Archive for April, 2009
April 30th, 2009 at 12:30am
Under The Office
Research has proven that from half up to 90 percent of the people that use computers on a regular basis, suffer from CVS, computer vision syndrome. The symptoms can occur with as little as two hours of computer use each day and most people aren’t even aware that they’re having any problems.
The list of symptoms can include dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches and watery eyes. Since these same symptoms occur when you’re tired, most people just assume that they just need to rest and don’t realize that it’s CVS.
One of the best ways to help prevent the problems associated with CVS is by using computer furniture and accessories that are ergonomically designed for the utmost in comfort. Having a monitor arm so that you can adjust not only the height, but the screen to reduce glare can relieve two of the symptoms.
Glare on the monitor from lighting and windows creates a lot of strain on the eyes. With a monitor arm, you can customize the position so that you won’t have to strain to see the screen and you won’t have to tilt your head. The perfect position for the monitor should be at a level where you don’t have to turn or tilt your head.
When ever you have to spend hours at the computer, take a lot of breaks. And, make sure that you have good lighting. You should also adjust the brightness level on your monitor so that it’s not so bright and glaring. If the symptoms keep persisting, you should make an appointment and see an optometrist.
By slone
April 29th, 2009 at 08:26pm
Under Furniture News
Chromcraft Revington a company which manufacturers furniture that is sold under the brands Chromcraft, Cochrane and Peters-Revington, has reported a net loss of $8 million dollars for the fourth quarter resulting in a decrease of sales of over 19 percent. The company reported that the decreases were felt throughout all of the categories of products.
Reasons cited by the company for the sales decrease were competitive pressures, transisioning into a business model that relies heavily on imported products and several unsuccessful attempts at introducint products. The total sales for the fourth quarter were reported at $22.9 million, a total well under the reported $28.3 million for the ending quarter of 2007.
Overall in 2008, Chromcraft’s net losses totalled over $26 million. The amount also included $9 million that were lost to restructuring charges due to the closing of two of the companies factories, consolidating warehouses and paying severance costs while reorganizing management positions. The total sales for 2008, totaled $99 million.
By slone
April 29th, 2009 at 07:00am
Under Furniture News
Things are coming up green in High Point this year, green, eco-friendly mattresses that is! Retailers seem to really appreciate the environmentally friendly qualities that beds with natural fibers possess. Cushions made from soy based foams, natural wools and latex and covered in cotton ticking and bamboo have made a hit at this years market.
The environmentally conscious line of EarthCare products have expanded to add a new bed in a box that retails at $799. It’s an encased coil futon, with a mattress that measures nine inches thick made of layers of latex. An airbed for sleeper sofas has also been added to the EarthCare line.
Carolina Mattress Guild also recently expanded to add green beds that feature covers made of organic cottons, that are priced from $799 to $999. Therapedic’s eco-friendly line is made of latex and bio-based foam and retails from $999 to $2,999.
Tobia, a specialty bedding manufacturer, has introduced the Natural Air airbed. Retailing for $3,999, the bed features 15 separate air zones and lavedner scented foam. Another line of green pillows and mattresses was introduced by Zedbed. The latex line consists of three models of latex and soy based memory foams and retails between $1,488 and $2,499.
By slone
April 28th, 2009 at 08:55pm
Under Furniture News
Lacquer Craft USA is debuting at the High Point Market this year. The new importer of case goods is offering products that are shipped directly from factories that are operated by the company, and Samson Holding the parent company.
The collection consists of six dining room and bedroom collections. The designs range from contemporary and transitional, to traditional. A five piece dining room set will retail between $600 and $800, while their four piece bedroom sets will range from $1,300 to $1,900.
In addition to the tradition furniture pieces, the sets will also offer cosumers the choice of several add on pieces. Some of the items will include bar servers that have drawers and wine storage and wall beds. Acceptance at the market has been really good, someone has committed to buy each of the groups.
The Lacquer Craft products won’t be warehoused waiting on orders like most companies do. Instead, their pieces will be manufactured when orders are placed. For this reason, the company requires a minimum of two container orders. Consumers can look forward to the furniture collection appearing in stores around Labor Day.
By slone
April 27th, 2009 at 07:00am
Under Furniture News
The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation board, just go a newly elected president. Don Belgrad from Schnadig Corporation received the honor and will be heading a whole new group of directors and officers. The Hall of Fame Legacy Board also received several newly appointed members.
The Foundation board’s other new officers include Broyhill’s Jeff Cook as first vice president, La-Z-Boy’s Kurt Darrow as second vice president, and Don Dreher, with DMI Furniture was elected as secretary/treasurer.
The new directors who will each serve six year terms include George Cartledge III with Grand Home Furnishings, Leggett and Platt’s, Randy Ford, Bill Kimbrell from Star Furniture, Roger Friesen with Casana Furniture, Dennis Novosel, Stoney Creek Furniture and Aminy Audi from L & J.G. Stickley.
Several members were re-elected for another six year term, Furniture World’s Russell Bienenstock, Art Van Elslander with Art Van Furniture, Kingsdown’s Eric Hinshaw and Don Marks with Badcock Home Furniture and More.
The Legacy Board which helps in fundraising for new projects for the foundation will be chaired by Joe Carroll with Furniture Today. Other new members to the board are Bill Fenn Jr. and Fred Schuermann with Ladd Furniture, Bill Child with R.C. Willey Home Furnishings in Salt Lake City.
From Hickory Springs Mfg., Don Coleman joins the board, Mickey Holliman with Furniture Brands International, from Leggett & Platt, Wayne Wickstrom and Star Furniture’s Melvyn Wolff were elected.
By slone
April 25th, 2009 at 03:18am
Under Computer Stations
Today, the High Point Market celebrates it 100th anniversary. This semi-annual event has literally put High Point on the map. Over the years, the market has evolved into the largest show in the world and brought billions of dollars in revenue to the local area.
Over 2,000 manufacturers introduce new products at the market each year that is held in April and October. Showrooms are spread throughout 188 buildings that create over 12 million square feet of space. And, there are generally as many as 85,000 people that attend.
Everyone that plays a significant role in the furniture industry attends the market. It’s an impressive event with people traveling from around the world turning High Point into a world market place.
By slone
April 24th, 2009 at 10:48pm
Under Furniture News
Southern Living Magazine has partnered with Chromcraft Revington to manufacture one of the largest collections that will debut at the High Point Market this month. With the partnership, Chromcraft will have the opportunity to reach the magazines 16 million plus loyal readers.
The Southern Living collection will include a design in rustic farmhouse style and an urban style design that will be done in cherry veneer. An oak group, will be designed with lodge and cottage motifs. The line will feature casual and formal dining furnishings, bedroom, entertainment, occasional and upholstery items.
For a 4 piece bedroom set, prices will range from $2,400 up to $3,400 and the matching entertainment furnishings will cost between $700 and $1,000. And, the lines occasional tables are set to retail from $250 to $300. Development of the new line started last July when the agreement was signed.
By slone
April 23rd, 2009 at 11:21pm
Under Furniture News
In spite of reporting a preliminary loss for the third quarter of $17 to $18 million earlier this month, Ethan Allen recently announced plans to open 15 new locations. The new stores will be both in the U.S. and abroad and be open by the end of the year. Although, their new stores will be somewhat downsized.
Most of the Ethan Allen stores have around 16,000 square feet, but the new ones will range from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet. The company has 290 centers located in North America, the Middle East and Asia which employ around 4,800 people. During 2007, 23 new stores were opened and since July of last year, the company has opened another 13 stores.
Just this past February, 60 jobs were eliminated at the Danbury headquarters and factories in Vermont, North Carolina and Maine lost 190 more jobs. With stocks falling and the sales of home furnishings decreasing the company is hoping to see a profit by choosing the right locations and the right sizes for the new stores.
By slone
April 18th, 2009 at 10:20pm
Under Computer Carts
If your business requires employees to be mobile, a computer cart is probably a necessity. Whether it’s in a medical environment, or in a large warehouse, a computer cart will give your employees the freedom to be where they’re needed quickly.
If you need to move smoothly, in tight spaces, a laptop fusion cart is one of the most efficient space savers you can find. You can securely attach your laptop in place and even adjust the height to accommodate different users.
Laptop fusion carts are made of steel, so it’s perfectly safe to use in clean, sterile environments. And, it will withstand the abuse in any warehouse or other business. It’s the ideal product for anyone that can’t perform their job sitting at a stationary desk all day.
By slone
April 16th, 2009 at 10:27pm
Under Furniture News
This year’s High Point Market that begins on April 25, will be featuring eight brand new exhibitors. Showplace just recently made the announcement and said that they are pleased with the new additions which will each bring something new to the market.
The new exhibitors includes Primo Designs which specializes in youth and master bedroom furniture, dining and home entertainment. Andre Originals which imports hand carved wood furniture mainly from Indonesia and Italy. Lawrence Home Fashions will be showing their complete line of accessories and linens.
Design Workshop, which designs and manufactures about 75 percent of their home furnishing and accessories in North Carolina. And, Clayton Oxford Designs and Carolina Custom Leather along with several exhibitors that offer childrens furnishings such as Southeastern Kids and Berg Furniture.
By slone
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