INDUSTRY UPDATES
Frameworks, Inc. of La Conner, WA filed for
Bankruptcy
On September 25, 1996 Frameworks, Inc. of La
Conner, Washington filed a voluntary petition with the United
States Bankruptcy Court in Seattle.
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Futons & Frames Introduces "Home
Office Loft"
Futons & Frames, Inc., in Corvallis Oregon, manufacturers
of environmentally conscious futon frames and other wood furnishings,
has designed, and is introducing, a new product to the market.
It is the "Home Office Loft".
The "Home Office Loft" is Futons & Frames'
answer to the escalating market demand of how to utilize small
living spaces with a multi-functional piece of furniture.
The "Home Office Loft", designed to be easily assembled,
is skillfully constructed using mortise and tenon joinery
for exceptional stability. It is made from sustainably harvested
alder, grown in the Pacific Northwest. The finish has a smooth
low luster sheen, with two sealers and two top coats of non-toxic
water based varnish that has been applied for asthetics as
well as to preserve its longevity. Futons & Frames, Inc.,
has adopted the philosophy that furniture should last as long
as it takes to grow a tree.
This multi-functional piece of furniture features the loft
with a twin bed, a twenty eight inch glider futon chair that
makes into a small bed, an ottoman that is collapsible for
easy storage under the chair. In addition, it features a computer
work station that could also be used as a desk.
Futons & Frames, Inc.: (541) 753-2118.
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Big Tree Announces "Super Slider"
Big Tree recently announced that their new oak love seats
with the "Super Slider" ottoman pull-out are now
in full production. The company also introduced a "Super
Slider" ottoman pull-out for their futon chair.
"We have not seen this on the market before, and it
should go great with the love seat," says Bob Pecoraro,
National Sales Manager. "Our production manager, Mark
Mandell, came up with this idea for the chair after seeing
what our western regional manager, Bruce Sheppard, came up
with on the love seat design," Pecoraro adds.
In addition, Big Tree's cover collections have some tremendous
standard features, such as upholstery grade fabric on both
sides, welting, boxing, machine washable, and "free"
shipping.
For more information on Big Tree products, call (800) 647-2671
or Fax (213) 888-0619.
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Casual Lifestyles Comes on Strong with New
Ad Campaign
Casual Lifestyles reports that their retail dealers are receiving
customers from their recent ads in "The American Bungalow"
Magazine. One customer informed them that a consumer came
in with the ad and purchased over $2,500 in the Morris Collection.
These results have come from the Bungalow newsletter (in Black
& White); the full color ad is just arriving to consumers
in September.
The Home and Garden Network (HG Cable) has just announced
their schedule featuring Casual Lifestyles Manufacturing facility
and product to be shown October 10 at 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Pacific time, and 9:00 p.m. and midnight Eastern time. It
also will be shown an additional ten times in November and
December. A tape copy of this news piece is available to Casual
Lifestyles' dealers by request.
Casual Lifestyles has obtained a permanent showroom in The
Furniture Plaza Building in High Point, space #200. In this
spacious 3,000 square-foot area, they will show additions
to their Home Oak Collection as well as new case goods in
the popular Provincia series. Casual Lifestyles has secured
a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Corona, California.
Their complete line will be available from there.
For more information, call Casual Lifestyles at (800) 989-0998.
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Great Lakes Introduces "Environmentally
Friendly Futons"
Great Lakes Futon is introducing a line of "Environmentally
Friendly Futons" for the specialty-minded futon store.
Japh Ryder, President and General Manager of Great Lakes Futon,
Inc., says, "I have found that a good segment of the
folks that come into our retail store in Milwaukee love the
idea of buying a product that is doing something for the environment.
This is in addition to the fact that the different types of
high performance fibers we are using in these futons make
really fine futons!!"
For more information, contact Japh Ryder by calling (800)
236-3319.
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Leading Futon Manufacturers Open High Point
Super-Showroom
Principals from Gold Bond Mattress, SIS Covers, and Island
Futon frames recently announced they are opening a futon super-showroom
at the High Point furniture market October 17-25.
The futon showroom will feature new product introductions
from the futon industry's mattress and cover manufacturing
leaders as well as a quality-oriented imported frame manufacturer.
The showroom is located in Space 7G in the C & D Building.
"When the leading futon manufacturers show in High Point,"
the companies said jointly, "futons are truly coming
of age." The emphasis will be on futon suites, galleries,
and merchandising. Their efforts will be supported by an extensive
advertising campaign aimed at market attendees and key retailers.
Gold Bond Mattress builds the nation's best selling line
of step-up and premium futon mattresses. Gold Bond President,
Robert Naboicheck, is the Futon Association International's
president. Gold Bond, founded in 1900, is a strong sponsor
and supporter of the futon industry's growth. Gold Bond recently
expanded into a new 115,000 square-foot factory in Hartford,
CT, the industry's largest.
Similarly, SIS Covers is the industry's leading cover supplier
and creative innovator. SIS provides hundreds of reorderable
fabrics, pillows, and duvets to fashion-conscious retailers.
SIS President, Shari Hammer, recently served as vice president
of the Futon Association International. The company is also
active as an association leader and sponsor.
Island Futon offers hardwood futon frames in ten arm styles.
Made from super-strong teak-like "Nyatoh" (knee-ah-toe)
wood, Island Futons feature a patent-pending "E-Z Conversion"
front operating system and competitive offshore pricing. Island
Futon's first containers landed in the United States this
month. Island Futon frames, manufactured by one of the world's
leading RTA furniture manufacturers, are represented by The
Glasser Group of Tampa, Florida.
Principals from each corporation will attend the High Point
show.
Due to a surge in buyers' interest, the new SofSleeper upholstered
futon sofa sleeper made by Sunny Manufacturing will also be
shown in the super-showroom.
The High Point Home Furnishings show attracts leading home
furnishings' suppliers and retailers from all over the world.
For further information, please call: Gold Bond at (800)
873-8496, SIS Covers at (800) 989-5435, or The Glasser Group
at (800) 466-9099.
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Atlantic Frame Announces Shipments within
a Week
Atlantic Frame is glad to announce that since
the implementation of a double shift at our Greenfield, MA,
factory orders are now being processed and shipped within
a week. "Capacity has greatly increased to the benefit
of ourselves and our customers alike," said Atlantic
Frame president, Mark Valone.
The new "Pioneer" frame has proven
to be a winner and as a result, the "Pioneer" series
was introduced at the Mid-Atlantic Furniture Show in Fitchburg,
MA, on September 29-October 1. The "Pioneer" series
will consist of an A-Frame, L-Frame, and bi-fold with arms.
After many requests for additional finishes
for their "Nantucket" line, Atlantic Frame was pleased
to announce that the "Nantucket" is now available
in two finishes; Rosewood and Golden Oak along with the Light
Mahogany finish. The company reported that the response from
retailers has been terrific.
Stop in and see us in our new High Point space,
#7C in the Commerce and Design Building.
Anyone wanting a copy of the new brochure, please
call (800) 955-3726 or Fax (413) 527-7788.
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Free Guide to Business Tax Deduction
A free guide is now available that shows businesses how to
earn a federal income tax deduction by donating excess or
overstock inventory to qualified charity. The guide includes
a laymen's explanation of Section 170 (e) (3) of the Internal
Revenue Code, as well as step-by-step instructions on the
donation process. For your free copy, contact the nonprofit
National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources:
(800) 562-0955.
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King Koil Northeast has Full Line of Frames
and Mattresses
In 1993, King Koil's Northeast licensee, Blue
Bell Mattress of Windsor, CT, decided to enter the futon market.
In doing so, King Koil decided to build a complete futon program
made up of frames, mattresses, and covers. They felt that
the futon market was healthy and growing (a trend, not a fad),
and a great compliment to King Koil's existing business. They
started slowly, being careful not to make mistakes that could
jeopardize the credibility and the good will that King Koil/Blue
Bell had built through the years selling conventional bedding.
However, soon into the process, Steve Byer learned that building
a quality futon frame was more difficult and complicated than
appearances would suggest.
King Koil built their frames from a furniture
maker's perspective. They decided to use only select 5/4"
stocks on all 6 longitudinal cross-rails, with the slats recessed
into the rails using a full 3/4" dado joint, 3/8"
deep. The slats are pinned and glued from the bottom of the
frame. There are no rough edges on these frames. The lumber
is all select 8% kiln dried, and run through computerized
molders, fully sanded, and finished with a three-coat process.
King Koil even bevel-sands the bottom of the legs to prevent
minute chipping. Dowel joints and biscuit joints are common.
Company sales people often demonstrate the strength of King
Koil frames by jumping up and down on the top demonstrating
that they are built to last.
King Koil has 10 bi-fold frame styles, some
available in a few finishes. Bi-fold frames are priced between
$99.95 for the Classic Maple and $219.50 for the Eastern White
Ashwood. The company has had particular success with its 1996
line. Since the beginning of the year, they have introduced
the Scottsdale, an Eastern White Ash frame with a Southwestern
design; the Oslo, an elegant Eastern White Ash bent-arm frame;
and the Ashlander, an Eastern White Ash 5" wide arm top
frame. Sales have tripled when compared to 1995. The Nordica
frame, a version of the Oslo with a Mission look, was introduced
at the Futon show in May, '96 and is off to a fast start.
King Koil's futon mattress line has tripled
in sales in 1996, as well. Specialty futon mattresses are
leading the way. All of their mattresses are made with a 7
1/2 ounce twill covering, with a high grade cotton batting
with linter and staple, and with a nylon zippered end with
the zipper hidden in a pocket for a classic "tailored"
look. The Kormfort Koil Innerspring is one of the only innerspring
futons available with a flex-net polypropelene insulator over
the coils to prevent fill from caving into the unit. Most
manufacturers use a cloth or paper covering, but coming from
a conventional mattress maker's perspective, King Koil needed
the "real stuff". They also use convoluted foam
in the innersprings for an even more luxurious feel.
The Chico Luxury Firm is made with a wool blend
wrap for a great surface feel, and with a hair pad core for
long lasting support, firmness, and durability. The hair paid
is a material used in the finest of conventional bedding in
the United States and still used quite often in Europe. For
those who desire a firmer sit or sleep, or have a sore back,
this is the answer. King Koil's new EuroPlush fiber and foam
futon, at $99.00, was also introduced at the Providence futon
show. It is lighter, extremely plush, and off to a very fast
start.
For more information on the full line up of
King Koil Northeast's futons, call: (203) 688-6496
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Rosalco Promotes Michaelides
Leading furniture importer, Rosalco, has announced the promotion
of John Michaelides to the position of Senior Vice-President-Mass
Merchant Sales.
Michaelides previously functioned as Rosalco's Vice-President
of Mass Merchant Sales-EasterrnUnited States this past year.
He will coordinate his efforts through Harry Dougherty, Vice-President
of Operations.
Michaelides will "be much more involved in product development,
marketing, and national account sales," Dougherty said.
"He has done a super job in our mass merchant business
in the East and we anticipate an expanded presence nationally
with his leadership." Michaelides will be replacing Robert
"Buddy" Resnik, who recently left to pursue other
interests.
Rosalco will be introducing 50 new items at the upcoming
October High Point Furniture Market in their IHFC showroom
,Space #H-740.
Rosalco: (800) 233-4778.
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Harlee International Settles into New Headquarters
After months of planning, design, and construction &emdash;
including over one full month of moving machines, office fixtures,
and their extensive inventory &emdash; Harlee International
finally settled into their new headquarters and southern California
warehouse in late August. Located less than one-quarter mile
from their old headquarters, the new 51,000 square foot facility
allowed Harlee to consolidate both of their southern California
warehouse into one location and increase office space by 50
percent.
"We have always been service oriented and tried to ship
customer orders within 48 hours," said Harlee General
Manager, Jim Woll, coordinator of the move. "But, shipping
from two locations, at times, made that goal difficult. With
everything under one roof, along with the addition of new
computers and office equipment to speed up order processing,
our customers should see quicker shipping times."
Already known for their stream of new and innovative designs,
Harlee has also added computer assisted design capabilities.
"These new tools will help bring our new design ideas
into production faster than ever before," added Woll.
Harlee International's new address is 1692 Jenks Drive #101,
Corona, California 91720. The telephone numbers remain (800)
745-7660 and (909) 273-7600. The fax number is still (909)
273-7606.
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Wolf Introduces E-Z Fold Innerspring Futon
Wolf has developed an exiting, innovative E-Z Fold innerspring
futon manufactured with premium Endura Cotton™. This
8" futon contains all Wolf premium futon features including
full border box construction, 7-1/2 oz. poly-cotton twill,
23 machine tufts, and a 10 year warranty.
Wolf corporation, which began production of mattresses in
1873, is a family owned business located at 3434 Adams Center
Road in Fort Wayne, IN. The company provides a full line of
sleep related products and high quality internal padding components
to a large network of dealers and manufacturers worldwide
as well as throughout the United States.
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Lofa Sales Develops Canadian-made Futon/Davenport
Lofa Sales International of Montreal has developed its own
version of the upholstered futon sofa bed. Working with several
"old world" Canadian furniture manufacturers, Lofa
has successfully combined the features and benefits of both
a futon and davenport sofa bed into an entirely new category
dubbed the "Lofa-Bed".
Unique to the Lofa-Bed is its ability to convert from sofa
to bed position while standing flush against a wall. According
to Mitch Wapen, Lofa's president, other features and benefits
include a rubberized webbing support to cushion the futon
and provide unsurpassed sitting comfort and, also, a storage
space in the bottom for sheets, pillows, and blankets. "Best
of all," claims Wapen, "is the davenport mechanism
itself. With fingertip pressure only, this baby opens and
closes so smoothly and easily, people have to try it for themselves
to believe it!"
Priced to retail at $499 with a futon and cover, the Lofa-Bed
will be offered as a base alone or as a complete unit. The
arms are removable and shipped inside the base for convenient
handling and shipping.
For further information, contact Mitch Wapen at (514) 424-1431
or fax him at (514) 424-0267.
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New West Industries Announces Management
Changes
New West Industries, a division of WinsLoew Furniture, Inc.,
has recently added two company Vice Presidents to their management
team. New West has also promoted a General manager to Division
Director of Finance and Administration and changed the responsibilities
of one of its current officers to include customer service,
marketing, and national accounts. New West is a leading manufacturer
and importer of futon and lifestyle furniture that is sold
nationwide.
Carlos Lee Reed, named Vice President of Sales for New West,
will be focusing on development of the core and retail sales
part of New West's business. Prior to joining New West, Carlos
was Vice President of Sales at Rosalco for six years, and
most recently was Vice President of Sales at Canwood Furniture.
With the addition of Mr. Reed to the sales department, Thomas
Aders has now become Vice President of Marketing and National
Accounts Sales Manager. Tom will also be responsible for all
customer service activities at New West.
David K. Hearn, appointed as Vice President of Manufacturing
for New West, will be responsible for all production at both
Sparta plants, as well as overseeing the distribution activity
at the Cookeville facility. David comes to New West from Universal
Furniture, where he most recently was Vice President and General
Manager at Universal's Worth, Illinois plant. David has worked
in various capacities for the last 12 years for Universal
Furniture.
David Powell, recently assigned as General Manager of Southern
Wood Products, comes to Southern Wood with over ten years'
experience in furniture manufacturing. Most recently, David
was operations Manager with Custom Caseworks in Saulk Rapids,
Minnesota. David was also Operations Manager with Fournier
Furniture Corporation in St. Paul, Virginia. Southern Wood
Products, a company that is part of this division, is a manufacturer
of ready to assemble (RTA) furniture and is located in Sparta.
William V. Dobson has recently been promoted to Director
of Finance and Administration for the Futon/RTA Division.
Previously, Bill had been serving as General Manager and performing
duties as Plant Controller at Southern Wood Products for the
past year.
Richard McLeod, the President of New West, is very proud
to announce these recent additions and changes to the management
team, and has great confidence in each member's capabilities.
New West: (800) 638-8667.
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Dallas Futon Works' Great Value Line
For the last six years, Dallas Futon Works has been importing
and wholesaling metal futon frames. They heard their customer's
desire to buy all wood frames. As a result, one and one-half
years ago, they added two new partners to put together a manufacturing
plant and oversee its operations.
Dallas Futon Works (DFW) identified the need for a medium
priced frame line made from 100% American Red Oak, including
deck slats. Rather than use the 4 quarter-inch oak used by
other manufacturers to make the bodies and arms, DFW decided
that 5 quarter inch would give the product greater strength,
durability, and, most importantly, provide an overall better
value.
Because DFW wanted greater access to their products no matter
how far away the retailers were located, they were willing
to give up some profit margin. Customers on the east and west
coasts are able to buy four to eight frames at a time, and
still enjoy a great value.
The line offers six interchangeable arm styles in medium
oak finish -- four of the which are also available in natural
oak finish. The line itself is available in full, queen, chair/ottoman,
and love seat/ottoman.
Several hundred frames are in stock and ship with a two-day
lead time, after approved credit.
Limited territories are still open for sales reps -- call
Terry Proctor for availability.
For more information on Dallas Futon Works' product line,
call Terry Proctor or Vinay Patel at (800) 350-9086.
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Elite Furniture Expands Product Mix to Meet
Demand
Elite Furniture of San Jose, California, has expanded its
product selection by adding futon furniture made in domestic
oak and has also begun shipping highly styled platform beds.
By entering into the domestic oak arena, we can now offer
a well-rounded line of futon frame products, ranging from
$99 for our promotion Vermont Frame to our oak Westgate and
Canyon Frames at $299. The new furniture line, made of solid
domestic red oak, comes in room group settings with matching
coffee and end tables. The new frames are available in double,
queen, and chair sizes. The demand for oak futon frames has
increased over the past two years and seems to be growing
very rapidly into traditional furniture and bedding stores.
Elite prides itself on reading the demand in the marketplace
and implementing new products to meet that demand.
Along with the domestic furniture line, Elite has begun shipping
its platform bed line up, which consists of four contemporary
styles in natural, cherry, and mahogany finishes. The platform
beds can be used with futon or standard boxspring mattresses.
This makes them attractive to futon specialty stores, bedding
stores, and furniture stores who are looking to add to or
open a Lifestyles Bedding gallery. These products will be
stocked throughout our "national network" of warehouses
located in San Jose, CA; Miami, FL; Baltimore, MD; Dallas,
TX; and Chicago, IL.
For further information on their product line, contact Elite
Furniture at (800) 364-0609.
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SCI Opens East Coast Warehouse
The oldest and largest West Coast supplier of futons, frames,
covers, and accessories opens an East Coast warehouse dedicated
to serving the Northeast.
"We are proud to announce that Furniture Wholesalers,
Inc./Fluid Designs Ltd. of Fall River, Massachusetts, will
be warehousing a wide selection of futon frames and accessories
featuring the 'Made in America Oak' and hardwood frames, tables,
and several novelty items to enhance any retailer's profit
potential," said Kerry Gold of SCI. The quick ship program
offers unique designs, matching tables, loveseats, and chairs,
and designer cover sets.
Furniture Wholesalers has been involved in the furniture
industry for over 40 years and distributes many key national
lines. They deliver in their own trucks and can also accommodate
customer pick up. Volume discounts will be available.
For more information, contact: Paula at Furniture Wholesalers
(800) 791-3039, or Brad at SCI Furnishings (800) 258-7966.
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Futons Improve Bowling
Bowling Hall of Famer, Dick Ritger, has produced a series
of articles that will appear in the American Bowling Congress
(ABC) Bowling magazine. The series, "How to Improve at
Home", features descriptions and pictures of a bowler
lofting a bowling ball into a futon. An article will appear
in each bi-monthly issue for the next two years. The first
issue highlighting the futon was mailed in August to all 5
million subscribers. (That's a lot of PR for futons!).
Ritger, who is father to Shari Hammer, of SIS Covers, and
Cindi Ritger of Futon Outfitters, has authored four books
on bowling and is delighted to be able to help promote futon
products in this rather unique way.
"With five million subscribers and both of my daughters
in the futon business, I thought this would be a great way
to help," said Ritger.
SIS Covers: (612) 789-0956.
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New Reclining Sofa Sleeper Finds Success
at $499 Retail
Tampa, FL -- The new sofa recliner/sleeper, the SofSleeper,
gained important floor placements at the recent Tupelo market
and will be shown next at the Fitchburg furniture show September
29 in Massachusetts.
"Volume retailers who offer the SofSleeper at $499 in
full size are reporting excitement from their customers,"
Stuart A. Glasser of the Glasser Group, which is marketing
the SofSleeper nationally, commented.
"Sit, recline, or sleep on me! In any room! In any office!"
product literature proclaims.
Glasser noted the SofSleeper recently obtained important
placements with The Futon Company in TX, the Futon Shop in
CA, and Nebraska Furniture Mart in Omaha.
The SofSleeper, manufactured by Sunny Manufacturing of Longwood,
Florida, is available with bolster, sleigh arm, and a pillow
arm. Base color choices include khaki, black, jade, army,
natural, and plum. Sunny Manufacturing spokesman, Mel Juster,
said sales in khaki recently joined black as most popular.
A complete SofSleeper room ensemble includes sofa, love seat,
chair, Ottoman with storage, coffee table, and end table.
Coordinated pillows and matching armrest covers are also available.
Each SofSleeper frame is shipped with a color-coordinated
mattress. Consumers who wish to change a room's "look"
may simply add an optional cover. Four promotionally priced
inlaid covers are offered by the manufacturer. Also, 24 premium
mattress covers designed by "SIS for SofSleeper"
of Minnesota may be ordered to provide a step-up program.
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Island Futon Now F.O.B. United States
The cargo vessels have docked and Island Futon is now shipping
retailers six styles to compete with high-quality American
futon frames.
Island Futon is produced by a leading international offshore
home furnishings manufacturer with an established reputation
for consistency, high volume, and world-class quality.
Island Futon will present its line to the furniture industry
in High Point, NC during the fall market October 17-25, 1996,
in space 7G, C & D Building. Futon industry leaders, Gold
Bond, SIS Covers, and Island Futon built the new showroom.
Island Futon frames and tables are from a strong teak-like
hardwood called Nyatoh -- an environmentally friendly wood
that is harder and denser than other woods commonly used in
imported futon frames and was selected for its split-and crack-resistant
properties. Nyatoh is also known for its beautiful luster
and color.
The Glasser Group of Tampa (FL) is marketing Island Futon
domestically and internationally.
The Glasser Group President, Stuart A. Glasser, said Island
Futon has a patent-pending for its proprietary front operating
"E-Z Conversion" system that changes an Island Futon
frame from sofa into a bed. "This provides retailers
with yet another competitive advantage," Glasser said.
Glasser added, "Island Futon's appearance -- its quality
hardwood, rich finishes, and high-volume frame styles and
matching tables -- creates broad consumer demand." And,
"Its price closes the sale."
The company showed prototypes at several recent trade and
furniture shows, winning orders from the futon industry's
retail leaders. The company began filling containers while
The Glasser Group sought a first-class retail point of sale
support program.
Russ Kramer Creative of Clearwater (FL) was retained to develop
a comprehensive in-store Island Futon campaign.
Further information, call The Glasser Group at (800) 466-9099;
Fax order line: (800) 303-6353; email: LG211@AOL.COM.
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Environmentalism can be Profitable
It's not surprising that environmental business promotion
has found its way into the futon industry. One of the non-profit
agencies that leads in this field is Trees for the Future.
Recently, Trees for the Future has begun offering a point
of sale program that provides futon retailers with "Tree
Vouchers". The "Tree Vouchers" are given to
the customers each time they purchase a wooden futon frame.
The voucher explains that because they are purchasing their
futon from a retailer who cares about the environment, the
retailer, through Trees for the Future, will plant 5 trees
in that customer's name. Although the promotional and environmental
benefits are immeasurable, the cost is negligible at 20 cents
per tree.
The program allows retailers to help Trees for the Future
and the environment, while also improving their sales. Many
Americans are taking a closer look at the environmental impact
of the businesses they support. Many consumers are considering
the source of the products they buy, especially the ones made
from tropical hardwoods. More and more consumers are supporting
businesses that share their concern for the environment. It
is no longer enough to say, "We're not part of the problem."
Smart businesses are now saying, "We're part of the solution!"
Of course, a big part of the solution is planting trees,
and now retailers can plant thousands of beneficial trees
at a price that anyone can afford. If a business agrees to
donate $1.00 for every wooden futon frame they sell, Trees
for the Future will provide them with "Tree Vouchers"
to give to their customers. Each card states that their purchase
has planted five trees in some of the world's most endangered
environments. Trees for the Future is a 501(c) (3) organization,
so donations are completely tax-deductible.
Please contact Trees for the Future today. The trees they
are planting in the world's developing communities are bringing
great benefit to many people and even some businesses.
Trees for the Future, Florence Reed: (603) 427-0735.
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Big Sleep is Up and Running
Big Sleep, the mattress and cover division of Big Tree of
Commerce, CA, has now been up and running since March of this
year.
"We have developed a running line of five great mattresses,"
says Bob Pecoraro, President of Big Sleep.
The Big Sleep line starts with a super core, promotionally
priced futon mattress, and goes right up to their top of
the line inner spring model called the Spring Sleep,
which is value priced.
"We offer mattress warrantees from three to ten years,
and are shipping nationwide, so we know we are well priced,"
says Pecoraro. "People love buying their mattresses and
frames together and we waited until we had it right -- before
shipping," he said.
Stop in and see these products at Big Tree's High Point showroom
in the Radio Building or call Big Tree at (213) 888-1312.
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Cotton Works Leads the Field in Customer
Service
At Cotton Works, one of the industry's top five futon cover
producers, owner and president, Jim Martin says, "we
have the service issue covered."
"Service is the main thing with us," said Martin
of his Albany, Georgia-based company. And you don't have to
take their word for it. "Our customers will tell you.
In fact, we just heard from a customer whose only reason for
calling was to compliment us on our professionalism,"
said Martin.
"These guys are extraordinarily responsive," acknowledged
Keith Widlansky, owner of Futons Plus in Connecticut. "I
called just to tell them how impressed I am with their people.
I'm astounded by the customer service they have demonstrated,"
he said.
Widlansky, a newcomer to the Futon business, said he started
by dealing with other suppliers, but has now turned "360
degrees toward Cotton Works just because of the customer service."
He heaped praise on the friendliness of the Cotton Works
staff as well as the company's speedy shipping. "The
time it takes to get the product from phone call to my store
is three days," he said.
The company guarantees shipping of regular orders within
three working days. That's weeks faster than much of the competition,
Martin said. "We keep a month's supply of covers made
and a month's supply of fabric on hand, which allows us to
have very few backorders," he said.
"When we get an order, we're all ready to pitch in to
get it shipped out," added co-owner and Cotton Works
Vice President, Lynn Martin. "If the situation calls
for it, Jim will go out to the warehouse to make sure it gets
shipped himself."
The Martins launched Cotton Works Industries, Inc., in 1989
as a full-service manufacturer and wholesaler that produced
its own line of futon frames and mattresses as well as a small
line of futon covers.
As the demand grew for its hand-made futon mattresses and
covers, the company eventually phased out frames. This year,
Cotton Works finalized the sale of its futon line to another
Georgia company that also produces regular mattresses.
"We're concentrating on futon covers and accessories,"
Martin said. "We've just added three more solid colors
to our solid line and we're always adding more fabrics in
the Medallion and Regal lines."
The recently established Regal line of exceptionally high
quality tapestry covers is moving well, Martin said. Since
it takes fourteen weeks to get the tapestries, the Regal line
isn't included in their three-day shipping turnaround. All
covers produced by Cotton Works are surged and reinforced
and feature high-quality American-made YKK zippers. Having
such a full line of covers allows Cotton Works to appeal to
customers in every price range, Martin said. Cotton Works
also offers pillows and "the original Crouton",
a foam-filled, fabric-covered cube that can be used as a foot
stool, a table, or a decorative accessory.
In addition, with a customer base of waterbed stores, small
specialty shops, and larger bedding chains, Martin stated
that Cotton Works prides itself on providing "the best
customer service in the industry."
"We picked up 200 new accounts this year, and our service
is so good that nobody noticed. When we get major chains,
the same thing happens. Retailers know that if they do business
with Cotton Works, they will be treated with courtesy, care
and professionalism, regardless of the size of the company
or the size of the order," he said.
For more information call Cotton Works Industries: (912)
438-1900.
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WinsLoew Furniture Announces Record Second
Quarter Operating Results and Stock Repurchase Program
Pelham, AL -- WinsLoew Furniture, Inc., recently announced
record operating results for its second quarter ended June
26, 1996. The second quarter operating results included net
sales of $43.9 million, compared to $44.4 million in the second
quarter of 1995. Net income increased 51% from $2.4 million,
or $0.27 per share in the second quarter of 1995 to $3.6 million,
or $0.40 per share in the same period of 1996. At quarter-end,
June 28, 1996, the Company's sales backlog was $16.3 million,
compared to $14.8 million at June 30, 1995.
Net sales in the first half of 1996 were $74.9 million versus
$73.8 million in the same period of 1995. Income, before extraordinary
items, in the first six months of 1996 increased 85% from
$2.0 million, or $0.22 per share, in the first six months
of 1995 to $3.7 million, or $0.41 per share, in the same period
in 1996. WinsLoew reported an extraordinary item of $593,000,
net of taxes, or $0.07 per share, in the first quarter of
1995, related to the write-off of deferred loan costs from
the refinancing of its loan facilities.
WinsLoew's gross margin increased from 30.5% in the second
quarter of 1995 to 35.7% in the same period of 1996. This
represented an improvement in gross profit of $2.1 million,
or 15.8% and an increase in each of the Company's four product
lines. The Company has benefited from production efficiencies
and reduced raw material costs.
Bobby Tesney, President and Chief Executive Officer of WinsLoew
Furniture, commented, "We are very pleased to report
record operating results for WinsLoew's second quarter. The
quarter featured a 20% sales increase in contract seating
caused by strong growth in lodging construction and a 5% sales
increase in casual furniture due to increased demand from
existing retail customers. We believe that our efforts will
provide the basis for continued growth and expanded profitability
for the balance of the year."
WinsLoew Furniture, Inc., designs, manufactures, and distributes
aluminum and wrought iron casual furniture; contract seating
for the hospitality and office furniture markets; futons,
futon frames, and accessories; and ready-to-assemble spindle
and flatline furniture and ergonomically-designed computer
workstations, modular systems, and accessories.
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FAI Satellite Media Tour Update
A national satellite media tour took place on October 3,
1996. The tour was booked on more than twenty television stations
and featured a "Can Do Home" room makeover segment
produced by Association PR firm, Shandwick USA and Katlean
de Monchy, Inc. The event featured several futon products
in a room setting with several other national brands.
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