Archive for March, 2007
Furniture Today
AT THE MARKET — Help1Up, the industry charitable effort through the National Furniture Banks Assn.,
today honored three organizations that have helped the organization’s efforts to provide the needy with furniture, mainly used items.
Rooms To Go was named Retailer of the Year, Kathy Ireland Worldwide was named Supplier of the Year, and Ed Massood of MGM Transport was saluted as Helping Hero of the Year.
Supporters of the NFBA honored the three at a breakfast here this morning.
Rooms To Go has given millions of dollars worth of furniture through the NFBA, and trucked it free to local furniture banks. The Top 100 chainalso had its commercial spokesperson, Cindy Crawford, film a public service announcement at the furniture bank in New Orleans, requesting all Americans support the NFBA and their local furniture bank.
Rooms To Go also pledged to donate 10% of the company’s New Orleans-area sales on March 17 to the NFBA.
Kathy Ireland, whose company Kathy Ireland Worldwide designs and licenses many home products, has volunteered as Help1Up Ambassador to serve as a spokesperson for the organization. At her request, every Kathy Ireland Worldwide licensee became a sponsor of the NFBA.
Massood’s company has devoted manpower and thousands of square feet in its North Carolina distribution center to collecting furniture from exhibitor showrooms at High Point Market, including all labor. MGM Transport then ships the donations to furniture banks across the country.
March 30th, 2007
Thomas Russell — Furniture Today,
AT THE MARKET — Metal bed vendors here are
using a mix of styles and new finishes to raise the profile of the category this market. So far, the effort appears to be paying off.
Design leader Wesley Allen is showing 11 new models in a host of styles and price points from $549 to $1,199.
The $549 Sunset is an Asian-inspired contemporary style bed with the Chinese character for the sun figured into the head and footboard. At the high end is the $1,199 Windsor bed, a traditional style with updated features such as angled square tubing and British Colonial style castings and finials.
The one getting the best reaction from retailers here is Harmony, a $799 French-style bed with fleur-de-lis shaped castings.
“It’s easy to understand, and they see it for $800 from Wesley Allen and know it’s a good product and a good value,” said President Victor Sawan.
Traffic has been light at the showroom, Sawan said, but not as bad as he expected. With so many new styles, he said the company is prepared for buyers even if the retail environment is sluggish.
“You have to put your best foot forward,” he said.
Hooker Furniture has five new metal beds, including one in its Glenhill case goods collection. Priced from $799 to $899 retail, the updated traditional style bed has an antique bronze finish with gold highlights. Dealers had strong reaction to the bed, particularly since its design and finish tie in well with Hooker’s case goods, officials said.
The other four models are traditional to transitional styles, priced between $799 and $999 retail. Among the most popular of these is an antique nostalgia bed in a creamy almond finish with a matching nightstand and bench. Design elements, including the finish and turned castings, match well with elements on the bench and the nightstand.
The new offerings are in addition to 12 existing models in the line, said Kenneth Williams, company vice president of merchandising.
“It gives us such an opportunity, since we are a category-based company, to bring things together,” Williams said of the metal beds. “They (buyers) are looking for options to regular bedroom since people want to put them permanently into their rooms.”
Fashion Bed Group isn’t introducing new metal beds this market, instead focusing on items it launched in Las Vegas in January. These include four models priced from $399 to $599 retail in a range of styles. The antique reproduction Langley bed in a copper penny finish is at $499 retail, and the transitional Granville is a $399 bed in a platinum frost finish.
Reaction on the beds has been strong thus far, particularly for dealers who hadn’t seen them in Las Vegas, said Vicki Fil, company director of product development.
Powell Co., another prominent player in the metal beds market, isn’t showing any new adult models this market. However, it does have two new youth beds, both of which are drawing strong reaction from retailers, according to Sean Slack, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing.
They include Princess Emily, a $399 bed in a white finish with pink undertones. Design elements include crown-shaped finials on the canopy and headboard. The bed also has four stationary carriage-type wheels.
Powell’s other hot youth bed is the $249 Princess Rebecca, available in a soft silver finish. It too features crown-shaped finials on the canopy and headboard.
March 30th, 2007
Jeff Linville — Furniture Today,
AT THE MARKET — Hot looks in fashion and design inspired furnishings in a new Drexel Heritage
collection from designers Jude Scarboro and Jennifer Kates.
The mother-daughter team first developed Postobello Home for Drexel Heritage two years ago. The new Postobello Couture gives traditional designs a more modern feel.
In the fashion world, couture means hip and new but also means expensive, said Scarboro. She says this collection is fresh but without the outrageous price tag — her motto is “class for the mass.”
“We feel very fortunate to be working with such talents,” said Lenwood Rich, Drexel president. “Together, we’ve created a collection for the upscale consumer who appreciates tradition but wants it within a contemporary context.”
The group is defined by contrasts: dark wood finishes against light upholstery and masculine lines against feminine details. A familiar Queen Anne chair stands near a silver tray table with dark bamboo-influenced legs.
When looking for inspiration, Scarboro told her daughter to stay away from antique shops or furniture galleries because she didn’t want to blur their own creative vision. Instead, they went shopping for clothing, apparel and accessories.
With that inspiration, the two created sketches and showed them to Drexel staffers Denise Alala, director of upholstery design, and Mike Black, senior vice president of design.
Black said the pair brought in belt buckles that could be adapted into drawer handles and an evening jacket that inspired the design of a sofa pillow. He laughed at Scarboro and Alala for bringing Prada handbags to show their use of mixed media, but refusing to let go of them so the in-house designers could study them.
While it’s fun to draw upon fashion, Scarboro said the line was designed not to be trendy, so consumers could enjoy the furniture for years to come.
Case goods use mahogany, ebony and walnut burl with hardware in an antiqued silver finish. Several rough-hewn occasional tables provide a textured feel.
“I have always been responsive to the sense of touch,” said Scarboro.
Sofas and chairs, inspired by European designs, are dressed primarily in linens, where the neutral color scheme is sharpened with contrasts of soft leathers and faux skins. Noticeably missing are patterned fabrics.
“Flowers should be in vases, not on sofas,” said Scarboro.
Fashion designers like to use their initials or a logo to define their work, she said. She wanted to take a similar approach with an insignia that could carry over to multiple pieces in Couture. It shows up as the back of the dining chair and as embroidery on an upholstered headboard, and is embossed on the inside back of a leather chair.
Scarboro and Kates have a small custom-order business, making one-of-a-kind wood and upholstered pieces for clients.After making custom pieces for 13 years, Scarboro said she can understand all the steps that a piece must take to go from an idea to a sketch to a CAD drawing to a prototype.
Kates said she has a mirror in her home that she designed with a thick wooden frame. While she loved the look, she knew it would be too expensive to make in her own shop. However, with Drexel’s capabilities, that mirror has been incorporated in the collection.
In addition to Postobello Couture, the company is introducing a small group here in its Lillian August line. The occasional includes a Brooke bombé chest, Stamford secretary, Brydon console and Barrett faux bamboo chest.
“In upholstery, there’s a new, boxy masculinity that recalls the ’40s and ’50s,” said designer August. “This can be seen in deeper seats, shorter and sturdier legs, lower silhouettes and the emphasis on leather covers.”
She added that she sees new interest in matching sets rather than sectional sofas.
Pieces include Milano, a sofa, loveseat, chair and ottoman group; Brewster armchair and matching ottoman; and Hyde Park, a sofa and matching loveseat.
March 30th, 2007
Thomas Russell — Furniture Today,
AT THE MARKET — The Sustainable Furniture
Council brought its message to High Point with a party and presentation.
SFC Chairman Gerry Cooklin, also president of Chilean manufacturer South Cone, spoke at the gathering in his company’s showroom here. For several years, Cooklin has pushed for the formation of a group that makes and markets sustainable, or environmentally friendly, furniture products.
South Cone uses sustainable materials in about 40% of its product mix and is aiming for 100% eventually, he said. Sustainable hardwoods include, but are not limited to, timber grown in managed forests that replace each tree that is cut down.
“We are the ones that add so much value to that resource,” he said. “If we learn to harvest it sustainably, there will be enough resources for everyone.”
Higher-end companies like his have a unique opportunity to market sustainable products, he added.
“If we sell to the higher-end customer, as South Cone does, we have the ear of the people who are the movers and shakers of this world,” said Cooklin.
He noted the widespread concern over global warming caused by human activities, particularly the destruction of rainforests.
Cooklin urged people in the industry to join the SFC, which now has about 40 members.
He said that individuals and companies that don’t know how to make a difference on their own can make a difference as part of a growing coalition.
“There is a point at which we reach a critical mass,” he said, noting the effort will also involve educating consumers. “We’ve got to change how we do things. It’s going to take a while.”
March 30th, 2007
Becky Boswell Smith — Home Accents Today,
Also opens large showroom on fourth floor
Accessories vendor Interlude Home will take over the former Pacific Rim showroom, beginning at the October market. The addition of that square footage will give Interlude Home 33,000 square feet of showroom space, making the company the largest accessories exhibitor in the International Home Furnishings Center.
Interlude Home already occupies the showroom across the main corridor from the former Pacific Rim showroom in the IHFC’s Main wing. The company will move its Signature, Lodge and Beach Collections to M108 and close its downstairs showroom (M002), which housed Beach and Studio.
Also at this market, Interlude opened a new 13,000-sq.-ft. showroom of Lodge, Traditions and Counterpoint in IHFC Green 482.
Pacific Rim, a Seattle-based accessories company, went into court-ordered receivership in February and its assets are being sold.
March 30th, 2007
AT THE MARKET — Broyhill Furniture Inds. has hired retired Havertys executive Fred Bates as its
“eyes and ears” to visit retailers and help develop compelling product, the company said here Wednesday.
Bates worked for Atlanta-based Havertys for 47 years and retired as vice president and regional manager, also serving on the Top 100 company’s board for 26 years.
Broyhill said his hiring is part of a new initiative designed to bring greater focus to all of its product categories through feedback from retailers and consumers.
“Broyhill is the most recognized brand in America, but our product needs a little polishing,” said Jeff Cook, who joined the company as president just before market. “Product is our No. 1 focus. We are going to add momentum to the power of the Broyhill brand through the product, as opposed to just polishing the brand.”
Bates will visit retailers coast to coast and will work with the Broyhill product development team.
“My focus will be to identify what consumers in the middle market are looking for today,” Bates said. “It’s a different breed in the marketplace and we are going to pay close attention to their needs and wants.”
Cook said the move is “the first of many steps to help us return Broyhill to dominance in each and every product category.”
March 30th, 2007
Thomas Russell — Furniture Today,
AT THE MARKET — Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of
presidential hopeful John Edwards, appeared at the P.A.M.A. Furniture showroom here Wednesday to sign books and raise money for cancer outreach and awareness.
Edwards, who overcame a bout with breast cancer, has been in the national news because she has had a recurrence of the disease.
A longtime customer of P.A.M.A., Edwards spoke to a standing-room-only crowd in the company’s Market Square showroom about her book, “Saving Graces.” The book and her talk focused on the importance of family and community in her struggles with cancer.
She used a tapestry to describe the support she has received from family, friends and the community. She said she will be able to endure the struggle that lies ahead thanks to the efforts of doctors and the love and support of family, but also “because of the people who reach out along the way.”
“You are a ribbon in my tapestry,” she said. “You make it easier for me.”
Before her talk, she received a pink ribbon bag from a cancer support committee of High Point Regional Hospital. After the talk, she signed books, including those on sale at the event. A portion of the proceeds from those sales will go to a local cancer outreach group called “The Pink Ribbon.”
“I just love her tenacity and strength,” said Lucinda McDonald of Smith Flooring in Kernersville, N.C., who has had breast cancer scares. “She is just so brave. They (the Edwards family) represent the all-American family. I am so inspired by her. I think she is going to be a great First Lady.”
“I support her because I have several friends that have gone through cancer,” said Karen Emold, visiting from Milwaukee, Wis., with her husband, a sales rep for several furniture companies. “I just think she is inspiring. She is supportive and caring. … She’s a special lady.”
A silent auction on two P.A.M.A. chairs also will be held through 4 p.m. Saturday. All proceeds will go to the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. P.A.M.A.’s showroom is in space 217 of Market Square.
March 30th, 2007
Furniture Today,
AT THE MARKET — Several hundred guests turned out at the Universal showroom here for a
presentation of the company’s Better Homes and Gardens furniture line, created in conjunction with the country’s largest home enthusiast magazine.
“We at Universal Furniture know that Better Homes and Gardens delivers trust, appeal and quality — three powerful ingredients that will resonate with retailers and consumers alike,” said Randy Chrisley, president and CEO of Universal. “We are proud to help usher in this new area of branded furniture.”
After the official ribbon-cutting for the event, guests were invited to tour the 13,000 square feet of showroom showcasing all three categories of the new furniture line in lifestyle settings. The collection includes Cottage View, with florals and pastels; Classics Today, described as “today’s traditional;” and Modern Outlook, a contemporary look.
The domestically made upholstery from the company’s new Craftmaster division was designed in collaboration with the magazine’s editors, who contributed ideas for the entire collection based on cues from the magazine’s 38 million monthly readers.
“Our readers, who are passionate home enthusiasts, will appreciate the quality, style and value of the pieces in this versatile collection,” said Editor-in-Chief Gayle Goodson Butler. “They would expect nothing less from a furniture line bearing the Better Homes and Garden brand. We are proud to put our name on this new line from Universal,” she said.
Twenty-three pieces will be available at retail in time for the fall selling season with the rest available at the first of the year.
March 30th, 2007
Furniture Today,
Lexington unveils two collections under Trump Home brand
HIGH POINT — With victories in arenas ranging from real estate to reality television, Donald Trump has successfully attached his name to a host of consumer goods, including apparel, bottled water, books, vodka, rugs and fine timepieces.
Now he has set his sights on furniture. During this week’s High Point Market, Lexington Home Brands is unveiling two collections under the Trump Home brand.
To shed some light on his first foray into furniture, Trump answered some questions from Ray Allegrezza, Furniture|Today’s editor-in-chief. Ray also did a followup video interview with Trump. Click here to see it.
Did Lexington approach you or was it the other way around? How did the agreement come to be?
“Several companies approached us and we decided to partner with Lexington Home Brands. I’ve spent 30 years building the Trump name into one of the most recognized brands in the world. Soon after the launching of my first retail branded product, the Trump name ranked among the top five ‘human brands’ in apparel. That led me to explore other licensing opportunities.
“The home is a natural progression for the Trump brand because I have been so successful with real estate developments all around the world, as well as the restoration of some beautiful historic properties. When I determined that we would develop a Trump Home brand, there were only a few companies in the furniture industry that I felt could live up to the Trump level of craftsmanship and quality. Lexington Home Brands is the perfect partner for this collection of furniture because the company has a long history of providing unbelievably beautiful furniture to an upscale consumer.
“We’ve spent about a year crafting the Trump Home line into the exquisite furniture you’ll see at this High Point Market.”
Obviously, both The Trump Organization and Lexington Home Brands think this collection makes sense (and hopefully lots and lots of dollars). Why?
“This collection is filling a void by providing affordable luxury to an aspirational consumer. Both the Trump brand and the Lexington Home Brands name convey success and quality to consumers, giving them confidence in the furniture itself. There’s a growing segment of the population that believes looking good and making a good impression are both integral parts of success. People want to be surrounded by the lifestyle they aspire to. Trump Home will be that inspiration for many people. People want to feel that they have achieved success and status. This collection allows consumers to live richly without spending a fortune.”
With all of your other products — including men’s suits, leather goods, travel, books, fragrances and golf clubs — why furniture?
“I believe it’s a natural progression from my successful properties around the world. I have lived in and visited some of the most amazing and exclusive homes and I have been very involved in the selection of furnishings for Trump National Golf Clubs, Trump Tower, Mar-a-Lago and many other internationally known properties. I also know that there are many consumers out there who are looking for that luxury and status that Trump is known for and that my other licensed products represent. Now they can have the same upscale look and world-class quality in their homes with the Trump Home collection.”
What can you tell us about the line?
“There are two collections under the Trump Home brand. Both of them offer stunning furniture designs for the bedroom, dining, home entertainment, home office, as well as occasional items that can work in any room.
“Westchester is the more upscale of the two and is inspired by some of the mansions and historic properties I’ve owned. That group has an English manor style to it, with burled woods, brocades and an estate feel.
“The Central Park collection is more of a metropolitan modern look. That group has a clean contemporary style that would fit with any of my penthouse apartments. The furniture has walnut and rosewood finishes and an elegant clean look.
“The entire Trump Home collection is going to be hugely successful because of the luxury looks that can be created for such an affordable price. They are beautiful!”
In terms of consumer segments, who is the target audience for the furniture?
“Trump Home is aimed at men and women, ages 25 to 50. It’s designed for a consumer that wants a luxury lifestyle with a touch of flair at an affordable price.”
Is it likely that any of the new Trump furniture will find a home with Trump properties?
“Absolutely! We have ideas that we will explore with Lexington Home Brands as we move forward. There are obviously many areas where joint projects make a lot of sense.”
Does the furniture launch indicate interest in adding related home furnishing categories down the line?
“We’ve already signed several more licensing agreements for Trump Home. Miresco Decorative Rugs is introducing a line of Trump branded floor fashion at the High Point Market. Elk Lighting will showcase a beautiful line of lighting at the June lighting show in Dallas. Room decor and accessories will also launch at the October gift market in Atlanta. We plan to explore other home categories that we think will be a good fit with the Trump Home brand name.”
What is your perception of the home furnishings industry (compared to say, consumer electronics or the automotive industry)?
“The home furnishings industry has had its ups and downs, like a lot of other industries. I wouldn’t be investing in it now, however, if I didn’t think Trump Home was a fantastic idea that has a strong future ahead of it. Unlike your examples of consumer electronics or the auto industry, the furniture industry has sometimes missed the opportunity to create that ‘want’ in a consumer’s mind for a product. That is where I think Trump Home can be different. With its strong offering of affordable luxury and great quality, this is a furniture line that consumers are definitely going to want.”
March 30th, 2007
Joan Gunin — Furniture Today,
AT THE MARKET — If you can’t live like a queen, your furniture can still have that royal touch, thanks to Paul Burrell.
With nearly 21 years of service to the British royal family, Burrell has worked at plenty of posh addresses. He was senior footman to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace; personal butler to both Charles and Diana at Highgrove; and, after their divorce, served another five years with the Princess of Wales at Kensington Palace until her death in 1997.
Burrell brings it all together this market in the latest furniture collection from Century’s Highland House, called Royal Manner: The English Country House, inspired by Paul Burrell.
“This is a natural evolution for me,” Burrell said of the line. “It is a modern twist with style for today, offering affordable elegance.”
The 60-piece assortment of living room, dining room, bedroom and occasional pieces is infused with the flavor of relaxed English country living. A muted palette of apricots, greens and blues mimic the colors of heather, while English gardens are reflected in bright splashes of color, he said.
Typical of any Highland House European-inspired collection, this one features a pleasant back story, with Burrell serving as ambassador for the line. Burrell, who splits his time between the United States and the United Kingdom, said he will appear at retail rollouts.
Royal Manner draws its design elements from a tour of the British countryside. Burrell accompanied Highland House President Tom Staats and Ron Curlee, visual merchandising manager, to such bucolic estates as Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Warwick Castle and others.
A highlight of the collection, Burrell said, is the Kensington bed. With simple, flowing lines reminiscent of the work of 18th century Georgian architect Robert Adams, the iron grating resembles the gates of Kensington Palace, home to Diana, as well as Burrell and his own family, for five years.
The bed “brings together all of the elements of the collection” in terms of design, he said.
The molds used to make the bed design were cast in wood by hand, Staats said. It retails for $2,000.
Another Burrell favorite is the Prince Regent dining table. It’s offered in a choice of finishes, either in hand-painted chinoiserie style or in English mahogany with olive ash burl marquetry.
“This is a unique piece due to the pairing of styles,” Burrell said, referring to Chinese Chippendale and Georgian.
The collection also pays tribute to Burrell’s family and friends. A series of upholstered accent chairs are named for his wife and sons (Cosgrove, Alexander and Nicholas). A generously proportioned chair, dressed in an English country floral print, is named for his late mother, Beryl, who Burrell could picture sitting there with her knitting.
Yet another chair, adorned in a novelty print of blue porcelain and enhanced with throne-like arms in an antique finish, is called the Elizabeth for its “regal nature.”
Several household trays have sprung legs and gained new life as cocktail tables, including the Cyril on splayed legs, named for a Burrell mentor.
A side table topper captures the pomp of medieval knightly tunics with crenellations and dangling metal tassels.
All of the furnishings, of course, are a far cry from Burrell’s meager upbringing. The son of a coal miner, he grew up in a house without indoor plumbing in Derbyshire.
He compares his tenure at Buckingham Palace, waiting on the queen and often grooming her nine Corgis, to “working at a large hotel with a famous landlady.”
He said Helen Mirren’s Oscar-winning film portrayal in “The Queen” was “spot-on” accurate, down to the bows and curtsies.
Burrell’s other licensing arrangements include china, crystal, flatware, rugs and wines, as well as a selection of teas and jams.
Century/Highland House is showing at Market Square, space 414.
March 30th, 2007
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