INDUSTRY UPDATES

Dream On Futon Closes on Buy Nothing Day

In a bold move, Dream On Futon - a 20-year futon furniture retailer in Bellingham, WA, deliberately closed its doors on the biggest shopping day of the year. Buy Nothing Day, November 29, is a worldwide holiday from the consumer frenzy.

"I’m putting my money where my values are," says owner Nancy Taylor, "by closing my store on a very good cash day." Taylor hoped that the closure would help people become aware of the need to reexamine their spending habits. "Our culture has become wasteful and extravagant. The day after Thanksgiving has become a monument to this extravagance," Taylor explains.

Now in its 11th year, Buy Nothing Day is a 24-hour consumer fast and celebration of sustainable living. People in the industrialized countries make up just 20 percent of the world population, but consume 80 percent of the world’s resources and produce 80 percent of the toxic wastes. Buy Nothing Day asks, "Is our level of consumption moral and ecologically sustainable?"

"And are we enjoying all our consumerism?" asks Taylor. "Two weeks after Buy Nothing Day 2000, the Gallup polling company released some interesting numbers: 85 percent of Americans say Christmas is too commercialized; 42 percent would enjoy the holiday more without the gifts; and almost 60 percent say they no longer enjoy Christmas shopping."

What should you do instead of shop on Buy Nothing Day? Taylor suggested you could, "read a book, enjoy your family, take a walk, make soup with leftovers, but Buy Nothing this November 29."

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Cottonbelle Arts and Crafts Fabrics Natural for Futons

Cottonbelle’s Arts and Crafts Cover Collection features historical and archival themes that perfectly complement the “Mission Style” of so many futon frames. The most common element in all Arts and Crafts furniture is that its design is rooted in nature. Like futon furniture even the very grain of the the wood is counted as part of the decoration and its sturdy construction is celebrated.

CottonBelle’s Arts and Crafts Collection celebrates historical and natural themes by including Art Nouveau, Celtic Knot, Lotus Spears, Thistles, and Gothic forms with pointed arches and windows. See Belle Epoque pattern on page 25 (Hot Covers) for an example of these dramatic textiles. The collection of 25 fabrics combines these strong Arts and Crafts patterns with traditional velvets, tiny brier patterns, silks, and faux leathers for an CottonBelle’s new Arts & Crafts look authentic historical look. Special pricing and construction features apply to this exceptional upper end group. For more information call CottonBelle at 573-859-6589.

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Futon Association Taps RTP for Expo Ads in Furniture Today

With a focus on bringing home the consumer value message to retail buyers FAI created a series of ads to run in the industry’s leading trade pub, Furniture Today. “The message is simple,” said FAI President Tom Tedesco, “Consumers love quality, value, and versatile futon furniture, and what better reason to come shopping for the latest and greatest at the Las Vegas show in March.”

For more information call Tambra Jones at 559-868-4184, or visit www.futon.org today.

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August Lotz Announces New Additions To Mattress Line-Up And Frame Distribution With Royal Sleep

Throughout this year, August Lotz has been making additions and improvements to its mattress line up. For example, their upper end innerspring now incorporates a latex wrap, while some of the others now utilize a patented optimizing layer which reduces compression by 40 percent in cotton and poly based mattresses. Not only did they improve the mattresses, but they did so while maintaining the same price points. Additionally, they broadened their price point structure by creating a new line of mattresses called the Value Line Collection, available in both black and natural ticks. Now, August Lotz is announcing a new and exciting line up of colored ticks on the Value Line Collection full mattresses (and in other sizes on some models as custom orders). They will be available at the beginning of the new year in the following colors: Burgundy; Forest Green; Khaki; Navy Blue: Black; and Natural. The company president, Mark Schlichter stated:

“As everyone in the industry knows, we offer an outstanding line up of mattresses. We have been known for many years as a premium futon mattress manufacturer. Now, with the Value Line, our product starts at $42 in a full size and hits every price point along the entire spectrum to the upper end. If the retailer wants a simple good, better or best type offering in solid colors, we now provide that too. Having our Value Line collection available in colored ticks adds great value to an already strong mattress line-up.”

Schlichter also stated if retailers want a diverse premium line up, August Lotz has a great story with a wide range of comfort selections and price points. He said he is more confident than ever once retailers try them, they will immediately recognize the value and quality.

Additionally, they now offer four innerspring models and four all synthetic models designed to hit a wide range of price-points. Many retailers have commented on the August Lotz design features, such as the patented memory foam hinge, which allow its top price point mattresses to fold properly and easier than a typical high end mattress.

“Many retailers have told me it created an objection to their other premium mattresses for this very reason,” Schlichter stated. “We really feel as though we have created an advantage for our retailers. Additionally, we have an excellent and experienced team designing, testing and building our mattresses... and we also have our own garnetting facilities.”

In other company news, August Lotz announced they have forged a new alliance with Royal Sleep. Royal Sleep is a manufacturer of conventional bedding, and has distributed futon products all throughout the Southern United States for ten years. They have distribution channels from Arizona to the Carolinas, and all states South and now distribute a selection of August Lotz frames from their facilities in Texas and Florida. When asked about this new partnership, Schlichter stated: “We are excited about our alliance with Royal Sleep. We know Royal Sleep has an excellent reputation for quality and customer service, as we do also, which is why we make such a good fit for each other. They have a very effective network throughout the South. Because of this, our retailers now have the availability to order and ship smaller, more frequent orders while maintaining a cost efficient freight percentage. This will allow retailers in the Southern U.S. who felt they couldn’t afford to order a few pieces at a time while keeping the freight reasonable a new opportunity to carry quality August Lotz products.”

For more information about these, or any other, August Lotz Co., Inc. products, please call 1-800-826-7326 or visit the website at www.augustlotz.com.

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Omni Softgoods Continues To Improve Customer Service In 2003

Omni Softgoods will send out four Fabric Updates per year instead of two as they have in the past. The new program will begin with Spring Updates for 2003. Omni’s goal is to meet their customer’s needs. By keeping our line fresh and current we can accomplish this goal. In increasing the number of updates offered, Omni will have the opportunity and flexibility to make changes to their fabric line, adding color and textures as they are introduced into the market. “We are excited to be able to offer this new service to our customers, and will continue to offer new products and services in the upcoming year,” states Omni’s general manager Marcia Nachreiner. She further added that, “In 2002 we decreased our shipping time to 3 days for standard orders and 7 days for Custom orders, with every item still being cut and sewn in house as the orders are placed while still maintaining our level of quality.”

For more information contact Omni Softgoods at (800) 283-8037.

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One Stop Shopping - Adonis Moves Into New SF Showroom

Partners with Cannon Sleep and Dream On futon

Oakland, CA — Adonis Furniture, one of the futon furniture industry’s leading manufacturers is proud to announce the opening of its new 2,700 square foot showroom in the SF Furniture Mart during this (January’s) market. Adonis’ showroom will now be located on the seventh floor of Mart 1 in space 737. The move to Mart 1 is expected to provide more foot traffic and greater visibility to the Adonis line of products. Adonis will share the space with Cannon Sleep Products, and Dream On Futon Covers. The large show space will feature Adonis’s new and expanding solid oak frame line, with two new frames making their debut in January.

“The gallery will include our Superbody frame line, the new Caribbean Wicker line, as well as an Innovation Shop in Shop to showcase their FRAME line,” said David Lee of Adonis. Also featured will be Adonis’ complete line of platform beds and bedroom suites, featuring the introduction of the new Corsica rustic pine bedroom collection. Mattresses displayed by Cannon Sleep Products and Springwall Mattress company will enhance the bedroom category.

Adonis’ Assistant GM Matt Sansoe said, “The new showroom will provide us a great venue to showcase our entire line of products, from the frames to the bedroom we will now have the space to present these items in spectacular fashion.” Adonis makes the move from its long time location in the Concourse. “We now can provide our customers with easier access to our showroom, and all of our products, as well as have the space to show them our entire line,” Sansoe said. Come experience the entire Adonis line and see what’s new at the SF Design and Home Furnishings Show, January 17-20 space 737 Mart 1, or call Adonis at (510) 638-6422.

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Gold Bond Lineup Strengthened With New ‘Premiere’ Mattresses Strong Price—Value Cited

Hartford, CT — Gold Bond’s newly introduced innerspring mattress series—the “Premiere” line featuring the Balanced Rest Smart Coil System—packs an unsurpassed price-value for dealers and consumers, Gold Bond V.P. of Sales and Marketing Andy Freedman announced.

“Premiere” mattresses retail from $599 to $1,499 and feature the Balanced Rest Smart Coil System and super-premium looks, feel, sales presentation and in-store support, he said.
“Our new Premiere mattresses are firing-up retailers more than any other innerspring product we’ve developed in our 104-year history,” Gold Bond President Robert Naboicheck noted. “Premiere offers unprecedented margins for retailers while delivering truly outstanding value for customers,” he said.

The “Premiere Series” features an interactive alternating 850 coil, 14.5 gauge system which delivers 15 percent more support than other mattresses. Additional features of this new system include head-to-toe helicals to eliminate “roll together”, alternating coil design to eliminate “sway”, and a torsion edge spring delivering 100 percent edge support.

Gold Bond’s new series utilizes the company’s Sacro Support signature natural fibers—wool, silk, sisal and cotton—which add to the Premiere’s generous support and comfort attributes, Mr. Freedman notes. Specially-formulated visco foam is also available. Proprietary European damask and mattlasse fabrics adorn each of the mattresses, giving them a unique look and feel. A durable coil box spring adds comfort and longevity to the system.

Gold Bond recently purchased state-of-the-art production equipment, increased production capacity and hired veteran bedding executives to build new mattress products and fuel growth. The independent bedding maker builds innerspring, foam and futon mattresses. Gold Bond is the industry leader in futon mattresses, known for its innovations, comfort, price-value benefits, and award-winning point of sale support. Gold Bond ships to 11 countries and to 50 states, Mr. Freedman said.

“The price-value benefits in the ‘Premiere’ line are unsurpassed by anything we’ve evaluated in the mattress business,” Mr. Freedman observed. “Retailers can now offer more mattress value for substantially less money (than competitors) and enjoy a much greater profit margin with the Premiere Series. We are getting a terrific response. This is a high-turn line. The value is truly built-in. Consumers see it. They feel it,” he said.

Each mattress in the new Premiere line is named for an international city. On-mattress graphics are designed to evoke quality and grandeur, Mr. Freedman said. Quality is further reinforced by extensive point of sale support materials that include easels, product cards, wall signage, ad slicks, circulars and electronic media (radio, TV) support.

Three Sacro Support product lines are now in production at Gold Bond: the Heirloom Series ($899 to $1,999 retail); the Premiere Series ($599 to $1,499 retail); and the Encased Coil Series ($599 to $1,199 retail), he reported.

Gold Bond was founded in 1898. It is one of America’s oldest family-owned independent mattress manufacturers. The company expanded into an 115,000 square foot factory five years ago and began upgrading and expanding its production shortly thereafter.

For additional information, please call Andy Freedman: 800-873-8489.

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Introducing “Bedrooms-B-Dazzled” By Omni

Omni is broadening its product line by stepping into the bedding arena with a line expanding across all age groups. It is an exciting venture that began at the requests of our customers who are expanding their lines as well.

Our youth/teen ensembles are currently on the market. Each ensemble is a complete bed set-up packaged in its own coordinating, reusable zip duffle. Designs range from cute to sophisticated and by simply choosing different accessories retailers can change the look of many set-ups. “Some ensembles are gender specific and some are great looks for either gender,” said Omni’s general manager Marcia Nachreiner. “All set-ups are available in single to king sizes with wholesale price points starting at $197.00. We have great looks to match your style at prices to fit your budget.”

Their adult ensembles will be available early 2003.

For more information contact Omni Softgoods: (800) 283-8037.

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Bourne International introduces Full Line Program

Bourne International now offers retailers increased opportunities in sales. “Retailers have been mentioning that they now can sell entire living room groupings. One retailer mentioned that they never thought they would be able to sell a futon set for over $3,500,” said Chet Stoler of Bourne. “It consisted of futon furniture, tables, room dividers and an entertainment center. They are now displaying bedroom furniture and “it works,” said one of our retailers in Wisconsin.”

Bourne International will be introducing new products at the upcoming Futon Expo in March. Products shown will vary from promotional frames well under $100 to upscale Oak and Teak furniture for dealers. They will feature futon frames, beds, casegoods and various TV armoires with other coordinating pieces. This coupled with their “Partners in Retail” program will assist dealers with instore point of sales material, such as: story boards, arm displays with light boxes for vignette viewing, advertising slicks and other material to help retailers sell their products. Please be sure to see our display at the Expo, booth #335.

For more information call 651-983-5772.

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Platinum Introduces Futon Fit Sheet Sets

Edward Nazginov, president of Platinum Covers & Accessories, asks the question, “Why not? It’s easy and profitable.” Futon fit sheet sets? But aren’t all sheets the same? Don’t regular sheets fit a futon? Although the answer is yes, why send the customer out the door to shop in another store. “Futon Fit sheet sets are designed to really fit the futon,” Nazginov said. The cleverly designed fitted sheets have a heavy duty elastic to really hug any futon mattress from four to fourteen inches, and it also keeps the sheet from shifting around.

“These sheet sets come in twin, full, queen and king sizes, with five popular colors to choose from,” Nazginov said. The sheet sets contain one fitted, one flat, and 2 pillow shams. All sheets are 50 percent cotton, 50 percent polyester, percale quality 180 thread count. They are priced to move, suggested retail price $29.99 - $49.99. Nazginov says the name says it all. “Put this silent salesperson to work for you and start experiencing $8,000 to $14,000 in additional sales to your gross volume,” Nazginov said.

For more information call Platinum at 800-388-4282. See us at Vegas Futon Expo Booth 100.

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Strongbow Sleepworks Designs With Details In Mind

“Strongbow takes great pride in being able to have its futon furniture considered as part of a beautiful home,” said company President Raj Gokal, who added, "In many ways we like to be considered true trendsetters in the futon industry."

One example of this leadership is how they have been able to complement their beautiful futon frames with items like shelves, entertainment centers, and beds. "These accessory items have been given the same attention to detail as our incredible line of futon furniture," Gokal said. Strongbow products also come in an assortment of wood colors and finishes, and they can be purchased separately or as a set. For instance, their Zelda is accompanied by a coffee table, end tables, a bookshelf, CD rack, mirrors, an entertainment center, and a platform bed. You can see the Zelda and many other individual pieces and groups by Strongbow by visiting them at www.strong-bow.com. For more information call Strongbow at 305-591-2250.

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