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Bedroom World & More
Panama City, FL -- On January 16, 1997, Nancy Haigh walked
into Bedroom World & More...MS. Haigh is the Set Decorator
for Jim Carrey's newest movie The Truman Show. The Truman
Show is being filmed in Seaside, a town approximately 30 miles
from Bedroom World. Ms. Haigh picked out a Portofino Futon
in the dark walnut finish to be used on the set. The Portofino
is manufactured by Harlee International. When The Truman Show
is released look for the Portofino Futon!!
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CPSC, Primo International Announce Futon
Mattress Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Primo International of Montreal,
Quebec, is recalling about 1,600 futon mattresses distributed
in the United States. The futon mattresses, which fail to
meet U.S. federal mandatory standards for mattress flammability,
could ignite and smolder, presenting a serious risk of burn
injuries or death from smoke inhalation in violation of the
federal Flammable Fabrics Act.
CPSC and Primo International are not aware of any injuries
involving these mattresses. This recall is being conducted
to prevent the possibility of injury. The futon mattresses
measure 48 inches wide by 72 inches long (full size). The
mattresses are marketed under the following styles and are
manufactured with a mattress cover available in the following
colors and patterns. Style; Description Chesa Cape or Peak;
Light green plaid top and side panels, and natural other side
Sconce Stone; Black with a marbleized mixture of silver, lilac,
violet and brown on top and sides and solid black on other
side FB1000fr6a; Natural beige. Furniture stores nationwide,
including Rhodes Furniture, Olum's, Beiters, Raymour &
Flannagan, Taft, and Furniture King, sold the futon mattresses
as part of sofa sets from January 1994 through August 1996
for about $350 to $400.
Consumers should immediately stop using these futon mattresses
and return them to the store where purchased for a free replacement
futon mattress. For more information about this recall, consumers
should call Primo International at (800) 267-7746 or CPSC's
toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772.
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August Lotz Celebrates 100 Years
August Lotz, the quality manufacturer of solid hardwood futon
furniture, proudly celebrates its continued success with 100
years of wood manufacturing experience. Originated in 1897,
August Lotz has striven to provide exceptional products, prompt
and friendly customer service and loyal dedication to its
local community throughout the years. The success of August
Lotz is largely due to the continued support from the outstanding
and ever-growing list of valued customers that have provided
strength as well as friendship throughout the years. We extend
our thanks to you and your support.
In other news, the company said the "Appaloosa",
a best seller for August Lotz, is now available in natural
as well as the traditional medium walnut finish. This beautiful
new look will provide more variety for the extremely popular
Southwestern Ranch-styled design. The Appaloosa frame is made
from only the highest quality solid Northern White Ash, and
the new natural finish will satisfy the customer searching
for the lighter-toned frame in Ash to fit their decor. Matching
ottoman, end and coffee tables complete the ensemble.
Also available in the new Natural finish in solid Ash is
"The Big One". This massive, mission styled arm
design with 6 large slats is another high demand model that
has expanded to include its frame with the Natural finish.
August Lotz also has a new and exciting addition to their
product line-up with the unveiling of the "Athens".
Made in the U.S.A., the arms are constructed from the finest
solid Northern White Ash. The Craftsman styling and rich medium
walnut finish beautifully complement the high quality, fully
front operated metal frame. This sturdy, well built unit operates
smoothly and quietly to provide complete customer satisfaction.
All of the necessary tools are provided, with easy to assemble
instructions. The Athens will soon be joined by a variety
of specially designed arm styles made exclusively for this
fantastic new metal frame.
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If It's Canadian Pine, That's Fine!
It used to be that pine futon frames sold only to students
and the financially challenged. "Not any more,"
according to Mitch Wapen of Lofa Sales International in Montreal.
"Since we went mainstream in our styling four years ago,
the change, and the results, have been dramatic," he
said.
1993 was the year that Wapen hooked up with Atelier de Bois
J.A. Viens of Chambly, Quebec. Atelier de Bois had been supplying
the local Quebec market with basic pine and hardwood frames
but was looking to expand into the U.S. and Wapen, an American
living in Montreal, had a U.S. customer base from his days
of owning his own factory, but was now searching for someone
to produce the styles, stains, and sizes that he knew his
customers wanted in pine.
"Quebec pine is different," says Wapen. "The
trees grow in the northern part of the province, very near
the tree line. Because of the cold, the tree is smaller and
thinner, and the wood that we buy is denser, meaning stronger,
and features a handsome grain and much smaller knots than
the common white pine that most people associate with futon
frames. With Quebec pine, we were able to design frames every
bit as good-looking as their hardwood cousins and, at a significantly
lower cost. Barrel bolt construction allowed us to knock down
the frame for shipping and little tricks like using a metal
ball-bearing roller to reduce friction in the groove and extending
the seat section leg to the ground combine to make these frames
both durable and easy to operate."
Lofa Sales acts as the marketing department for the factory
and, as such, has developed a line of eight bi-fold models,
complete with coffee and end tables, plus an ottoman. "Every
year," claims Wapen, "we introduce two or three
new models and each one comes in six sizes and seven finishes.
Our goal is to offer an alternative to both domestic hardwood
and import frames with the quality construction and fast turnaround
times of North American producers combined with the competitive
price advantages of the imports."
"When a customer looks at the styling, construction,
and gorgeous finishing of our products, they don't seem to
mind that it's pine. I'm a firm believer that if it looks
good, feels good, and is priced right it'll sell." "And,"
Wapen concludes, "that's what my customers want, frames
that sell."
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Casual Lifestyles Awarded Two Patents:
The first award was a patent on their conversion mechanism
for a futon frame. "This mechanism enables the consumer
to easily convert all of our frames from the front position,
making it the most consumer friendly and problem free futon
frame in the industry," said Chet Stoler, company President.
The second award was a patent for their "Edge"
futon mattress. This patent covers all reinforcement (edging
or bolsters) when used in the interior of a futon. Casual
Lifestyles is in the process of notifying all manufacturers
that are infringing on their patent to immediately cease and
desist their manufacturing and distribution.
The company also announced that several programs are being
featured nationally on the Home & Garden Network bringing
consumers into Casual Lifestyle's dealers. The program, introducing
consumers to futons and in particular Casual Lifestyles unique
designs and products, is being shown biweekly. Also the Morris™
collection, which is being shown in American Bungalow magazine,
introduces consumers to Casual Lifestyles Arts & Crafts
designed products. Their Provencia bedroom grouping, in honey
stained pine and antique metal, is also being shown on several
sitcom television shows and was recently featured in an article
in Resort magazine. Be sure to see all these products at High
Point Furniture Plaza #200 or at the Futon Expo in May.
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Gold Bond: Record '96 Sales
HARTFORD (CT)&emdash;Operating from America's newest futon
manufacturing facility definitely helped industry leader Gold
Bond log record sales in 1996, Gold Bond President Robert
J. Naboicheck reported.
Gold Bond exceeded 1995's yearly sales by over 25%.
Gold Bond is the country's largest futon producer. It presently
ships 7,000 futon mattresses weekly. The company is the leading
manufacturer of premium mattresses in the country. It is an
active futon industry innovator.
Mr. Naboicheck said the company's sales growth was driven
by several factors. He said Gold Bond's new 115,000 square
foot factory enabled the company to gear-up production to
promptly ship orders to leading American, Far and Middle Eastern
and European retailers. Gold Bond provides customers with
a Quick Ship program to meet retailers' inventory requirements.
"Retailers have learned that we are the viable resource
for futons&emdash;no matter the size of the order&emdash;delivered
on time," he said.
Also, Mr. Naboicheck said retailers are successfully promoting
the company's three super premium futons, marketed under the
trademarks "Cotton Coil", "Wool Wrap"
and "SofTouch", which further fueled business in
1996, he said. For additional information: please call Robert
Jon Naboicheck at 800-873-8498.
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Atlantic Frame-1996 A Banner Year
After a banner year in 1996, Atlantic Frame announces that
1997 has started out strong with the introduction of several
new frame styles and the introduction of a whole new category,
Bunk Beds. "We unveiled the 'Orlando' futon frame and
the 'Spindle Arch' bunk bed at the Mid-Atlantic Furniture
Market in Edison, NJ," said Mark Valone, company President,
"and they were both an immediate success. Sales were
strong and reorders have been forthcoming."
In addition to the new frame styles, the company has added
additional finishes to some of their established lines. The
Nantucket is now not only available in a "light mahogany"
finish, it is now also available in a "redstone"
finish, the hardwood Yukon frame is now available in a "light
mahogany" and a "natural" finish.
Both finished and unfinished pine continue to be a strong
category with the recent addition of the "Pioneer"
and the "Tahoe" frames. Besides the two new arm
styles two more stain options for the pine line have been
added; Dark Walnut and Honey Pine. "All in all, more
styles and more finishes means a better choice for the retailer,"
said Valone.
"We are currently preparing for the Spring High Point
show, where we will be debuting three more frame styles all
in a wall hugger format; the "Post-Mission", the
"Spindle-Mission" and the "Santa Rosa".
Also at High Point, we will be introducing a new style 3 position
pine body" he said.
To those buyers going to High Point, Valone urges that they
make their way to Suite 7C of the C&D Building. "Besides
the bunk bed, we will be showing 20 different futon styles
at all price points with some incredible show specials,"
said Valone.
For those retailers who don't make it to High Point, we hope
to see you at the Futon Show in Phoenix in May. It was a ball
last year so I'm sure it will be even better this year. Atlantic
Frame will be in Space #813," he said.
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Harlee & Casual LifestylesTeam up for
High Point Market
For the first time, two powerhouses of the futon industry
have teamed up to show together at the International Home
Furnishings Market in High Point, NC. Harlee International,
one of the largest and most respected importers of high quality
hardwood futon furniture and the leader in innovative design
for mid to mid-high point futon frames, and Casual Lifestyles,
the long time leader in mid-high to high end bedroom sets,
futon mattresses, solid oak futon frames, sofatons and their
popular trend setting line of futon covers will be showing
together in the Furniture Plaza building in booth FP-200.
"Futon buyers can now come to one booth to see over
3,500 square feet of the very best that the industry has to
offer in the way of the high quality products and the new
and innovative original designs that are setting the pace
for the futon industry." said Chet Stoler, President
of Casual Lifestyles of Minneapolis, MN.
"Joining the two companies for Market made good sense"
said Steve Leichter, president of Harlee International of
Corona, California. "Harlee futon frames have always
complimented the Casual Lifestyles product and Harlee's new
line of solid oak futon frames, which were introduced in San
Francisco last January, fills the niche between our mid-line
imported hardwood futon frames and Casual Lifestyles high
end oak line."
"In fact, many of Casual Lifestyles' customers also
carry Harlee products as their entire line." added Stoler.
In addition to their regular offerings of popular futon furniture,
Harlee has added additional original arm styles to both their
imported hardwood futon frames and their new line of solid
oak futon frames. In addition to several surprises on tap
for market, Casual Lifestyles will be showing two new models
of their innerspring futon mattresses designed for the promotional
and high end.
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Big Tree/Big Sleep Moving On Up!
Big Tree/Big Sleep's permanent showroom at High Point, located
in the Radio Building, will be moving from the 3rd floor up
to the 7th for the upcoming April High Point Show.
This larger showroom is located on the corner of Main and
Commerce Streets in the Radio Building.
Big Tree also announced that it will be showing its new,
solid plantation teak frames at the upcoming show in April.
"All we can say is they're gorgeous!" says Bob
Pecoraro, "A must see." All of the Big Tree/Big
Sleep products will be on display at the new 7th floor location.
For more information call Big Tree or Big Sleep at 1-800-647-2671.
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Home Express' Introduces Inventory Reduction
System
Home Express Inc., located in Philadelphia, PA, is a manufacturer
of futon frames and platform beds in 100% solid American red
oak. The company currently offers more than 30 styles of oak
arms, covering all the vital price points. All the arm styles
are available in four standard and nine custom finishes. "Our
maximum potential capacity is 4,000+ frames per month at the
current factory," said company President, Scott Lee.
"By using efficient production techniques and custom-made
machinery our pricing is a big surprise to the whole futon
industry, including any price comparisons to imported product,"
said Lee.
All the arms' styles are interchangeable for all the different
bi-fold and lounger sizes. "Knowing how to control inventory
is one of the key elements in successful retailing,"
said Lee, "and Home Express developed our Inventory Reduction
System to let retailers purchase arms and bodies separately."
Lee added that for the smaller store his IRSystem would allow
them to physically display more arm styles in a limited space.
"For the larger company the system will significantly
reduce their risk by allowing them to show more styles and
yet still maintain the same instock inventory budget,"
he said.
As a domestic manufacturer, Home Express is never out of
stock, and is proud to say that all frames are made in the
U.S.A. For more information contact Scott Lee at 215-574-0375.
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SIS Covers Shows 70's Retro Line at Spring
Shows
SIS Covers will be introducing a groovy new line of 70's
inspired fabrics at the Futon Expo in Phonix this May. Flash
back to that avacado & gold kitchen and powder blue leisure
suits&emdash;the colors and patterns of the 70's are the hippest
new look! First seen in popular culture, the retro look is
now coming into home furnishings. "Cutting edge retailers
were asking us for this look and we saw it as a terrific new
area to develop" said Katharine Gotham of SIS Covers.
Also, super soft, snuggly and durable, Polarfleece has been
one of the most sought after apparel fabrics. Now it's a great
look for your futon to wear also! SIS Covers is offering genuine
Polarfleece, specifically engineered for the home, for futon
covers and coordinating pillows. SIS Covers' president Shari
Hammer recognized that the qualities of Polarfleece were ideal
for futon cover usage. "Polarfleece offers wonderful
surface softness, a non-pil construction, the ease of machine
washability and a sporty, outdoor look. It's a perfect match
for futon covers!" said Hammer.
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New From Island Futon Frame: Gallery Signs
& Ad Support
Futon frame differentiation gets a strong push in 1997 with
the arrival of Island Futon's new Marketing Program that includes
in-store point of sale signage and a comprehensive Retail
Advertising Package.
The new promotional materials emphasize Island Futon's top-selling
frame designs, warranty protection, workmanship and finish,
and the unique durability of Nyatoh wood &emdash; the super-strong
teak-like Pacific hardwood used exclusively by Island Futon.
Copy points emphasize features and benefits exclusive to Island
Futon frames.
Full color in-store signage includes two 18" x 42"
Gallery Signs which attract consumers to the Island Futon
gallery area, two 11" x 14" and two 5-1/2"
x 8-1/2" easel-back table signs, as well as matching
product hang tags for the company's frame and table lines.
Island's new advertising retail support package includes
complete product photos, display advertisements, and logosheets.
There are eight camera-ready "slicks" in the ad
package.
Russ Kramer Creative of Tampa, FL created Island Futon's
1997 ads and point of sale materials. Kramer commented: "We
present Island's story with new and powerful retail sales
tools. Consumers respond positively to fine craftsmanship,
quality of materials and to Island's environmental sensitivity.
It is not hyperbole to call these frames "The New Standard
in Hardwood Futon Frames."
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Island's Nyatoh Wood Highlighted
Noting that Nyatoh hardwood is currently being featured by
Crate & Barrel and Hammacher & Schlemmer, Island Futon
President Ron O'Neil said value-seeking consumers are beginning
to learn about the durability and earth-friendly aspects of
Nyatoh hardwood.
"Our wood provides enduring lustrous beauty. Our retailers
have a superior product and now with our new marketing program,
they'll be very tough competitors in the retail arena,"
Mr. O'Neil said.
Island Futon Company is represented by the Glasser Group
of Tampa, FL. Dennis Moody, the Glasser Group Senior Vice
President said, "The futon industry can point with pride
to Island as a leader in manufacturing and in retail marketing
support. In my 25 years in the furniture industry, I rarely
see this level of commitment to retailers. We are proud to
represent a company that uses its resources to help its futon
retailers maximize their sales and profits."
The Glasser Group President Stuart Glasser noted that Island
Futon exhibits at High Point (C & D Building #7G), San
Francisco (Mart II, Space 1009) and at the Futon International
Association show in Phoenix, AZ May 8-10, 1997.
Island Futon product information, shipping locations, and
availability is available through The Glasser Group of Tampa,
Florida. Telephone: 800-466-9099.
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Futon Place- Growing on Customer Satisfaction
The excitement hasn't stopped at Futon Place. Building on
the success of an aggressive pine and hardwood frame program,
the Santa Barbara futon manufacturer has introduced a new
line of cover and pillow sets. Owner Nick Nara calls the response
at the San Francisco show "explosive," and reports
that they have had to double the size of their factory to
keep up with orders.
Last year, Nara guided his company over the million dollar
sales mark with a customer service philosophy that set new
standards in the industry. "We continue to ship most
orders in 48 hours, but I would love to improve on that."
says Nara. That kind of drive is not lost on retailers. Ray
Menasco of Sit N' Sleep, in Salt Lake City says, "We
switched to Futon Place a few years ago for the lower prices.
We stay with them because they have the best customer service
in the industry&emdash;-bar none!"
Nara projects that Futon Place will continue to see rapid
growth throughout '97 and well into '98 as a result of the
expanding cover and pillow set line. "I am certain,"
says Nara, "that our formula of quality products, discount
prices, and the best service in the industry will keep our
new cover and pillow set program on a very fast growth track."
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Omni Promotes Nancy Colby
On February 1, 1997, Omni Softgoods promoted Nancy Colby
to Head of Sales, replacing Gary Kreisel, who left Omni at
that time. Colby started at Omni in the sales department in
1992, taking customers' orders and handling any customer service
questions and concerns. Since then, she's worked on a variety
of projects and special accounts. Colby's background is in
customer service, sales, and marketing. "I look forward
to being a part of this rapidly growing, exciting industry,"
says Colby. Omni Softgoods is one of the top futon cover and
accessory manufacturers in the industry.
In other news Omni Softgoods continues to expand their custom
workshop. "While maintaining our standard futon cover
and accessory line, we still have the system in place to manufacture
almost any softgood item that can be 'fabricated' from cloth,"
said Nancy Colby, Omni's Head of Sales. "Our dealers
can give us a call if their customer has a very specific fabric
they want to use, or a special size cushion or a cover. We
will be happy to work with them to make those items,"
she said.
Some unique projects Omni has produced recently include bedroom
items, such as novelty bed-sized pillow covers, bed toppers,
day bed covers, decorator pillows, duvets, and jumbo size
bolsters. Other items include specialty cushion and cover
combinations for: benches, boats, campers, gliders, horse
trailers, pianos, recreational buses, window seats, and yoga
mats. Omni also makes other household items such as window
treatments, buckwheat hull pillows in standard or special
sizes, collage futon covers, ottoman covers, napkins, shower
curtains, slip covers, table cloths, and table runners.
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Monticello Oak To Bring New Designer Collection
To May Futon Expo
A 58 year-old manufacturing company will show five oak futon
groups at the FAI trade show in Phoenix, May 8-110, 1997.
The Monticello Oak Futon Collection is manufactured by Budoff
Classic Furniture of Monticello, NY, a company that employs
Old World craftsmanship and superior American hardwoods in
its fine furniture.
Budoff's Executive Vice President and General Manager Martin
Tratt said the company's objectives include maximizing futon
retailers' sales and profits.
The company recently began adding 80,000 square feet of production
area to its upstate New York facility.
The Monticello Oak Futon Collection will be manufactured
from white oak only, a hardwood of choice for both modern
and traditional furniture designers.
Cabinet and furniture makers, bridge builders, master carpenters
and ship makers have used this oak throughout American history.
White oak is an easily harvested and replenished resource.
Its environmentally-sound status will be noted on all in-store
signs.
The 25 piece Monticello Oak Futon Collection was created
by leading home furnishings designer Steven Sanfilippo. "Although
innovative in design, Monticello Oak is aggressively priced
and falls well within the mainstream of popular-selling, high-volume,
furniture styles," Stuart A. Glasser of The Glasser Group
said. The Glasser Group represents Monticello nationally.
Each futon collection includes oak frame, love seat, chair,
coffee table and end tables.
The Monticello Oak Retail Marketing Program provides in-store
gallery signs, advertising ad slicks, logo sheets, line art
and photography drop-ins, product catalogues, hang tags and
table top-easel signs.
Monticello Oak is marketed by The Glasser Group, Tampa FL.
Tel. 800-466-9099. FAX 800-303-6353.
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Harlee's Steve Leichter Running For FAI
Board
Steve Leichter, President of Harlee International, has accepted
a nomination to run for the Board of Directors of the Futon
Association. Leichter is interested in the direction of the
industry and believes he is well equipped to be on the Board.
"I have been involved with several boards in the past
and as a member of the California Bar, I believe I can lend
some experience and sound legal advice to this growing Association,"
he said.
The Association's annual meeting, where the Board election
will take place, will be at this year's Futon EXPO in Phoenix
in May. Leichter will be joined by several other nominees
who will run for three or four available Board seats.
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Wolf Enters Super Premium Market With Deluxe
Latex Futon
Wolf is introducing their new 8800 deluxe latex futon at
High Point. This product has been developed in response to
Wolf's customer's desire for an ultra plush, luxurious futon
product. "The combination of a latex foam core surrounded
by our exclusive Endura blend offers an unsurpassed comfort
level that is both soft and durable," said Tony Wolf,
company President.
"Our company's dedication to quality offers the consumer
a factory tested product of superior design and careful attention
to detail," added Wolf. Like all Wolf products the 8800
utilizes a 7.5 ounce twill fabric, twenty three machine tufts
and full border box construction for lasting beauty. Endura
Cotton batting designed, blended and produced at Wolf combined
with their new Latex foam core provides the ultimate soft
futon. "We are very excited about this product and look
forward to writing business at market," said Wolf.
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Gold Bond Adds Plushness To Superpremium
'Softouch'
HARTFORD (CT)&emdash;Increased plushness, a richer feel,
and added resiliency have been added to the nation's finest
futon&emdash;Gold Bond's "SofTouch" ultra plush
mattress&emdash;Robert J. Naboicheck, Gold Bond's president,
announced.
The SofTouch is the most successful product introduction
in Gold Bond's 97 year history, he said. Improvements were
made to better compete with top-of-the-line conventional sofas.
"We wanted it just a bit more full&emdash;a little richer&emdash;in
its feel," Mr. Naboicheck said.
"We took this very successful product and increased
its fiber content by 15%. The SofTouch now has the added 'bounce',
feel, and resiliency that shoppers cannot find in any other
futon," he said.
Consumers who use the SofTouch as a sleeping surface each
night have favorably compared it to superpremium conventional
mattresses.
Gold Bond, the country's largest producer of futon mattresses,
manufactures the best-selling futon mattress step-up lines
in the home furnishings industry. Now based in a new state-of-the-art
115,000 square foot facility, Gold Bond is also known as one
of the futon industry's leading innovators.
Retailers who changed their SofTouch floor models to newly
produced SofTouch mattresses noticed the refinements immediately.
"We put it on our floors, our sales staff loved it, and
best of all consumers were outspoken in their praise of this
mattress," one retailer said.
"SofTouch" retailers also report they are pleased
with solid profit margins commanded by the SofTouch. "The
dramatic feel, the plush and resilient support and the SofTouch's
very silky hand are unique. Our customers don't have to discount
the price to sell it," Mr. Naboicheck reported. For additional
information: please call Robert Jon Naboicheck at 800-873-8498.
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New WellSpring Supreme from Rising Star
BEND, Ore. &emdash; Rising Star Futons of Bend, a national
innovator in recycled-material futons, has introduced the
first foam-core futon that combines out-of-this-world comfort
with an earth-friendly design.
To make the new WellSpring Supreme Futon, Rising Star combines
the recycled fibers with layers of a special resilient foam
&emdash; called "E-foam" &emdash; made by a new,
more environmentally friendly process.
"For a long time we've had customers telling us they'd
like a recycled futon with the extra comfort you get from
a foam core," said Leslie Blok, a dedicated environmentalist
who, with her mother, Rosamond, founded rising Star more than
a decade ago. "The trouble was, we couldn't find a synthetic
foam that we considered environmentally sensitive enough to
use in a Rising Star futon."
"Finally we found a manufacturer that uses carbon dioxide
to blow up the foam, which is a much more environmentally
benign material," Leslie said.
Each WellSpring Supreme Futon contains seven layers of foam
and recycled poly fibers, totaling about nine inches in thickness.
the central E-Foam core is surrounded on either side by layers
of CloverFill, a green-colored recycled poly fiber. Next come
two layers of convoluted "egg carton" E-Foam, followed
by two outer layers of WellSpring fiber.
This construction, explained Rising Star marketing director
Bill Kurtz, gives the Wellspring Supreme the right combination
of inner firmness, outer softness and overall flexibility.
"It's a futon that's as comfortable as a piece of fine
furniture," he said. "Everybody who tries it tells
us, 'Wow &emdash; this feels great!'"
The WellSpring Supreme is designed to retail for slightly
more than the traditional WellSpring Futon and is available
in all standard bed and sofa sizes.
For more information anyone can call the company toll-free
at 1-800-828-6711.
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Zad Design & MFG. Purchases Manufacturing
Warehouse Site
Zad Design & MFG., manufacturers and wholesalers of futon
mattresses, softwood futon frames, and futon related softgoods
for the past five years has recently purchased a manufacturing
and warehouse site in Oxnard, California. Doubling its size
from the previous site, Zad Design and Manufacturing has launched
its first American made bi-fold and tri-fold hardwood frame
lines, which were introduced at the Winter San Francisco Furniture
and Design Show.
By using an innovative new mechanism in the lounger style,
Zad Design's new line of hardwood frames will eliminate many
of the problems that exist with earlier lounger style frames.
Akim Azad, the company's president, believes the quality
of frames produced at Zad Design can now be consistently improved
by producing the frames on site.
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Yesteryear Reveals Wicker Futon Group
Are you tired of me-too products? It seems that most of the
futon frames on the market look very similar. Finally, some
one has come up with something different. Yesteryear Wicker
is introducing a wicker futon group. They are starting with
one style, the Bar Harbor group, which closely resembles the
classic 1920's style wicker furniture by that name. It uses
the heavier materials that many people find appealing due
to the extra strength as well as their good looks. They offer
it in the traditional white, which is popular at the beach,
near the water or in any sunny room. They also offer it in
their unique antique brownwash finish which gives it a more
rugged, earthy and old-fashioned feel. Besides their futon
frame they offer a wide assortment of matching pieces including
the usual coffee table, end table and arm chair, and they
also offer a chaise lounge, loveseat and a rocker.
Yesteryear first started importing and wholesaling wicker
furniture in 1987. As their name connotes, they specialize
in old-fashioned wicker designs. They offer porch groups,
bedroom sets, dinettes, rockers, daybeds, as well as futon
frames. Prior to starting the business, Don Walker, the owner
and manager, collected antique wicker and noticed many clever
designs not being used in modern wicker. So he incorporated
them into his product or reproduced the items as close to
the original design as possible.
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Foreign Accents Announces New Vice President
ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Foreign Accents is proud to announce that
Monica Whitaker was recently promoted to Vice President of
Marketing and Sales. Ms. Whitaker started with FOREIGN ACCENTS
in 1993 as Marketing Manager and became Director of Marketing
and Embassy Programs in 1995.
"Over the past three years, Ms. Whitaker has been very
successful in working with our professional team of sales
reps to significantly increase sales," notes Foreign
Accents President Wolfgang Rempen. "Also, our level of
customer service and satisfaction has increased since she
came on board."
In her new capacity as vice president, Ms. Whitaker will
act as company liaison with established corporate accounts,
and continue to oversee all aspects of marketing, sales, publicity
and customer service.
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Ten Cotton Batting Manufacturers Selected
To NCBI Honor Roll
MEMPHIS &emdash; Ten cotton batting manufacturers have earned
recognition on the 1997 National Cotton Batting Institute
Honor Roll for their participation in the industry association's
Quality Assurance Program for smolder resistant/fire retardant
cotton batting.
The voluntary program was launched in the fall of 1993 as
a way for cotton batting manufacturers to do the best job
possible in producing a consistent and quality product for
end-users.
Participating members voluntarily send in monthly reports
to the NCBI office in Memphis, showing that they have a satisfactory
program for their smolder resistant/fire retardant cotton-based
batting products. Those monthly reports show the number of
tests that are run on that company's cotton batting production
system and the number of times the product passed or failed
the test.
The Honor Roll is published annually to industry trade magazines
and other outlets to publicize the participants' efforts.
NCBI worked with the Upholstered Furniture Action Council
(UFAC) in developing the program, which specifically deals
with the proper application of boric acid to cotton batting
during the manufacturing process.
"These companies have shown great loyalty and consistency
in their participation in this program," said NCBI President
Greg Windsperger, Airtex Consumer Products, Cokato, MN.
"It gives me great pleasure in honoring them for their
continued support of the Quality Assurance program. Our industry
is dedicated to producing a quality product for our customers.
We hope this program demonstrates to everyone in the cotton
batting industry that we are serious in that commitment."
The companies which earned recognition on the Honor Roll
are:
Airtex Consumer Products, Cokato, MN (1-800-851-8887), Almac
Felt Co., Chino, CA (1-909-465-0577), Earl of Arkansas, Earle,
AR (1-501-792-8671), Hogan & Associates, Memphis, TN (1-901-948-4469),
Southern Furniture Supply Co., Morristown, TN (1-615-586-4200),
F. Hyman & Co., Chicago, IL (1-312-664-3810), Quality
Felt Co., Oakland, CA (1-510-632-6776), TEDCO Industries,
Baltimore, MD (1-410-247-0399), Upholstery Felt Co., Portland,
OR (1-503-226-6617), and Wolf Corporation, Ft. Wayne, IN (1-219-749-9393)
Some of the procedures that cotton batting manufacturers
had to follow in the Quality Assurance Program included:
- Having a cotton-based fiber feeder system that disperses
a constant and uniform fiber supply.
- Installation and use of a reliable chemical application
system that applies a constant and uniformly distributed
amount of chemical on the fibers in the batting.
- Use of a dry or liquid chemical percent add-on that is
more than just adequate to consistently pass the performance
standards in the procedure.
- A minimum of three tests run per day in triplicate per
line, using the prescribed test method.
- Performing the tests described on a frequency sufficient
to assure consistent, day-to-day uniformity in passing the
tests.
- Sending properly identified test samples of randomly selected
batting to the UFAC compliance laboratory in Burlington,
NC, for the filling and padding test.
Copies of the complete Quality Assurance Program can be obtained
by calling the NCBI office in Memphis at 901-274-9030. NCBI
also will distribute information about the program at its
booth at the Futon Expo, May 8-10, in Phoenix.
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