Archive for August 16th, 2007
A warranty is supposed to keep your prized possessions in good shape. You are promised the company will fix or replace a damaged item.
That’s what one family thought they were buying. Unfortunately, their furniture warranty turned out to be not quite what they thought. So they contacted the I-Team for a little help.
The I-Team typically doesn’t handle consumer disputes like this, but when we did a quick check on a company called Stainsafe, we understood why the consumers called for help.
The I-Team found that over the last three years more than 2,200 people nationwide complained to the Better Business Bureau about Stainsafe. Just last year the Florida attorney general investigated Stainsafe for “unfair and deceptive trade practices.”
Stainsafe sells its furniture warranties here in Nevada, too.
John and Gina Giovenco never planned on dumping their $4,100 suede couch in their garage, but that’s where it’s been for more than a month.
John Giovenco said, ”It just got to the point where we couldn’t keep it in our house because it stunk and nobody was taking care of it.”
One of their children had vomited on the couch. The Giovenco’s didn’t panic because they had a warranty.
They specifically told the I-Team it covers any stain that can not be taken out. They bought the warranty and the couch at Walker Furniture two years ago.
Gina Giovenco explained, “I thought buying from a company like that — that is very well known here — that they would totally take care of us and no matter what happened we would be covered. And so I figured get this warranty. We would be okay.”
Their receipt says they paid more than $200 for the Walker seven-year diamond plus warranty. But it isn’t Walker Furniture’s warranty. It’s a warranty controlled by a company called Stainsafe.
Stainsafe is a Florida-based company that is contracted with more than 175 furniture companies across the country.
When the Giovenco’s called Stainsafe, they were told a technician would come examine their vomit stained couch in five days. Fourteen days later someone finally showed up. The result was a denial letter that puzzled the family.
The first line states: “It was determined that these issues have been occurring for an extended period of time. It has been determined that you now have an accumulation.”
But then the second paragraph reads: “The damage or stains reported to Stainsafe has been determined as non-visible…”
According to the letter, the technician couldn’t see the stains he reported as having accumulated on the couch.
John Giovenco continued, “They basically told us there’s nothing they could do because there’s no visible stains but you can see the stains are still there.”
The Giovenco’s disputed the denial but say they got no response from Stainsafe.
So, the I-Team called Stainsafe. After 30 minutes on hold, we hung up and called back. This time it only took seven-and-a-half minutes on hold before the call was dumped to voicemail.
The I-Team then went into Walker Furniture. The Giovenco’s had complained to them as well.
Off camera, the I-Team was told Walker Furniture is contracted with Stainsafe. They say they don’t want to work with a company that’s not reputable and will look into the numerous complaints against the company.
Walker Furniture doesn’t monitor Stainsafe’s warranty plan, nor do they keep track of the number or type of complains they get from local customers. But when a customer contacts them for help, Walker does contact Stainsafe on the customer’s behalf.
Walker Furniture promised to look into the Giovenco’s case.
Stainsafe contacted the I-Team a few hours after the voicemail call and they promised to work with Walker Furniture to resolve the issue.
Both of these companies kept their word.
Stainsafe re-examined the case and discovered conflicting information about how the vomit was initially cleaned up, what the technician actually saw, and what was initially called in.
Now, both Stainsafe and Walker Furniture have agreed to send the Giovenco’s a check for $4,000 to cover the cost of the couch.
The I-Team learned a Florida-based investment firm took control of Stainsafe about two months ago. A representative said they have already started making major changes in customer service.
If you are having trouble with reporting a claim with Stainsafe, call the furniture store where you purchased the warranty or contact the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida.
You can also call 8 On Your Side at (702) 650-1908.
E-mail your comments to Investigative Reporter Adrienne Augustus.
August 16th, 2007
WASHINGTON, A mysterious epidemic of thyroid disease among pet cats in the United States may be linked to exposure to dust shed from flame retardants in household carpeting, furniture, fabrics and pet food, scientists are reporting in a study scheduled for publication the Aug. 15 online issue of Environmental Science & Technology, a semi-monthly journal from the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society.
Janice A. Dye, DVM, Ph.D., at the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency in Research Triangle Park, N.C., and colleagues from there as well as Indiana University and the University of Georgia, report evidence linking the disease to exposure to environmental contaminants called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which the researchers found to be elevated in blood samples of hyperthyroid cats. Their findings were based on analysis of blood samples from 23 pet cats, 11 of which had the disease, termed feline hyperthyroidism (FH). PBDE levels in the hyperthyroid cats were three times as high as those in younger, non-hyperthyroid cats.
Concerns about the possible health effects of PDBEs arose in the late 1990s, and studies have reported that PDBEs cause liver and nerve toxicity in animals. FH is one of the most common and deadly diseases in older cats, and indoor pets are thought to be most at-risk. For starters, cats ingest large amounts of PBDE-laden house dust that the researchers believe comes from consumer household products.
Dye, a toxicologist, began by hypothesizing that prolonged contact with certain polyurethane foams and components of carpet padding, furniture and mattresses would pose the greatest hazard for developing FH. In addition, the researchers suspected that diet might be another risk factor for developing FH. To see if a link existed, they analyzed PBDE content in several cat food brands.
Their analysis found that PBDE content of canned fish/seafood flavors, such as salmon and whitefish, was higher than dry or non-seafood canned items. Based on the analysis, they estimate that diets based on canned food could have PBDE levels 12 times as high as dry-food diets. The researchers indicate that pet cats might be receiving as much as 100 times greater dietary PBDE exposure than American adults.
With their meticulous grooming behavior, cats may ingest large amounts of dust that collect on their fur. “Our results showed that cats are being consistently exposed to PBDEs,” Dye said. “Because they are endocrine-disrupting agents, cats may well be at increased risk for developing thyroid effects.”
The danger of contracting feline hyperthyroidism might be greater in America, where people have the highest reported PBDE levels worldwide, the study said. Also, by the late 1990s, North America accounted for almost half of the global demand for PBDEs from commercial materials like furniture or upholstery, the report added.
The epidemic of hyperthyroidism in cats began almost 30 years ago, at the same time when PBDEs were introduced into household materials as a fire-prevention measure. Although the disease was first discovered in the U.S., it has since been diagnosed in Canada, Australia, Japan and many parts of Europe. Hyperthyroid disorders have also increased in humans—former President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush have the disorder, and even Millie, their Springer Spaniel, had contracted it.
Symptoms of the syndrome in cats include weight loss, an increase in appetite, hair loss and irritability. Cats and humans are the only mammals with high incidences of hyperthyroidism, Dye said. The study concludes that hyperthyroid cats could serve as modern-day versions of the canaries in the cage that alerted coal miners to poisonous gas.
“While the link between hyperthyroidism in cats and their elevated PBDE levels requires additional confirmation, it is clear that house cats may be able to serve as sentinels for indoor exposure to PBDEs for humans who share their houses,” said Linda S. Birnbaum, Ph.D., a co-author of the study. No link between human hyperthyrodism and PBDE exposure has been established, Birnbaum noted, adding that some ongoing studies do suggest such a connection. Although several states have banned use of certain PBDEs in commercial products, there are no regulations limiting PBDE content in foods, according to Birnbaum.
###
The American Chemical Society–the world’s largest scientific society–is a non-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.
August 16th, 2007
Science Daily — A mysterious epidemic of thyroid disease among pet cats in the United States may be linked to exposure to dust shed from flame retardants in household carpeting, furniture, fabrics and pet food, scientists are reporting in a new study.
Cats ingest large amounts of PBDE-laden house dust that the researchers believe comes from consumer household products. (Credit: iStockphoto/Kristian Sekulic)
Janice A. Dye, DVM, Ph.D., at the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency in Research Triangle Park, N.C., and colleagues from there as well as Indiana University and the University of Georgia, report evidence linking the disease to exposure to environmental contaminants called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which the researchers found to be elevated in blood samples of hyperthyroid cats. Their findings were based on analysis of blood samples from 23 pet cats, 11 of which had the disease, termed feline hyperthyroidism (FH). PBDE levels in the hyperthyroid cats were three times as high as those in younger, non-hyperthyroid cats.
Concerns about the possible health effects of PDBEs arose in the late 1990s, and studies have reported that PDBEs cause liver and nerve toxicity in animals. FH is one of the most common and deadly diseases in older cats, and indoor pets are thought to be most at-risk. For starters, cats ingest large amounts of PBDE-laden house dust that the researchers believe comes from consumer household products.
Dye, a toxicologist, began by hypothesizing that prolonged contact with certain polyurethane foams and components of carpet padding, furniture and mattresses would pose the greatest hazard for developing FH. In addition, the researchers suspected that diet might be another risk factor for developing FH. To see if a link existed, they analyzed PBDE content in several cat food brands.
Their analysis found that PBDE content of canned fish/seafood flavors, such as salmon and whitefish, was higher than dry or non-seafood canned items. Based on the analysis, they estimate that diets based on canned food could have PBDE levels 12 times as high as dry-food diets. The researchers indicate that pet cats might be receiving as much as 100 times greater dietary PBDE exposure than American adults.
With their meticulous grooming behavior, cats may ingest large amounts of dust that collect on their fur. “Our results showed that cats are being consistently exposed to PBDEs,” Dye said. “Because they are endocrine-disrupting agents, cats may well be at increased risk for developing thyroid effects.”
The danger of contracting feline hyperthyroidism might be greater in America, where people have the highest reported PBDE levels worldwide, the study said. Also, by the late 1990s, North America accounted for almost half of the global demand for PBDEs from commercial materials like furniture or upholstery, the report added.
The epidemic of hyperthyroidism in cats began almost 30 years ago, at the same time when PBDEs were introduced into household materials as a fire-prevention measure. Although the disease was first discovered in the U.S., it has since been diagnosed in Canada, Australia, Japan and many parts of Europe. Hyperthyroid disorders have also increased in humans–former President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush have the disorder, and even Millie, their Springer Spaniel, had contracted it.
Symptoms of the syndrome in cats include weight loss, an increase in appetite, hair loss and irritability. Cats and humans are the only mammals with high incidences of hyperthyroidism, Dye said. The study concludes that hyperthyroid cats could serve as modern-day versions of the canaries in the cage that alerted coal miners to poisonous gas.
“While the link between hyperthyroidism in cats and their elevated PBDE levels requires additional confirmation, it is clear that house cats may be able to serve as sentinels for indoor exposure to PBDEs for humans who share their houses,” said Linda S. Birnbaum, Ph.D., a co-author of the study. No link between human hyperthyrodism and PBDE exposure has been established, Birnbaum noted, adding that some ongoing studies do suggest such a connection. Although several states have banned use of certain PBDEs in commercial products, there are no regulations limiting PBDE content in foods, according to Birnbaum.
The study is scheduled for publication the Aug. 15 online issue of Environmental Science & Technology, a journal from the American Chemical Society.
Note: This story has been adapted from a news release issued by American Chemical Society.
August 16th, 2007
— Furniture Today,
Company says move should save $9 million a year
CORTE MADERA, Calif. — Restoration Hardware said it is cutting about 100 jobs at its corporate headquarters here, a response to tough times in the home furnishings sector.
The retailer said the reorganization should save the company $3.5 million for the rest of this year and about $9 million annually.
“This is a difficult but necessary decision that will enable us to operate more efficiently in the current environment,” said Gary Friedman, Restoration president and CEO.
“We believe the cost cutting actions we have announced this year, combined with our strategic growth and supply chain initiatives, will drive improved sales and profitability in the second half of 2007 compared to a year ago,” he said.
He added that the company remains committed to executing it strategies to its growth strategies, which include its Restoration Hardware Bed & Bath, Restoration Hardware Baby & Child and Restoration Hardware Trade initiatives. The company’s team is “positioning the business to achieve our long-term revenue and operating margin goals,” he said.
Restoration Hardware operates 102 full-line stores and eight outlet stores in 30 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. It also sells online and through its catalog.
The company is ranked No. 22 on Furniture/Today’s Top 100 with estimated furniture, bedding and accessories sales of $405 million in its fiscal year ended Feb. 3, up nearly 21% from the previous year.
Earlier this month, the company revised its second-quarter outlook, saying it was projecting a net loss per share of 19 to 21 cents, compared to the loss of 6 to 12 cents per share it had projected in the spring. It revised its expected revenue for the quarter down to $183 million to $185 million, from the earlier forecast of $195 million to $199 million.
August 16th, 2007
Gary Evans — Furniture Today
BeHome to show full line at October market
HIGH POINT — A new upholstery source formed by a partnership of three industry veterans will debut at when the fall High Point Market opens Oct. 1.
The company, BeHome LLC, is owned by Lew English, former president of manufacturer Hickory Hill Furniture, and by Tim and Elaine Bolick, owners of upholstery producer Paladin Inds.
BeHome will manufacture in Maiden, N.C., and will open its first market showroom in the Atrium on Main, at 430 S. Main St.
English, whose furniture career spans more than 30 years, is handling sales, marketing and manufacturing for the line, which will be domestically produced and supplemented by some imported occasional product.
Elaine Bolick has worked in the home furnishings industry for more than 20 years and has been vice president of merchandising for several furniture manufacturers. She is responsible for fabrics and merchandising for the new company.
BeHome sofas will retail at $899 to $1,119, price points below those of Paladin, which has headquarters in Hiddenite, N.C.
“Basically, we’ll focus on family room furniture, as well as feature both cottage and traditional collage,” English said. “We’ll also have a small assortment of frames targeted to the export market.”
He will supervise BeHome’s Atrium space while the Bolicks will supervise their Paladin showroom at 110 N. Wrenn St.
English said BeHome will show its entire line during the fall market here, and chose the Atrium because it had enough space available.
August 16th, 2007
Furniture Today,
Manufacturer seeking new U.S. sales manager
L’ISLET, Quebec — Nolan Mitchell has left metal bed producer Amisco, where he was national sales manager for the United States.
Mitchell’s last day was Aug. 3 and the company said it is seeking a replacement.
Mitchell said he joined the metal dining and bedroom furniture manufacturer in 1998, handling the Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska sales territories. He became U.S. sales manager about six and a half years ago.
He declined further comment other than to say he is pursuing other opportunities in the industry.
August 16th, 2007
Furniture Today,
“Modest positive trend” continues
DANBURY, Conn. — Ethan Allen reported increased sales in July in anticipation of investor meetings in upcoming weeks.
“Our retail written sales on a comparable stores basis were modestly up in June and that modest positive trend has continued in July. We remain cautiously aware of the fact that consumer confidence can be impacted by several factors that are beyond our control,” said CEO Farooq Kathwari.
Kathwari said the strong performance was due to initiatives that included repositioning of its retail network, investments in recruiting and training to increase the professionalism of its retail management team, the development of stylish, high quality products at good value, stronger advertising and marketing programs, and faster delivery of products to customers.
On July 24, the company’s board of directors increased the authorization to repurchase shares of the company’s common stock to 2.5 million shares and increased the regular quarterly cash dividend by 10% to 22 cents. From July 1 through Aug. 14 the company has repurchased 1,075,800 shares and has a remaining authorization to purchase 2.1 million shares.
August 16th, 2007
Slumberland Furniture’s (www.slumberland.com) season-long partnership with Bridging and the St. Paul Saints was celebrated on Volunteer Night at the Saints game against the El Paso Diablos on August 9th.
In Slumberland’s partnership with Bridging Inc., Slumberland donated a twin mattress set for the first RBI of every home Saints game, totaling 48 mattress sets for the season. Fans were greeted at Midway Stadium’s front gate with a spectacle Thursday night. The 48 donated mattresses were piled on top of one another creating a monumental display.
Founder and CEO of Slumberland Furniture, Ken Larson, was recognized by the stadium’s PA announcer and interviewed between innings on the television broadcast on FSN-North. In addition, the Saints’ renowned mascot pig, Garrison Squealer, and the “ushertainers” gave an entertaining rendition of the fairy tale “Princess and the Pea” to highlight the mattress donations to a sold-out crowd of almost 7,000.
“Slumberland has been a great supporter of providing families with beds and mattresses throughout the years. Collaborating with them on community building efforts has seen such invaluable rewards for us as well as the families being helped,” said Ron Osterbauer, Executive Director of Bridging Inc. “Because of benefactors like Slumberland who continue to support us in our efforts, we are able to help rebuild lives and homes.”
Slumberland, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, has been a benefactor in other community service efforts including its Home for the Holidays program. In addition, the program is an ongoing collaboration through which local charities help families with no, or not enough, beds at home. Slumberland has donated more than 11,000 mattresses to date as a result of the program.
About Slumberland Furniture: Founded in 1967 in Richfield, Minn., Slumberland began as a mattress and La-Z-Boy specialty shop whose mission has been to make people comfortable with both its products and prices. Over the past 40 years Slumberland has expanded to 107 stores across 10 states and is now one of America’s top sellers of La-Z-Boy upholstery and the Midwest’s largest retailer of Tempur-pedic, Sealy and Simmons Mattresses and Natuzzi leather.
August 16th, 2007
The Pilot-Independent
The Cass County Economic Development Commission has been instrumental in helping the owners of a furniture manufacturing business relocate to the Pine River Industrial Park.
A and B Furniture, owned by Allan and Brenda Wiener of St. Cloud, will soon begin construction of their new manufacturing plant.
A and B Furniture manufactures unfinished furniture and several products for The Pampered Chef Ltd.
Most items are made from aspen, maple or oak. One product line will be labeled “True North Woods,” indicating that 50 percent or more of materials come from wood harvested in northern Minnesota.
The Wieners decided to relocate their business to Pine River’s Industrial Park because it affords easy access to the Highway 371 corridor, brings the company closer to materials suppliers, provides opportunities for direct customer sales, and offers the demographics the firm needs to grow.
A and B Furniture’s new building will have about 18,410 square feet of space, including a manufacturing area, cold storage, offices and a showroom. They currently employ five people and will add one or two jobs once their Pine River facility is completed. Additional jobs are anticipated in the next two years. Construction could be finished by Oct. 1.
The CCEDC, with consultant Gail Leverson, is committed to creating and maintaining job growth throughout Cass County.
August 16th, 2007
By Dennis Seid
Daily Journal
TUPELO – After experimenting with a January market date that proved less popular than expected, officials with the Tupelo Furniture Market announced Tuesday that the spring market would return to its familiar time slot in February.
“We’re going back to our roots,” said TFM President Bill Cleveland.
The spring market will be Feb. 20-24, he said.
TFM held its first winter market in January, after nearly 20 years of having a spring market in February. But attendance wasn’t as strong as hoped.
While some exhibitors said order-writing was good, many others said they were disappointed with the results.
And that news disappointed market officials, who had moved the date in response to a survey that showed a preference for the January date.
The major reason cited for the January move was to take advantage of the tax season. Proponents of the January date said it allowed smaller retailers to shop the market, something that was harder to do in mid- to late February.
But the flood of buyers didn’t materialize.
Also, some exhibitors said the February dates were better because it allowed them to get fabrics and new merchandise into their showrooms in Tupelo. Others said the January date – which was in front of Las Vegas’ late January winter market – made it too difficult to prepare for both markets.
Heeding those calls, TFM officials went back to the February dates.
“We’re listening to our customers and what they want to do,” Cleveland said.
“We know we can’t make everybody happy, but we’re trying to do what will benefit the most.”
Appeared originally in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 8/15/2007, section 0 , page 0
August 16th, 2007
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