Archive for September 11th, 2007
NBC’s Today Show featured Boyles in its Consumer Smarts segment showing savvy consumers how to shop for name-brand discount furniture in the heart of furniture country - High Point, NC.
High Point, NC (PRWEB) September 10, 2007 — Today Show Consumer Correspondent Janice Lieberman and Paris and Miami-based interior designer Jeff Wade spent two days in early August filming the piece at the Boyles Furniture Showroom (www.boyles.com) located at 5700 Riverdale Drive in Jamestown, NC. NBC showed the segment on Thursday, September 6, 2007.
During the segment, Ms. Lieberman and Mr. Wade showed viewers how to design two distinctly different rooms using Boyles’ furniture clearance outlet and sale-priced furnishings found in the Boyles Furniture showroom.
The first room features warm, casual and cozy furniture and accessories in an inviting living room setting. Fabrics in saffron, bronze and deep green are paired with pine woods, metal and painted finishes. The second room addresses a clean, contemporary, eclectic look with ivory and cream tones accented with lavender and red for a definite “wow” factor.
Both living rooms were designed with an emphasis on affordability as well as style.
View the North Carolina furniture buying video: Boyles Discount Furniture on The Today Show
For more information, please visit Boyles Discount Furniture Stores
Boyles Distinctive Furniture has been furnishing homes all over the United States and around the world since 1949. We are proud to represent America’s premiere name-brand furniture manufacturers with 10 furniture showrooms, 2 interior design studios and 3 furniture clearance outlets throughout North and South Carolina. Boyles offers interior design services, a 30 day guarantee for in-stk merchandise, as well as, nationwide white-glove delivery and installation services. Visit Boyles.com for online furniture shopping with over 10,000 furniture and accessory items. Select and view your favorite fabrics on hundreds of upholstery frames. Shop our new furniture catalog online or use our free room planner. At Boyles, we want to exceed your expectations.
September 11th, 2007
Company debuted outdoor collection in U.S. last spring
Maku Furnishings, the Southern California manufacturer of contemporary home furnishings focused around an outdoor, lifestyle and design heritage, is making its first appearance at the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market Sept. 16-21 in Chicago. The company’s outdoor collection debuted in the U.S. this spring.
The company will be located in booth 6040 on the eighth floor and will exhibit its full line of authentic and unique home furnishing products. Comprised of multiple outdoor seating, dining and entry-way elements, Maku captures the aspirational west coast lifestyle in a way that appeals to consumers across the country. In addition, all of Maku’s seating and dining elements are manufactured with sustainable, plantation grown teak utilizing both sustainable practices and attention to detail through the entire manufacturing process.
“Exhibiting at the International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market is another step in Maku’s amazing growth and one we’re happy to take,” said Johnny West, CEO and co-founder of Maku. “Maku’s fresh design perspective and brand philosophy has resonated well with retail and consumer buyers alike. By exhibiting (at the show), we’ll be able to expose Maku in a tangible way to an even greater audience.”
Maku’s success at the retail level has led the brand to expand from a sales perspective as well. Karyn Kruschka has joined Maku as a senior outside sales representative.
According to West, Kruschka has worked with some of the most innovative modern brands in the home furnishing industry and brings her years of experience establishing retail distribution channels to the Maku family.
While Kruschka’s professional background is impressive, her family’s rich history in the furniture business is even more unique. She represents the fourth generation of her family to work in the home and contract furnishings industry. Long before she was born, Kruschka’s great-grandfather worked for Herman Miller as a craftsman.
“We couldn’t be happier to have Karyn as a part of the extended Maku family,” West said. “Her experience in the industry makes her great for almost any brand, but her passion for the ideals Maku is founded on makes her perfect to represent us with key retail accounts.”
Retailers who wish to meet with Maku or learn more about the company can contact Kruschka at 773-580-9970 or karyn@makufurniture.com.
September 11th, 2007
Grilling and barbecue segment also draws attention
Cinde W. Ingram — Casual Living
The 54 booths in the Center of Excellence for outdoor furniture stayed busy during the Spoga trade show, although several exhibitors were looking ahead toward this week’s Maison et Objet in Paris or next week’s Casual Market in Chicago.
Spoga drew 27,500 visitors from 95 countries to Cologne, Germany for its three-day run, Sept. 2-4. Attendance was up by more than 6% from the 2005 turnout and provided a broader international scope than ever for the trade fair serving the international garden and leisure sector.
“The international buyers come to Cologne not only to place orders, but also because they know the great value of Spoga as a platform for new products,” said Oliver P. Kuhrt, executive vice president of Koelnmesse. “This is lifestyle at the highest international level, and the trends are created here. The participating Gafa exhibitors and their dealers are increasingly calling on us to make the fair an annual event again.”
A few exhibitors of high-design, upper-end garden furniture said they plan to exhibit at the Chicago Casual Market for the first time, including Domus Ventures, Monzone Design Collection and Medeot Garden Line. Saccaro, a Brazilian-based indoor/outdoor furniture maker, was among those who planned to visit the Chicago Casual Market with hopes of showing in 2008.
Retailers noted the abundance of synthetic wicker designs, although teak, other woods, stainless steel and cast aluminum products also were present. One of the newest materials appearing was in foam furniture with sculptural designs from la-Fete and Val-eur.
Emu displayed its steel furniture with a pastel color range in lilac, light green, light blue, pale orange and white. More full collections will appear in Paris, said Benigno Fronsaglia, president, Emu USA.
“Spoga and Paris are one exhibition,” said Charles Vernon, managing director of Gloster. “Spoga is three days and Paris is five days.”
Mark Tyrie, director of Barlow Tyrie, also noted a shift toward the Paris show, although its large booth at Spoga included the debut of its Mercury Collection of lightweight stacking steel chairs with teak and sling options. Extensions to its Equinox range, a darker color added to its woven Arizona group and a sunscreen option designed to fit all of Barlow Tyrie’s chaise lounge chairs also were introduced.
Hector Landgrave of Landgrave Furniture was among the exhibitors who noted the difference between U.S. trade shows, where buyers seek lots of new designs, and European shows, where extensions of tried-and-true collections are preferred.
“We’ve had a good number of visits, but mainly by existing customers,” said Michael Siebel of FIM umbrellas, based in Italy. “It’s not cost effective, not only this year but in the last three or four years. We’ve been requesting the show to be every two years.”
Other exhibitors said they were more than satisfied with the amount of traffic their booths drew, not only in the Center of Excellence but in the remainder of building 2 plus two other buildings devoted to outdoor furniture and accessories. With 721 companies, the show’s furniture and home segment once again featured the largest group of exhibitors.
Outdoor Living: Quality is what counts
Quality was the aspect that dominated business decisions in the Outdoor Living segment. One trade show visitor said, “Customers have become much more demanding in terms of quality.” The placement of the “trade fair within a trade fair” was also well-received, with the Center of Excellence prompting positive feedback.
Tranquility, relaxation and enjoyment — lounging is more popular than ever before, and it’s one of the ongoing major trends in outdoor furniture. With the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living becoming less and less distinct, more and more people are using comfortable sofas and substantial rattan divans and armchairs in the garden. Living rooms for the great outdoors are now an essential element in any garden furniture exhibition designed to represent the height of fashion.
Also in demand are collections that elevate the mixing of styles into an art. The dominant material combination is wood and steel, while black and white combinations continued to hold interest.
Alexander Rose added a fairground theme to its booth with a ferris wheel slowly revolving to display seven contemporary chairs on well-lit glass platforms. The United Kingdom-based company’s Avant range also was extended with coffee and side tables, plus two armchairs and a settee made of stainless steel with teak arms to match the dining chairs currently in the line.
Michael Mollenbeck, a landscape gardener, said retailers were already familiar with Moonlight but were surprised to discover the new 360-degree surround sound emitting from those large moonlike orbs. “They are most surprised by the hanging pendulums, which are good for hotels and beer gardens,” he said.
The grilling and barbecue product segment at Spoga included nearly 200 suppliers. Grand Hall drew attention with the launch of its X-series Outdoor Kitchen, developed by Porsche Engineering Group and designed by Porsche Design Studio. The stainless steel grill uses an infrared system with patented cross-ray burner technology and a retractable lid that slides backward, said Tim Merritt, director of marketing for Grand Hall USA. “It’s somewhat of a status symbol and a more refined cooking experience that raises the bar and challenges the market to do something different,” Merritt said.
More complete outdoor kitchens were on display at Spoga with elements including a grill, a teppan-yaki, storage surfaces and storage space, or even complete rows of kitchen units. This confirmed the conclusion that outdoor cooking is the latest trend. And that’s one reason why exhibitors were so satisfied with Spoga. “We’re very happy about the way the trade fair has worked out for us,” said one of the sector’s big players. “The customers really liked our new products. Our regular customers were out in force, and we also met many new visitors.”
Kurt Schlieper, Chief Executive of the Barbecue Industry Association Grillverband (BIAG), said barbecuing, whether with charcoal, gas or electricity, is now more popular than ever. “Barbecuing has become a lifestyle,” he said. “Customers are demanding higher-quality grilling and barbecuing products, and this trend could be clearly seen at the fair.” The market for these products is being heated up by numerous clever inventions and exclusive innovations. For example, visitors were able to admire various combinations of charcoal and gas barbecues with built-in smoking units, as well as the world’s most expensive barbecue, a gold-plated model priced at $150,000.
Voluminous ceramic shapes, complete marketing concepts and attractive lifestyle-enhancing accessories were dominant at the Indoor/Outdoor Ambience product segment at Spoga. There was also lots of action for the garden market with 177 vendors exhibiting in the Floristry Supplies & Decorations product segment, followed by 101 suppliers in the Water Technology & Outdoor Lighting segment. The Equipment & Garden Structures segment featured 268 suppliers plus more suppliers of related garden design, maintenance and services. In another hall, 174 suppliers presented products from the Far East in the Gardening Asia area.
A visitor survey showed Spoga is evolving from an ordering event to a trend platform. Gaining access to information on new products, trends and market data motivates 53% of Spoga visitors to travel to Cologne for the fair. Those were also the attraction for new market participants, according to 35% of those surveyed who were attending Spoga for the first time. Opportunities to monitor the market (51%), cultivate existing business partnerships (52%) and establish new contacts (47%) are also very attractive to trade visitors.
About 40% of survey respondents said they visited Spoga to place orders and prepare for making purchases following the trade fair. Three fourths of the visitors said they were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their success in realizing their objectives at the fair. Nearly 80% of those surveyed indicated they either play a key role in the decision-making process for purchasing at their companies or share responsibility for the decisions. With 65% of the trade visitors coming from abroad in 2007, Spoga lived up to its reputation as the global players’ trade platform of choice.
In 2008, the Spoga+Gafa trade show, will be held Sunday, Aug. 31 to Tuesday, Sept. 2.
September 11th, 2007
Reception to be held during Casual Show
Casual Living,
Global Surroundings will host a reception on Monday, Sept. 17, from 4-6 p.m. at the Chicago Merchandise Mart to introduce the Mark Suess Collections of teak furniture. Suess will describe the inspirations behind his collections during the reception in booth 9052, 8th floor.
“We are proud to partner with Mark on his two latest collections, Bellasera and Tuscano,” said Global Surroundings owner JL Jackson. “Mark is a very special talent. Not only is he a visionary for outdoor living, but he also is a very hands-on designer. After Mark drew the designs, he worked side by side with our Indonesian craftsmen conveying his ideas for creating these exquisite pieces.”
While the Bellasera Collection has a hint of contemporary, the Tuscano Collection exudes a Tuscan feel. Each collection has unusually large scale proportions in deep seating teak furniture.
“The collections are the answer for the large-scale outdoor spaces created in today’s luxury homes,” Suess said. “The familiar furniture of the past is made on a smaller scale. These new collections have the same large proportions as today’s new homes. The furniture supports the architecture and invites the spaces to be lived in comfortably.”
Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Global Surroundings is a designer, manufacturer and importer of sustainable, ecologically friendly furniture. JL and Jay Jackson founded Global Surroundings in 1998 after living and traveling several years throughout Southeast Asia.
September 11th, 2007
Christian Street Furniture owner John Burns is relocating the sofa portion of his store from Corporate Boulevard near Jefferson Highway farther west to CitiPlace.
Mark Hebert of Kurz & Hebert Commercial Real Estate said Burns has agreed to represent the Rowe Furniture sofa division in the Baton Rouge market and will move into a 5,600-square-foot location next to Jason’s Deli.
Hebert said Christian Street Furniture will remain in its 8,500-square-foot location at 7474 Corporate. Kurz & Hebert will handle the re-leasing of the space being vacated.
September 11th, 2007
PARIS (Thomson Financial) - JCDecaux SA said it has won a 14-year contract to supply street furniture and a self-service bicycle hire system in Rouen, a city of 106,592 people in Northern France.
No financial details were disclosed.
The contract covers a total of 430 advertising panels and 250 bicycles and 20 cycle racks will also be installed, financed by advertising on the street furniture and revenues from the self-service bicycle hire system.
tfn.paris@thomson.com mrg/wj COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.
The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.
September 11th, 2007
By Staff — Gifts & Decorative Accessories
High Point, NC — Furniture market exhibitors in the Hamilton Wrenn Design District are offering extended shopping hours during a “Tuesday Uptown” celebration from 4–8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2. Showroom building 200 N. Hamilton will serve wine and hors d’oeuvres on every floor, plus live entertainment by The Cookie Band. At 320/330 N. Hamilton, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be accompanied by the Wally West jazz trio. Other Tuesday Uptown hosts include Yorkshire House, Hekman, Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth & Directional, Stanford Furniture, Garcia Designer Collections, Chelsea House, Arthur Brett, Invincible, Payne Street Imports, Galerias Chippendale, The Platt Collection, Ardley Hall, W. King Ambler, Emerson et Cie, JK Gallery and Harden Furniture.
Frederick Cooper Lamps will host a series of designer workshops on October 1, 2 and 3 at 3 p.m. with Alexander Julian, Larry Laslo and Mario Buatta, respectively. Cocktails and appetizers will be served at 4 p.m. following each workshop, and Frederick Cooper will offer cocktails, appetizers and live music by Touch of Class at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.
In addition, 200 N. Hamilton and 320/330 N. Hamilton will offer wine and hors d’oeuvres daily from 4–6 p.m., and City of Hope night on Wednesday from 4–6 p.m. Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth & Directional will offer wine and cheese daily from 4–6 p.m. Chelsea House features heavy hors d’oeuvres and spirits daily; Garcia Designer Collections serves home-cooked brunch Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Francesco Molon dishes up lunch each day, beginning on Monday, and Stanford Funiture will host a party Sunday night, September 30, to introduce the J. Banks Collection. For transportation details and a full schedule of entertainment and educational events, check with the High Point Market Authority.
September 11th, 2007
By: Furniture World Magazine
The High Point Market Authority announced that Market-goers heading to the Hamilton Wrenn Design District this Fall may want to make plans to stay for an evening “uptown.” All exhibitors in the Hamilton Wrenn area are inviting Market guests to mix, mingle and enjoy extended shopping hours during a special, “Tuesday Uptown” celebration from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2, 2007.
“The Hamilton Wrenn area is home to the highest concentration of high design in the Market,” says Lisa Shankle of Hamilton Properties. “The Tuesday Uptown event is something of a - progressive cocktail party—a chance for market-goers to relax, have a drink and a bite to eat as they explore the many fabulous showrooms in the area.”
Individual exhibitors are creating tempting menus to serve visitors—an enticing and satisfying way to explore the many furniture and accessories designs in the Hamilton Wrenn area. Visitors to 200 N. Hamilton will enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres on every floor, plus live entertainment from a Market favorite, The Cookie Band. Next door at 320/330 N. Hamilton, market guests may relax with wine, hors d’oeuvres and the Wally West jazz trio. Other Tuesday Uptown hosts include Yorkshire House, Hekman, Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth & Directional, Stanford Furniture, Garcia Designer Collections, Chelsea House, Arthur Brett, Invincible (a division of Samuelson Furniture), Payne Street Imports, Galerias Chippendale, The Platt Collection, Ardley Hall, W. King Ambler, Emerson et Cie, JK Gallery and Harden Furniture.
The Hamilton Wrenn neighborhood will be a hot destination throughout the week as well. Frederick Cooper Lamps (located at 200 North Hamilton, Third Floor of South Court) will host a series of designer workshops with Alexander Julian, Larry Laslo and Mario Buatta, while other exhibitors will fete visitors with a variety of events.
“We are delighted to bring this trio of noted designers to our showroom,” says Christopher Mumford, chief executive officer of Frederick Cooper Lamps. “The small-group format creates an opportunity for up-close interaction with each designer.” Frederick Cooper Lamps will serve cocktails and appetizers at 4:00 p.m., following each workshop and take note, space is limited.
The workshop schedule is:
Monday, October 1, 3:00 p.m.—The Well-Dressed Home …with Alexander Julian
Tuesday, October 2, 3:00 p.m.— Glamour, Guts, Gossip, and More…with Larry Laslo
Wednesday, October 3, 3:00 p.m.—The Mario Buatta Experience
- Other Hamilton Wrenn exhibitors who will offer their hospitality to Market-goers this October include:
- 200 N. Hamilton: Wine and hors d’oeuvres daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- 320/330 N. Hamilton: Wine and hors d’oeuvres daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- 200/320/330 N. Hamilton: City of Hope night on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth & Directional: Wine and cheese daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Chelsea House: Heavy hors d’oeuvres and spirits each day.
- Stanford Funiture: Hosting a party Sunday night, September 30, to introduce the J. Banks Collection.
- Garcia Designer Collections: Home-cooked brunch Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Frederick Cooper: Cocktails, appetizers and live music by Touch of Class, beginning at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
- Francesco Molon: Lunch each day beginning on Monday.
Market attendees can enjoy the Hamilton Wrenn neighborhood of showrooms —rain or shine—with easy shuttle rides from the downtown transportation terminal, any of the Market Shuttle Stops, or by calling 336-887-RIDE for a Go Anywhere Shuttle. Look for transportation details and a full schedule of entertainment and educational events on the High Point Market Authority website: www.highpointmarket.org.
About the High Point Market Authority:
The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor of the International Home Furnishings Market, in High Point, North Carolina. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style and price point and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 110 countries, the High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry.
September 11th, 2007
Clint Engel — Furniture Today,
But company says it doesn’t plan to close
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. — A real estate broker has been circulating a list showing 10 of Carls Furniture 11 full-line store locations are for lease, but a principal with the Top 100 company said the company doesn’t plan to close.
Barry Ruzat of Synergy Retail Group has been circulating a list of Carls’ Florida showrooms, noting “locations available” and the proposed rent rate, among other things. The list has reached the hands of several people in the industry, including Carls’ competitors in South Florida.
Carls already has said it has a deal in the works to sell its Aventura, Fla., location — the only full-line store not on Ruzat’s list — to a real estate group.
Ruzat has not returned phone calls.
Bobby Dragin, vice president and co-owner of the Coconut Creek, Fla.-based chain, which includes Carls Patio stores (also not on the list), said Carls’ owners control more than one million square feet of real estate and “we’ve had all kinds of offers.”
“We haven’t made any decision,” he said, adding, “We plan on staying in business. If we sell anything, we’ll probably lease back.”
Dragin declined to comment further except to note that the company has been in business for 60 years and plans to stay in business “God willing another 60.”
Carls is ranked No. 56 on Furniture/Today’s Top 100 with estimated furniture, bedding and accessories sales of $133.4 million last year. That included sales from 11 full-line stores and 10 Carls Patio stores.
While the company is selling the Aventura full-line store, Carls Patio has been expanding, having recently opened its 13th store in Fort Myers, Fla.
Carls Patio President Gary Ecoff said there are plans to open more on Florida’s Gulf Coast and its third patio store in California, a 17,000-square-foot showroom in Agoura Hills, Calif., which is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter.
September 11th, 2007
David Perry
Will enter California with Mattress Gallery buy
HOUSTON — Continuing its remarkable buying spree, fast-growing Mattress Firm is planning to enter the California market with the planned purchase of Mattress Gallery, a 53-store chain based in Los Angeles.
Mattress Firm, one of the nation’s largest mattress retailers, announced today that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Mattress Gallery, which operates stores throughout Southern California, including the Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego markets.
Terms of the acquisition, which is expected to close within 60 days subject to the satisfactory completion of due diligence, were not disclosed.
The planned addition of Mattress Gallery marks the eighth acquisition for Mattress Firm in a little more than a year. The retailer has added more than 100 locations through acquisitions in the past 12 months, not including the 53 Mattress Gallery stores. In addition, the company says it plans to open more than 40 new Mattress Firm stores through the remainder of this year.
With the Mattress Gallery acquisition, Mattress Firm will be among the largest mattress retailers in Southern California. When the deal is completed, the retailer’s total store count nationwide will grow to nearly 500 stores in 39 markets across 22 states.
“This acquisition allows Mattress Firm to enter the fast-growing Southern California market and underscores our commitment to grow both organically and through acquisitions that are a good geographic and strategic fit,” said Gary Fazio, CEO of Mattress Firm.
“We are fortunate that Mattress Gallery has an established reputation in the markets it serves and has developed a loyal customer base by offering great products and exceptional customer service,” he added. “We are committed to building on their reputation by bringing our unique retail experience, sleep knowledge and the broadest selection of products and brands in the mattress industry to create a unique destination for consumers.”
Mattress Gallery locations are similar to Mattress Firm stores, averaging 3,000 to 4,000 square feet and located in strip centers or freestanding buildings. Mattress Gallery locations will transition to Mattress Firm stores over the coming months, adopting its expanded product selection, signature store format and Red Carpet delivery service.
Mattress Firm ranks No. 3 on Furniture/Today’s list of the Top 25 Bedding Retailers, based on 2006 bedding revenues of about $400 million. The retailer ended last year with 358 stores. It ranked behind Minneapolis-based Select Comfort at an estimated $676 million and Bethpage, N.Y.-based Sleepy’s at $430 million.
September 11th, 2007
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