Archive for June, 2012


Friday, June 29th, 2012

Las Vegas Market Delivers Compelling Mix of Educational Programs for Retailers and Designers at Summer Market

World Market Center Las Vegas is pleased to unveil a diverse and informative assortment of complimentary seminars for retailers, design professionals and other registered Market attendees during the upcoming Summer 2012 Las Vegas Market, July 30- August 3.

Each seminar features leaders in all facets of the design, home furnishings and gift industries and many programs are CEU-accredited. Seminar focus areas include everything from small business practices, consumer and design trends, social media highlights, hospitality and gift store trends, the evolving role of technology in design, sustainability trends, color forecasts, Holiday ‘12 and Spring ’13 trend previews, visual merchandising strategies, new approaches in mattress marketing and recycling, and the ultimate in brand marketing and customer service.

“The seminar mix for Summer Market is robust. It provides Market attendees with an up-to-the-minute pulse on what’s trending in the marketplace so they can better enhance their businesses as well as their understanding of new opportunities within the industry,” said Dana Andrew, vice president of marketing and public relations for World Market Center Las Vegas. “Las Vegas is a trendsetting city. Buyers come here to see what’s new and how they can evolve. True to the spirit of both the city and the Market’s primary objective, we strive to be the ultimate resource of cutting-edge industry information for all attendees— from home furnishings retailers to independent gift stores to interior designers.”

Seminars take place throughout the entire week of Market. In all, there are over 30 must-attend seminars. A sampling of seminar standouts includes:

• FIRST LOOK Monday, July 30 at 10 a.m. World Forum, Building B, 16 floor Join HGTV’s Monica Pedersen and home furnishings trend expert Julie Smith Vincenti as they dish about everything hot for the upcoming season during Las Vegas Market’s popular First Look. Fast-paced and highly-visual, they divulge the newest looks in bedroom and accent furniture, upholstery, lighting, area rugs, wall décor, giftware and more. The companion products guide is given to attendees to help them fast track to the latest trends at Market.
• HOLLYWOOD STYLE BY WOODSON & RUMERFIELD’S HOUSE OF DESIGN Monday, July 30 at 11 a.m., Building C, C176 Ron Woodson & Jaime Rummerfield are two of the most sought after tickets on the design scene. Co-owners of the tony Los Angeles interior design firm Woodson & Rummerfield’s House of Design, Ron and Jaime are true California style-makers, thoughtfully combining Hollywood opulence and sleek modernity into their creations. They are well known for curating noteworthy classics with memorable fashion forward elements into their modern-vintage style coined “Modage.” Ron and Jaime will share some of their most stunning Hollywood projects, along with chic home décor tips and tricks. The presentation is followed by a book signing for Ron and Jamie’s beautiful title, High Style, published by Chronicle Books. .1 CEU
• THE IMPACT OF TRENDS IN THE MARKETPLACE Monday, July 30 at 3 p.m., Building C, C344 Don’t miss this lively discussion with experts and tastemakers who draw from traditional media backgrounds, such as Oprah Magazine and House Beautiful, as well as editors  in the blog and web space, plus a retail marketing expert and a super stylish designer and shop owner. Led by renowned stylist and editor Liezel Munez, panelists Marisa Marcantonio, Amy Elisa Keith, Mila Becker and Jamie Meares will bring you trends to expect for Holiday and Spring 2013. They will also share how to apply these trends to your brand’s “voice” so that they are easily digestible to your target customers. Gain marketing tips on selling that trend in your business and how to generate “buzz.”
• CUSTOMER PERCEPTION AND VISUAL MERCHANDISING STRATEGIES Tuesday, July 31 at 10 a.m., Building C, C344 The retail floor is where the products meet the final consumers, and it’s where a want is turned into a need.  The use of imaginative and inspired product presentations are key to generating the customer’s impulse to purchase.  Understanding various merchandising styles and formats can refine and define your visual presentations, making your store a must-see.  Join Paul Thompson as he shares his vision for merchandising and visual display.
• OPPOSITES ATTRACT: THE 2013 SHERWIN-WILLIAMS COLORMIX™ FORECAST Tuesday, July 31 at 11 a.m., Building C, C176 Opposites attract us like never before, exerting a magnetic pull on the spectrum.  Join Sherwin-Williams Colormix(TM) 2013, where today’s color mood is examined under the microscope to reveal its dueling influences that are shaping four divergent color directions.  Join Laurie Clark, Senior Designer Account Executive for the Sherwin-Williams Company, as she presents the 2013 Color Forecast. .1 CEU

• PURE SPACE: ELEGANT MINIMALISM Tuesday, July 31 at 1 p.m., Building C, C176 Join us for a presentation and book signing with Jennifer Post, the Principal and visionary of her firm-Jennifer Post, Inc. She creates elegant, contemporary homes  and boasts a following of elite and sophisticated clientele, including Matt Lauer, John Hannan, Simon Cowell, and Jennifer Lopez, to name a few. The youngest designer ever to be included in Architectural Digests’ “Top 100 List,” Post has been featured in the New York Times, House & Garden, Elle Decor, Metropolitan Home, Architectural Digest, LUXE, and The Robb Report. Post’s style is about purity of design and architecture with a special flair for modern simplicity. .1 CEU

• INSIDER SECRETS REVEALED: HOW TO STAND OUT FROM YOUR COMPETITION Tuesday, July 31 at 3 p.m., Building B, World Forum What do The Black American Express Centurion Card, Aveda, Singapore Airlines, Coldwell Banker, Audi and Auberge Resorts have in common?  Two words:  Holly Stiel.  Holly’s mission is to reveal the mysteries of hotel concierge-style service to retailers and designers looking to build customer service into your company’s culture. She has a secret weapon that helps companies ignite the spirit of service within their organizations. In her high-energy, interactive workshops, she reveals the secrets of her signature Neon Signs of Service—the spirit behind the skills that breathes new life and passion into every encounter. Holly’s techniques are illustrated with humorous, real-life anecdotes from her 17-year career as a concierge and 20 years as a trainer and consultant.

• DESIGN TRENDS AND THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR Tuesday, July 31 at 3 p.m., Building C, C344 Websites, software, apps, oh my… It’s no secret that design technology is changing the way designers and consumers collaborate and communicate.  Join this panel of design technology trend experts as they discuss how technology is affecting buying decisions, trends and driving certain demands. Ultimately, attendees will leave with an understanding of how to embrace and harness the power of technology in their day-to-day business. .1 CEU

• AHEAD OF THE CURVE Wednesday, August 1 at 9 a.m., Building C, C352 The signature Ahead of the Curve presentation returns for its fifth installment at the Summer Las Vegas Market. An exclusive preview of the hottest new home design trends features an all-star cast of top U.S. designers, including Betsy Burnham, Philip Gorrivan and Darren Henault. With their fingers on the pulse of what’s hot and relevant, this trio of sought-after designers scours five million square feet of showrooms, then shares their best finds during their live panel discussion and webcast, which includes a question and answer segment. The panel is moderated by TODAY Show contributor Susanna Salk. , Following the presentation, Market attendees can secure a signed copy of Susanna Salk’s new book, Be Your Own Decorator: Taking Confidence and Cues by the World’s Leading Designers, released on March 27, 2012. .1 CEU

• PINTEREST: HOW MANY BUYERS ARE PINNING? Wednesday, August 1 at 10 a.m., Building C, 364 Social media experts say sixty-five percent of top brands across the home category, including furnishings and housewares, are active on Pinterest. Pinterest is a pinboard-styled social photo sharing website. The free service allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections. The site’s mission statement is to “connect everyone in the world through the ‘things they find interesting.”  This is a fabulous social marketing tool for retailers and helps drive business traffic faster than Facebook or Twitter. Join Barbara Wold to explore how your business can benefit from this new online and social media tool.

• FURNITURE, FASHION & FOOD: THE PERFECT MARRIAGE Wednesday, August 1 at 2 p.m., Building C, C176 Fashion, furniture and the art of entertaining do not exist in isolation and have profound influences on one another. Join this stimulating conversation on the blurring line between furniture and fashion and discover the latest creative synergies you can take back to your business. Cassandra LaValle, editor behind the ultra-popular coco+kelley blog whose readers enjoy stunning interiors, brilliant fashion, inspired tabletops and original color palettes, Virginia VanZanten, Associate Editor at W Magazine, and Jane Matteson of Matteson Design and Consulting headline this fashion-forward panel. .1 CEU

• DESIGNER DAYS – FIRST FRIDAY: HOW TO GET ON TV: THE ULTIMATE MARKETING FOR YOUR BRAND Friday, August 3 at 10 a.m., Building C, C176 Join celebrity interior designer Lori Dennis, head counselor for Design Camp, to learn the secrets of how to get on television as an interior design guest expert, host or even star on your own show.  Lori has been a regular on programs for HGTV, Food Network, NBC, Oxygen and is the star of soon to air series, the Real Designing Women on HGTV. .1CEU

Additional seminars by date include:

 

Monday, July 30:

• How to Leverage the Power of Small Business Saturday to Drive More Traffic and Profit, presented by Patricia Norins, Publisher of Gift Shop Magazine: 11 a.m., Building C, Suite C344

• Hospital Gift Shop Management, presented by Cindi Jones, consultant and designer:1 p.m., Building C, Suite 344

• Integrating Mobile Platforms, presented by David Rodnitzky: 1 p.m., Building B, World Forum-16th Floor

• Love At First Blush: How Well Is The Bedding Industry Connecting With Female Customers?, presented by Sleep Products Association and WithIt, in conjunction with Ergo Bedroom: 2 p.m., Building C, Suite C176

 

Tues., July 31:

• Gender-Blending, presented by Tom and Tracy Leigh Hazzard: 10 a.m., Building B, World Forum

• Marketing and Store Event Ideas from Award-Winning Retailers, presented by Caroline Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief of Gifts and Decorative Accessories: 11 a.m., Building C, Suite C364

• MAXING YOUR MERCHANDISING MIX: How To Make Fashion, Accessories & Jewelry Sell Well in Your Store, presented by Linda Cahan, Retail Visual Design Consultant: 2 p.m., Building C, Suite C5

 

Wed., Aug. 1

• Building a Brand from the Beginning, presented by Kiersten Hathcock: 10 a.m., Building B, World Forum-16th Floor .1 CEU

• Rest Easy with a Knock-out Specialty Sleep Program in Your Store! 11 a.m., Building C, Suite 344

• Sustainability Essentials: Textiles, presented by Patty Grossman: 1 p.m., Building B, World Forum-16th Floor .1 CEU

• Displays – From Dull to Dazzling, presented by Susan Wagner, Editor of Smart Retailer: 2 p.m., Building C, Suite C364

• Is your Website Poised to Sell?, presented by Kevin Richards, owner of Ventura Web Design: 3 p.m., Building C, Suite C344
Thurs., Aug. 2
• Used Mattress Recycling – What’s the Right Solution? Presented by Ryan Trainer: 10 a.m., Building B, World Forum-16th Floor

• How to Pin Down Customers with the Power of Pinterest, presented by leading social media guru, Christi Tullis: 10 a.m., Building C, Suite C344
Friday, Aug. 3

• Designer Days – First Friday: Renovate Your Interior Design Revenue: Learn to Comfortably Sell Yourself, Your Services, and Your Designs, Presented by designer consultant Chelsea Coryell: 12 p.m., Building C, Suite C176 .1 CEU

In addition, a first-time buyer’s orientation will be available on Tuesday at 10 am in Building C, Suite C368 to help new-to-market attendees maximize buying time and inform them about the many resources, destinations, seminars and events that Las Vegas Market has to offer.

A full listing of all Summer 2012 Las Vegas Market seminars is available at www.LasVegasMarket.com/events.  Many seminars are CEU-accredited. Attendees also enjoy an array of amenities including free Wi-Fi on campus, complimentary shuttle to/from host hotels, free parking in multi-level onsite parking garage, fully-equipped Internet lounges and convenient café and food kiosks.

Register before July 13 to receive your badge in the mail. Hotels can also be booked for as low as $40 a night by visiting www.LasVegasMarket.com.

Tags:
Posted in Industry News, Las Vegas Market News | Leave Comment

Monday, June 25th, 2012

Toxic Flame Retardant Chemicals: CA Legislature to Hear about Science, Health Hazards

Tuesday June 26th, 1:30pm Room 444 Capitol Bldg

(Sacramento) The California Assembly will hold an informational hearing to examine the effectiveness of the state’s furniture flammability standards and the environmental and health impacts of flame retardant chemicals. The hearing hosted by the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials <http://assembly.ca.gov/dailyfile>  will be Tuesday, June 26th at the California State Capitol, Room 444, 1:30 p.m. Pacific.

This is the first legislative hearing in California since the Chicago Tribune  revealed the flame retardant chemical industry had used deception in testimony before the legislature in previous years. Legislatures in Alaska, Washington, and other states were given similarly deceptive information that did not represent the modern science of fire safety and health hazards from the toxic chemicals.

California’s obsolete regulation, Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117) de facto forces toxic flame retardant chemicals into foam in products meant for sale in California. Modern science links the chemicals, which have spread all over the world, to lower IQs, learning and behavioral deficits, infertility, and cancer.

Science and health advocates seek to have TB 117 updated to comply with draft standards developed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC’s standard does not virtually force manufacturers to use toxic flame retardants in foam for their products.

Last week California Governor Jerry Brown announced he would focus attention on achieving fire safety while eliminating toxic flame retardant chemicals in products.

Witnesses at tomorrow’s hearing include:

Ana Mascareñas, Policy & Communications Director for Physicians for Social Responsibility – Los Angeles, who can address the inadequacies of toxic flame retardants in regard to TB 117, and the disproportionate impacts of chemicals on communities of color and how the flame retardant industry has sought to confuse community leaders by misrepresenting the science.

Andrew McGuire, Executive Director for the Trauma Foundation, is a burn survivor who battled Big Tobacco over fire safe cigarettes and now finds the same public relations individuals and strategies being used by the flame retardant industry to attack science and disinform the public.

Tony Stefani, President of the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, will address how firefighters are impacted by toxic chemicals in fires.

Bryan Frieders, Battalion Chief, San Gabriel Fire Department, and Public Information Officer, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

Koy Wilson, Firefighter, Stockton Fire Department, and 10th District Coordinator, International Association of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation.

Sarah Janssen, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., will be attending the hearing. She is Senior Scientist for the Natural Resources Defense Council, and reproductive health researcher at UCSF, and can explain the studies linking flame retardant chemicals to lower IQ’s, learning and behavioral deficits, infertility, and cancer.

For More Info: http://toxicfreefiresafety.org/CaliforniansForToxicFreeFireSafety.php

Posted in Industry News, Legislative News | Leave Comment

Monday, June 25th, 2012

Las Vegas Summer Market Debuts New Destination in Building B with Top Trend Setters in Home Decor

Delivering a fashion-forward collection of home décor resources for its growing retail and designer attendee base, World Market Center Las Vegas will launch a newly merchandised and expanded presentation at the 2012 Summer Las Vegas Market. The new destination at World Market Center, located in Building B on the third floor, will be a combination of new lines to Las Vegas and hand-picked showrooms relocated from other buildings.

B-3—now 100 percent leased—will be a vibrant, must visit location for buyers across all industry sectors from interior designers to furniture retailers to gift stores. Several educational and networking events will also be held throughout the week in B-3 showrooms.

“Bringing together this caliber of resources in one easy-to-navigate area of the Las Vegas Market truly elevates the experience and offerings for design-centric buyers,” said Lee Hershberg, Vice President of Home Décor for International Market Centers, parent company of World Market Center Las Vegas. “We have a growing collection of better merchandise in Las Vegas—and concentrating these resources together on one floor will give buyers looking for the most up-to-date, on-trend presentation a fantastic experience. We believe this vibrant destination will attract additional trend-setters across all categories to Las Vegas and will be an immediate catalyst for growth.”

B-3 showrooms new to the market include: Wendover Art, a maker of unique and high-quality wall décor; Daniel Stuart Studio, a purveyor of fine furnishings for the home with a specialization in high-end upholstery, bedding and decorative pillows; Best Slip Cover, a family owned company with more than 50 years experience in the furniture and slipcover industry; Pacific Green Furniture, the world’s leading pioneer in Palmwood® technology; Made Goods, a leading provider of fine furnishings, lighting and accessories, with a specialization in mirrors; Furniture Classics, a maker of solid wood, antique reproduction furniture; LuLu & Co., a wholesale distributor of the fine French products including linens, furniture, accessories, glassware and ceramics; and Blue Ocean Traders, a wholesale importer of unique items and furnishings from all over the world.

“Las Vegas has always been a good market for us and we are thrilled to be a part of this new initiative. The community of high design that is being created on B-3 will benefit both vendor and visitor and we believe, will make a good market, great,” said Daniel Penciner, CEO of Daniel Stuart Studio.

Tenants relocating to B-3 from other areas of Las Vegas Market include: Lazy Susan, an innovative home accessories company focusing on clean and simple design aesthetic; Noir, a manufacturer of home furnishings that emphasize natural, simple and classic designs; GO Home, a maker of vintage inspired home furnishings, giftware and accessories; Bougainvillea, a luxury wholesale distributor of preserved botanicals, fragrant candles, ladies apparel accessories, home accessories and jewelry; D.B. Imports, Ltd., which bills itself as the source for store fixtures and home accents for the wholesale and retail trade markets; Artisan House, which designs and creates unique, high-quality metal sculptures for wall, floor and tabletop; Arteriors Home, a manufacturer of accessories, furniture and lighting designed to have timeless appeal with a nod to the latest trends and Brownstone Furniture, a manufacturer of high-end furniture with innovative and timeless design.

Existing showrooms already located in B-3 and will be integral to this new collection of vendors include Chandra, a maker of high-design rugs; Paragon, an award-winning wholesale supplier of wall décor and its sister company, Propac, featuring a vast wall collection including matted framed and textured art, canvas transfers, metal collections and mirrors; and Surya, a high-end manufacturer of wool rugs and complementary accessories.

The full listing of B3 participants includes:

Arteriors B360 relocation

Artisan House B354 relocation

Best Slip Cover B324 NEW

Blue Ocean Traders B355 NEW

Bougainvillea B335 relocation

Brownstone B362 relocation

Chandra Rugs B300 as-is

Daniel Stuart Studio B316 NEW

DB Imports B350 relocation

Furniture Classics B346 NEW

Go Home B326 relocation

Lazy Susan B320 relocation

LuLu B365 NEW

Made Goods B349 NEW

Noir B305 relocation

Pacific Green B328 NEW

Paragon B301 as-is

Propac B301 as-is

Surya B370 as-is

Wendover Art Group B306 NEW

Tags: ,
Posted in Industry News, Las Vegas Market News | Leave Comment

Monday, June 18th, 2012

NHFA and Web4Retail Combine for Internet Marketing Webinar Series

The National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) and Web4Retail are combining for a webinar series titled, ‘Effective ROI Strategies for Your Internet Marketing’. The series is based upon results from Web4Retail’s year-long field project, by which they travelled the country working with various retailers to maximize internet marketing strategies. Web4Retail will share case studies of furniture retailers throughout North America who have grown their internet offerings and have achieved significant ROI results.

This three part series will begin with basic web strategies and continue all the way through to effective e-commerce, social media audience gathering and audience conversion. “What we saw as we were out traveling is that many retailers had various internet strategies. However when we looked at conversion rates, we found retailers were attracting an audience, but they had no sales and marketing measures to convert them, which lead to a significant loss of opportunities”, says Denise Keniston, President, Web4Retail.

Steve DeHaan, Executive Vice President of NHFA encourages home furnishings retailer to attend this impactful series. “NHFA’s mission to effectively improve profitability within the retail home furnishings community. That is why we are proud to host this webinar series of effective ROI strategies,” Mr. DeHaan says.

The first webinar in the series will be presented on June 26, 2012 at 3:00PM (EDT), and again on June 28 at 1:00PM (EDT). Visit www.nhfa.org for more details on the entire three part series.

Posted in Industry News | Leave Comment

Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

Ernst & Young announces Sleep Train Founder & CEO Dale Carlsen is the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2012 Award winner in Northern California

Ernst & Young LLP today announced that Dale Carlsen, Founder & CEO of Sleep Train, the number one mattress store on the West Coast, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2012 Award in the Retail and Consumer Products category in Northern California. The award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Dale Carlsen was selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a special gala on June 2nd at The Fairmont San Francisco.

“It’s an honor to receive this prestigious award on behalf of all of our Employee Owners, and be recognized among the nation’s top leaders for building a company that demonstrates continued growth and innovation and fosters strong relationships with our business partners and the greater community,” said Dale Carlsen, founder and CEO of Sleep Train.  “During the past 27 years, Sleep Train has grown from one store and few employees to a multi branded company with more than 255 stores and 1,250 employee owners.  We’ve created the Sleep Train Foster Kids program to have a significant impact on an important social cause, and became the only employee-owned sleep shop in the nation.  I am proud to share this tremendous recognition with my entire team whose support has been both vital and inspiring.”

Now in its 26th year, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program has honored the inspirational leadership of such entrepreneurs as Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com, Michael Dell of Dell Inc., Herb Kelleher of Southwest Airlines, Fred Smith of FedEx, Larry Page and Sergey Brin of Google, Richard Schulze of Best Buy, Andrew Mason of Groupon, Mindy Grossman of HSN, Inc., Reid Hoffman and Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn, and many more.

As a Northern California award winner, Dale Carlsen is now eligible for consideration for the National Entrepreneur Of The Year 2012 Award. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the National Entrepreneur Of The Year Overall Award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 17, 2012. The awards are the culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Industry News | Leave Comment

Monday, June 11th, 2012

Planned Furniture Promotions Names New VP

Planned Furniture Promotions, the industry’s premier high-impact event company, today announced it has appointed Robert Rosenberg, 32, as a new Vice President. Rosenberg will oversee various events, merchandising, and operations of the company in his new executiverole. A proven event conductor and innovative leader, he will be a key component in further improving PFP’s well-known and respected event success. Rosenberg joins the PFP executive team after working his way up through almost every role in the company. After graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Rosenberg started as a warehouse hand in 2003, moved into store sales, then assistant event coordinator and finally to event manager, where his success has been outstanding. Rosenberg conducted record breaking events for the company, not only in gross sales, but in profits and satisfaction for PFP clients. Numerous recorded client testimonials on the company’s website praise Rosenberg’s expertise and professionalism.

Rosenberg is the grandson of industry icon, Mr. Gene Rosenberg, PFP co-owner, and also a founder of Bob’s Discount Furniture (an industry top 15 company). Gene Rosenberg said, “I’ve watched Rob move through the ranks and when this new promotion was suggested by our executive team, I could not have been more pleased. Rob has worked hard and excelled on behalf of the company and our clients. With his well-deserved promotion, Rob, together with the entire PFP team, will help ensure that the Rosenberg legacy of providing unparalleled results and service to our clients will be carried on.”

Among others, Rosenberg has been involved in major industry events and sales at Levitz, Modernage, Sofa Express, American Home, Georgetown Interiors, Sussan Furniture, Mazer’s and most recently at Furniture Warehouse in Salt Lake City. “Rob’s experience, overwhelming success, and can-do positive attitude are what prompted us to make this move”, said Roy Hester, Sr. Vice President for the company. “Rob understands that our first directive is to help our clients reach their goals — he accepts that as his most important priority and has delivered on that promise time and time again. We’re delighted to have him join our executive team,” said Hester.

Rosenberg joins other PFP executives, Roy Hester, Burt Homonoff, Mark Bannon and Tom Liddell. The company is led by Gene Rosenberg and Paul Cohen, who are co-founders of PFP. PFP is celebrating its 50th year of successfully assisting furniture dealers.

Tags:
Posted in Industry News, People on the Move | Leave Comment