One thing that clearly would make the High Point market more user-friendly is the adoption of a single admission pass that would allow all attendees access to all showroom buildings. I’ve always been puzzled why the International Home Furnishings Market Authority hasn’t tackled this issue, but after hearing Bruce Miller’s comment about market registration at the Market Authority’s most recent board meeting, I have a better understanding.

F/T’s bedding conference will feature heavy hitters
This week, just in time for Thanksgiving, we offer a tasty treat for you: Details of our first Furniture/ Today Bedding Conference.I’ve spent the past several weeks putting the agenda together. We’ve got several heavy hitters from the retail, manu… (more)

Sales associates share insights on visco beds
You’ve read plenty from me in this column about the visco-elastic bedding phenomenon. I’ve raved about the superb marketing job done by Tempur-Pedic, shared my thoughts on the growing power of specialty sleep, and commented on the remarkable proliferation of visco beds in the marketplace.And, while I would hope that my comments have provided illumination and insight, I come to you this week with the thought that the comments of others are more important than mine. I… (more)

High Point grocery store teaches lesson in location
This week I share with you three words that are critical for retail success in the furniture industry: Location, location, location.OK, you may have heard that one before, but are you really taking it to heart? The answer, as revealed in an insightful Furniture/Today story published in our June 19 issue, appears to be no.We headlined our Page 1 story “Retail landscape in flux.” Cli… (more)

Headlines capture cycle of change in furniture industry
It is the endless cycle of furniture life, change … and death.Not to wax too philosophic here, but I was struck by that observation the other day as I looked through the pages of my favorite weekly furniture newspaper. (OK, you know that would be Furniture|Today.)I took a few quiet minutes last week to study the May 29 issue (which was then the “current issue,” in our parlance). Now, as you read these words, there will be a new “current issu… (more)

This butler is minding his manners for Highland House
The answer to this week’s marketing mystery: The butler did it.And the question: Who has teamed up with Highland House to launch a 60-piece English country collection?The butler – OK, he is a former butler – has impressive credentials. Paul Burrell, who handled butler duties for Queen Elizabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales, in his 21 years wit… (more)

Importer learns two major truths
I had lunch last week with Michael Foster, one of the founders of J.T. Michael Designs, an importer of case goods and upholstery. His youthful exuberance belies his 30 years in the industry. His 13-year run, from 1976 to 1989, at O’Asian Designs, an importer of high-end wicker and rattan, gave him an early look at the world of imports.For 10 years starting in 1990, Foster was vice president of import merchandising … (more)

Philippine-based furniture makers lose ground to Vietnam
A report from Philippine online news source INQ7.net states what has become painfully obvious to many Philippine furniture makers: Vietnam has eclipsed their market share in a relatively short time.According to the report, Vietnam’s share of the global furniture market rose to 0.78% in 2005, compared to the Philippine’s 0.54% market share. China far eclipses both markets, with 11.9%, the report states. Other countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand also ha… (more)

Food, dresses, showgirls: Perrys salute best in Vegas
It’s time for a Las Vegas edition of the Perrys, presented by yours truly for notable achievements in the bedding marketplace.Best achievement in mattress flammability: Sealy, for its inclusion of fire-resistant materials throughout its new flagship Posturepedic line. Now that Sealy has added FR protection to the bulk of its lines, we hope other majors quickly will follow suit. Time is life on this issue…. (more)

Faux Fun: Painted Furniture Fun With this DVD you’ll easily learn different ways to transform your plain furniture items into unique and personal painted creations. You’ll learn and understand on how to prepare your furniture for faux painting and then you’ll be guided on how to paint a variety of decorative techniques for furniture. You’ll learn how to paint a very popular `Antique White’ distressed faux finish. In addition, you’ll learn how to glaze over your existing cabinets and give them a complete makeover. You’ll be shown how to use a sand texture for a rustic look and even how to use simple and easy wall finishes on plain furniture pieces to absolutely transform them from ordinary to eye-catching. This DVD is simply an excellent tool for everyone to learn how to paint his or her furniture pieces with fun and easy decorative faux painting techniques!

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