From the Editor: Seeing stars
We're all seeing stars right now — courtesy of the big, fat whack in the face the economy has given us. But I want to talk about stars in a different way. In the interest of considering all sources for information, I have decided to look to the stars for an economic outlook. Not seeing much in our earthly environment to look forward to, so I'm looking up instead.
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Wall decor vendors look to design, new markets to offset sluggish sales
Responding to slower sales, wall decor vendors are playing to their strengths while exploring new distribution channels, pricing models and inventory management strategies. CAS owner Lisa Choate said 2009 is going to be a year of hard work, with rewards going to those who “take risks, show creativity and stay attuned to their customers' needs.
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Big Fish adds new lines
Wall decor specialist Big Fish has partnered with Casey Collection, Evans Designs and Encore Art & Frame.
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News from the Las Vegas Market
Michael Payne, host and interior designer of HGTV’s ‘Designing for the Sexes’, has partnered with bedding and accent pillow source SIScovers. The new licensed Michael Payne Home Collection is making its debut with a collection of edgy metallic top of bed ensembles.
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Las Vegas Market news and events
The winter edition of the Las Vegas Market kicks off on Monday, highlighted by more than 100 first-time exhibitors. Following is some more news and events for the upcoming show.
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From the Editor: Our commitment to you
Well, 2009 has not exactly gotten off to a great start. At the four markets I attended last month, traffic was generally slow to just OK not as bad as it could have been, but far from great. Buyers were placing orders, but did so with great caution, limited open-to-buys and with an eye toward safe, best-selling products, freight discounts and other deals.
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Vendors increasingly look to Internet to do business
The Internet continues to be a growing force in the home accents industry, as more retailers are getting on board and learning the benefits of being able to do business with their vendors online. Mark Moussa, president of Arteriors Home, said his company has invested heavily in its Web presence because it makes things easier for its customers.
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ICA Home Décor purchases Art in Motion
ICA Home Decor has acquired Art in Motion, effective this month. Art in Motion will keep its brand identity and name and operate as a division of ICA.
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Heard at Market
The Atlanta market is under way at AmericasMart. With the opening of the new Building Two, West Wing, there are a lot of special events and ribbon-cuttings scheduled throughout the week.
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ICA Home Decor purchases Art in Motion
ICA Home Decor has acquired Art in Motion, effective this month. Art in Motion will keep its brand identity and name and operate as a division of ICA.
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Home Accents Today -- New for 2009
Happy New Year! And welcome, once again, to a refreshed version of Home Accents Today. We have worked hard over the past several months planning our 2009 strategy, and some of the ideas come to fruition this month. We have re-cast our Design Directions pages as Style Setters — there we focus on best-sellers, rather than new products, so you retailers can really get a feel for what's worki...
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Atlanta Market News
The Atlanta gift and home market kicks off Tuesday at AmericasMart. With the grand opening of Building 2 West Wing this week, the complex now measures 7.7 million square feet. Other events this month: the area rug market will run concurrently with the gift show, while Kool & The Gang will perform Sunday evening to “Celebrate” the new building.
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What a year it's been
There's so much to say about 2008, but I feel like so much of it has already been said. Our constant-information culture has us bombarded with factoids, details, cross-references, compilations, side-notes, postscripts, analysis – the list goes on and on. So as I sit here, pondering the state of the industry (between wondering why it's always so cold at my desk!), I'm struck by the fact th...
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Americasmart readies Building Two West Wing for January
Americasmart is expanding its reach – both in terms of product categories and square footage – with the opening of Building Two West Wing in January. “With Building 2 (West Wing), we are sending a continued message – in a more grand way – of the size and scope of all the product collections and myriad products and resources that are presented here,” said Jeff...
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The power of surprise
Though I confess to being the ultimate creature of habit, I'm really big on surprises. The good kind, of course. I love the thrill of the unexpected, and late this summer, I found the very unexpected in a cold, dark place, 100 feet underground. My husband and I were lucky enough to take a week's vacation to Paris in late August.
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Mood at Market
Home accent vendors, like the rest of America, are increasingly concerned about the economic situation in the country, and the expectation that the tough time will continue well into 2009.
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High Point Market Preview
Join the staff of Home Accents Today at our Market Kickoff Party, Monday, Oct. 20, from 6-8 p.m. in the Century Courtyard outside of Market Square. The event is co-hosted with Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.
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It's scary out there
I'm almost afraid to write this column. Afraid for what will come next, and afraid that by the time this issue hits, what I have said here will be hopelessly out of date. That's how fast things are moving these days. In a matter of days, it feels like, the American economy went from shallow recession to deep depression.
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Las Vegas Market moves to September date pattern in '09
The Las Vegas Market has pushed back the dates for its second 2009 show until September, and will shorten the market to a four-day event — Sept. 14-17. Dates for next year's winter show in Las Vegas, a five-day event beginning Feb. 9, remain unchanged. “Our research clearly shows that buyers and exhibitors don't want more days in a market; rather they want to focus on a market th...
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