Archive for March, 2010
March 31st, 2010 at 07:00am
Under Furniture News
Furniture Liquidators, an Independence, MO. store closed it’s doors leaving customers in the dark about what happened and whether they’ll get a refund. Customers reported that the Noland Road store was full of furniture last week. But, on Monday as customers arrived to pick up recent purchases, the building was empty.
One customer said that the sign was off when he arrived at the store and there was still furniture inside, but no one was there. When returning on Monday, all of the furniture had been removed. One customer had just paid $2,150 for a new bedroom suit and had drove to the store when it wasn’t delivered as promised.
The business is owned by Craig Price and Brandon Ballard. Price has already been in court many times through the years, mainly for unpaid bills, but also on criminal charges according to court records. The stores attorney reported that all of the customers had paid by credit card and that they could file a dispute with the credit card companies to get a refund.
By MCC
March 30th, 2010 at 10:05pm
Under Furniture News
With all of the cut-backs and layoffs, the furniture industry hasn’t had a lot of good news for quite some time. But, Lane Furniture, a upholstery and case goods importer just announced plans to hire 186 employees for two of the company’s facilities in Lee County, Mississippi.
The new hires will bring the total work force for Lane to 2,051. The company also announced that 85 of those jobs are already in place. The Mississippi Development Authority’s Existing Manufacturers Job Rebate program was utilized to help with the Lane expansion. The Authority is the lead economic and development agency in Mississippi.
Greg Roy, Lane President, said that the company was very pleased to be bringing new jobs back into the area. “”I am very appreciative of the support we have received from state and local officials throughout this process, and I anticipate many more prosperous years of operations in Mississippi.”
By MCC
March 29th, 2010 at 07:00am
Under Furniture News
During February, the mattress industry had an unusual boost in performance with both units and dollars hitting the double digit increases. Bedding units rose by 15.7 percent, while the dollar value of matress shipments increased over 12 percent.
These statistics were reported in the most recent edition of Bedding Barometer that is published by the International Sleep Products Association. The report includes the results from 20 bedding companies that combine to account for 61 percent of the total number of bedding units and 71 percent of the amount of dollars of bedding sold in the United States.
About the only negative factor in these newest bedding figures is the fact that average selling prices fell by just over 3 percent in February. However, the strong boost in February significantly increased the year to date figures. Units are currently running over 8 percent above the total that the industry saw for the first two months and dollars are almost 7 percent ahead.
By MCC
March 28th, 2010 at 07:00am
Under Furniture News
Mark Richmond from The Furniture Warehouse has been honored with the 2010 Distinguished Retailer of the Year award that is given by the Florida Home Furnishings Representatives Association. Since opening in 1985, The Furniture Warehouse has expanded to four locations in Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Venice and Bradenton Florida.
The association will be honoring Richmond this year at an industry event, but the date nor location has been set. The award is recognition for outstanding contributions to the industry through management expertise, hard work, skills and loyalty. It is only awarded when the association believes that a retailer has made a significant enhancement or influenced the industry and has only been awarded 10 times since 1981.
“Mark Richmond changed his business model so his business could excel through the downturn in the economy,” said Eddie Gonzalez, FHFRA president. Richmond said that the company is very proud to receive the award. He stated that through the downturn in the industry, they focused on the company mission of providing customers with the best values.
By MCC
March 22nd, 2010 at 07:00am
Under Medical Furniture
If you run a medical facility you probably need more than an ordinary computer rack can provide. That’s where LAN racks can be a valuable addition. LAN racks are available in various sizes from 30 inches up to 72 inches. So, no matter what your needs are, there’s a size that is perfect for you.
LAN racks allow you to make use of multiple computers in the minimal amount of space. The LAN racks from VersaTables are made of 14 gauge American steel so you can rest assured that they can stand up to the weight and provide years of use. Each rack has four platforms, which allow you to have extra space for files, folders, a printer or any other equipment that you use.
They are also equipped with high quality locking casters that will glide smoothly. Wheels provide you with the versatility that you need to move the unit anywhere. Unlike some racks that are stable, you won’t need to move all of your equipment if you need to place the rack in a different location.
The unit even includes a cable management kit so that you can keep all the cables neat and tidy. It’s shipped free and comes with a lifetime warranty. The steel frame is available in either black or gray. And, the laminated surface is available in your choice of black, gray, maple or cherry.
By MCC
March 18th, 2010 at 07:00am
Under Furniture News
Over the past two decades, larger furnishings have been slowly creeping into the market. With home sizes and obesity rates rising, they have been very popular with consumers. And, this increasing popularity has encouraged manufacturers to create even more larger furniture pieces.
Some companies have chosen to be subtle about the marketing techniques for these larger products. Weir’s Furniture store advertises “chairs for two” and the “big boy” chair for their customers. But, there are other companies that aren’t masking their marketing strategies.
Some of those companies such as BrylaneHome and Casual XL advertise plus sized furniture for consumers that might have some trouble finding a suitable sofa or chair. And, many companies even boast about how much weight their products can hold.
However, super sized furnishings aren’t just for consumers that are overweight. The return of larger homes has created the need and desire for larger furnishings. And, the products are great for anyone that just wants cozier seating.
By MCC
March 16th, 2010 at 07:00am
Under Furniture News
Southerland, an independent bedding producer has announced plans to sell the company to it’s employees. The sale will go through an Employee Stock Ownership plan that will be led by a new executive team. While the terms of the pending sell weren’t disclosed, the deal is expected to be closed by the end of this month. At which time the employees will own 100 percent of the company.
The company’s new management team includes two co-presidents, Steve Russo and David Corbin and Bryan Smith the current company president. Once the new leadership structure is in place, Smith will be the company’s executive vice president and the chief financial officer. Smith has been with Southerland for 12 years and has over 20 years of experience in managerial accounting.
The new management team will bring strong marketing disciplines to the company and instill a consumer focused approach to the development of products. Plans also include utilizing lean manufacturing practices, strategic sourcing, a diversified brand portfolio and employing consumer panels to test new products.
Corbin said that one of the keys to the success of the company will be the employee owners. Studies have shown that companies that are owned by the employees have a significant advantage over companies that are traditionally owned in sales per employee. The new structure will result in additional incentives such as an exceptional retirement plan and tax efficiencies.
By MCC
March 14th, 2010 at 07:00am
Under Furniture News
Sealy will soon begin construction on the company’s first bedding factory located in China. The move into China is part of an aggressive brand expansion in China and it’s estimated that the company will begin production of the sleep sets at the new factory later this year.
The manufacturing facility will be located outside Shanghai and was brought into effect by a review that showed an increasing demand for Sealy products in the area. This new expansion is a part of the company’s strategy to expand the brand internationally.
Since early in 2009, Sealy China has had retail outlets in operation and has been distributing Sealy products. The new facility is the culmination of the success that has arisen between retailer relationships and partnerships. It also reinforces the company’s early retail success in the Chinese market.
By MCC
March 12th, 2010 at 07:00am
Under Furniture News
The American Furniture Hall of Fame has joined with FurnitureDealer.net to redesign the furniturehalloffame.com website. Officials from the Hall of Fame said that the new website is just the first phase of a plan to preserve the furniture industry’s history for many future generations. And, to make that history easily accessible and interesting.
For years, the website has been provided by and hosted by the Furniture World magazine. This new website will be the first independent site of the organization. Not only does the new website have a whole new look, it also contains lots more detailed content on the furniture industry.
The website features biographies of the Hall of Fame’s 81 members and a gallery of photos of the organizations banquet guests that are available for download. There is also vintage photographs from the furniture industry and information about membership with the foundation. There is also a detailed description of the process of nominating someone and details of the induction banquet and much more.
“Our vision is to make this site a one-stop resource for historical information on the furniture industry, to provide a registry of historical works and to offer hard-to-find information in collaboration with other industry organizations and universities,” Belgrad said. “Ultimately, phase two will expand the width and depth of the site by telling the stories of the people who have made this industry what it is today while looking towards the future.”
By MCC
March 10th, 2010 at 07:31pm
Under Furniture News
Vineyard Furniture, a domestic upholstery producer and case goods importer will be returning to this springs High Point Market in space 209 at Center Point. The company last showed at the market in October of 2008 and had left due to the markets declining attendance and the slumping economic market.
In a press release the company stated that some key retailers have expressed the desire to see Vineyard return to the market and exhibit it’s products. Along with several new domestic upholstery frames, the company’s case goods division will be showing new formal dining room and occasional sets, five new bedroom groupings and some of their best sellers.
By MCC
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