Archive for September, 2011


Friday, September 30th, 2011

Color Marketing Group [CMG] Names Color of the Year for 2012

The Color Marketing Group convened its International Color Conference in San Antonio, Texas this year.  From this world wide association of color designers the forecasts for trends in color and design emerge for all industries.

2012 Color of the Year Boyz-N-BerryA startling new hue has been named the Color of the Year.  It appeared in all industries across the board as the many Contract and Consumer committees met to discuss global trends.

“Boyz-N-Berry” a deep rich purple with slight red undertones, represents the mainstreaming of purple.  It is mature and elegant yet has a youthful edginess.  It reflects our changing mindset on so many issues—off center and unconventional, spiritual, meditative- yet impulsive. It is serene and in-control.

North America, South America, Asia, India and Europe had almost identical reports on this hue. We see in this color the “take back control of my life” that is entering the global consciousness.

It’s a hue for creativity and irreverence; glancing sideways at its traditional roots. From hospitality to home, from youth market to luxury goods, purple has as much masculine as feminine appeal.  Real men wear purple.

Also noted at this most recent conference is that contract and residential are blending almost seamlessly.  There was a time when there was as much as a six year gap with contract leading.

Today’s consumer is looking for familiar comfort as well as new and exciting elements in their retail experience.

 “Boyz-N-Berry” in design projects.

  • Purple is the complement to yellow which the underlying color of the new lighter wood tones.  It makes a wonderful accent color for spaces that are either wood heavy or have elements with a yellow cast prevalent in many laminates and vinyls.
  • A warm taupe teamed with purple will induce a feeling of trust and serenity. [Yellow and purple is said to be the most healing combination]
  • Creams and whites added to purple create a sense of fresh openness.  Whites constituted a large part of the color story representing the consumer “need” for cleansing and renewal.
  • Grey paired with purple and cream completes understated elegance.  Pop it with brighter hues for youth appeal.

Updating color need not be budget breaking. It can be as simple as accent walls, art and rugs, updating color in signage, point of purchase brochures or strategically placed color in display walls.

Adding the right color can soothe and inspire your client into a more positive retail experience that will enhance their life and your bottom line.

Zara Stender, IDS, CMG, NEWH is an international color expert, award winning designer and the author of several books on design and color.  She is a Chairholder with the Color Marketing Group and serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of STIR Magazine, the Sherwin Williams publication for architects and designers. She often lectures on trends in color and interior design. She consults on hospitality, retail and residential projects.

Contact her at zaradesigns@yahoo.com     Zaracolordesign.blogspot.com

 

Color formulation for “Boyz-N-Berry”

RGB:  96, 62, 98
Pantone TPX: 19-3223
NCS: S 5030-R40B
RAL:  320 30 25
LAB:  31.1, 23.8, -14.1

Sherwin Williams # 6839

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Friday, September 30th, 2011

Lexington Teams with MicroD to Create State-of-the-Art Website for Henry Link

Lexington Home Brands worked with MicroD to design and build a visually-rich and informative online merchandising solution for its new Henry Link Trading Co. brand. The website leverages advanced merchandising tools to communicate the brand’s story, inspire consumer demand, and drive sales.

MicroD Incorporated, in partnership with Lexington Home Brands, has launched an innovative new website and online marketing solution for the new Henry Link Trading Co.® lifestyle furniture brand. Powered by the advanced ePiphany™ online furniture merchandising platform, the new website treats online furniture shoppers to an unparalleled user experience with visually-rich and informative product and gallery presentations, high-definition video, room planning, and upholstery customization capabilities. Lexington believes the new website will inspire consumer demand and drive sales at dealer locations worldwide.

According to Robert Stamper, Lexington Senior Vice President of Marketing, “We are very pleased with the online debut of our exciting new Henry Link Trading Co. Because this is a brand whose passion lies in the discovery of unique and inspiring furniture designs from every corner of the globe, we chose a website partner who could effectively deliver that distinctive destination experience to the consumer. MicroD gave us the fresh perspective in website design and product presentation that we needed to enable consumers to see and appreciate these exclusive product details and engage with the brand and our retailers.”

Henry Link Trading Co. is comprised of signature pieces hand selected by an experienced team of well-traveled designers and collectors. To communicate the brand’s compelling story and rich legacy, ePiphany provides exclusive multi-product displays, integrated email and social media, advanced search and navigation tools, and other leading-edge website capabilities that make it possible for Lexington to interact with online shoppers like never before. MicroD provides site design, catalog content and updates, website hosting, and maintenance services through a convenient, managed services subscription. Retailers are also able to display this innovative and exclusive Henry Link website embedded inside their own website.

“We are pleased with the opportunity to work with Lexington on such a creative and rewarding project”, noted Manoj Nigam, President and CEO at MicroD. “The Henry Link website represents the state-of-the-art technology for furniture websites and online merchandising. It is a striking example of how advanced design and functionality can work together to inspire consumers online.”

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Friday, September 30th, 2011

Jerome’s Earns Ranking as the Second Fastest Growing Furniture Retailer in U.S.

Furniture Today Magazine issues industry review based on 2009-2010 figures with recognition to Jerome’s Furniture for its everyday low price strategy and growth percentage

Jerome’s Furniture (Jerome’s) is proud to share industry news that points to the company’s fast-paced growth, everyday low price strategy and expansion into Riverside County to earn its rankings as the second fastest growing furniture retailer nationwide. Furniture Today, known as the business newspaper of the furniture industry, issued the report based on 2009-2010 data. The article shows Jerome’s outpacing growth percentages of major brands like Williams-Sonoma and serving as the only Southern California-headquartered business to be listed among major furniture industry leaders.

“Jerome’s sticks with consumers,” said Jerome’s chairman Jerry Navarra. “We’ve earned trust with customers over our decades of service and under president and CEO Lee Goodman’s leadership, we took some bold moves in 2009 with the addition of two new retail showrooms to our portfolio. While others hunkered down or closed stores, we expanded into Southern California with two new locations and saw significant sales growth among all seven showrooms in our portfolio.”

“San Diego-based Jerome’s—No. 56 on the Top 100—was the second fastest growing and placed in the Top 10 of two performance measures. The eight-store promotional to mid-priced retailer, known for its “Jerry’s Price” everyday low price strategy, had the fourth greatest percentage sales increase—up 20.8% to $95.5 million in 2010…Last year, Jerome’s opened two Southern California locations: a Murrieta furniture store and a Corona furniture store, ending the year with eight stores. That was enough to tie Regency Furniture for the seventh best percentage increase in store count (33.3%) and tie seven other retailers for 14th greatest net increase in units. Jerome’s performed well in all categories with the 19th best increase in equivalent store sales (same-store sales up 6.3%) and the 25th greatest net sales volume increase—up $16.4 million.” (Furniture Today, June 13, 2011)

Jerome’s attributes much of its success to the company’s firm commitment to its no nonsense sales approach that steers clear of gimmicky sales promotions and brings everyday value, known as “Jerry’s Price.” Goodman noted, “Consumers are watching every penny and we’re able to make their dollars go farther based on our low price strategy. When we expanded into a new market with two retail locations, customers in the area took a liking to our approach while our existing locations saw an uptick in overall sales.”

ABOUT JEROME’S:    
Founded in 1954, Jerome’s Furniture is a family-owned and operated business headquartered in San Diego, Calif. with seven showrooms and six clearance centers located across Southern California and an e-commerce website providing avenues for consumers to enjoy online furniture viewing and buying. Regarded fondly by generations of families, Jerome’s is known as the best furniture retailer for value (“Jerry’s Price”) and a wide selection of products. The company has earned numerous awards including “Retailer of the Year” by the Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) and Honoree of the San Diego National Bank Founders Award along with many other business recognitions as the “best” furniture store. Jerome’s was honored to be ranked by Furniture Today as the second fastest growing furniture retailer in the U.S. for 2009-2010 among 100 nationally recognized brands. Customers know they can count on Jerome’s to make it easy to shop for furniture with service support including interior design, same-day delivery and financing. More information can be found by visiting http://www.jeromes.com, http://www.facebook.com/JeromesSanDiego, or twitter @JeromesSanDiego.

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Thursday, September 29th, 2011

BKIND3 Moves To New High Point Showroom

Shared space in C&D Building with Urbia Imports reflects synergy rooted in sustainability

CONOVER, N.C.– BKIND3, a manufacturer of eco-friendly upholstery, has moved its High Point showroom to the Commerce & Design (C& D) Building (Spaces 5E and 5J), where it is exhibiting together with Urbia Imports, which specializes in furniture crafted from reclaimed and re-purposed wood, as well as select plantation-grown resources.

BKIND3 founder and upholstery designer Carl Gustafson said the C&D Building is a perfect showcase for his company and Urbia Imports, since the complex attracts retailers and designers seeking original designs and sustainable products for their customers and clients.

“With BKIND3’s focus on creating eco-friendly upholstery built by North Carolina craftsmen and the wonderful wood products that Urbia Imports produces, our shared showroom is a showcase for embracing a sustainable philosophy,” Gustafson said. “The shared showroom also puts a spotlight on designs that fit together in a natural way because of the eco-friendly approach of each of our companies.”

From the beginning, the focus of BKIND3 has been simple; to produce well-styled, affordable seating and enable customers to make a conscious choice that is eco friendly, green and sustainable—and that also brings jobs back to North Carolina.

BKIND3 has reviewed every aspect of its business to be in compliance with best practices and social responsibility. Its frames are PlyFrame harvested in US SFI certified forests. Seating is made in part with soy-based BiOH polyols that leave a smaller environmental footprint than the petroleum materials they replace. Those efforts earned BKIND3 membership in the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

For additional information about BKIND3, please visit http://www.bkind3.com/

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Wednesday, September 28th, 2011

How Do Cultures Influence Color? – IDS Design Series in San Francisco

“How Do Cultures Influence Color?” presented by Stephanie Letsinger,   Sherwin-Williams  

Earn .1 CEU

Join us for this .1 CEU presentation as we explore cultures, understand historical significance of color families, view and compare cultural similarities and disparities among color families and understand global color impact.

Thursday, October 13, 2011  2:30pm – 3:30pm

Click here for featured speakers
Click here for complete conference information
Click here to register online
Click here for registration form

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Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Groovystuff Sponsors Appalachian Supply Chain Club For High Point Market

Groovystuff is pleased to sponsor students from the Appalachian Supply Chain Club (ASCC) again at the fall High Point Market October 22-25, the Suites at Market Square, High Point, NC.  With the demands on furniture retailers and manufactures in today’s economy, delivering products to the customer at the lowest possible cost has never been more important and these students are at market to network with industry professionals and demonstrate how they can competitively improve the bottom line for market attendees.

The ASCC is Appalachian State University’s student-led supply chain management club. The club emphasizes six sigma, and quality management techniques as a core business philosophy and apply information systems and quantitative analysis to support this approach. All members are also members of APICS (http://www.apics.org), the parent organization. Most members are also actively working towards their minor in supply chain management.

As a mission statement, the ASCC promotes supply chain management by offering student members the chance to interact with industry professionals, while promoting career and professional development with networking and community involvement.

ASCC has 28 board members from various companies, including Transportation Insight, IBM, Lowes Home Improvement, and Total Insight. This semester we are having speakers from several of our board member companies come and talk about their companies, how they use supply chain management, and what opportunities they have for our students. We are planning a trip to Lowes Regional Distribution Center in Statesville NC, have an Advisory Board meeting in Boone, attending the American Home Furniture Alliance Show, and getting involved in the community through community service.

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Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Specialty Sleep Association adds Spring Air to High Point Showroom Mix Innovative Bedding Products Hub at October Market

The Specialty Sleep Association’s new High Point showroom, which debuted in April, will feature among its other member exhibitors Spring Air International, a first for the Top 15 bedding producer, which qualified for the SSA’s Environmental and Safety Level II seal in July. The organization’s 5,000-square-foot showroom in the International Home Furnishings Center is located on the fourth Floor, Main Wing (M413).

A one-stop resource for retailers seeking innovative bedding products, the Specialty Sleep Association’s showroom is the hub for the premier advocacy organization promoting the category of specialty sleep.

Exhibitors include:

  • Blu Sleep International
  • Julien Beaudoin Ltd.
  • Naturepedic Organic
  • PatienTech/Vista Medical
  • Spring Air International
  • Tyler Net, Inc.
  • W. Silver Products

For additional information regarding the SSA, please visit www.sleepinformation.org, or contact Executive Director Tambra Jones at tambra@sleepinformation.org, 559-868-4187, 559-676-8639

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Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Deal Decor – The Groupon of Furniture Launches First Deal in San Francisco

Deal Décor puts a new spin on group-buying by connecting consumers with factory direct deals

Start-Up Origins
Nine months ago, former colleagues at Home Depot, Gregory Lok and Craig Sakuma, began asking themselves if there was some way to combine their factory-direct sourcing experience with the flash sales and group-buying craze hitting America. Soon after, Gregory (CEO) and Craig (President) founded Deal Décor.com: America’s first group-buying platform for furniture, which offers factory direct deals to price sensitive consumers.

Different From Other Group-Buying Sites
Unlike other group-buying sites, Deal Décor is vertically integrated from the customer to the factory. They have developed an innovative supply chain that eliminates expensive overhead and reduces transportation costs. This allows Deal Décor to offer 30-70% discounts and reduce the carbon footprint of a customer’s purchase.

Pilot Launch: San Francisco
Deal Décor will be offering its first deal on September 26, 2011 in the San Francisco Bay Area for a two week period. The start-up will be offering a 3-piece sofa sectional for $399; the same exact item on Amazon.com retails between $706 to well over $800.

Growth Plans: Aggressive Expansion
During the next six months, the start-up aims to optimize and refine its business model before aggressively scaling to the top 20 largest metropolitan areas in the next 18 months.

For additional information and details, please visit www.DealDecor.com or contact Jennifer Wu at Jennifer(at)dealdecor(dot)com.

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Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

Make Your Voice Heard Before Governor Acts on Key California Workers’ Comp Bills

Through our coalition with the Workers’ Compensation Action Network, we are able to bring you this Legislative Alert and up-to-date legislative information. Please read the following update on new workers’ compensation measures, that will increase costs and litigation in the workers’ compensation system.

Governor Jerry Brown is busy plowing through more than 600 bills sent to him courtesy of the California Legislature, including several workers’ compensation measures with potential to signficantly impact the system. The governor has already started signing and vetoing measures but must move fast to keep pace with an October 9 deadline.

That’s why we need you to take action today to ask him to sign a key cost-saving measure and veto two bills that will increase costs and litigation in the workers’ compensation system.

Your efforts to communicate with lawmakers on these bills throughout the session have been critical. Now, in the final stage of this year’s lawmaking process, we need to communicate directly with the governor and make sure he knows where employers stand on these issues.

You can visit WCAN’s Action Center to learn more about each bill and send an email to Governor Brown.

  • AB 1155 (Apportionment): This legislation would increase costs and litigation in California’s workers’ compensation system by undermining provisions that protect employers from paying for disability that did not arise from work. Take Action
  • AB 378 (Compound Drugs): This bill closes a costly loophole in current law which allows for abusive prescribing and billing practices for compound drugs, co-packs and medical foods in California’s workers’ compensation system. Click here to read an article from Capitol Weekly about AB 378. Take Action
  • AB 947 (Extends Temporary Disability Benefits): This bill will significantly increase costs and incentivize delays in return to work by creating an exemption to the 104 week cap on temporary disability benefits for injured workers that undergo surgical procedures. The Orange County Register editorialized against this bill in late August. Take Action

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Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

2013 HFIC Contest Official Rules

Eligibility: You must be at least 18 years of age or older to enter. Must be a member in good standing of the WHFA/NHFA or other group supporting the 2013 Home Furnishings Industry Conference. No purchase necessary, see details below.

Starting Date: January 28, 2013

Ending Date: February 10, 2013

Mail-in Entry Postmark Deadline: January 28, 2013

Mail-in Entry Receipt Deadline: February 10, 2013

Grand Prize includes: three nights accommodations during the HFIC dates of June 2-4, 2013 at the Sheraton New Orleans, New Orleans, LA in a standard room single/quad occupancy (applicable tax included), 1 complimentary 2013 HFIC conference registration (includes all planned meal functions and incentives). Roundtrip coach air travel for 1 (not to exceed $500.00, airlines terms and conditions apply, certain restrictions may apply). Ticket is not refundable and is not replaceable if unable to attend.  Winner will not receive any cash value of prize. Contest dates will not be extended.

Agreement to Official Rules: By participating in any of the above Sweepstakes, entrant fully and unconditionally agrees to and accepts these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor and/or Administrator, which are final and binding in all matters related to the 2013 Making the Big Easy Sweepstakes.

During any individual sweepstakes period, hand print your name, address, phone number, 2013 Making the Big Easy Sweepstakes on a 3″ x 5″ piece of paper and mail it in an envelope with proper postage to “2013 Making the Big Easy” on the envelope, c/o WHFA 500 Giuseppe Court, Suite 6, Roseville, CA 95678.  For each mail-in request you will be entered once into the sweepstakes.

Limit: 1 entry per envelope.  All mail-in entries must be handwritten.  All entries become the exclusive property of Sponsor, and none will be acknowledged or returned. Proof of sending or submission will not be deemed to be proof of receipt by Sponsor. Sponsor is not responsible for lost, late, incomplete, invalid, unintelligible, illegible, misdirected or postage-due entries, which will be disqualified.  All mail-in entries must be postmarked and received by the dates set forth in the details of each individual Sweepstakes.

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