Archive for July 23rd, 2007
By LAURA SHAINE CUNNINGHAM
I’VE always admired rustic furniture; many years ago, walking in the woods behind my house, I stepped into a clearing where the boulders and tree stumps seemed set by design in a charmed seating arrangement.
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“This is prettier than my living room,” I thought. Why couldn’t my living room look more like the woods? And why couldn’t my own backyard appear as artfully arranged?
I began collecting outdoor chairs and benches made from willow and other twigs. I wanted to do even more to decorate au naturel, to bring the outdoors in and vice versa. As I looked around my overrun and stone-strewn property, it started to seem like a fresh-air furniture mart. Those tree limbs would make beautiful table legs, stumps could become seats…
Last winter, I lugged the outdoor twig furniture indoors, set it all on a white rug, and had white birch side tables built, with gray stone tops. The Robinson Crusoe in me rose to the surface, showing new scavenging and improvisational skills. I gathered slabs of stone, curious-looking branches, yards of vine. The theme indoors was “Winter Woods,” and it was striking, if a tad uncomfortable — no one said twig chairs were cozy.
My most ambitious project, though, was the outdoor stone coffee table.
Eyeing the fallen stone at the border of a defunct wall, I thought, “It’s just the right dimension for an outdoor coffee table.” The size — 4 feet by 3 feet — seemed perfect, but how could I move a large bluestone to its projected location on the other side of my house, by the backyard pool? The distance was equivalent to a city block.
It was out of the question to lift the stone, which I guessed weighed 350 pounds; it was rectangular and would not roll. I touched it, tugged it and studied it, all the while becoming more emotionally involved with its cool gray surface.
I had to have it; it would look perfect beside my swimming pool, surrounded by bent twig chairs. I imagined my guests and I seated at this table, resting frosted glasses on it. “Too cool!” as my 16-year-old daughter would exclaim.
And it was free, I thought, gloating — the best things in life were free, weren’t they? The stone was mine, with no cost other than the sweat equity it would take to relocate it.
“Drag it,” a friend suggested. “Chain it to your car.” My vintage BMW strained along the driveway, the bluestone gouging grass and gravel. At the wheel, I felt harnessed to an object that might have gone into the Great Pyramid of Giza. Perhaps years from now, people would look upon my stone coffee table and wonder how it had been lifted into place — by what magic or feat of engineering?
We may never know exactly how the Egyptians assembled the Great Pyramid, but I can confess my own secret: leverage. Enlisting a helper, I gradually raised the stone with a crowbar, while sliding support stones beneath it. Yes, the table was free, if one doesn’t count the cost of replanting the grass, replenishing the gravel and tuning up the car after the coffee-table heaving.
The stone coffee table remains my triumph. It becomes the living coffee table when I plant lobelia and succulents at its base. In summer, it shelters a profusion of flowers and vinca vine. It is a silly, ecstatic task to “water” the table with a hose on the mist setting.
Fevered by my success in stone, I turned desirous eyes to fallen tree limbs; I fell in love with white birch broken by storms. I began to collect the prettiest limbs and lug them home in my car.
I had concepts and the man to carry them to completion: the improbably named Butch Dubois, a craftsman in wood, the one who made those white birch tables. Topped with glass or slate, they are standouts, inside or on the porch.
I now risk anything to stumble down poison-ivy-covered ravines, to collect the best limbs before they rot in the forest. From wooden limbs, I graduated to my infatuation with wild grapevines.
Officially a nuisance, they have now become a resource. The vines can be twisted into rustic wreaths of the sort that cost as much as $75 at florist and craft shops. My overgrown fences are sagging with a fortune in interior-decoration materials that can be used as mirror frames or beam decorations.
THE prettiest dining room idea I have ever had was wrapping grapevines around the ceiling borders, then inserting twinkle lights, an idea I stole from a rustic restaurant in Bulgaria. The vines are best collected in early fall, but they can also serve indoor-outdoor purposes in summer, while still alive with grape leaves; nothing makes a prettier centerpiece for the table.
I arrange the wild grapevines around my largest platters to frame bunches of (store-bought) grapes and fresh cheese. For one Dionysian dinner on the porch, I twined the vines around all the chair backs and used especially verdant vine as a runner along the center of the table. It was beautiful — while it lasted. There is a wilt factor to this bit of table witchery: you have only three hours before the greenery blanches and droops. I think the expression is “died on the vine.”
Why shop at all, I sometimes think, surveying my fresh-air market for decorative objets d’art and furnishings, where there is no need for plastic in any sense, no trip to the store and, best of all, no wait for delivery. And if an item doesn’t suit, it’s easy to return it — to the great outdoors.
Laura Shaine Cunningham is the author of “Sleeping Arrangements” and “A Place in the Country.”
July 23rd, 2007
WESTFIELD: Members of Girl Scout Troop 358 are collecting new and slightly used linens and bedding to be donated to Furniture Assist.
Furniture Assist is nonprofit group that collects furniture and household items and then distributes them to those in need at no cost. The troop will collect these items and take them to the warehouse to be distributed.
Items must be clean and in good condition. Labeling the size of the bedding will also be helpful. Crib bedding is accepted.
Items may be dropped off at the Westfield Memorial Pool, 713 Cumberland St., or at Karate N Motion, 1006 South Ave. West. For more information on donating to Furniture Assist, e-mail furnitureAssist@westfieldpc.org.
Red Cross chapter
hosts clothing drivePLAINFIELD: The Tri-County Chapter of the American Red Cross is hosting a clothing drive competition. Any school, house of worship, social or community organization that participates will be eligible to win a $500 first prize while helping their local Red Cross.
The chapter is looking for participants who would accept a bin or “drop box” and generate clothing donations in that bin. The owners of the bin that accumulates the most clothing from now up through June 15, 2008, will be awarded a $500 first prize. Second prize will be $250 and third prize will be $100.
The chapter receives a credit for poundage of clothing collected in the bins. These funds go directly toward assisting the members of the community in times of disaster.
The chapter has a special service that manages and maintains the bins with a professional team of uniformed drivers that regularly and frequently monitors and services the bins. Personal cell phone numbers are given so that the chapter may be contacted immediately to ensure that the bins are maintained. If there is a complaint about any clothing pileup or graffiti, it will be cleaned up within 24 hours.
Supporting this program helps the chapter to continue to provide services to the community. The chapter is looking for organizations to allow us to place a clothing donation bin at sites throughout the community. Any party that does accept a bin will be promoted on our Web site and awarded with a certificate as a “Friend of the Red Cross.”
July 23rd, 2007
By: Furniture World Magazine
The Summer and Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association Board of Directors has announced dates for the 2008 and 2009 International Casual Furniture and Accessories Markets, both of which will be held at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.
The 2008 event will be Monday, Sept. 15, through Thursday, Sept. 18.
The 2009 event will be Monday, Sept. 21, through Thursday, Sept. 24.
Dates for future “PreMarkets” will be announced following the 2007 International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market, which is slated Sept. 17-21, in Chicago.
The Summer & Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association is headquartered in High Point, N.C. – the furniture capital of the world – and represents more than 90 leading U.S. manufacturers of summer and casual products. It is a division of the American Home Furnishings Alliance.
July 23rd, 2007
By LATISHA R. GRAY and SCOTT CARROLL
Correction: Saturday’s fire at Tropitone Furniture Company damaged an employee lunchroom and administrative offices in an annex building. The manufacturing plant was not damaged. Business will resume as usual on Monday, company officials said.
MANATEE COUNTY — A Saturday fire destroyed the manufacturing plant of Tropitone Furniture Co., where some 200 local employees produced outdoor furniture known nationally for its stylishness and durability.
The fire at 1305 Commerce Blvd. started about 4 p.m. during a violent thunderstorm. No one was working in the plant at the time; authorities said the fire was likely sparked by lightning. No injuries were reported.
“There are lots of chemicals in the building, so it went up really quickly,” said Manatee County Fire Battalion Chief Rick Blanco.
The roughly 10,000-square-foot building did not have a sprinkler system, but an internal fire alarm alerted emergency officials, Blanco said. About half of the roof in the plant collapsed, he said, adding that a house fire at University Park Country Club — also likely started by lightning — slightly delayed their response.
That fire was extinguished quickly and no one was injured, Blanco said.
Tropitone was founded in 1954 by Bert M. Baker, a former furniture maker and aircraft engineer who had moved to Sarasota to retire. Baker got bored with retirement and bought the Sarasota Redwood Furniture Company. He used his background in furniture and engineering to produce welded aluminum outdoor furniture, and renamed the company Tropitone.
Today, the company is based in Irvine, Calif., employs about 600 people nationally and has annual sales topping $75 million.
Company officials could not be reached for comment Saturday.
Peter Straw, executive director of the Sarasota and Manatee Area Manufacturing Association, said the destruction of the plant would have an economic ripple effect on the local companies Tropitone bought supplies from.
Straw also said that, given the business climate in the area and other states’ aggressive pursuit of manufacturers with tax breaks and other incentives, Tropitone could consider rebuilding elsewhere.
“We have situations that almost force companies to leave the state,” Straw said.
Straw, who said he owns Tropitone patio furniture that is more than 20 years old and is still in good shape, said he is sure the company will bounce back.
“There are lots of other players in that industry, but none with the longevity and history of Tropitone,” Straw said. “The durability of their product speaks to durability of the company.”
The burnt buildings were not the only damage apparently wrought by Saturday’s storm, which moved into the area about 3 p.m.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Ruskin said about 4 inches of rain were dumped in the area.
Sarasota police blocked several streets due to flooding. U.S. 301 near 6th Street flooded and residents in Newtown Estates reported standing water.
Several drivers near the intersections of U.S. 41 and University Parkway and U.S. 41 and Fruitville Road were stranded after their cars stalled.
No injuries were reported.
About 2,000 Florida Power & Light customers in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties reported losing power.
FPL officials said they had outages around the state, but expected the power to be restored locally by Saturday night.
A boater in Whitaker Bayou and another one off of Anna Maria Island called police after they were stranded. Both boaters were safely taken to shore. In one rescue, however, a Sarasota County firefighter slipped and broke his hand.
Officials in Charlotte County said they did not experience many flooding problems, but they did respond to a few lightning strikes. There were no reports of injuries or property damage.
Last modified: July 22. 2007 4:59AM
July 23rd, 2007
By: Furniture World Magazine
The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) and the National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) announced the addition of Chrysanthe Georges, founder of the Georges Marketing Group, a consulting firm that specializes in direct response and marketing to U.S. Hispanics, to their Academy seminar series line-up at the Las Vegas Market.
The Academy series represents WHFA’s higher level education series for home furnishings retailers. Academy sessions at the July 30-August 3, 2007 Market will feature exceptional speakers daily in the Retailer Resource Center (RRC), from 10:00-11:30 a.m. with a specific focus on consumer habits. Georges will speak on Cultural Insights into the Hispanic Consumer in the RRC on Friday, August 3, 2007. This seminar comes as a last-minute replacement for the previously scheduled seminar, The Consumer Power Paradigm.
“Successfully marketing to Hispanics is more than printing Spanish language materials and hiring Spanish-speaking staff. It’s about gaining a true appreciation for the culture. It’s about understanding not only the demographics—size of population, countries of origin, age distribution, multigenerational household dynamics, etc.—but understanding the psychographics as well. It is these psychographics and the many cultural clues that give the Hispanic market its true unique characteristics—characteristics that ultimately must drive marketing strategies,” said Georges.
The Hispanic population in the United States has literally exploded over the last decade creating a highly sought-after audience for retailers and service providers. Georges will discuss the way business is done within the industry as a result of the changing face of the U.S. economy. “With a buying power of $600 billion that is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2008, the U.S. Hispanic market represents one of the most exciting opportunities ever,” said Georges.
A pioneer in marketing to U.S. Hispanics, Georges’ experience spans a range of industries and companies, from Fortune 500’s to developing her own successful advertising agency where she has executed virtually any direct marketing or Hispanic marketing campaign. Georges is an excellent resource for helping retailers directly market to the Hispanic population.
The WHFA is offering an additional 23 seminars during the July Market in Las Vegas at its state-of-the art facilities in the RRC, Building B, 16th Floor, #1630. The free seminars cover a variety of topics, including how to market when the customer is in control, becoming a great coach for your sales team and the inside secrets of charismatic retailers.
For more information on specific seminars, the Academy or the RRC, visit www.WHFA.org or contact Cindi Williams, WHFA Director of Events at (800) 422-3778.
About the WHFA and NHFA: The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) is the largest affiliate of the NHFA, representing more than 1,100 independent home furnishings retailers in more than 2,800 stores in 12 western states.
National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) is the nation’s largest organization devoted specifically to the needs and interests of home furnishings retailers. NHFA’s membership comprises 2800 corporate entities representing 10,000 stores in all 50 states and several foreign countries.
July 23rd, 2007
WELCOMING SMILE — Charlotte Govro welcomes everyone to Furniture Clearing House. The building, located at 607 Rolla St., houses more than 12,000-square feet of quality used furniture, overstocks, scratched and dented items and antiques.
Furniture Clearing House, located at 607 Rolla Street, carries new name-brand pieces that have been discontinued, overstock pieces and scratched and dented items at large discounts off suggested and regular retail, as well as quality used furniture, furniture liquidations and antiques.
You will find unique items like antique baby cribs, medical lift chairs, marble sofa tables and much more.
People may think that Rolla needs another furniture store like it needs another fast-food restaurant, but this one is quite different. And although there are no signs up on the outside of the building yet, have no doubt, they are open for business.
“The exciting thing about Furniture Clearing House,” said employee Charlotte Govro, “is that a large majority of our stock changes daily. It’s a whole new store every time you come in. We also carry Howard wood products, a phenomenal product, and we have Halo Candles in the store.”
Halo candles are stocked in the most-popular scents. Other scents, including custom scents, can be special ordered. Customers may even bring in your own containers to be filled with custom scents which takes about 3-5 days.
The building housing the Furniture Clearing House was once a bowling alley and has served many other purposes since, but has been completely renovated inside to include large, clean restrooms, easily accessible handicapped entrances and ample paved parking for a relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience.
“We love browsers,” Govro said. “Stop in anytime to just look around. But, if you see something that strikes your fancy, don’t put it off too long. Our stock turnover on most items is fairly quick and what you see today, may not be here tomorrow.”
Watch for a more detailed story on Furniture Clearing House in the Progress Edition of the Rolla Daily News, scheduled for July 26. In the meantime, for more information, call 573-364-2588 or stop by Furniture Clearing House at 607 Rolla Street and talk to Charlotte or Dwane.
July 23rd, 2007
Larry Thomas — Furniture Today,
LEXINGTON, Ky. — Specialty bedding producer Tempur-Pedic reported double-digit sales and earnings increases in the second quarter as the company said it continued to add market share and retail floor space.
The company, which is the largest supplier of visco-elastic foam mattresses and pillows, also reported a double-digit increase in unit volume.
“Account productivity is improving and distribution of our products is expanding quickly,” said Thomas Bryant, president and CEO. “Through the first half, we are pleased with our results and see abundant opportunities to continue to gain market share.”
Worldwide sales for the quarter ended June 30 totaled $257.6 million, a 17.7% increase from the same period in 2006. Mattress sales accounted for $179.6 million that total, which represented a 19.8% jump from last year’s second quarter.
U.S. mattress sales jumped 20.8% to $127 million and domestic unit volume rose 17%, the company said.
Bryant said the company’s products were in more than 6,100 stores at the end of the quarter, including about 200 Macy’s locations. That marked Tempur-Pedic’s debut in the department store channel, and he said the product would be in about 400 Macy’s stores by the end of the third quarter.
Net income for the most recent quarter rose 26.1% to $32.9 million or 39 cents per share.
For the first half of 2007, net income rose 18.4% to $62.7 million or 74 cents per share.
First-half sales of $523.7 million were 17% ahead of the first six months of 2006, but the company didn’t provide a breakdown of mattress sales for the six-month period.
Tempur-Pedic also raised its sales and earnings guidance for the year. The company now expects 2007 sales to be $1.065 billion to $1.085 billion, up from previous guidance of $1.04 billion to $1.07 billion.
The company had sales of $945 million in 2006.
Full-year earnings are now projected at $1.63 to $1.66 per share, compared with previous guidance of $1.54 to $1.58 per share. Last year, earnings totaled $1.28 per share.
July 23rd, 2007
— Furniture Today,
Will take 10,000 square feet at August show
TUPELO, Miss. — Broyhill Furniture will show at the Tupelo Furniture Market for the first time next month, taking a 10,000-square-foot space in Building 6, space 6034.
“Tupelo attracts an additional slice of the marketplace that we might not otherwise reach,” said Jeff Cook, president of the importer and manufacturer. “As we reposition our brand for aggressive growth, we want to get in front of as many customers as is possible. Tupelo offers a niche that is attractive to us at this point in time for selling a specific segment of our product line.”
Bill Cleveland, president of the Tupelo Furniture Market, said, “We are thrilled and honored to have a company of Broyhill’s stature become part of our market.” He said he was confident the market “will help Broyhill meet all of its objectives here.”
The summer market runs Aug. 22-26.
July 23rd, 2007
Furniture Today,
Universal’s new line to debut in Wisconsin
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Universal Furniture’s Better Homes and Gardens collection is set to debut in furniture stores across the country, starting with Carson Pirie Scotts location here on July 28.
The collection is a result of a collaborative effort between designers and craftsmen at Universal Furniture and the editors of Better Homes and Gardens, billed as “America’s largest home enthusiast magazine, with a circulation of 7.6 million and a readership of nearly 40 million.”
“Demand for the collection has been overwhelming,” said Randy Chrisley, Universal president and CEO. “Better Home and Gardens delivers trust, appeal and quality — three powerful ingredients that resonate with retailers and consumers alike.”
He said the rollout will be one of the largest in the industry’s history, with hundreds of stores to feature the collection in the coming months.
The signature collection was designed with involvement from the magazine’s editors, who took cues from its readers.
“The collection provides classic, multi-functional and affordable furniture designed to meet the lifestyle needs of the Better Homes and Gardens woman,” Universal said in a release.
Carson Pirie Scott’s kick-off celebration in Green Bay July 28 will include a live radio remote, a book-signing with the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Gayle Goodson Butler, as well as a Better Homes and Gardens “Test Kitchen Taster” sweepstakes.
The event also includes an interactive presentation from Beverly Rivers, founding editor of the magazine’s Creative Collection of 40 newsstand magazines, which will show consumers how to use pieces from the new collection to put together an eclectic room.
It’s one of many planned dealer events across the country featuring the magazine’s editors.
July 23rd, 2007
By DONNA BRAYMER, Business Editor donnab@commpub.com
Staff Photo/Donna Braymer
Mark Mistler is a third generation furniture salesman and opened his own business 12 years ago on Hwy. 7 South just a couple of minutes from downtown Harrison.
Sometimes it seems that the term ‘honest salesman’ is an oxymoron. But that is not the case with local resident and business owner, Mark Mistler.
Sometimes it seems that the term ‘honest salesman’ is an oxymoron. But that is not the case with local resident and business owner, Mark Mistler. He goes out of his way to give customers the best price and deal he can make them. As a little boy, his grandpa sold furniture and he thought that was always neat. “Then my Dad retired, and he joined the furniture business.”
Twenty years ago, Mistler was selling furniture out of his garage, on the side, while working a full time job. “I hated to leave the other job, because I enjoyed being around the people.”
The day came when he decided to buy two acres of property and opened his furniture store. Mistler had two goals. He wanted to own his own business, and wanted an avenue to help people.
“When I started the building it was half the size it is now. Every bank in town turned me down, except for Larry Brandt and First Federal. He was willing to take a chance on me and I’ve never been late on a payment.”
“I’m very thankful for the support of the area. The business has allowed us to have a home and raise two boys.”
Currently in the 12th year of business and 10,000 square feet of space, Mistler’s Oak Furniture sells many items for the home. “We couldn’t make it, on just oak furniture. The oak furniture we sell doesn’t need to be replaced in a few years like other kinds.”
Mistler’s offers living room furniture, sofas, recliners, lift chairs, Toshiba televisions and Oreck vacuums. “The appliance line has grown tremendously every year.”
Electrolux ICON makes premium appliances for homes and restaurants. “We sell a ton of their appliances.”
Even fireworks made the inventory during the Fourth of July holiday. “My goal is to save local people some money, and invite them to church.”
Mistler is very open about his faith and his business. He feels God has blessed his business and he isn’t ashamed to invite people to his Sunday School class at First Baptist. “We teach the young marrieds and our class is just exploding. Being able to do things for the church is another benefit to being self-employed. My goal for our Sunday School class is to help them stay married.”
Mistler has customers come as far as Florida and Arizona and some recently from Atlanta, Ga. and Jackson, Miss. “They’ll either bring a trailer or they pay us to deliver it.”
He is amazed at the response to the heirloom furniture. “Good quality oak furniture is getting harder and harder to find and people know we can save them money on it.”
He mentioned a bedroom set advertised on the Internet for $3,000 and Mistler’s had the same set for $1,200.
“Most of our oak furniture is made by people around here. We can custom make tables, chairs and hutches in the color and type the customer would like.”
Mistler’s Oak Furniture is located just a couple of miles from downtown Harrison at 4388 Hwy. 7 South and the phone number is 870-365-3900.
Staff Photo/Donna Braymer
The high quality oak furniture and great prices at Mistler’s attracts customers from all across the United States.
©Harrison Daily Times 2007
July 23rd, 2007
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