GHTA conference to include retailer survey results 10/27/2009
How do retailers respond to catalogs, e-mail campaigns, show invitations, press releases and telemarketing? What are the most effective marketing communications tools, according to retailers?
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Retailers, unplugged Edited by Susan Dickenson - 10/01/2009
In July, during the Atlanta market, several home accents retailers got together for an 'off-the-record' discussion about business. Sharon Davis, executive director of ART (Accessories Resource Team) moderated the closed-door event, there was no audience and the attendees were assured that while some of their comments might be shared in our pages, all names would be kept anonymous.
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Retail Reformation: Tips for reforming yourself, your store and your staff By Christi Tullis - 10/01/2009
For those of you having a recital on the poor state of the economy, let me help with some hints and halts that will have your store making a 180 in the midst of your sorrow. First and foremost ... arrive with a positive attitude. You'd be surprised how contagious positivity can become. Instead of focusing on last month's low numbers, think about how good they're going to be this month.
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It takes a village to be a success: Got yours? Melissa Galt - 10/01/2009
I've heard rumblings lately in the home furnishings industry that competition is starting to be a bit less fierce. It seems that the economic climate has impacted every-one, from the smallest player to the largest giant, from new kid on the block to the old war horses. Finally the industry is having to take a look at itself and realize that the old school business practice of everyman for himse...
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Vintage Villas By Susan Dickenson - 10/01/2009
Jody Smith and her mother Cindy Vallee opened Vintage Villas in Scottsdale, Ariz., eight years ago as a small boutique selling antiques, accents and gifts. A couple of years ago, the two launched a makeover service, working with customers' existing furniture pieces to create a new look through dramatic rearranging, and changing out or updating the rugs, lamps, pillows and accessories.
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Perch Home By Susan Dickenson - 10/01/2009
At Maplewood, N.J., home accents boutique Perch Home, antiques comprise less than 5% of the merchandise. But so many of owner Michele Bessey's customers kept asking where she found all the "great antiques" in her shop that she decided to start taking them along. "I rent a luxury bus, provide breakfast and drive them all out to Renninger's Antique Extravaganza," Bessey said.
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Red Barn Mercantile By Susan Dickenson - 10/01/2009
Amy Rutherford, owner of Red Barn Mercantile in Alexandria, Va., describes her storefront as a "quirky mid-century building" nestled among Old Town's colonial row houses. It's actually a perfect stage for the elegant-eclectic mix of old, vintage and fun that begins at the brick sidewalk and flows into a shop filled with good antiques, quality accents, tailored upholstery and vintage-inspired ac...
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Realistic food helps bring retail displays to life Susan Dickenson, Retail Editor - 09/01/2009
I've been doing a lot of thinking about food lately thanks to my new favorite television show, TLC's Cake Boss starring New Jersey baker Buddy Valastro, and the movie Julie and Julia starring food, butter and wine. The fondant masterpieces created by Valastro take food preparation to a level I never dreamed possible, with cakes that shock, awe and defy gravity.
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Update: Structured Green, a year later By Susan Dickenson - 09/01/2009
When "extreme green" retailer Structured Green was profiled in this spot exactly one year ago, the Savannah warehouse-turned-store had been open for just four months. Owner Mike Ayres' strict commitment to stocking and selling products made from sustainable, reclaimed and eco-friendly materials — in a no-frills building with limited electricity and no air conditioning — was impressi...
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Dwell Home Furnishings By Susan Dickenson - 09/01/2009
The owners of Dwell Home Furnishings and Interior Design in Coralville, Iowa, adhere to a philosophy that consists of three words: renew, refresh and excite. Founded in 1997 by Cheri Hochstetler, the 5,500-sq.-ft. two-level operation is a balance of design and retail with a merchandise mix she describes as casual, organic and modern.
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Bravado Home & Design By Susan Dickenson - 09/01/2009
Bravado Home & Design opened its 2,850-sq.-ft. showroom of high-end home furnishings in November 2007 in Portland's Pearl District. During their first year of operation, owners Bradley Clifford and Stefan Krupelak did $1.6 million in business. They are approaching the end of their second year with the knowledge their store has been named an ART Award finalist in the category of Rising Star ...
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JCPenney home “stabilizing” amid soft overall Q2 results Home Textiles Today - 08/14/2009
Plano, Texas — While home dragged the online business during the second quarter, its improving sales trends at stores is encouraging J.C. Penney Company Inc. to expect better results in the near term for the business segment.
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World Market Center hosting Money Market workshop 08/11/2009
World Market Center Las Vegas has recruited experts from the U.S. Small Business Administration to lead a workshop at Fall Las Vegas Market, Sept. 14-17, giving market attendees information about tools to access millions of dollars in low-interest and no-interest loans.
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Retail consultant offers stores chance to win free makeover Susan Dickenson, Retail Editor - 08/01/2009
After years of working with some of North America's biggest chains as well as thousands of independent shopowners, Barbara Crowhurst knows a thing or two about retailing. She's even offered to give one of our readers a free retail makeover. "Retailers need help," Crowhurst told me during a recent phone chat.
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Retailer Insight: Other than your own store, what retailer wows or inspires you? Compiled by Susan Dickenson - 08/01/2009
To me, good retail stirs an emotion. ABC Carpet & Home (abchome.com) does just that, and more. The sheer volume of product and the layering they do wows me the minute I walk through the door. It evokes a feeling of being in an Old World market from another time. The mix of product is always world class, and it never fails that I end up having something shipped home.
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Pier 1 retires more debt Furniture Today - 07/31/2009
Pier 1 Imports said Thursday it has retired $69.5 million in principal of its convertible senior notes, issuing new convertible debt and paying $5 million in cash.
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Retailer to Retailer: Getting your marketing groove on By Lynni Megginson - 07/01/2009
In today's economy, those of us who are still in the retail game know that now more than ever we have to find creative ways to keep customers coming through our doors. It's not enough just to flip over your open sign and expect our clients to just flock in to see our fabulous new merchandise, or how we've artfully rearranged our stores.
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Retail Profile: Lazy Fish By Susan Dickenson - 07/01/2009
Lazy Fish is located in Pawleys Island, S.C, about 70 miles north of Charleston and 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach. Owners Rick and Debbie Seid describe their store as a shopping destination unlike any other, and "the best place in town for a mood boost." "You never know what you're going to find as inventory is everywhere and it changes at a rapid pace," Rick Seid said.
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Retail Profile: Sign of the Dolphin By Susan Dickenson - 07/01/2009
Sign of the Dolphin is in Madeira Beach, Fla., an area where the Gulf Coast's white sand beaches and old Florida charm meet the growing Tampa Bay region. Customers include tourists, part-time residents and year-round locals, and home accents account for the majority of sales. Before "retiring" to the seven-days-a-week world of retail, Sign of the Dolphin owners Linda and John Wolbert owned a ma...
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