and high-resolution images of products that they plan to highlight at the show, scheduled for Oct. 16 to 21. Furniture manufacturers should submit information to Warren Shoulberg, HFN editor, wshoulberg@hfnmag.com. Materials for new lighting and floor covering products should be submitted to Andrea Lillo, senior editor, alillo@hfnmag.com.

By Andrea Lillo

With the continuing troubled economy here at home, a new manufacturers’ consortium headed by Capel’s Bud Young looks to help expand U.S. manufacturers’ business outside the border. Called the North Carolina Furniture Export Consortium, the group of mostly North Carolina companies covers a number of complementary categories, including case goods, lighting, rugs, accessories and fabrics. It plans to open its first permanent showroom in Canada in January to start, with China, Dubai, London and Brazil among potential locations for future showrooms.

SYRACUSE, N.Y.–Bernard Goldberg, co-founder of Raymour Furniture Company, died on Friday. He was 84 years old.

Goldberg founded the company, now known as Raymour & Flanigan Furniture Company, in 1947 with his brother Arnold. For the past 20 years, he served as chairman of the board of Raymour & Flanigan.

Known as “Bernie,” he served in World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was the recipient of the American Heritage Award from the Anti-Defamation League.

LAS VEGAS–The Home Mortgage Sweepstakes, sponsored by the World Market Center Las Vegas, begins this month.

First announced by the center at the end of July, the contest will free one homeowner from having to make mortgage payments for one year—with the hope that the money saved will be spent on home furnishings. It marks the second annual National Home Furnishings Month, which is designed to focus consumers on home furnishings and provide retailers with the opportunity to bring more attention on the home.

NEW YORK–Bombay Company’s globally inspired look is headed back to retail.

Once a multi-channel retailer with more than 450 stores, Bombay has been repositioned for the wholesale market with programs targeting the specialty, department and mass channels. The company recently exhibited at the New York International Gift Fair, and it now has a new penthouse showroom at 489 Fifth Avenue to display its initial 250-piece collection.

ASHEVILLE, N.C.–Biltmore’s licensing division, inspired by the historic Biltmore House and gardens, has renewed its partnership with Belk department stores.

Belk originally joined Biltmore as a licensing partner in 2005, focusing on home textiles and bringing its first Biltmore products to market in 2006. Since then, the partnership has grown to be Biltmore’s most in-depth, offering a full range of luxury products for every corner of the home. The recent renewal of this licensing agreement extends the partnership for another five years.

GREENSBORO, N.C.–WithIt, the women’s leadership development network serving the home-furnishings industry, has announced the winners of the 2010 WOW Awards, which recognize individuals and/or corporations that contribute to the success and growth of the industry.

Kathy Wall, president of The Media Matters, has received the Mentoring Award acknowledging advocacy, development and/or promotion of women in the home and furnishings businesses.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center has relocated and expanded its Outdoor Living shared showroom.

The revamped showroom now contains more than 31,000 square feet of garden, patio and outdoor products. The new space will debut during the Total Home & Gift Market, Jan. 19-25, 2011.

CHICAGO—The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market will once again present the Garden Accessories Courtyard, a 10,000-square-foot area that will be home to exhibitors showcasing outdoor accessories.

This dedicated exhibitor area will be located on the Northwest side of the 8th Floor Market Suites during Market. The Garden Accessories Courtyard is home to exhibitor booths featuring decorative accessories, outdoor lighting, hearth products, tabletop, rugs, pottery, statuary and
more.

LAS VEGAS—Bush Furniture announced yesterday at the Las Vegas Market that it has teamed with Kathy Ireland for ready-to-assemble office furniture.

Bush and Kathy Ireland Worldwide will develop lines of office products including entertainment, organization, storage and home furnishings. The designs will be marketed as Kathy Ireland Office by Bush Furniture, and Kathy Ireland Home by Bush Furniture. The items are expected to be distributed beginning as early as Summer 2011.

LAS VEGAS–Attendees descend on the World Market Center here today, as the summer edition of Las Vegas Market opens.

Even with temperatures in the 100-degree range, attendees are set to party as several events are planned for later today. From 4-6 p.m., Temper-Pedic will host a party in its showroom, C1512, and Twin-Star International will do the same in A548. Kathy Ireland will make an appearance at Omnia’s reception, in A256. The Sustainable Furniture Council will have a mixer in A202.

By David Gill

Got ten-thou for a mattress?

Given the current shape of the economy—recovering, but taking its time about it—the conventional answer would seem to be, “No.” But some mattress manufacturers are approaching this environment in an unconventional manner.

LAS VEGAS—The World Market Center will present a series of seminars on eco-friendly issues in home furnishings called “One Good World” during the upcoming Las Vegas Market, Aug. 2-6.

Among the sessions on the schedule is “Eco Friendly from the Foundation to the Furniture, to take place on Aug. 2 from 2 to 3 p.m. in room 176 of Building C. Designer Robin Wilson will highlight several residential products with eco-friendly design.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center has designated 10 executives to lead the division for the Gift + Home show, which will make its debut Aug. 2-6.

Georgia Davis, former executive vice president for Dallas Market Center, has been named vice president of Gift + Home, and is responsible for the strategy, sales and growth of the show.

CHICAGO—Roger Thomas, executive vice president of design for Wynn Design and Development, will deliver the keynote presentation at the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market in September.

Thomas, who created the interiors of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, will showcase his hotel design work and discuss his philosophy and approach to designing outdoor spaces. He will also address the trend of moving indoor furnishings outdoors and outdoor furnishings indoors.

BASSETT, Va.—Bassett Furniture Industries reported net income of $117,000 for the second quarter, compared to a net loss of $9.9 million in the second quarter of 2009.

The company’s bottom-line improvement was driven mostly by a  580 basis-point jump in its gross margin, to 49.2 percent, which resulted from the retail segment’s increased share in the overall sales mix. Margins from the Bassett-owned stores and the wholesale operation also rose, according to a company statement. Total net sales rose 0.2 percent to $57.8 million.

High Point, N.C.— Cheminne Taylor-Smith has been named vice president of marketing for the High Point Market Authority, the group that oversees the big furniture market here.

She succeeds Kimberley Wray, who left the Market Authority last month for personal and family reasons.

In her new post, which she starts on Aug. 2, Taylor-Smith will provide strategic direction for marketing and will oversee all public relations and communications.

NEW YORK—The deadline for sending in new product information and high-resolution images for possible inclusion in HFN’s coverage of the Las Vegas Market in August is Monday, July 12.

To submit information on rugs, lighting, or accessories, contact Andrea Lillo, alillo@hfnmag.com; for mattresses, David Gill, dgill@hfnmag.com; and for furniture, Warren Shoulberg, wshoulberg@hfnmag.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.; MEMPHIS, Tenn.–Furniture companies Lexington Home Brands and Aspenhome joined NBC Today Show’s Al Roker yesterday, donating to the morning host’s Lend a Hand Charity.

Lend A Hand’s mission is to assist local charities around the country that work toward improving conditions in their communities.

Lexington donated home furnishings to the rebuilding efforts of the charity “Hands On Nashville.” Aspenhome donated furniture to the Memphis New Ballet School.

LAS VEGAS–Designer Christopher Lowell has been enlisted by the World Market Center to create an integrated merchandising display for lighting and home-accessory retailers for the upcoming Las Vegas Market, scheduled for Aug. 2-6.

Called “Illuminated: A Lighting & Accessories Showcase for Success,” the display will be open daily during the August market in room 1096 of Building C. Lowell’s display will also focus on teaching retailers how cross-merchandised products can enhance the store environment, thus opening up the possibility of stronger sales overall.

LAS VEGAS–The second annual “Alfresco, A Taste of Las Vegas” will take place during the Las Vegas Market in August.

The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation has included business partners as a team for the first time among its 2010 nominees.

The six nominees are: Gerald Birnbach of Rowe Furniture; Manuel Capó of El Dorado Furniture; Thomas Day, a leading furniture maker in the mid-1800s; Darrell and Stella Harris, founders of Furniture Southland; Michael and George Massood, of MGM Transport; and artist/designer Bob Timberlake.

NEW YORK-The deadline for sending in new product information and high-resolution images for possible inclusion in HFN’s coverage of the Las Vegas Market in August is Monday, July 12.

To submit information on rugs, lighting, or accessories, contact Andrea Lillo, alillo@hfnmag.com; for mattresses, David Gill, dgill@hfnmag.com; and for furniture, Warren Shoulberg, wshoulberg@hfnmag.com.

ROCKY MOUNT, Va.–Uttermost will give away three iPads as part of its launch into social media.

The giveaway is for Uttermost’s “New Product Ideas” contest, where retailers and designers are invited to share their suggestions for Uttermost’s product line by clicking the “Enter to Win” tab at facebook.com/UttermostCo.  Suggestions can include sketches and illustrations, and there is no limit to the number of entries per person. 

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--Joseph Ermalovich has been appointed senior product designer for Ergomotion.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–The 22nd annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair closed last week, and organizer GLM reported that the fair had attracted 22,867 attendees to the event, held at New York’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

CARTHAGE, Mo.–Mark Quinn has been promoted to director of marketing for the residential furnishings segment of Leggett & Platt.

In this newly created position, Quinn is responsible for the coordination of the marketing efforts for the various business units in residential furnishings. He reports to Perry Davis, president of the Leggett & Platt bedding group.

AUSTIN, Texas-Four Hands has purchased Bluefish Home, an international furniture company based in Marietta, Ga. This is Four Hands’ second acquisition in 90 days, following the addition of lighting company Architects & Heroes in March.

NEW YORK–Awards were bestowed in 16 categories at the ICFF Editors Awards Ceremony for the 22nd annual International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) last night during the ICFF Exhibitors Reception at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

This year’s ICFF Editors Awards Committee was comprised of Arlene Hirst, Anniina Koivu of Abitare, Jessica Johnson of Azure, Stefano Casciani of Domus, Sam Grawe of Dwell, Gilda Bojardi of Interni, Chantal Hamaide of Intramuros, Susan S. Szenasy of Metropolis and Benjamin Kempton of Wallpaper.

The winners were:

After a 25 year absence from the category, Macy’s is testing the casual furniture waters with a launch of outdoor furniture collections in some of its Northeast stores.

With a wide variety of furniture designed to convert outdoor space into an extension of the home, the Macy’s Outdoor Furniture Collection is debuting in 20 Macy’s Department Stores and furniture galleries in New York, New jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware and Virginia.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Buyers were upbeat and activity brisk as home furnishings professionals from across the country and around the world got down to business at the High Point Market this spring, according to show organizers.
 
In a video news release today (available for viewing via highpointmarket.org/2010Spring), Brian D. Casey, president and chief executive officer of the High Point Market Authority, reported that 77,705 home furnishings professionals registered for Spring Market. Of these registrants, 59 percent (46,087 people), were buyers.

EL MONTE, Calif.–Brown Jordan announced a new partnership with home furnishings designer Richard Frinier.

The designer, who worked with Brown Jordan for 22 years prior to forming his own creative consultancy in 2002, will return for an encore collaboration to develop the Richard Frinier Collection for Brown Jordan, scheduled to launch during the fall markets.

ATLANTA–The Icon Honors national call for entries is now open.

Created exclusively by AmericasMart Atlanta in partnership with GHTA and HFN, Icon Honors is the first international program fully embracing the gift and home categories in an independent recognition of exemplary achievement across the industry for product manufacturing, product sales representative businesses and retailing.

LIVERPOOL, N.Y.–Retailer Raymour & Flanigan has formed an exclusive partnership with Kristan Cunningham, a design expert and television personality, to develop programs to inform and teach consumers on home decorating.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Human Touch, the manufacturer of massage chairs, has returned to High Point Market after a three-year absence.

The company exhibited in showroom IHFC-H517 at the market, which ends today. Among the new products it showed were the HT-Connect/AcuTouch 9500, which the company said is the first robotic massage chair to offer a fully customized massage. The new chair will be available at retailers nationwide and on humantouch.com, the company’s Web site, beginning in June.

DALLAS–Dallas Market Center announced it will again present a 4,200-square-foot, eight-room home furnished and decorated for the holidays during its Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, June 23-29.

The home will feature products from showrooms throughout the Dallas Market Center campus and will be on exhibit in The Grand Pavilion at the Trade Mart. Christmas displays, seminars, and other events during market will also accompany the Home for the Holidays exhibit.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Rachel Ashwell, founder of Shabby Chic, will speak at a luncheon and seminar to be held during the upcoming High Point Market.

Ashwell will present “Staying True to Your Brand While Evolving in Today’s Market.” Sponsored jointly by the International Home Furnishings Center and the International Furnishings and Design Association, the luncheon is scheduled for Sunday, April 18 at noon in the IHFC International Ballroom.

GREENSBORO, N.C.–WithIt, the women’s leadership development network serving the home and furnishings industries, will feature four expert panelists during the organization’s semi-annual Competitive Intelligence event to be held on April 19 at the High Point Market.

The featured speakers will share their insights about the products, trends and noteworthy collections they will have spotted on the first few days of the Spring 2010 High Point Market, April 17-22.

Panelists are:

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Joseph Mussallem has been named president of the North American Team for Natuzzi Americas Inc. filling a position that had been vacant since Cary Benson left last December.

Mussallem was most recently Natuzzi senior vice president of sales, responsible for national accounts, Natuzzi Editions and Italsofa brands. The company said he will focus on a new organizational structure that created dedicated teams for Natuzzi’s three brands.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The Kathy Ireland Home by Omnia Leather showroom will return to the International Home Furnishings Center this market after showing at several other locations outside the main building.

The new showroom, space 1102 in the Design Center wing, will present the entire line, including sectionals, sleepers and chairs.

Michael Hansen, vice president of brand development, said the new showroom represents “the best opportunity to reach customers attending market.”

By Jennifer Boncy

Casual furniture manufacturers are hoping to breathe new life into the market this year, some with bolder colors and innovatively woven fabrics and others with contemporary and transitional looks. But no matter what the style or color, the real must-have these days is value.

GREENSBORO, N.C.–WithIt, the women’s leadership development network for the home and furnishings industries, will sponsor a student mentoring day at High Point Market on Wednesday, April 21, and both WithIt members and non-members are invited to participate as mentors.

The event will take place from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Media Center. Afterwards, there will be a special presentation and lunch at 11:45 a.m. in the Natuzzi showroom, 130 West Commerce Ave.

NEW YORK–Community-based AIDS service organization Housing Works Thrift Shops is looking for donations of all types of home products, including furniture, bedding, tabletop and artwork, for its sixth annual Design on a Dime fundraising event, which is scheduled for May 6-8 at the Metropolitan Pavilion at 125 W. 18th St.

Housing Works will provide complimentary pickup of donated items, which are tax deductible.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y.–Excelsior Designs is launching a new furniture division that will focus on more popularly priced designs than its signature higher-end Italian goods, introducing the line at its new showroom at the High Point Market.

Excelsior had pulled out of the market, but is returning with this new line which it says is better suited for that marketplace.

The new showroom will be in the Hamilton wing of the International Home Furnishings Center, in space H538.

DALLAS–The call for nominations for the 22nd annual ARTS awards has begun, announced the Dallas Market Center and the Accessories Resource Team.

Presented every January during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, the ARTS awards recognize top manufacturers, retailers, product designers and sales representatives in the home furnishings and decorative accessories industries.

NEW YORK–JLA Home has signed an agreement with Natori Co. to extend its license into accent and occasional furniture, room accessories, table and floor lighting, and area rugs.

CONCORD, N.H.-Rug manufacturer Company C will expand into furniture at next month’s High Point Market, scheduled for April 17 to 22. The initial release will include sofas, chairs, chaises and ottomans in three collections, which will all be made in the U.S.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The International Home Furnishings Center has become the first primary sponsor of the Accessories Resource Team’s bowling event, which will be held on April 19 during the upcoming High Point Market (April 17-22). ART said its October 2009 bowling event was the largest ever produced by the decorative accessory association, which has been holding them since 2002.

By Warren Shoulberg

Rob Burch probably isn’t quite ready to sit in one of his Berkline recliners, put his feet up and relax: There’s still a lot to be done.

But since taking over 11 months ago as president of the well-known motion and upholstery supplier that had been going through some troubled times, he has made a number of significant changes to the company’s product line and positioning.

By Marilyn Nason

Genuine commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship has become a requisite in today’s competitive home furnishings industry, emerging as top priority for those involved in determining how executives run their own companies, especially as part of their marketing/retailing goals influencing consumer purchasing decisions.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The Market Square & Suites here will reopen after a major renovation at the High Point Market in April.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–The new Shabby Chic upholstery line from Miles Talbott Furniture will debut in April, adding to the relaunch of the brand to the wholesale trade.
Earlier this year, GuildMaster got the license to produce accent and decorative furniture for the brand, known for its mix of California casual and British traditional, best exemplified by its signature slip covered sofa.

WILLIAMSBURG, Va.–In honor of President’s Day, Williamsburg will be back on QVC with Williamsburg Home for All Seasons on Monday, Feb. 15.
Starting at 9 a.m., the show will feature guest host and Williamsburg product manager Lori Williams, and will showcase the Williamsburg product line, including lighting, bedding and centerpieces. Products will feature updated colors and finishes, putting a modern twist on timeless designs.

LAS VEGAS–The Ante4Autism event during the recent Las Vegas Market raised more than $7,000 for autism research, according to a statement from Autism Speaks.

ST. LOUIS–Furniture Brands International reported a fourth-quarter operating loss of $23.4 million, down from the $40 million operating loss it posted in the fourth quarter of 2008.
The company managed this in spite of a 29.2 percent drop in net sales for the quarter, which totaled $285.6 million. Furniture Brands trimmed 29 percent off its selling, general and administrative expenses, and cost of goods sold for the quarter were 28 percent less than in the prior year.

HICKORY, N.C.–Laura Dillon of San Bernardino, Calif., has won The EarthCare Challenge contest conducted by Hickory Springs.