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INDUSTRY UPDATES
In the past, this section was called
“NEWS NEWS NEWS”. In response to the fact that,
for the most part, these stories are not reports generated
by Futon Life, we decided to change the name of this section
to better describe the actual content.
—Editor
CPSC Chairman Calls for Continued Cooperation with Bedding
Industry
Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Ann Brown, in
her first address to the bedding industry, stressed the need
for continued cooperation between the industry and the CPSC,
which administers the Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.
Speaking at the International Sleep Products Association’s
Leadership Forum on Oct. 31 in Palm Beach, Fla., Brown emphasized
that the CPSC and the bedding industry have two goals in common:
a commitment to safe products, and a desire to reduce fire-related
injuries and deaths.
Brown observed that positive results of CPSC-industry cooperation
can be seen in the decrease in deaths from cigarette-ignited
fires—down 61 percent from 1980 to 1994. However, she
added, no significant decrease in deaths due to open-flame
ignition has been noted over the same period. “This is
clearly a concern to CPSC and to your industry,” she
stated.
ISPA President Tony Wolf, president of Wolf Corp., noted the
mutual respect that exists between the CPSC and the bedding
industry. “We are impressed with the chairman’s
approach and level of understanding of the issue, as well
as the fact that she seems very appreciative of what the industry
has done over the years.”
The CPSC currently is reviewing the Federal Mattress Flammability
Standard, which was established over 20 years ago, to determine
if the standard should be amended. The mattress industry,
in partnership with the National Association of State Fire
Marshalls, has conducted a study of open-flame ignition mattress
fires, the results of which will be shared with the CPSC to
assure that the open-flame hazard is properly identified and
that the CPSC has the most complete and accurate data possible.
During her tenure as CPSC chairman, Brown consistently has
emphasized voluntary cooperation with industry as the fastest
and most effective means of addressing safety concerns. “CPSC
is ready to work cooperatively with you to accomplish this
goal,” Brown said. “We can accomplish a record of
safety—preventing countless burn injuries and deaths—working
as a team.”
Established in 1915, ISPA is the international trade organization
for mattress manufacturers and their suppliers around the
world. ISPA hosts the biennial International Bedding Exposition
(ISPA Expo ’98 will be held in San Antonio March 11-14)
and publishes BedTimes magazine.
International Sleep Products Association: (703) 683-8371
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Omni Softgoods Focuses on Kids
Surrounded by a group of lively youngsters (ages 8-17), Robin
Reid, President of Omni Softgoods conducted a kids’ focus
group to explore several issues. Lively discussion ensued.
Robin asked: “What do you think of futons? How much input
do you have when re-decorating your space? What colors, textures,
styled, and designs do you think are cool?” The answers
were both intriguing and illuminating.
Robin wasn’t surprised to hear that the kids love futons!
But what they had to say about fabrics was astonishing! Be
sure to ask the sales people at Omni for the unexpected details.
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Omni Softgoods Announces a New Sales Manager
It is with great pleasure that Robin Reid, President of Omni
Softgoods announces the arrival of Ruth Gordon-Haas as the
new sales manager of Omni Softgoods. In addition to managing
the sales department, Ruth owns her own specialty shop which
features distinctive pieces for the home, intermixed with
Country American antiques.
Ruth comes to Omni with 17 years experience in sales and 14
years in management, primarily in the field of employee benefits.
Her charm and enthusiasm, combined with her focus on “customer
first” service, are in alignment with Omni’s attitude
of high quality, win/win business practices and down home
accessibility.
“I feel fortunate to work with a company where the customer
really matters and it’s not just lip service,” Ruth
says. “Omni also allows its employees to unfold to their
highest potential. I’m glad I’m here.”
Nancy Colby, Omni’s former Sales Manager, has decided
to direct her career to marketing. She will continue with
Omni as Marketing Coordinator. Nancy says, “I found that
as Sales Manager I wasn’t able to focus on what I love
most—graphic art and design, day-to-day contact with
customers, and spending more time with my family! Now I can
have it all.”
Omni Softgoods: (800) 283-8037
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Gold Bond To Increase Plushness In ‘SofTouch’
HARTFORD (CT.)--Futon mattress leader Gold Bond will be upping
the ante in the superpremium ultra plush category in 1998
when an extra layer of super dense foam is added to the company’s
SofTouch Ultra Plush futon mattress, Robert N. Naboicheck,
company president, announced.
The SofTouch is America’s largest selling premium ultra
plush futon. Gold Bond will add two inches of 1.8 H.R. foam
to this top-of-the-line model. The SofTouch presently has
two inches of the 1.8 H.R. foam at its center as well as 35
pounds of 100% pure densified fiber batt which provides its
extraordinary feel. Gold Bond will introduce the new SofTouch
during the San Francisco
market in January.
The 98 year-old company instituted the improvements to compete
with premium conventional sofas and to provide the mattress
with the same “feel” that makes it so popular while
increasing its support, Mr. Naboicheck commented. Consumers
who use the SofTouch as a sleeping surface each night have
favorably compared it to superpremium conventional mattresses.
Gold Bond, the world’s largest and oldest producer of
futon mattresses, manufactures the best-selling step-up line
of futon mattress products in the home furnishings industry
and is one of its leading innovators.
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Gold Bond’s Densified Batt Provides ‘Feel’
Gold Bond pioneered the manufacture of futon mattresses containing
densified polyester fiber batt. These fiber sheets are compressed
to a density of 8 ounces per square foot, well beyond futon
and mattress industry standards. The densified fiber accounts
for the unique “feel” or hand of the SofTouch.
Gold Bond began developing the SofTouch over two years ago
and began production early in 1996.
Other super premium mattresses in the Gold Bond line include
the WoolWrap and the CottonCoil.
For further information, please contact Robert N. Naboicheck
at 800-873-8498.
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Rising Star Pendleton Covers Now On Sale
BEND, Ore. — The original “Futon Covers That Won
the West” are now available at prices that make them
even bigger winners.
Rising Star Stellar Home Furnishings of Bend, Ore., is offering
10 to 15 percent off on its entire collection of Pendleton
futon covers, chair covers and pillow covers.
The Pendleton items and the rest of the Rising Star product
line, including the original Wellspring© all-recycled
futon and other environment-friendly recycled and organic
designs — will be featured Jan. 23 through Jan. 26 at
the San Francisco Design & Furnishings Show. Rising Star
will be displaying in Booth 372 at the Concourse Exhibition
Center.
Manufactured by the famous Pendleton Woolen Mills of Pendleton
in northeastern Oregon, Pendleton wool fabrics are renowned
for their high quality, vivid colors and distinctive Western-inspired
patterns.
Rising Star’s Pendleton futon covers have hidden seams
and double pull zippers and are completely reversible, making
it possible to give the futon a dramatically different look
and color scheme while retaining the same pattern. Backed
with a solid coordinating fabric, each futon cover is guaranteed
for two years against defects in workmanship.
Pendleton covers are the ideal choice for customers looking
for a futon that blends in with the increasingly popular Western
and Southwestern decorating motifs.
For information about wholesale prices and currently available
designs and colors, contact Rising Star.
Marketing Director Bill Kurtz at 1-800-828-6711, or
e-mail rsf@teleport.com.
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The Bedworks—New Case Good Line
The Bedworks is ready to introduce our new case good line.
Finely crafted out of solid ash, all of our bureaus will feature
full size dovetailed drawers and wood on wood center mounted
runners.
The collection will start out with a six drawer lower dresser,
a five drawer upright chest, a two drawer nightstand, and
a landscape mirror. All pieces will be available in our six
different finishes.
With our platform bed line expanded to include The Ashland,
and The Pembroke, the addition of these case goods pieces
enables us to offer full bedroom suites. Ready to ship in
January ’98, call The Bedworks for more information.
The Bedworks: (207) 990-4303
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Ramblin Wood Shows In San Francisco
Albuquerque, NM, Ramblin Wood will be unveiling the “El
Paso”, their newest platform bed at the San Francisco
Design & Furnishings show and would like to invite all
customers, new and old, to come by and take a look. They will
be showing in booth #372 at the Concourse Exhibition Center.
While you’re there enter the free drawing for a queen
size “El Paso” by dropping a business card in the
bowl.
Dave Cady, president of Ramblin Wood noted, “We have
just been too busy to do this show for the last few years
but now we feel we can help some West Coast retailers increase
their bottom lines with our products.”
Ramblin Wood specializes in solid oak or maple platform beds
and,more importantly, they are the nation’s only manufacturer
of a complete line of futon furniture and accessories that
is all UPS shippable. “The fact that all of our products
are UPS shippable means speedy delivery times and less shipping
cost for small orders. This translates to an ability to sell
beyond the stock in the storeroom,” Cady said. Many of
our retail stores find that by showing only a few beds they
have access to all of our product line. Using only 50 square
feet to show a line of furniture is a great way to increase
sales.”
Ramblin Wood: (505) 294-3322
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Retailers’ Doors, Walls, And Floor Models Receiving
Monticello Oak Signs, Display Ads
MONTICELLO (N.Y.)--Futon retailers of the Monticello Oak
Collection, five solid oak futon groups manufactured by Budoff
Classic Furniture here, are now receiving newly produced point
of sale support items to actively place the Monticello Oak
brand name in front of consumers.
The 60 year-old oak producer developed print display ads as
well as “push/pull” door cling decals to be the
first and last name seen when opening the retailer’s
door, a grommeted ceiling/wall poster to hang over the Monticello
Oak Gallery, full color table signage that delineates features
and benefits, and futon arm hang-tags for floor models.
Budoff VP and GM Martin Tratt said the company recently showed
the product line, new signage and images at its new High Point
Furniture Market showroom. He reported the company was pleased
with retailers’ responses.
The Monticello Oak Collection was designed by Steven Sanfilippo,
who is prominently featured on in-store signs. “Designed
by Sanfilippo” is included on print ad slicks.
The signage promotes benefits exclusive to Monticello Oak,
including 100% American solid white oak throughout, oversized
solid oak slats, Steady Bed Stabilizer Struts, and the entire
line’s patented “zero clearance” wall hugging
front operation.
Stuart A. Glasser, president of The Glasser Group which is
responsible for marketing the oak futon line, said the Collection
is available in four elegantly-grained finishes. He noted
the Monticello Oak Collection ad slicks promote futon furniture’s
price competitiveness, comfort and style from “the oak
specialists since 1939”.
Monticello Oak: (800) 466-9099
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Zad Design & MFG.
Zad Design & MFG, which purchased a manufacturing site
in Oxnard, California in early 1997, has completed the remodeling
and updating of it’s new facility. “With the help
of a group of engineer consultants the whole facility has
been redesigned to produce the goods in a more timely manner,”
said Akim Azad, company president. The new facility also includes
an on-site showroom which will give retail buyers a chance
to see the company’s products year round.
Zad Design also has invested in several state of the art pieces
of equipment to help produce better quality products. “Our
new, customized and automated finishing equipment gives all
our products a consistent finish as well as the flexibility
of providing our clients with many new custom colors,”
Azad said. As stated in company’s motto, Zad Design is
pledged to improving the quality of products by developing
innovative design and improving their technology.
The company’s entire line of futon frames, mattresses
and softgoods will be featured at the Winter 1998 San Francisco
Design & Furniture Show 98, booth #174.
For more information, contact Zad Design & MFG:
(805) 486-8393.
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Big Tree Debuts new Pine and Oak Lines at San Francisco
Market
The leading producer of solid oak futon frames will offer
a new line-up of pine frames at the San Francisco show in
January. These frames will not be of the promotional variety,
but will still be well priced.
A beautiful golden honey color will set them apart from some
of the cheaper looks which are being offered today. “Our
lodgepole pine is already doing great for us, and we see no
reason why we cant be a leader in pine, as well as oak.”
stated Bob Glade, National Marketing Director.
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More Big News
Big Tree branches out with a new solid oak bed line, which
will be on display in San Francisco at the January show.
“We have the ability to do this and felt it was time
to expand into this market.” said Glade.
These beds will be able to accept futon mattresses or conventional
box springs and mattress., and will be well priced. A casegoods
line should follow shortly.
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It’s the Real Thing
Big Sleep, the mattress and cover division of Big Tree, moves
to the front with a new six piece, real leather cushion set
that fits most full and queen sized frames.
Filled with Reflex foam by Foamex, these cushions come with
a lifetime customer comfort guarantee. The cushions, when
flipped over and combined with foam wedges and a fitted sheet,
offer a comfortable sleeping surface.
Designed by Bruce Sheppard, and engineered by Stuart Greenburg,
this innovative package comes in four colors, and sells for
only $299.00. The set is also UPSable.
“The response at San Francisco and High Point was nothing
short of tremendous, ” stated Sheppard.
Big Sleep Futon, Inc.: Young Lim or Bob Pecoraro (800)
647-2671
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Tapes Offer Faster, More Accurate Tufting, Improved Pad
Appearance
A simple, pre-measured length of cotton tape, offered by
Handy Button Machine Company, makes the tufting of futon padding
a faster, easier, and more accurate operation. According to
Handy sales director Ray Davidson, these tapes, with clips
at each end, produce more uniform and durable tufts than conventional
string tieing methods.
Davidson states, “Handy tufting tapes speed up the tufting
operation, and keep the padding from shifting. They’ve
been used by leading furniture and bedding companies for years.”
These tapes are available in one-inch to nine-inch lengths,
in 1/4-inch increments. They are 11/16 inches wide, with 5/8-inch
clips at each end and can be used with all standard tufting
needles.
Handy Button, which is marking its 100th anniversary in 1998,
is a leading supplier of accessories and hardware for the
bedding and furniture industries. The company’s main
plant and headquarters is in Melrose Park, Illinois, with
branches in New York and Los Angeles.
Handy Button Machine Company: (708) 450-9000.
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Danabel Introduces the Loveseat LofaBed
With over 2,000 units sold since it’s introduction in
April ’97, the LofaBed has proven that a combination
futon/davenport can succeed even where others have failed.
“One of the key differences with our product,” according
to Mitch Wapen of Lofa Sales International, “is that
it’s been designed and made by a manufacturer, Danabel,
that’s been in the upholstered furniture business for
more than 25 years!
It’s great to be able to lean on their experience,”
adds Wapen, “because the LofaBed is actually more furniture
than futon, and that makes it possible to sell it to department
and furniture stores. In fact, most of our initial success
has come from pure furniture retailers who carry no other
futon products!”
Until now, the LofaBed has been available only in the sofa
size. But beginning in January 1998, Danabel will make the
LofaBed in both loveseat and chair sizes. “People wanted
two things the original didn’t have,” states Wapen,
“a smaller frame and a bigger mattress! Believe it or
not, that’s what the loveseat offers!’ Because in
the loveseat configuration a person sleeps north/south instead
of between the arms, the frame actually takes up twenty-one
inches less of floor space. And the seven inch storage compartment
in the base is perfect for hiding the 21" mini-futon
needed to turn the loveseat into a full-sized mattress.
“It’s pretty cool when you think about it,”
claims Wapen, “we can offer the consumer a sofa/lounger/bed
that takes up only fifty-eight inches of floor space in the
sofa position and yet still accommodates a full 54" x
75" eight inch futon! No Hide-A-Bed can do that.”
Lofa Sales International: Mitch Wapen, (514) 424-1431
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15-20% Growth In Futon Furniture Category Projected in
1998
Suppliers of frames, mattresses, and covers said 1997 sales
grew by 15 to 20% with similar retail growth projected for
1998.
“Some futon specialists tell us they feel threatened
by the new non-specialty retailers entering the business.
I believe these retailers should not fear the future. Futon
specialists continue to be the essence, the heart, of the
futon industry,” said Shari Hammer of SIS Covers, America’s
leading supplier of futon covers and pillows. “I think
specialists will always perform well in futons," she
said. SIS projects sales to grow over 15% in 1998.
Robert N. Naboicheck, president of Gold Bond, America’s
oldest and largest futon mattress supplier, said “Retailers
with the right product mix and the right sales staff are seeing
fantastic growth in futons.” He estimates that the 1998
Gold Bond sales will grow 18 to 20%. 1997 was a very successful
year for the 98 year-old mattress manufacturing company, he
noted, due in large measure to the company’s growing
futon mattress volume.
One of the futon industry’s leading imported frame manufacturers,
Island Futon, reported positive sales growth throughout 1997
and the company anticipates a strong 1998 due to existing
and new retail business volume. Island General Manager Sam
Leone said, “As the business matures, there’s evidence
that the futon furniture category is a more balanced 12 month-a-year
business, with less seasonal fluctuations than in the past.”
The Glasser Group, which represents leading manufacturers
nationally and internationally, also reported upbeat projections
from retailers. Stuart A. Glasser, the Tampa-based company’s
president, forecast another year of growth 1998, but he cautioned
retailers to fight harder and smarter. “Astute retailers
must carefully manage their businesses to insure growth in
1998. This will require balanced inventories, the proper product
mix, and a very aggressive advertising and marketing strategy.”
Mr. Glasser said one of his company’s newer clients,
solid oak frame manufacturer Monticello Oak, is illustrative
of the ongoing success of stylish futon furniture. “This
line is a classic example of how quality and on-time shipments
from a designer line of oak futon frames has become an important
part of the business. Retailers call and ask us ‘How
do we best retail these’?”
“Retailers who advertised regularly saw growth in the
15 to 20% range last year,” futon advertising specialist
Russ Kramer, president of Russ Kramer Creative/Futon Marketing
Specialists of Tampa said. The industry must continue to build
awareness of futons among non-traditional futon buyers, he
said. “There is still a vast population of potential
buyers that the industry has not yet reached,” Mr. Kramer
said. He too expects futon sales’ continued growth, propelled
by futon furniture’s style and fashion.
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SIS Covers for Futons and Pillows
SIS Covers’ new line for futons and pillows focuses
on a collection of tribal influenced fabrics in rich amber,
saffron and paprika highlighted with black. The appearance
of hand woven textiles and the warmer colors of these fabrics
work beautifully with wood tones. Look for Hawthorne, Kalahari,
Fresno and Lorenzo at the San Francisco Winter Market in January
at SIS Covers’ space in Mart 2.
Also at the San Francisco Market from SIS Covers is a new
line of patterned window sheers and the Eclectic Pillow Collection.
Both lines premiered at the New York Home Textile Show and
received a great response—particularly the Havana and
Best Friends pillow collections.
SIS Covers: (800) 989-5435
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August Lotz Announces Aggressive Plans For 1998
As you may have heard by now, August Lotz Co., Inc. is anticipating
many exciting changes and additions to their wood furniture
line for 1998! Here is a brief summary of those changes.
First of all, plans are under way to add approximately 6 new
high-end frame and arm styles to the line. All six of these
units will have no exposed hardware and will no longer be
called “futons.” Instead, these units will be marketed
as “Convertible Sofa Sleepers” in order to divorce
them from the rest of the “futon” line. The company
feels that diversity within their frame line will prove to
be a strong suit when it comes to gaining placement on showroom
floors.
August Lotz is also anticipating entry into the world of mainstream
furniture retail through their line of bedroom furniture.
Before long they will be able to offer customers a six drawer
dresser, mirror, and five drawer chest designed to complement
the already existing platform beds and nightstands.
Finally, in answer to cries for a less expensive, entry level
wood futon frame, August Lotz Co.,Inc, will be importing substructures
to complete that end of the line! The substructures will be
shipped to August Lotz in container load quantities. All containers
will arrive at the factory in Boyd, WI, where the product
will receive its finishing touches, as well as be subjected
to all of the rigorous Quality Control standards that the
rest of the line must pass.
Once past Q.C. these frames will be packaged with the same
hardware, warranty, instructions, and attention to detail
that has become the company’s trademark. Containers will
begin arriving in February 1998. Since the first shipment
may be sold before it arrives, all orders will be filled on
a first come first served basis. Until catalog pages of the
new line can be produced, please use the following to order
from:
- The Mesenbrink (#7750)
will become The Trenton (#1750)
- The Shetland (#7765)
will become The Mustang (#1765)
- The Arlington (#2770)
will become The St. Paul (#1770)
There is also exciting news about the August Lotz mattress
line. The success of the base innerspring futon had customers
calling for a higher end innerspring. So after many months
of intensive research and development, August Lotz is now
introducing the “Superspring” mattress. The superior
comfort level of the “Superspring” has been achieved
through the use of new polyester and densified layers of holofil—guaranteed
to satisfy the most discriminating buyer.
Total control of cotton and fiber in August Lotz’s garnet
plant have been credited as factors in the company’s
rapid growth. Only the highest grade cover, foam, cotton,
and polyester are used in production of the entire futon mattress
line. All of the afor mentioned components have been submitted
to the Federal Testing Agency and have exceeded their criteria
for safety. Because safety is so important to August Lotz,
only “FR” or Fire Retardant foam is used in each
and every futon mattress manufactured - whether or not it
is a requirement of each individual state. Testing is currently
being performed on some of the new memory foams and state
of the art technology for upcoming mattress introductions.
Plan on seeing these intros at the ‘98 Futon Expo in
New Orleans.
August Lotz Co., Inc.: (800) 826-7326
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Island Futon Names New General Manager
 WHITE
PLAINS (NY)--Sam Leone, an international manufacturing manager
with multiple factory experience, plus a background of managing
over 1,500 employees and cost and pricing experience to service
retailers such as Wal-Mart, Sears, and K-Mart, was named General
Manager of Island Futon Company, Ronald O’Neil, president,
announced.
Island Futon is affiliated with Cross Island Trading, a 25
year-old trading group which sources its products primarily
from Asia and Latin America for sale in North America. Cross
Island is a fully integrated timber operation--from forest
concessions and logging through finished products. Island
Futons are manufactured from Nyatoh (knee-ah-toe) wood, a
super strong teak-like Pacific hardwood that resists splitting
and cracking and is exclusive to the Island Futon product
line.
Mr. Leone was previously Director of Manufacturing for NOMA
Christmas, an international manufacturer of Christmas trees
with annual sales of $27,000,000. He was responsible for production,
purchasing, and shipping as well as four factories, raw materials,
warehousing and liaison with the sales department.
President O’Neil said, “Sam is a take charge individual
with long experience in all aspects of plant operations including
purchasing, shipping, production controls and planning with
a strong focus on cost control and streamlining operations.”
For additional information please call The Glasser Group of
Tampa (FL) which handles sales and marketing for the company.
Island Futon: (800) 466-9099)
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Holiday Spending Trends Tend To Exclude Furniture
Christmas shopping and seasonal plans impacted furniture
shoppers, as shown by the two point drop in the National Furniture
Buying Index. December’s mark of 77 was the first drop
since September.
According to noted consumer expert, Britt Beemer, consumers
were going into December very interested in Christmas gift
buying and plans for vacation and travel during the holiday
period, but not picking out a new sofa for the family den.
“Surveys we’ve conducted showed clearly the impact
Christmas had on home furnishings,” announced Mr. Beemer.
“When you look at the fact that most people were planning
to spend $600-$800 on buying gifts for up to ten persons,
you can understand why a sofa, or chair and ottoman, at $699
or $899 wasn’t on the list,” he explained.
He continued, “And, when you couple Americans being pressed
for time with also being pushed by holiday activities, you
will not see many shoppers walking in your doors to ‘just
look around.’”
The Furniture Buying Index is compiled each month by America’s
Research Group from interviews with 5,000-8,000 consumers
across the country. In a typical month, 80 percent of consumers
interviewed can name a specific furniture item they intend
to purchase in the next twelve months. The Index’s mark
signifies what percent of the 80 actually have an item in
mind. Readings above 70 generally indicate consumers are in
a buying mode, and would be receptive to quality offerings
from furniture retailers.
The full effect of the season is best understood by talking
with consumers who are expecting company during the holidays,
Beemer explained.
“Those people who have invited family and friends to
spend time at their home finished their Christmas shopping
in late September to mid October, but are now engrossed with
plans for receiving and entertaining those they have invited.”
“Some may buy a chair here or there, but most are now
putting dollars toward food and other entertainment events
for the season,” he continued. “Furniture is taking
a seasonal back seat.”
Beemer goes on the state that although the Index dropped,
it is still substantially higher now than during the past
year, and points toward a potentially good market in the coming
twelve months.
Britt Beemer is chairman of America’s Research Group,
a full-service consumer behavior research company based in
Charlston, SC. ARG provides research and strategic planning
services to leading manufacturers and retailers of consumer
goods across North America. Beemer is also the author of the
best-selling book, Predatory Marketing, What Everyone Needs
to Know to Win Today’s Customer.
For more information contact America’s Research
Group: (800) 723-3253
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King Koil Futons Records Record Year
1997 has been a record breaking year for King Koil’s
futon program, spiked by the company’s ability to produce
at double the capacity for both futon mattresses and futon
frames over the past year. “Sales are up dramatically
domestically, as well as world wide,” said company spokesperson
Frank Stavis. Between November and mid December, 1997, a number
of new and innovative products appeared on the market.
Already available is the new King Koil Latex “Sit Firm,
Sleep Soft” futon mattress. Made with a soft, convoluted
latex pad on one side, and a firmer latex pad on the other,
this unique mattress provides the perfect balance of comfort
and support. “If it comes from King Koil expect expert
tailoring, a zipper close, true loft, and no compromise on
quality materials,” Stavis said. Latex is environmentally
friendly and allows for maximum breathability. A hypo-allergenic
product, latex dynamically conforms to the body. As conventional
latex bedding is enjoying a fantastic revival of late, King
Koil is extending this trend to their futon line-up, and is
off to a great start!
King Koil is introducing three frames for the new year. The
Cape Cod, at under $200.00, presents a great value for a raised
solid panel arm. Made of Eastern White Ash, it is available
in a golden or medium finish. The frame packs quite a value
punch given the standard King Koil quality construction. That
quality construction includes the following:
- All kiln dried select lumber.
- 5/4 select stock on all 6 longitudinal cross-rails.
- Nylon rollers, wood dowels, glue jointed arms.
- Three coat finishing process
The new Phoenix frame in a natural clear finish is similar
in design but scaled back slightly compared to King Koil’s
famous Scottsdale frame. It is outstanding at a super value
price. We expect a great reception for this newly designed
frame,” Stavis said.
King Koil’s new Brentwood is simple and elegant. This
Eastern White Ash frame is also available in a natural clear
finish. The starter Classic frame (changed from Maple to Ash),
comes with nailed in rabbit rail slats and a lower price for
1998. The Gloucester, a heavily curved arm frame, is connected
by 5 posts, and tops King Koil’s line-up. “The Gloucester
is a front opening and closing frame, and its unique styling
and sturdy look has been grabbing a good deal of attention
on the market, said Stavis
For 1998, loveseats and queen sizes will be available from
King Koil in all Ash Medium and Golden frames. Stavis added
that, “with King Koil you can depend on ‘one-stop
shopping’ convenience. We have it all, futon mattresses,
U.S.A. made hardwood frames, and futon covers.”
King Koil Northeast: (800) 243-8834
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United Sleep Products Enhances Simmons Futon Product Offering
United Sleep Products, exclusive manufacturer of Simmons®
futon products, announced that they have expanded upholstery
options and a new manufacturing facility. According to Paul
Sullivan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for United
Sleep Products, “The growth of Simmons® in the futon
market continues to climb. These additions are being made
to maintain our position as the one-stop-source for quality
futon products.”
Three new arms have been introduced to compliment the existing
line of popular arm styles. Constructed from American Oak,
the Coventry, Vermont and Sierra arms feature solid craftsmanship
and styling. The Coventry has traditional woodworking detail
with a raised panel construction. The elegant lines are complemented
with a mahogany finish. The Vermont features a Farmhouse style
design and is finished in honey oak. The Sierra’s styling
has a Southwestern flavor and is also finished in honey oak.
A total of 22 fabrics have been added to the Simmons®
line of covers to compliment the complete line of arm styles.
A wide selection of fabric options are available to create
a variety of decorative possibilities. For those less eager
to make decorative decisions, we have introduced two, three
and five pack upholstery combinations. These sets of pillows,
bolsters and covers make it easy to purchase a coordinated
upholstery ensemble.
A new 90,000 square facility has been opened in Leola, Pennsylvania
to accommodate the growth and expansion of the Simmons®
Futon line. This new facility will serve as “futon central“
as United Sleep Products continues to meet the needs of the
Futon market with quality Simmons® Products.
United Sleep Products: (717) 336-2048
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Lofa Sales Introduces New LofaBed Loveseat
Danabel, a Lofa Sales manufacturer, has just introduced the
first loveseat version of the LofaBed. It features a full-sized
8” double mattress split into two parts. The smaller
of the two, the extension is hidden in the storage base and
removed only to convert the loveseat into a lounge or a bed.
“The LofaBed loveseat is just the thing for tiny spaces
and will no doubt prove a tremendous addition, along with
the LofaBed chair, to our line,” said Lofa Sales president,
Mitch Wapen. “Both the full size LofaBed and the loveseat
are available in our handsome new Quebec arm style,”
he said.
Also, Wolf Corporation of Fort Wayne, Indiana, has licensed
Royal Mattress if Burlington, Ontario, to manufacture and
market Wolf brand name futons in Canada. Lofa Sales has agreed
to act as Wolf Canada’s marketing arm, and will be mailing
out information announcing new futon products, prices, and
programs.
For more information contact Mitch Wapen at Lofa Sales
International: (514) 424-1431
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Futon Association Hosts Compliance Seminar at SF Show
and Expands Expo Educational Program in 1998
Compliance Seminar
FAI is sponsoring a Compliance Seminar in the Redwood
Room at the upcoming San Francisco Design & Furnishings
Show (new show name for the Contemporary Show), in the Concourse
Exhibition Center. “Late-breaking developments in flammability
compliance will be aired, and all your questions will be answered,”
said Association Administrative Director Tim Jacobs. All industry
participants are invited. Featured speakers will be personnel
from the California Bureau of Home Furnishings and the US
Con-sumer Products Safety Commission, plus a panel of industry
experts.
Approximately 40 representatives of industry companies attended
the last FAI Compliance seminar, held in the same venue last
July. The seminar ran almost exactly two hours. All in attendance
at that seminar were pleased with the presentations and discussion.
Government authorities and industry personnel alike concurred
that it was a highly useful session.
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Alternative Bedding Workshop at Expo ’98
At a recent meeting of the Futon Association Board, in Washington,
DC, it was decided to include a new workshop for futon furniture
specialty retailers. With all the changes taking place in
the home furnishings market, especially in the bedding and
mattress arena it was determined that providing a way to explore
more of the alternatives available would be of great value
to member companies and show attendees.
“Right now I am focusing on one room in the house. With
a strong bedroom category, I have three more chances to make
it into my customer's home,” said Dave Buechner, FAI
president and retail store owner/operator.
With this interest in mind, the Futon Conference will include
a panel discussion focusing on the facts and opportunities
available in the Alternative Sleep Surface category. FAI member
manufacturers who already make alternative mattresses will
be available for questions as well as mattress makers and
materials suppliers relatively new to the Futon Association.
There will be product samples on the exhibit floor as well.
Contact Tambra Jones for more details at (209) 661-0249.
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