Furniture News Blog

Furniture Buying Index Up 2 Points To 83

2007-02-08T02:21:00.000-08:00

The Furniture Buying Index increased two points this month to a reading of 83. This Furniture Buying Index gives retailers a good outlook for the upcoming Presidents Day Weekend. Britt Beemer, Chairman of Americas Research Group, said, With the Furniture Buying Index moving upwards this February, Presidents Day Weekend shoppers should be at a near all-time high. Beemer added, Furniture stores seeing more shoppers in January will continue to see even more shoppers in February. The Furniture Buying Index is compiled each month by America=s Research Group from interviews with 5,000-8,000 consumers across the country. In a typical month, 80 percent of the consumers interviewed can name a specific furniture item they intend to buy. The Index=s mark signifies what percent of the benchmark 80% actually have a particular item in mind.

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Do up your living room with Shekawati furniture

2007-02-06T02:23:00.000-08:00

BANGALORE: Unique and creative furniture from Rajasthan is on show in the city. The Shekhawati antique furniture is on display at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium on Mahatma Gandhi Road till February 12. There is said to be a lot workmanship that goes into making this furniture. The joints in the furniture are said to be almost invisible, giving the wood an unbroken look. And the drawers are designed not to jam. Accessories such as hinges, knobs and knocker-style handles are all in antique mould. On display are tables with matching chairs, side tables with wooden inlay work, chests with stark iron handles and knobs, cupboards, bookshelves, television cabinets, low stools and many more utility items. . The exhibition is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Printer friendly page Send this article to Friends by E-Mail Karnataka News: ePaper | Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements | Advts: Classifieds | Jobs | Obituary | Updates: Breaking News | .

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Federal Furniture Reinventing Itself For Brighter Future

2007-02-02T02:22:00.000-08:00

PETALING JAYA, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- Federal Furniture Holdings Bhd (FFHB), a company which has carved out a reputation as one of Malaysia's top furniture-making and interior fit out group in the last three decades or so, has undergone the process of "reinventing" itself to position itself for future growth, says its group managing director, Choy Wai Hin. "It has been a total paradigm shift in many areas of our business model" he said in an interview with Bernama, adding that the group has discarded old practices which no longer brought any benefit so that it could move to areas where it could grow speedily. "In 2002 we started the process of changing our business model. Gone is our old business of mass producing low end rubber wood furniture for the U.S. market. The basic economics of that business model does not work for Malaysia anymore." FFHB, he said, has instead focused its resources and skill set in new areas that could maximize returns like producing specialized commercial shop fixtures such as food service stations, merchandising counters for retailers, jewellery display cases for jewellers, book shelves, clothes display racks, CD display towers in music stores and food kiosks, to name a few.

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New furniture additions to ‘liven up’ Commons area

2007-01-31T02:25:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to liven up the Commons area and make the convenience of surfing Myspace and Facebook more comfortable, the library administration added the new furniture. The furniture was brought mainly to assist in group work, and we plan to add more during the summer session, said Associate Dean of UT Libraries Jillian Keally. The storing of the old furniture is still undecided, but for now it will be moved to the ground floor and into the Media Center, Keally said. Students have reacted positively to the new furniture. Amanda Crisp, senior in hospitality management, said she enjoys the chairs but wonders why money was not spent on other necessities. The new chairs are better on the back, but with the wheels I lose the opportunity to lean back in my chair.

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Furniture brings outdoors indoos

2007-01-29T02:24:00.000-08:00

If for reasons of climate or cost you can't have an outdoor living room in your backyard, it's still possible to bring the backyard into your home — with organically oriented furniture and accessories. An example: Evoke the look of Mother Earth with stools that are real tree stumps, lamps with gnarled tree roots for bases, serving bowls carved from hollowed-out root balls, and screens that resemble creeping ivy. The New York linens design team Dransfield & Ross recently introduced a collection of furniture featuring a red-lacquered carved-root footstool (Horchow.com, $439) made from the roots of trees that would ordinarily be discarded by the lumber industry. .

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Nicolette Jewelry Box

2007-01-23T02:38:00.000-08:00

The Nicolette Jewelry Box features a walnut finish and antiqued brass drawer pulls. This jewelry box has a center necklace carousel, dual side necklace doors, ring rolls inside right door, two open drawers, and beautiful flower etched glass. It has a cocoa sueded fabric interior and the dimensions are 10.5W x 5D x 13H (inches).

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‘Made in Viet Nam’ furniture holds Russia’s home decor market

2007-01-23T02:26:00.000-08:00

Viet Nam's furniture exports broke into the Russian market in the mid-1990s, when the bamboo and rattan style became a favourite among Russian artists and politicians. Vietnamese furniture has expanded its market share in Russia over the past several years partly thanks to competitive pricing. Director of Phamico home decor company, Pham Quang Hung, said his enterprise began trading in Russia three years ago. "I passed through Chuong My, Ha Tay northern Province during a visit back to Viet Nam and saw local craftsmen making some attractive-looking rattan furniture," said Hung. "I began by exporting a pilot batch of 39 sets of tables and chairs." "They sold quite well so I continued ordering furniture from Chuong My craftsmen and registered a trademark under The World of Rattan and Bamboo in Russia." However, gaining a firm toehold in the Russian market wasn't easy for the product.

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Seminar for furniture contractors

2007-01-21T02:26:00.000-08:00

Pune, January 20: The Furniture Contractors Association is organising a seminar for furniture contractors, workers and interior designers. The seminar will also be based on the topic Non-payment of labour wages: A serious problem. Subodh Sapatnekar, President of the Indian Institute of Interior Designing, Pune, will be the chief guest for the event. Abhijeet Abhayankar, president, CITU, Prakash Paranjape, General Secretary, BMS and Sulbha Joshi, member of the Grahak Takrar Nivaran Nayamanch will also be participating in the seminar. .

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Hooker Furniture Exits Domestic Wood Furniture Manufacturing ...

2007-01-19T02:28:00.000-08:00

It has never been our desire or intention to exit domestic wood furniture manufacturing. We have reacted to the demand of our retail customers and the consumer for high-value imported products and the changing business model in our industry. Paul B. Toms Jr., Chairman, CEO and President, Hooker Furniture .

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Opportunities expand for West Coast Casual Furniture Pre-Market

2007-01-17T02:31:00.000-08:00

Casual furniture, patio products and accessories manufacturers may reserve booth space at the 2007 West Coast Casual Furniture Pre-Market Show taking place July 31 and Aug. 1 at the Ontario Convention Center in California. There are expanded exhibit options this year with four booth dimensions offered. Manufacturers may download exhibit registration forms by visiting www.westcoastshow.org. This growing and popular show provides an opportunity for dealers to examine debuting casual furniture, umbrellas, grills and other high-end home and outdoor products from respected manufacturers. "This showcase of the newest styles and lines from key manufacturers continues to grow each year," said Ken Burrows, president of the Western Home & Outdoor Association. "For 2007, exhibitors can choose from four different sizes of exhibit space." Links to the Web sites of manufacturer exhibitors will be featured on the 2007 West Coast Casual Furniture Pre-Market Show Web site. Last year, more than 200 dealers attended the Ontario pre-market.

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Furniture brings the outdoors in

2007-01-15T02:31:00.000-08:00

The Carmel Highlands collection from Bernhardt Furniture Co. brings the grandeur of the Monterey peninsula to your home. This collection brings the natural elements indoors, creating a rustic yet elegant retreat in your house. Burnished birch, laser-cut wood and tooled leather speak of a well-worn luxury. Carved hardware with a dark patina highlights Carmel's Spanish history. .

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Made in Vermont: Ski Furniture

2007-01-13T02:23:00.000-08:00

They're happy to hit the hills, but skiers and boarders want more snow. As Vermont resorts wait for white gold to fall from the sky, a small Morrisville business sees profit in old ski gear. Toby Hirchak started Vermont Ski Recyclers more than a decade ago. At first, he made a few pieces of furniture for a friend at a major ski manufacturer, using discarded equipment. When that order was a hit, the company started branching out. They developed nearly twenty different pieces of furniture, with real, brand-name skis as chair backs and seats. Hirchak says, "The fact that most people buying it really like it for what it is is cool." Vermont Ski Recyclers has deals with national companies to take their faulty gear: second quality stuff not worth the hefty price tags.

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Chris Burton : SCAD Furniture Design Student Turns Waste Into Art

2007-01-11T02:23:00.000-08:00

As recycling is a significant and important part of society today, one Savannah College of Art and Design student has made a difference by transforming Savannah landfill and dumpster debris into art. M.F.A. candidate Chris Burton presents "Upcycle of Waste," his furniture design thesis exhibition that features construction and demolition debris made into furniture and furnishings. "Upcycle of Waste" will be on display Jan. 8-19 at Red Kite Studio, 1522 Bull St. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Coming from a family of avid woodworkers, and growing up in environmentally conscious California, Burton developed a passion for woodworking and creating sustainable products at a young age. As a former construction worker, Burton saw the potential of massive amounts of waste accrued at job sites.

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Agassi and Graf Create New Furniture Collection For Kreiss

2007-01-09T02:31:00.000-08:00

The first piece of furniture Andre Agassi bought when he won his first major tournament, Wimbledon in 1992, was a Kreiss sofa. In the following years, he and his wife, Stefanie Graf, became ardent devotees of the Kreiss aesthetic. For years they talked about designing a custom collection with Kreiss for their own home; instead Agassi, Graf and the Kreiss family decided to launch a furniture line for the public, together as partners. It felt like a natural extension of our long-standing relationship, says Mike Kreiss, President of Kreiss. The result is a unique collection that captures the dynamic couple's indomitable energy and spirit while remaining true to the classic Kreiss style. The collection combines the couples differential design sensibilities; featuring pieces for the dining room, living room and poolside; complete with a novelty tennis ball chair for indoor-outdoor use.

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Mike Pound: Furniture expedition doesn't sit well

2007-01-07T02:30:00.000-08:00

We spent last Saturday wandering furniture stores desperately looking at couches and chairs, much like nomads wandering through a desert looking for water. It was not as fun as it sounds. The reason we spent last Saturday looking at couches and chairs is because the couch and chairs currently in our living room are starting to show their age. Well, to be honest, the couch and chairs in our living room starting showing their age about 10 years ago. See, we have cats. And a dog. And an 8-year-old daughter. Plus, my wife and I tend to be somewhat casual housekeepers. So if you add cats, a dog, an 8-year-old daughter and causal housekeeping, your get furniture that is old before its time. Think of our furniture as Cher's face. Now think of my wife and me as Cher's plastic surgeons.

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Examine the Market Shares of the World’s Major Furniture ...

2007-01-03T02:33:00.000-08:00

Market shares of the major furniture exporters are provided by geographical region and developed countries/emerging countries. The analysis of the opening of furniture markets covers the past nine years, with data on trade balance, imports/consumption and exports/production ratio. Statistics and outlook data are also available in a country format: origin of furniture imports, destination of furniture exports, historical series on furniture production, consumption and trade, country rankings to place all statistics in a broad worldwide context. The report provides a picture of opportunities for furniture exporters arising from the increasing openness of markets and a rich collection of key country-data, allowing comparisons among specific interest areas. The sixty country tables have been expanded to include three additional items: Total household consumption expenditure (in billions of US$) Total GNP at purchasing power parity (in billions of US$) Per capita GNP at purchasing power parity (in US$) Countries covered: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia Montenegro, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.

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Italian furniture's leading edges

2006-12-30T02:26:00.000-08:00

Followers of Italian design are familiar with the big manufacturing names such as B&B Italia, Cassina, and Kartell, but many believe it is the many small and medium-sized furniture companies that form the backbone of the Italian sector due to those companies' particular attention to materials and new product development. As design legend Gaetano Pesce has noted, "The owners of (smaller) companies fuel the progress of design through research, experimentation, and the use of new materials." One such company is Pordenone-based Horm, specialists in wood furniture. The small manufacturer created an industry buzz when it enlisted the talents of acclaimed Japanese architect Toyo Ito. The collaboration yielded designs such as the Ripples bench, a striking limited edition consisting of five woods: beech, cherry, mahogany, oak and walnut.

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Making Furniture From Human Hair Carries A Smaller Carbon Footprint

2006-12-28T02:28:00.000-08:00

Ever wondered what happens to all your hair cuttings after you've been for a trim? Well, you could soon be sitting comfortably on someone else's locks thanks to a London South Bank University entrepreneur's chair made from human hair. Ronald Thompson, ex-assistant hairdresser to John Frieda and Nicky Clarke, has invented an eco-friendly material from hair clippings that could eventually replace products such as fibreglass which carry a huge carbon footprint. The 49 year old is currently developing a range of chairs - using his new hair mat product - under LSBU's Enterprise Associate Scheme. There are 10,400 tonnes of spare hair in London alone and Ronald has been out and about collecting samples from salons in the Savoy, Covent Garden and Wimbledon to mould into his biodegradable invention.

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Store puts furniture in needy stockings

2006-12-26T02:30:00.000-08:00

Ashley Furniture HomeStore's general manager Paul Bowman, left, and owners Wanda and Bob Bowman sit on a set of couches similar to those they donated to three families in need at the store on Friday. Ashley Furniture HomeStore began its first annual "All I Want for Christmas," giveaway this year, which brought joy to the three families who each received a $3,800 gift certificate to the store. .

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Vandals smash up 'friends' furniture

2006-12-17T02:29:00.000-08:00

RESIDENTS at Gilbert Court in Bromsgrove will no longer be able to enjoy a chat and a cup of tea with friends outside their sheltered accommodation when the sun shines. Over the weekend vandals smashed tables and chairs, worth £350, which had been bought from the proceeds of social activities. A spokesman for Bromsgrove police said: "We have had reports that wooden garden furniture at Gilbert Court has been damaged and our inquiries into this incident are on-going. As part of this, we are appealing to anyone with information to pass it on to police at the earliest opportunity. "We understand the impact that anti-social behaviour of this nature can cause and local residents can be assured that we will be working hard to identify those responsible and that we'll be increasing patrols." .

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Furniture retailer makes a move into the S?Mall

2006-12-15T02:28:00.000-08:00

The local branch of furniture manufacturer and retailer Coricraft has moved premises and is now situated inside the Somerset Mall shopping centre. Previously located in the Habitat Centre, adjacent to the main centre, the relocated store is packed with Coricraft products as well as new lines. The store is located at the Pick 'n Pay entrance, between Clicks and Boardmans, and opened in time for festive season shopping. The showroom manager is Cia Brand, a qualified interior decorator who has been with Coricraft for more than five years.She is fluent in German, had her own business for many years and was also a member of the Guild of Interior Decorators. She says her team would like to welcome customers to the new shop, but that "many bargains" are still available at the former store in the Habitat Centre, which is temporarily serving as the Coricraft Clearance Centre.

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Argos seizes MFI's furniture market lead

2006-12-13T02:31:00.000-08:00

Argos has moved to the front of the furniture market, ousting MFI from the leadership that it has held for 20 years, as the catalogue retailer seizes market share through a policy of aggressive expansion. Argos, a unit of Home Retail Group, the company spun out of GUS, is tipped to control 6.2 per cent of the furniture market by the end of this year, pulling ahead of its peers. It compares with a market share of 5.9 per cent last year and is up from 3.3 per cent in 2000. .

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Maskreys moves to sell furniture online

2006-12-09T02:30:00.000-08:00

Contemporary furniture and home furnishings retailer Maskreys is focusing on the internet to deliver increased sales. And as part of a wider growth strategy, the Cardiff- headquartered company has appointed Marc Le Peltier as its new managing director. Mr Le Peltier, 41, has 20 years' experience in the furniture industry and takes over the reins following the retirement of Trevor Catton after 26 years with the company. Robert Maskrey - the company's sole owner - continues in his role as executive chairman, with overall responsibility for the business and merchandise. Mr Le Peltier has worked for top-end commercial furniture brands, including six years at South Wales-based Orange Box (formerly Giroflex) as a director and three years at Midlands-based Boss Design as commercial director during a period of increased sales, from £11.1m to £18.8m.

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Days numbered for old Cambridge furniture store

2006-12-07T02:32:00.000-08:00

It's down to the last four days at Mannion's Furniture, after 138 years in business. Bargain hunters are expected to swoop in and barter for whatever is left, said owner Chris Mannion. Sunday will be the last day the store is open to the public, noon to 5 p.m. "It should be crazy in here. They want to pick it up for the rock bottom price." Competition from stores selling low-quality goods for low prices was too much Mannion's. Many people wouldn't pay the higher price for his better quality goods. The new owner of the building hasn't decided what to do with it. .

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Business owner checking United Furniture building

2006-12-03T02:28:00.000-08:00

The former United Furniture building downtown has caught the eye of a local businessman whose looking to centralize his company's operations in Monroe.Kenyon S. Calender, head of the KC Group trucking firm, recently issued to city leaders his interest in the vacant building at 14 E. First St. In a letter dated Nov. 6, he inquired about a meeting to discuss the prospect with the mayor and city council.City officials say no formal offer has been made for the property, which was purchased by the Port Commission last year for about $260,000.Port Commission chairman Thomas Krzyston said Mr. Calender has been talking with officials for several months to find a suitable location for his administrative offices. Noting the interest in United Furniture building, he said marking the talks as anything beyond preliminary discussions would be premature."I don't think I would characterize it any further than an interest in the building," he said.However, the bid of interest has raised concerns from those associated with the project.The Monroe County Library System had lobbied to use the space as an expansion to the neighboring Dorsch Memorial Library.

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Opium found in furniture crate

2006-11-27T02:35:00.000-08:00

What was first thought to be a crate of furniture imported from Iran turned out to contain $1.7 million worth of opium destined for Toronto's streets, police say. And opium smuggling through Pearson International Airport is becoming more common, Superintendent Ron Allen, commander of the RCMP's Greater Toronto drug section, said yesterday. "We have noticed lately around three to four different seizures of opium," Allen said. "Usually we see it two or three times a year, but recently we've had as many as four in the last two or three months." The container with 35 kilograms of opium came into Canada as air cargo. Police swooped in and made arrests when it was delivered to an east Toronto business on Thursday. "(The drugs were) in the bottom of a crate that was containing furniture," Canadian Border Services Agency spokesperson Patrizia Giolti said.

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From furniture to faucets, take steps to make home safe

2006-11-25T02:30:00.000-08:00

A child climbing on a bookcase. A forgotten candle by the bathroom window. A puddle of water on the tile floor. These are just a few of the preventable safety hazards that can be defeated with some design savvy. "You have to be smart and analytical," says Lee Shacklock, a Nashville-area designer. People often believe "some of the technology that makes things safer makes it uglier, too. Manufacturers are trying to work on that." .

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Classic Gawker Stalker: Borat Earnestly Goes Furniture Shopping

2006-11-23T02:24:00.000-08:00

In this very belated edition of the Stalk: Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher, Rachael Ray, Paul Rudd and David Wain, Jimmy Fallon and Siena Miller, John Krasinski, Ellen Degeneres and Portia Di Rossi, Anderson Cooper, Joan Rivers, Bobby Canavale, Ralph and Joseph Fiennes, The Game, Travis Barker, Bridget Moynahan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elijah Wood, Kiefer Sutherland, Michael Imperioli, Alec Baldwin, the cast of "Bobby," Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson, Steve Van Zandt, Michael Pitt, Alexa Rae, Emmitt Smith and Cheryl Burke, the ubiquitous B.D. Wong, Uma Thurman, Huey Lewis, Giada de Laurentis, Jon Abrahams, and Pat Sajack. What a Gawker Stalkery day! Saturday, Nov. 18, at ABC Carpet & Home. Borat himself, Sacha Baron Cohen with girlfriend Isla Fisher. She pointed to a piece of furniture and exclaimed, "Ooh, baby, this is great." While texting friends to tell them about my sighting, Rachael Ray walked by.

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Molokai Furniture Outlet and Denise's Gift Shop celebrate three ...

2006-11-21T02:25:00.000-08:00

From furniture to fashion, Molokai Furniture/Denise's Gifts of the Islands offers shoppers finely crafted and unique merchandise. Last weekend, owners Denise and Afa Taueetia celebrated the store's third anniversary, kicking off a sale that will last through December. They were also giving customers t-shirts, hotdogs, and sodas in celebration of their three years of business success. "All glory to God and thank-you to my customers and new friends," said Denise Taueetia. "Without them we could not be here." Originally from Ho'olehua, Denise Taueetia started off her business endeavor with a small gift shop, which eventually grew into the larger store now located at the Kualapu'u Business Center. Just in time for the holidays, Denise's Gifts of the Islands now has gift certificates available.

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PSP rouses art 'furniture'

2006-11-19T02:24:00.000-08:00

You know your product is a winner (or you're sponsoring the right people) when it is cited as the inspiration behind a piece of artwork, and this is the enviable position the Sony PSP handheld finds itself in this week. Apparently, six students studying at the Royal College of Art were so taken with the slick entertainment device that they've designed several pieces of 'concept furniture'. The 'pieces' take their inspiration from the poses adopted by those engrossed in the device, rather than the pleasing aesthetics of the machine itself, and the official website explains the symbolism of each creation. The chairs and sculptures are in fact designed for those playing the PSP, and they will go on display from December at the Entrance Gallery of the Royal College of Art in Kensington.

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More than 100 complaints filed against furniture company

2006-11-17T02:29:00.000-08:00

November 16, 2006 - More than 100 customers are trying to figure out what to do after ordering and paying for furniture from a store that has virtually disappeared. They purchased items from a Mundelein-based company called "The Furniture Store." It appears both their furniture and the store are gone. .

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Furniture retailer Lewis rallies on results, outlook

2006-11-15T02:26:00.000-08:00

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Shares in South African furniture retailer Lewis rallied on Tuesday after it posted upbeat results and made positive comments about the outlook for the sector on Monday. Lewis leapt 6 percent to 61.48 rand, before paring gains to 60 rand, up 3.4 percent, by 1228 GMT. Rival Ellerine rose 2.4 percent to 76.46 rand. The JSE general retailers index climbed 0.78 percent. Abri du Plessis, chief investment officer at Gryphon Asset Management, said the furniture counters were boosted by Lewis half-year results, especially its comments on the market. Lewis said on Monday its first-half normalised headline earnings per share increased by 26.5 percent to 278 cents. Headline EPS is the key profit measure for South African firms and excludes non-trading, capital and certain extraordinary items.

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Argos furniture to be covered by Allianz Cornhill schemes

2006-11-11T02:58:00.000-08:00

Allianz Cornhill Schemes has extended its insurance book for leading UK retailer Argos to cover furniture, reinforcing its track record in growing profitable partnerships in the retail market. The scheme comprises a repair and replacement programme for a variety of furniture items. The news follows on from previous additions to the Argos account earlier this year which saw Allianz Cornhill Schemes writing business for jewellery and mobile phones. Margaret Maclean, business consultant at Allianz Cornhill Schemes, said: “We are delighted that Argos has chosen to partner with us on the furniture account and this addition stands testament to our focus on developing long-term relationships that are mutually beneficial." .

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New furniture orders down in August

2006-11-09T02:57:00.000-08:00

Orders for new furniture declined by 7 percent in August compared to the same month last year, according to a survey conducted by High Point consulting and accounting firm BDO Seidman. Orders were up 6 percent over July, which is usually a slow month for the industry. Year to date, furniture orders are off about 1 percent from 2005. .

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USA : Haverty Furniture reports sales for October

2006-11-05T02:22:00.000-08:00

Havertys' October sales decreased 7.6 percent to $63.5 million, compared with $68.6 million in October 2005. On a comparable-store basis, October sales decreased 10.1 percent. Comparable-store sales do not include stores or locations opened, closed or otherwise non-comparable during the last 12 months. Sales for the first ten months of 2006 increased 5.3 percent to $706.5 million compared with $670.7 million in 2005. On a comparable-store basis, sales increased 3.5 percent for the first ten months. Clarence H. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "In our September sales release we noted that there had been weakness in written orders after Labor Day weekend. This trend continued throughout the month of October." "Total written orders were off approximately 6 percent compared to October last year, after adjusting for the one less Saturday in this year's calendar." “We have focused on improving our in-stock position over the last several months and reducing the time needed to schedule and complete home deliveries to customers.

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Talk-show host downsizes new furniture line

2006-11-03T02:48:00.000-08:00

When Pulaski Furniture approached popular Latina Univision talk-show host Cristina Saralegui about working on a second line of smaller-size furniture, she enthusiastically agreed. Saralegui knew firsthand such a look was needed. Her Casa Cristina collection for Pulaski contained large-scale pieces, including a huge wrought iron and wood-canopy bed. The romantic bed, her favorite of the collection, was too big for her daughter's small bedroom. .

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Furniture prices

2006-10-30T02:34:00.000-08:00

Because of rising fuel and other raw-material costs, consumers will likely face higher prices for furniture in the coming months.They will also see more offerings at the high end of the market, say participants who are convened recently in High Point, N.C., at High Point Market, a twice-yearly meeting of the nation's home-furniture manufacturers, retailers and designers.That is because more U.S. companies are abandoning the lower and middle-tier to the likes of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Rooms To Go to focus on lucrative luxury customers - and the interior designers they hire.Manufacturers Laneventure and Bradington-Young both raised most prices this year because of higher foam, spring and metal costs.Barlow Tyrie, an England-based maker known for its teak outdoor furniture, raised prices as much as 12 percent on its contemporary stainless-steel collection, citing higher metal costs.As part of the new luxury push that will hit stores this spring, consumers will see products such as hand-distressed leather couches, more outdoor furniture for second-home verandas and massive dining-room tables.The higher prices and bigger-ticket goods come as the U.S.

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Office-furniture founder Haworth dies at 95

2006-10-26T03:21:00.000-07:00

HOLLAND -- G.W. Haworth, the shop teacher-turned-entrepreneur who founded a $1 billion office-furniture empire in 1945 and used his fortune to become one of West Michigan's top philanthropists, died this morning.. A company spokeswoman could not identify the cause of death, saying Mr. Haworth had been active until the last few weeks when he "slowed down." He died in his home in Holland. Mr. Haworth, 95, along with his son, Richard Haworth, built the Holland company into one of the largest office furniture makers in the world. His son, chairman of the company, is flying home from a German furniture show today, the spokeswoman said. Fiercely independent and privately held, the company, under Mr. Haworth's leadership, created important office innovations such as wired cubicle panels and adjustable keyboards.

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Time Levitz Furniture to Relocate Headquarters to Downtown ...

2006-10-24T03:18:00.000-07:00

Levitz Furniture, a leading specialty retailer of furniture, bedding and home furnishings, announced that it will relocate its corporate headquarters to the historic Woolworth Building in downtown Manhattan. The announcement comes as the home furnishings leader continues its significant progress towards rebuilding the Levitz brand. Levitz Furniture expects the relocation will be complete by mid-December. The Company will move its current corporate office in Woodbury, N.Y. into the entire 23rd floor of the Woolworth Building, located at 233 Broadway between Barclay Street and Park Place in downtown Manhattan. Levitz Furniture will take approximately 30,000 square feet in the building in a sublease from Reuters. The Company will continue to maintain a small corporate presence in Woodbury, mostly within its Information Technology area.

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The Children's Furniture Company launch two new cots

2006-10-22T03:28:00.000-07:00

The hugely successful Ludo and Milkshake ranges from The Children's Furniture Company have given birth to a beautiful, sturdy new cot in three stunning finishes; beech, cream or white - and a handy baby changer to fit neatly on top of their existing chest of drawers. The cots are designed to fit in with the two existing ranges – shelves, wardrobes, chests, bookcases, beds and bedsides cabinets etc. Now there is no reason to change your little one's entire room scheme once they outgrow their cot. You can simply replace this magnificent cot with a stunning matching bed from the Ludo or Milkshake range – letting the furniture grow with your child, and taking this range from birth to childhood and beyond. Both cots are reassuringly solid, sturdy pieces. The Ludo cot is finished in beech with rounded edges, and a choice of plain or five engravings for the end panels; and in the Milkshake range the cot is finished with two coats of cream or white paint.

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A Revival of Gatsby Furniture

2006-10-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

You don't have to live in West Egg to have a home as fashionably posh as that of Jay Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous high-society protagonist. This season a number of top-end furniture designers are reviving classic designs from the 1920s and '30s-but with a distinctly modern feel. Define the style in a grand way with lacquered wood, oversize mirrors and gold leaf, or opt for the soft, subtle approach of black and white patterns and mother-of-pearl. For pure opulent elegance, nothing tops the new range of art-deco-inspired furnishings by California-based Kreiss. The Gatsby Chair and 1/2, made from polished mahogany and cream wool, will make a larger-than-life statement in any room (?2,633). Or dress up your dining room with a selection of hand-carved rosewood chairs (?1,707 each; kreiss.com).

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Furniture chain to close local stores

2006-10-08T03:16:00.000-07:00

Storehouse Inc., a home-furnishings retailer with operations in Charlotte, will conduct a bankruptcy liquidation sale beginning Friday. The sale will involve all of the nearly 70 Storehouse locations, including those at 242 S. Sharon Amity Road, 6801 Northlake Mall Drive and 11709 Carolina Place Parkway. .

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Frederick furniture maker drawn westward by success

2006-10-06T03:23:00.000-07:00

Mr. King is the owner of Cornerstone Furnishings Inc., a custom woodworking business in Boonsboro that specializes in upscale residential cabinetry and furniture. "We work with primarily wealthy, high-end clientele," Mr. King said. Cornerstone recently expanded its services to the West, manufacturing a conference table for a lighting design firm in Salt Lake City. The table has helped to spur more inquiries from would-be clients. Traveling back and forth has been easy, because Mr. King knows he has good workers in his shop, he said. Another factor in Mr. King's interest in the Midwest is his ministry work. Mr. King became a born-again Christian 19 years ago, and his ultimate goal is to perform full-time ministry work in Wyoming, he said. Mr. King will move to Wyoming one day and serve in an advisory capacity for Cornerstone, which will remain in Maryland, he said.

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Office furniture market to go up by some 20%

2006-10-04T03:16:00.000-07:00

The relocations of the major companies from Romania, as more and more office buildings are delivered onto the market, could trigger an almost 20% increase in office furniture market this year. Having reached 50 million euros last year, the office furniture is one of the most dynamic niches of its respective market. "The office furniture market became more balanced, more settled, with major surprises unlikely occur, it reached maturity. And the maturity of tastes is also characteristic for the demands coming from Romanian companies' clients," said Bogdan Staicu, chief executive officer of Mobexpert Office, the office furniture department of Mobexpert Group, the largest player on local furniture market. .

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Furniture Struggles With Its Brands

2006-10-02T03:15:00.000-07:00

The furniture industry has had a rough couple of months, with weak results just reported at Bassett Furniture (Nasdaq: BSET), a negative preannouncement at Stanley Furniture (Nasdaq: STLY), a warning from Ethan Allen (NYSE: ETH) in August, plant closings at Hooker Furniture (Nasdaq: HOFT), and overall malaise in the industry. So what's on tap when Furniture Brands (NYSE: FBN) reports later in October? Judging by its own negative preannouncement on Sept. 5, it looks like more of what the competition has been experiencing. Like other domestic furniture companies, Furniture Brands is increasingly sourcing product from overseas -- namely China, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. And retail trends continue to be weak; in response, Furniture Brands has increased downtime at an upholstery facility and is focusing on discounts to try and move inventory.

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Phones and furniture among top gripes to complaint service

2006-09-24T03:21:00.000-07:00

PEOPLE in Somerset complain most about mobile phones, independent car dealers, and upholstered furniture, according to figures released by Somerset County Council's Trading Standards team. Latest figures collated by Government advice service Consumer Direct show that 9,658 Somerset residents contacted the organisation via its website or by phone during the past 12 months. Calls about prize draws were also in the top ten for complaints. .

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Classic furniture comes back home

2006-09-22T03:18:00.000-07:00

A fine set of classic furniture has returned to its homeland, courtesy of an overseas collector. Zeng Youhe has donated 7 pieces of her collection, to China's Ministry of Culture. Her antiques are on display at the Prince Gong Residence in Beijing. The seven include an armchair, a cabinet, two benches, and three tables. All are made of precious yellow pear wood. And their combined value amounts to 20 million yuan, or 2-point-5 million US dollars. All of them were crafted in the Ming Dynasty, more than 600 years ago, when furniture-making peaked in China. Historian Yan Chongnian said:"These pieces are from the Ming Dynasty. They are among the finest examples of Chinese furniture-making. And they've got great research value." The beauty of antique furniture lies in its fluid lines, and in the lustrous texture of the wood.

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SooNews Asks, Would You Like A Furniture Shopping Spree?

2006-09-18T03:25:00.000-07:00

Starting Monday on SooNews.ca, you stand a chance of winning a furniture shopping spree valued at $3,000 from the Furniture Gallery. It's all part of a brand new year on BIG DEALS , the Sault's favourite on-line game where participants can win great prizes every weekday. New this year is the BIG DEALS gift card that you could use at participating sponsors with a value of $100 , everyday along with various gift certificates from local businesses. The grand prize is a shopping spree at the Sault's newest furniture store, The Furniture Gallery on Queen Street. The winner can select any pieces of furniture up to a $3,000 total value. That draw will be made on December 4 , 2006. How do you play BIG DEALS? , it's easy, just register on the BIG DEALS page and start playing, every day. 4 prizes are selected every weekday except holidays.

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Furniture exports are booming

2006-09-16T03:26:00.000-07:00

Danish furniture is popular abroad. In six months the exports rose by 11 per cent, the strongest growth for many years. After several difficult years Danish furniture design is again in demand. The exports of Danish furniture amounted to DKK 8.4 billion in the first six months of the year, a growth of 11 per cent compared to last year. It is in particular the Norwegians and Germans who are again in the market for the Danish furniture, but the trend is clear on most key markets. It is very positive that it is not only one or a few markets which are growing but that the trend is global. It shows that Danish furniture industry has understood to adapt its products to the various customers needs and has once again confirmed its ability to survive, managing director Keld Korsager, the trade organiszatiaon Dansk Mbelindustri (Danish Furniture Industry) told the news agency Ritzau.

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Bears Shutout Costly to Furniture Store

2006-09-14T03:21:00.000-07:00

Chicagoist better than to expect to win when betting on football, especially when the Bears are involved. The last time we were in Vegas, we saw the Bears lose and miss covering the spread by 1 damn point after a Grossman endzone interception with 0:18 left in the game. Rather than a celebratory cocktail before heading to the airport, we left town with our wallet somewhat lighter. At least ours wasn't as light as Randy Gonigam's now is. See, Goningam owns World Furniture Mall is downstate Plano, IL. His store ran a Labor Day promotion which offered full refunds to all customers if the Bears shut out the Packers on Opening Day. Sure enough, the Bears pounded the Packers 26-0, meaning that Gonigam owes over 200 customers refunds totalling over $300,000! Actually, the deal won't end up costing Gonigam the whole $300k.

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Herb Weisbaum: Furniture Can Injure Children

2006-09-13T06:05:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE - There are plenty of things around the house that can hurt your kids - hot things, sharp things, poisonous things. But how about the furniture? "Any object that's big enough to be pulled over is potentially dangerous," warns Dr. Tony Woodward, Chief of Emergency Medicine at Seattle's Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center. He's personally seen two children who were killed by falling furniture. Each year 8,000 to 10,000 thousand kids are seriously injured when a TV, bookcase or dresser falls on them. The problem is serious enough that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a nationwide warning today. "We're aware of 10 deaths this year involving young children and TV tip-overs," says Nancy Nord, Acting Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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Furniture matches sleek sets

2006-09-10T06:27:00.000-07:00

With their sleek black-and- chrome features, lightweight, flat-panel televisions are making striking statements in home dcor. Lighter and thinner than clunky cathode-ray televisions, flat panels are affecting the design of media furniture, says Nikki DiBella, an interior decorator at Ikea in Tempe. Manufacturers are responding with consoles that are wide enough and just deep enough to accommodate these televisions. They're also including adjustable shelves, storage for components and openings for cords. Modular storage Designed for a flat-screen TV, Expedit, from Ikea, has a reinforced back panel and extra shelves for display or storage. $199. Hand-painted charm Hand-painted in antique black, this media console has four doors, two of which have glass inserts. It's made by Pulaski Furniture Corp., and its suggested retail price is $899.

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Underhills Furniture comes to Bellevue in a big way

2006-09-10T06:26:00.002-07:00

As if Bellevue didn't already own the Eastside shopping scene, now you can add Underhills Fine Wood Furniture to the city's plethora of options. After six decades in business, the family-owned furniture company has opened its largest showroom at 620 106th Ave. N.E., Bellevue (425-635-9050), in the epicenter of the city's retail boom. At nearly 28,000 square feet, the store is almost double the size of the company's next-largest location in Lynnwood. Greta Gustafson, director of advertising and marketing, said the company chose to open a store in Bellevue because its residents tend to stay in the city when they shop. To prepare for the huge showroom, owner Tom Underhill expanded some of the furniture lines for the store and designed new ones. The store features traditional styles of living-room furniture, dining-room sets and bedroom furniture.

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Furniture Brands: Q3 'softening' prompts plant shutdowns

2006-09-10T06:26:00.001-07:00

Furniture Brands International Inc. has scheduled "downtime" in several upholstery facilities in light of softening business conditions, Chairman and CEO W.G. "Mickey" Holliman said Wednesday in a statement. In commenting on the outlook for the third quarter, Holliman said that business conditions have "softened from when we last commented on trends." He said the company also will "take more aggressive discounts on selected slower-moving product." .

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Passion is part of the furniture

2006-09-10T06:26:00.000-07:00

AT the age of 11, Alex Cresswell-Turner’s life was turned upside down. His parents got divorced, and after having spent six years at a private school, he went to live with his father in Gloucestershire where he was sent to the local comprehensive. It was only the start of the changes in store for him. After a year he went to live with his mother in London, where he was sent to another comprehensive, this time in Pimlico. .

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Furniture Forecast From BDO Seidman

2006-09-10T06:25:00.001-07:00

New Orders. According to our latest survey of residential furniture manufacturers and distributors, new orders in June were about even with new orders in June of 2005. The orders were also basically even with May orders, which is somewhat normal. For the month, approximately 58 percent of the participants reported increased orders. This compared to just over one-half the participants reporting increases in May when orders were flat compared to May 2005. Year-to-date, new orders remained about even with last years first half. Approximately 39 percent of the participants reported increased orders for the first half of the year, compared to 32 percent last month. Shipments and Backlogs. Shipments in June were also even with shipments in June of 2005 and were up 6 percent over May.

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Furniture orders steady in June

2006-09-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

Furniture orders remained nearly even in June compared to June 2005, according to the Furniture Insights industry report issued by BDO Siedman. In June 2006, $2.32 billion in residential furniture was ordered, according to the report. During the same month in 2005, $2.33 billion of furniture was ordered. .

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