|
INDUSTRY
UPDATES
‘Butch’ Naboicheck, Past NABM
President, Dies at 83
West Hartford, CT — N. Aaron “Butch” Naboicheck,
CEO Emeritus of Gold Bond Mattress Company and former president
of the National Association of Bedding Manufacturers, passed
away Sunday, February 18, 2001 following an extended convalescence.
He was 83.
A graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the business
institutes at Yale and Harvard Universities, Mr. Naboicheck
built Gold Bond’s mattress business while he was active
as NABM Board Member and President, president of the NABM’s
New England Chapter, a founding member of the Connecticut
Young President’s Organization and President of the Young
President’s Organization.
Through his guidance, Gold Bond became the nation’s
largest independent manufacturer of mattresses and the largest
maker of futons.
He served on the Chief Executive Forum and World’s Business
Council. He was a board member of the Hartford Symphony and
the Hartford Ballet Company.
He was known throughout his life for his philanthropic and
cultural activities locally, nationally and in Israel. He
served on the American Board of Trustees of the Hebrew University
and Tel Aviv University, and was active on the President’s
Council of Yeshiva University. He also served on numerous
boards and directorships in the Greater Hartford Jewish community.
He leaves his wife Lois; two sons, Robert and his wife Alice
of Hartford, and Peter Naboicheck of Farmington (CT); his
sister Ruth Lipman; and three grandchildren.
Back To Top
Omni Softgoods to Introduce New Point of
Purchase Display
Prompted by requests from retailers for more photos and sales
materials, Omni’s new point of purchase easel will showcase
nearly 50 different Omni fabrics on style appropriate frames.
The new tabletop display features full color flipcards, each
showing a complete futon ensemble. Customers will be able
to see how a particular fabric will appear as finished product
in their homes, thus eliminating some of the concerns about
scale and style when viewing a manufacturer’s swatch.
“We plan to add new cards as updated fabrics enter the
line, and the design of the display makes it easy to remove
a card in the event a fabric is discontinued or not appropriate
for your market,” says company president Robin Reid.
For additional information contact Omni Softgoods at 800-283-8037.
Back To Top
Gold Bond
Bringing ‘Strongest Product Line-up Ever’ To Las
Vegas Futon Show
HARTFORD (CT) – Las Vegas Expo buyers will be given
the “premium treatment” April 4 – 6 when the
2001 Gold Bond Futon Line—its largest and strongest futon
product mix ever—will be introduced.
Over 1000 square feet of show space will be devoted to Gold
Bond’s broad line, Bob Naboicheck, company president,
announced. It was over a decade ago when Gold Bond began developing
the first upscale “premium” and “super-premium”
futon mattresses in the industry.
The company now has the broadest line of premium and super-premiums
in the business. Gold Bond will show its newest introductions—the
first pure natural latex futon mattress (“Latex Plus™”)
and a new encased spring futon mattress (“Coil Wrap™”)—with
its other successful super premiums, premiums and standard
futons.
The company’s new encased spring unit is backed by two
proven innerspring successes—America’s best selling
innerspring futon (“Cotton Coil™”) and the
promotional “Comfort Coil™“ futon mattress.
“We’ve developed the futon industry’s widest
selection of price points in the fast-growing futon premium
mattress category,” Mr. Naboicheck notes. “Without
question, this year marks our most powerful and aggressive
futon lineup ever,” he said. “We are eager to see
Las Vegas buyers,” Mr. Naboicheck said.
The company will also showcase its ultra-plush SofTouch™
futon mattress, and its Comfort Plush™, made from a specially
formulated densified poly batting. Additionally, the “Wool
Wrap™, built with pure New Zealand wool, high resilience
foam and cotton, will be displayed. Each premium futon mattress
features a Gold Bond 10-year warranty, except for the new
Latex Plus™ warranteed for 15 years.
Along with its premium line, Gold Bond will show its standard
line of futon mattresses, built with Gold Bond’s famous
Joy® pure cotton batting, super-quality foam, and the
industry’s premier twill durable outer shell.
A Gold FAI Expo sponsor, Gold Bond’s support helps the
Futon Association host its conferences, meetings, round table
discussions, receptions and an annual banquet each year.
Gold Bond is one of America’s largest independently
and family-owned sleep product suppliers. The 101 year-old
company recently expanded into a new 115,000 square foot factory
to expand production and speed up shipping schedules. Earlier
this year, the company introduced its redesigned and upgraded
Gold Bond innerspring mattress product line to the bedding
industry.
Gold Bond is a sleep surface innovator. The company added
the concept of “plush” to the original thin futon
pad and helped begin the futon boom of the 80’s and 90’s.
The company provides Gold Bond retailers with high-quality
point of sale and co-op advertising, along with the finest
in-store sales training.
Gold Bond is sold at quality futon, bedding, furniture and
department stores throughout the USA, Europe, Middle East,
and Australia.
For dealer information, please call Bob Naboicheck at
1-800-873-8498.
Back To Top
Anything Goes
At SIS
SIS Covers’ spring collection reflects the continuing
trend of “anything goes”. Their new line features
modern bold color schemes countered by muted classic color
schemes; no fuss simple-to-care-for fabrics alongside the
sophisticated and elegant. Straightforward geometry, particularly
circles and squares, have found their place next to exotic
Polynesian-inspired fabrics. And of course, texture remains
popular because it adds interest to the important monochromatic
color schemes.
SIS continues its tradition of providing you with the latest
trends.
You can preview the new line at our Futon Expo booth
#713, and at High Point in the C&D Building, Suite 7-G
or for more information call 1-800-989-5435.
Back To Top
Big Tree Names
Didreckson To Team
Big Tree has named Ms. Tami Didreckson, as its new inside
sales and customer service manager. Ms. Didreckson has five
years of experience in the futon industry.
Back To Top
August Lotz
Enters New Markets With Contemporary line
Boyd, WI - August Lotz Co., Inc., manufacturer of high quality
solid wood futon frames, occasional tables, and futon mattresses,
announced today that the company will be unveiling a new line
of fashionable metal frames and original solid ash arms at
the Las Vegas show.
“These new metal frames will generate a lot of excitement,”
states company president Mark Schlichter. He further added
that, “Nobody has offered this much style and choice
at these price points. We’re very proud to bring this
fresh and novel approach to the market.” When asked to
describe the new line of metal frames Schlichter asserted
that, “These aren’t the black or white, bland, cookie
cutter frames you find at department stores. Our frames meld
the timeless elements of icy steel and warm wood tones. These
creative concepts with their focus on multi-functional furniture
design will definitely appeal to a completely new, evolving
market segment.”
The frames, inspired by the European nouveau and techno furniture
styles, will clearly attract those sophisticated consumers
who like the concept of a metal frame, but until now have
not been able to find any that appeal to them, and are in
their price range.
August Lotz has also added some exciting new products to
its traditional solid wood futon line as well. The Select-A-Grid™
series is one such addition. With this concept, a choice of
numerous grid designs can easily be inserted into the arm.
“The obvious advantage to the Select-A-Grid system,”
said Schlichter, “is that our dealers have the benefit
of selling many diverse styles of futon frames while only
using the valuable inventory space, and capital investment,
for one.”
For more information about the August Lotz Co., Inc. line
please call 1-800-826-7326.
Back To Top
Hickory Springs
To Show New Premium Line
HS Fibers and Hickory at Home, divisions of Hickory Springs
Manufacturing Company, will present their high-end line of
futon mattresses, the Passport Collection, as well as an innovative
product line of metal futon frames at the upcoming Las Vegas
Futon Expo in April.
Hickory at Home is Hickory Springs’ retail division that
produces and sells bedding support products across the nation,
while HS Fibers produces an extensive line of quality futon
mattresses and polyester fiber for furniture seat cushioning.
Two new futon frames were added to the Hickory at Home line-up
after an exciting October High Point market debut, and will
be featured at the Las Vegas show. These frames, which highlight
unique styling and close attention to detail, are finished
in distinctive pewter and bronze.
HS Fibers offers a number of quality futon mattresses available
in a variety of configurations, ranging from a basic 8 inch
foam and fiber mattress to the deluxe Monte Carlo mattress
that combines fiber, down, latex, high performance foam and
an innerspring unit. In addition, mattresses from the premium
Passport Collection, handsomely decorated with custom artwork
created by Muse Artists Gallery of San Diego, CA, will be
displayed at the Expo. Also worthy of note, the entire HS
Fiber product line features a unique synthetic batting material
specifically designed to pass CAL 177 and UFAC flammability
requirements with no additives.
With over 55 years of experience providing high quality seating
to leading furniture manufacturers, Hickory Springs has developed
futon mattresses that enhance both seating and sleeping comfort.
For more information, call Tracy Hamlin or Wendi Hartsoe
at HS Fibers 1-828-459-7645.
Back To Top
Comfort Research
Expands Into Juvenile Market
Grand Rapids, MI - Comfort Research, makers of the Polymorphic
Poof Chair, recently introduced many new & exciting colors
to their velvet collections. The new velvets include tiger,
cow, zebra, slate, black and arbor green. These new colors
are available immediately.
Comfort Research has also been very successful in its expansion
into the juvenile market. They have designed a fun new children’s
line that is sure to compliment any child’s room. “We
are really looking forward to our venture into the juvenile
market. Our new children’s products are unique and will
definitely accent our current product line,” said Matt
Jung, CFO for Comfort Research. Look for these new products
at the Futon and Specialty Sleep Show (Booth # 430) in Las
Vegas.
In order to meet the ever-growing need for product, service
and sales Comfort Research has hired sales and marketing professional
Scott Ayotte as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. A new
catalog is also in the works, and will feature the company’s
new products and new photography of the current line.
For more information contact Comfort Research at 877-226-2926,
via e-mail at scott@comfortresearch.com or on the web at www.comfortresearch.com.
Back To Top
New CottonBelle
Kiosk Puts It All Together
Making it easier and more enjoyable and exciting for retailers
and customers alike, the CottonBelle kiosk will be rolled
out at the Futon Expo in Las Vegas.
This flexible display will stimulate customers to personalize
their choices and encourage retailers to easily feature color
stories, best-sellers, sale items, seasonal item choices and
decorating themes in quick and striking displays.
The six and one half foot hard maple kiosk tower is designed
to hold all CottonBelle fabrics, pillow options, and custom
ideas including various decorative and functional pillows,
trims, curtains and custom cushion and yardage options. Signage
and laminated POP materials are available from CottonBelle
describing product features, sizes and prices. Retailers can
also generate their own printed materials which can easily
and inexpensively be incorporated into the kiosk.
The CottonBelle kiosk is an absolute idea generator, sales
tool and profit center. See for yourself at Booth 631.
For more information contact CottonBelle at 573-859-6589.
Back To Top
Bluestone’s
New Factory Is High Tech
The Appalachian oak producer of futon frames and occasional
tables has moved their production facilities. The new factory
is outfitted with the latest in computerized machinery. “The
accuracy of these new machines is so precise that our quality
has been raised dramatically,” said company spokesperson
Robert Thomas. Futon arm construction techniques include multi-dowel
and mortise and tenon joinery, making for superior quality
and an overall best value for the price point. Deck sets have
been upgraded as well with the slats tenoned on both ends,
into the deck, along with multiple braces for strength and
durability offering a clear value to the consumer. All Bluestone
frames are now produced with a proven, consumer friendly and
patented front operated mechanism. The line has also been
limited, to provide the retailer with fast order turnaround.
For more information contact Bluestone Mills at 540-398-3564,
via e-mail at bluestone@naxs.net
or see us at the High Point Market, 164 S. Main St. 4th floor.
Back To Top
Zad Designs
Offers Unique Cottage Look
Zad Designs & MFG., Inc. has released their new cottage
style frame in a distressed, antique white finish with embossed
metal inserts. This frame is a new addition to its rustic
pine collection frames. Mr. Azad, the CEO of Zad Designs believes
this frame offers a look that is quite different from other
futon frame products available in the market. It is offered
with “Shabby Chic” style covers available exclusively
from Zad Home Collection swatches in their branded “Urban
Cottage” style look.
This frame along with several other new products were shown
at the San Francisco Design and Furnishing Show in January
2001. Anyone interested in the product should call Zad
Designs & MFG., Inc. at (805) 486-8393.
Back To Top
Cotton Works
ready to spread out in brand-new facility
ALBANY, Ga. – Cotton Works, Industries, Inc. is bursting
at the seams, so the company is relocating to a facility three
times larger.
“We’re excited to be moving into a brand new 33,000-square-foot
space here in Albany,” said Cotton Works President Jim
Martin. “It’s three times the size of the building
we’re in now.”
Cotton Works opened its doors in this southwest Georgia community
eight years ago. Over the years, it has initiated innovative
ventures with artists and other companies, developed a strong
marketing stance and galvanized the industry with its three-day
shipping guarantee.
“We’re already proud of our quick turnaround time,
but we’re always looking for ways to improve,” Martin
said. “We’re looking at adding about 15 new employees.”
Martin and his wife, Lynn, his partner in the business, are
close-mouthed about the specifics of their new products.
“All I can tell you is that we’re excited,”
Mrs. Martin said. “So, watch out for us!”
The new address for Cotton Works is 1536 Dougherty Avenue,
Albany, GA 31705.
For more information contact Cotton Works at 229-438-1900.
Back To Top
Sleep Products
Safety Council Launches SafeSleep.org
New Web Site Conveys Mattress Industry’s Commitment
to Product Safety
Alexandria, VA — SafeSleep.org was launched by the
Sleep Products Safety Council (SPSC) to expand and communicate
the mattress industry’s commitment to product safety
and to provide mattress retailers with accurate, up-to-date
and relevant sleep and mattress safety information. The internet
site will also inform consumers, as well as mattress manufacturers
and suppliers, about important sleep safety issues.
“The mattress industry has a strong commitment to product
safety and an impressive record of compliance with state and
federal regulations. SafeSleep.org will give us the opportunity
to share our knowledge and experience by providing consumers
and the industry with the very latest information,” stated
SPSC President Al Klancnik of Serta.
SafeSleep.org currently features a cover story on mattress
flammability that includes information on federal flammability
regulations, SPSC partnerships and studies currently underway.
The feature story will be rotated periodically to cover other
key safety issues affecting the mattress industry.
Mattress manufacturers, suppliers and retailers will also
benefit from the “Safety Issues” section of the
website which provides tips and information on common mattress
safety concerns, including bunk bed safety, bedroom air quality,
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and the storage and disposal
of old mattresses. In addition, a variety of articles and
frequently asked questions are featured to keep mattress makers
and retailers current on issues of interest to today’s
consumers.
“SafeSleep.org is an exciting step in our overall plan
to raise industry and consumer awareness of mattress related
safety issues. The Sleep Products Safety Council is delighted
to enable a greater number of people to benefit from our knowledge,”
said Klancnik.
Established in 1986 by the International Sleep Products Association,
the Sleep Products Safety Council provides consumer safety
information, supports research and promotes activities aimed
at reducing hazards associated with sleep products. The mainstay
of the SPSC’s program is the safety hangtag.
For more information contact the Sleep Products Safety
Council at (703) 683-8371.
Back To Top
Futon Place
Becomes Liforms Licensee
Nick Nara from the Futon Place in Santa Barbara, CA, is delighted
with his decision to become a licensee of Bob Fireman’s
patented mechanism. The most important feature of the device
is the built-in locking mechanism that prevents the back of
the frame from slamming down on the cross-rail when using
any heavy mattress. In addition to eliminating this nuisance,
the locking mechanism also prevents undo wear and tear to
the frame.
For more information contact Liforms at (212) 255-9209.
Back To Top
Rev up your
sales – Win a really cool car!
Going the extra mile could put you in the driver’s
seat of a brand new PT Cruiser.
Cotton Works, Inc., Life Style Solutions by Elite and Wolf
Futon, three of the futon industry’s top manufacturers,
are sponsoring a giveaway to drive home their desire to help
dealers increase their sales.
“Each month, we’ll have a drawing to give our dealers
an opportunity to win one of the hottest cars on the road,”
said Jim Martin of Cotton Works. The monthly winners get the
green light to qualify for the final drawing for a brand new
PT Cruiser, which will be held at next year’s Futon Show
in Chicago.
To find out the specific details contact your respective
vendor today!
Back To Top
|
