Still Shining Brightly


2233 Fri, 09/05/2008 - 1:23pm

Lighting By Gregory is marking its silver anniversary with an extreme makeover.
The store, a fixture of the New York Bowery’s iconic lighting district, is mercilessly pruning its assortment as it expands its mix of luxury goods.
Now backed by private-equity firm Alpine Investors, which acquired the retailer in February, Lighting By Gregory is flush with capital to grow the business.
The growth plan includes a top-to-bottom renovation of the 7,500-square-foot showroom, an e-commerce upgrade, a return to print advertising and a beefed-up management team.

Wal-Mart Lights the Way


2233 Thu, 05/29/2008 - 3:40pm

By Nancy Meyer
Leave it to Wal-Mart to transform a market.
By setting a goal to sell 100 million compact fluorescent light bulbs in 2007, and then exceeding it, the mega-retailer helped catapult the overall retail market and market share of CFLs.
Sales of Energy Star-rated CFLs nearly doubled from 2006 to 2007, to a total of approximately 290 million units, according to the Energy Star program.

New Bulb Cover Aims to Reduce CFL Glare


2233 Mon, 03/24/2008 - 3:41pm

GLEN COVE, N.Y.–While consumers are embracing the energy-efficiency of compact fluorescent light bulbs, they’re still not thrilled with the quality of light provided.
That’s the premise that led to the creation of the Lunet Light Cover, a cover for CFLs designed to reduce glare, create a more natural warm light and add a decorative accent to overhead lighting.
Lunet’s designer, Gary Bernhardt, has been making novelty lighting products and electronics for more than two decades, but his company is relatively new.

Kenroy Seeks New Life Under New Ownership


2233 Mon, 03/24/2008 - 3:40pm

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–The lighting business underwent another buyout this month, but this time it wasn’t a case of a large firm buying a smaller one.
The management and employees of Hunter Lighting Group/Kenroy purchased the assets and ongoing operation of the lighting business from the Hunter Fan Co., based in Memphis, Tenn.
Company insiders characterized the move as one that will demonstrate to the lighting industry that small players can be more flexible, nimble and responsive than larger companies.

Dimming Prospects


2233 Thu, 12/06/2007 - 12:52pm

By Nancy Meyer
NEW YORK-- No, Virginia, there really isn't a Santa Claus' at least not this year.
That's what some in the lighting and home decor industry fear, as the sales outlook for this holiday season and beyond is rather bleak.