Archive for November, 2008
November 10th, 2008 at 02:42am
Under Furniture News
On Monday, American Home announced that it would be voluntarily filing for Chapter 11. In business since 1936, American Home is currently operating 12 stores in Arizona and New Mexico. The American Home chains are full home furnishing stores that offer home accessories, gifts, patio furniture, rugs and many more items for the home.
The chains also offer services in home interior design and have a bridal registry. The chain was established by Emanuel Blaugrund. Blaugrund wanted a store that he could be proud of that offered a selection of first class furniture at various price levels to meet each individual need.
By MCC
November 8th, 2008 at 02:13am
Under Furniture News
The most recent monthly furniture business survey by Smith Leonard Accountants and Consultants produced grim results. The new orders for furniture in August feel 16% below the levels from August of 2007. The survey covers manufacturers of residential furniture and their distributors.
The decline in sales mark the third consecutive monthly decline. Almost 86% of participants in the survey reported much lower orders reaching double digit declines. The forecast for the next few months doesn’t appear optimistic with no increase in orders expected.
The survey also revealed a 16% decline in shipments and backlogs are seriously lower levels. Employee statistics also decline, down 3% from July and 13% from July of 2007. And, payrolls decreased 18% from just a year ago.
By MCC
November 6th, 2008 at 06:11am
Under Furniture News
Many furniture companies and other businesses across the United States have fallen prey to the economic decline. Layoff’s, bankruptcies and store closings have been a frequent part of the news lately. But, The U.S. isn’t the only country suffering from the economic hard times.
China held 25% of the export furniture business until this year when their share dropped to just 6%. While some of China’s business have had to close their doors, many are looking for other outlets for their products.
While part of the strategy for Chinese businesses to stay afloat has been to market their items to other countries such as Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, many are concentrating on domestic revenue.
With a population of over 1 billion people in China, many manufactures are focusing on promotion and marketing techniques to draw more domestic customers. Through more local sales and targeting new export opportunities, Chinese business owners are optimistic about riding out the economic slump.
By MCC
November 4th, 2008 at 08:42pm
Under Furniture News
Every year, the Environmental Protection Agency recognizes companies with outstanding achievements and accomplishments in greening their businesses. This year, Steelcase Inc. was honored for the WasteWise Large Business Partner of the Year.
The award honors a companies efforts in waste reduction and in manufacturing and purchasing recycled products. The EPA recognized Steelcase with 3 gold product awards and 5 honorable mentions. This was the first award for Steelcase.
The great success of Steelcase in protecting the environment lies mainly in their innovative techniques in waste prevention. The company donates literally thousands of pounds of surplus materials to local non-profit agencies for reuse. These materials would otherwise end up in local landfills.
The company also operates a very successful training program in sustainability and employees donate their time to non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and also participate in the Adopt-a-Highway program.
By MCC
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