LEXINGTON, Ky.-Expenses related to the company’s merger with Sealy played a significant role in the 77.8 percent slide in net income for Tempur-Pedic in its first quarter.

Net income in the quarter, which ended on March 31, was $12.5 million. The Sealy acquisition resulted in $16 million of transaction and integration costs, which had a hand in beefing up Tempur-Pedic’s selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses by 21.4 percent in dollars and 601 basis points as a percentage of sales, to 37.2 percent.

ATLANTA-Simmons will launch new advertising campaigns for its Beautyrest and Comforpedic by Beautyrest brands next month.

SHELTON, Conn.-Tomas Eisenberg, Latex International’s vice president of strategic marketing, has resigned from the company to pursue other interests, effective immediately.

Eisenberg’s responsibilities over international business development will now be assumed by Kurt Ling, president of the company’s Pure LatexBLISS brand. Ling’s appointment is part of an organizational change to Latex International’s brand management offices in the United States, Europe and Asia.

NEW YORK-The 2013 Harris Poll EquiTrend Rankings have emerged with “Brands of the Year” in a number of housewares, retail and home-related categories.

In home products, Crock Pot took the top spot among small kitchen appliances, ahead of KitchenAid, Cuisinart, Black & Decker, Calphalon and GE. In coffeemakers, the number one brand was Keurig, topping Mr. Coffee, Bosch, De’Longhi, Cuisinart and Krups. The top mattress brand this year was Tempur-Pedic, ahead of Sealy and Serta.

WILLOWBROOK, Ill.-Comfort Solutions has appointed David Wachendorfer to vice president of business development for the Midwest region, and Thomas Sliwa to brand development manager.

Wachendorfer, who reports to company President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Roberts, is responsible for sales to new and existing retail accounts in that region. Before joining Comfort Solutions, he served as vice president of sales development and retail training at Tempur-Pedic.

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.–Sleep Innovations has launched a new brand, Comfort Co., a high-end line of memory foam products for use outside the bedroom.

The new line includes kitchen and bath mats, memory foam ottomans and indoor/outdoor furniture and accessories. The newest addition to the line are Comfort Co. anti-fatigue kitchen mats with anti-skid bottoms to prevent slips. They are available in four styles that vary in size and thickness and can be customized to any kitchen decor.

LEXINGTON, Ky.-The Federal Trade Commission has cleared Tempur-Pedic’s planned acquisition of Sealy.

A Tempur-Pedic statement said the company plans to close the acquisition on March 18, “subject to customary closing conditions.” As previously announced, the deal calls for Tempur-Pedic to acquire all of Sealy’s outstanding common stock for $2.20 per share, along with all of Sealy’s outstanding convertible and nonconvertible debt. The total value of the transaction will be about $1.3 billion, the statement said.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of High Point Market in April.

Exhibitors at the show are invited to submit information and high-resolution images of products that they plan to highlight at the show, scheduled for Apr. 20-25, 2013. Furniture manufacturers should submit information to Duke Ratliff, dratliff@hfnmag.com. Materials for new lighting and floor covering products should be submitted to Andrea Lillo, alillo@hfnmag.com.

LEXINGTON, Ky.-Tempur-Pedic has appointed W. Timothy Yaggi chief operating officer, a new position for the mattress manufacturer.

In his new role, Yaggi oversees the company’s operations. In a statement, Tempur-Pedic said his appointment underscores its commitment to its strategic growth plan and to the evolution of its business, brands and product lines. He reports directly to Mark Sarvary, president and CEO.

TRINITY, N.C.-A 33 percent sales gain helped Sealy to slim down its fourth-quarter loss to $2.8 million from $15.2 million in the fourth quarter of last year.

ATLANTA-Jeff Willard has been named executive vice president of sales and marketing for Simmons.

Willard has thus assumed charge over the company’s consumer marketing functions in the United States and Canada, and reports to Tony Smith, the company’s president. Before Willard’s appointment, Smith and Mark Owen, senior vice president of brand management, had jointly overseen the marketing functions on an interim basis. The last Simmons executive to hold Willard’s title was Tim Oakhill, who left the company in 2011.

OLIVE BRANCH, Miss.-Englander Sleep Products has added the title of CEO to Kevin Toman, the company’s president.

Toman has served as the mattress manufacturer’s president since 2007. A 42-year veteran of the mattress industry, he had previously served as president of Restonic from 2003 to 2005. His career also includes management and senior sales positions with Sealy, Serta and Simmons.

NEW YORK–The deadline for submissions for HFN’s preview of the New York International Gift Fair and the Las Vegas Market is Wednesday, Jan. 2.

HOUSTON-Mattress Firm has signed an agreement to acquire the assets and operations of Factory Mattress & Water Bed Outlet of Charlotte for $11.2 million.

A Mattress Firm statement said the closing of the deal is expected to take place by the end of the fiscal fourth quarter, or about the end of January. Factory Mattress & Water Bed Outlet has 28 mattress specialty stores in North Carolina and South Carolina, all branded as Mattress Source. Mattress Firm said it intends to rebrand the stores as Mattress Firm subsequent to the closing.

NEW YORK–The deadline for submissions for HFN’s preview of the New York International Gift Fair and the Las Vegas Market is Wednesday, Jan. 2.

Please note the change from the previously announced, earlier deadline.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–Tom Loney, executive vice president of leasing for International Market Centers, is retiring after 28 years.

Richard Krapfel has been named director of leasing and Susan Beck has been named leasing manager. Both will be based in High Point and report to Julie Messner, vice president of business development – High Point.

TRINITY, N.C.-Sealy is holding a promotion centering on this year’s Black Friday, Nov. 23, to help boost sales for its Optimum line of mattresses.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-Sleep Train—parent company of the Mattress Discounters, Sleep Country USA and Sleep Train Mattress Centers specialty chains—has acquired eight Sleep City stores, expanding its presence in eastern Washington State and western Idaho.

The eight stores increase the total store count under Sleep Train’s corporate umbrella to 273. Six of the new stores will become Mattress Discounters, and the two will carry the Sleep Country USA name. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

MINNEAPOLIS-Fueled by record sales, third-quarter net income for Select Comfort climbed 52.1 percent to $26.2 million.

Net sales for the quarter, which ended on Sept. 29, rose 23.7 percent to $246.8 million, a new record for the third quarter, and including a same-store sales gain of 21 percent for Select Comfort’s own stores. Shelly Ibach, the company’s president and CEO, attributed the strong sales to shoppers’ positive response to the Sleep Number brand experience, including its proprietary products and store experience.

In a deal that will create a $2.7 billion mattress powerhouse and change the face of the sleep-products industry, Tempur-Pedic has signed an agreement to purchase Sealy for a total transaction value of $1.3 billion.

To close the deal, Tempur-Pedic will pay $2.20 a share for all of Sealy’s outstanding stock, representing a premium of about 23 percent on Sealy’s 30-day average closing price on Sept. 26. In addition, Tempur-Pedic will assume or repay all of Sealy’s outstanding convertible and non-convertible debt. The transaction is expected to close during the first half of 2013.

NEW YORK-H Partners Management has sent a letter criticizing the proposed acquisition by Tempur-Pedic of Sealy to the Sealy board of directors.

The letter was also filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. H Partners is Sealy’s second largest shareholder, owning 16.6 percent of the outstanding shares. In the letter, dated Sept. 27, H Partners said, “Today, we were shocked to observe that this board, after selling shares to public shareholders in April 2006 at $16 per share, is contemplating a sale of the company at a meager $2.20 per share.”

If you have read some of my opinionations over these past few years, you’ve seen me bleat occasionally on how home furnishings companies need to put more effort into the creation and support of brands.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn.-Jamison Bedding has tabbed Rick MacLean, its chief financial officer, as its chief operating officer, giving MacLean the dual responsibilities over both finance and operations.

In addition to his finance activities, MacLean now oversees overall strategic planning and the development of the Jamison organization, with an emphasis on the marketing, sales and manufacturing functions. He continues to report to Frank Gorrell, the company’s president.

SHELTON, Conn.-Latex International has debuted its revamped website at latexintl.com.

The site features Latex International’s new logo, soft blue and green colors, and the tagline “Talalay Latex—Lift, Relax Relieve.” It also includes information on latex beds, such as how to buy a bed and how latex is used. The site’s product finder pinpoints brands already offering latex mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows.

HOUSTON-Fueled by a huge leap in sales, net income for Mattress Firm rose 177.4 percent in the second quarter ending July 31, totaling $10.1 million.

The mattress specialty retailer also continued on its acquisition trail, agreeing to purchase the assets of Mattress X-press. When finalized, the deal will further enlarge Mattress Firm’s store count by 35, with 30 stores in South Florida and five in Georgia. The closing is expected to take place some time in this fiscal quarter.

NEW YORK–HFN is coordinating its editorial coverage of October’s High Point Market.

CHICAGO-Protect-A-Bed has launched the Dream Dorm campaign to introduce its new presence on Pinterest and to encourage consumers to interact through a “Pin It to Win It” sweepstakes.

BOSTON-Tempur-Pedic has opened its first retail flagship store in this area, featuring the company’s full product line of mattresses and bed pillows.

The home furnishings industry braved the desert heat on the first day of the Las Vegas Market yesterday to see and hear the latest and greatest. Here are some highlights form the opening day of the show:
 

FRIANT, Calif.-The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) and the organizers of the Las Vegas Market will host a panel discussion at the market.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center claims an “impressive” line-up of new and existing bedding tenants for next week’s Market, including a number of new and expanded showrooms.

KENNESAW, Ga.-Invista has named Misti Moore marketing manager for Dacron fiberfill in North America.

The move puts Moore in charge of developing and leading marketing strategies to enhance the Dacron brand, and of growing Dacron’s market share as a fiberfill for bedding products in North America. She reports to Roberto Fontanillas, Dacron’s global business director, and succeeds Carol Haslach, who has left Invista to pursue a career as an artist.

NEW YORK-Enhancing its reach in the allergy-products market, Royal Heritage Home has purchased the assets of National Allergy Supply, a manufacturer of a variety of allergy-avoidance merchandise.

NEW YORK–Today is the deadline for Las Vegas Market exhibitors to send product photos and releases to be considered for HFN’s coverage of the show in the August issue.

TRINITY, N.C.-Despite a 2.9 percent drop in sales, Sealy posted net income for its fiscal second quarter of $1.7 million, compared to a net loss of $377,000 from last year’s second quarter.

Net sales for the quarter, which ended on May 27, totaled $312 million. Much of the sales decline took place in the United States, where sales fell 5.2 percent. On the plus side, average selling price in the quarter rose 5.4 percent, driven by increases in all of the innerspring mattress lines and the introduction of the Next Generation Stearns & Foster line.

IRVINE, Calif.–Hazz Design will present its GenderBlending design philosophy at the upcoming Las Vegas Market on Tuesday, July 31, at 10 a.m. As women influence or make up to 80 percent of furniture and consumer goods purchases in the U.S., Hazz Design’s co-principals Tracy and Tom Hazzard will demonstrate how tailoring product and interior design for both men and women—incorporating buying trend data—yields a better outcome.

LAS VEGAS–The fifth installment of “Ahead of the Curve” is set to broadcast during the World Market Center’s upcoming Las Vegas Market and Gift+Home, giving attendees the hottest trends found at the show by three designers: Betsy Burnham, principal designer and founder of Burnham Design; Philip Gorrivan, founder of Philip Gorrivan Design; and Darren Henault, founder of Darren Henault Interiors.

TRINITY, N.C., and WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.-Sealy has acquired a minority interest in Comfort Revolution, the foam bedding manufacturer founded two years ago by industry veteran Michael Fux.
Fux, the company’s CEO, will continue to lead Comfort Revolution. In an interview with HFN, he described the interest Sealy has purchased as “a minority piece but a large piece.” The price was not disclosed.

CHICAGO-Leggett & Platt has teamed with Second City Communications for an original hip-hop music video promoting hybrid mattresses.

Second City Communications is the marketing arm of The Second City, the improvisational theater company. The video, titled “Get Hybrid,” is described in a statement as “a high-energy blend of comedy and rap music touting the benefits of Leggett & Platt’s Comfort Core line of fabric encased coils,” which are used in the manufacture of hybrid mattresses.

HOUSTON-Buoyed by a sales increase and by controls over expenses, Mattress Firm’s first-quarter net income rose by 846 percent to $9.7 million.

MINNEAPOLIS-Select Comfort has named Michael Bills senior vice president and chief marketing officer, one of a number of moves that has altered the mattress manufacturer/retailer’s corporate structure.

TRINITY, N.C.—Sealy has signed licensing agreements with American Textile Co. and Downlite for basic bedding products to be marketed under Sealy’s brands.

Under the terms of these agreements, American Textile will produce mattress and pillow protectors under the Sealy, Sealy Posturepedic and Stearns & Foster brands. Downlite will manufacture down- and synthetic-filled bed pillows, blankets, comforters and sheeting products under the same brands.

LEXINGTON, Ky.-The fiscal year for Tempur-Pedic began with another solid bottom-line gain—16.5 percent to $56.2 million.

The mattress manufacturer benefited from a solid performance in net sales, which increased 18 percent to a record $384.4 million. Tempur-Pedic reported that sales in the United States rose 17 percent and that international sales were up 19 percent in the quarter, which ended on March 31. Mattress sales worldwide increased 18 percent, and that pillow sales gained 20 percent.

NEW YORK-The Trump Organization has partnered with TPS S.A.S. for a collection of mattresses under the Trump Home brand, to be distributed in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and Switzerland.

The line—which, according to a Trump statement, is being positioned as “affordable luxury”—will be priced to retail between approximately $4,440 and $5,230 for queen size. Coordinating headboards and bases will be available for about $905 and $817. It will be available at furniture and mattress specialty stores beginning in mid-May.

KÖPING, Sweden–Hästens has launched an initiative whereby it will make a donation to the National Forest Foundation for each bed sold in the United States during the company’s “Support Your Sleep and Our Natural Resources” campaign.

The campaign runs through April 30. The foundation will plant at least one native tree for each dollar Hästens donates.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-Mattress shipments will continue their current growth pattern through 2012 and 2013, according to the latest forecast for the industry from the International Sleep Products Association.

In dollars, according to ISPA’s Statistics Committee, mattress shipments this year should rise 7.2 percent, while in units the increase should come to 3.5 percent. For 2013, the value of mattress shipments is expected to increase by 6.6 percent, while unit shipments are projected for a 3.4 percent rise.

WILLOWBROOK, Ill.-Comfort Solutions has upped three executives to newly created positions within the company.

Dan Thigpen Jr. and Glenn Kobylarczyk have each been named vice president of business development. Thigpen, previously director of sales technologies, oversees marketing and branding technologies and related technology applications. Kobylarczyk is in charge of sales, account development and services.

RIPON, Wis.-Gerald Brady, former vice president and chief financial officer for mattress manufacturer IBC, has died. He was 77.

Brady served in those positions with IBC from 1991 until his retirement in 2005. After retiring, he was a consultant to Leon Ellman, then chairman of IBC. Before joining IBC, he was vice president and treasurer of Sealy, and also held various management positions with Stearns & Foster and Lifetime Foam.

NEW YORK–HFN is in the midst of coordinating its editorial coverage of April’s High Point Market.

MEBANE, N.C.-Mattress manufacturer Kingsdown has promoted Frank Hood, senior vice president, chief information officer and president of its Sleep to Live Institute, to president of the company.

Hood has succeeded Bob Hellyer, who was named president last year and who left the company on Feb. 7. Hood joined Kingsdown in 2008, and along with his previous posts was involved in Kingsdown’s marketing efforts.

LAS VEGAS-Chris Sanders, partner with Everton Mattress, has been named the 2012 president of the Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA).

Sanders received his appointment during the just-completed Las Vegas Market, and has succeeded Dearden’s Angel Lopez. Sanders will oversee the implementation and administration of all policies and programs mandated by the WHFA board of directors. Along with his role at Everton Mattress, Sanders is vice president of sales and marketing for Therapedic-Restonic Bedding.

ATLANTA–Simmons has enlarged the responsibilities of Tony Smith, president of U.S. sales and of Simmons Canada, and has promoted Brad Bailey to executive vice president of sales.

Smith’s responsibilities now include North American marketing for the mattress manufacturer. He joined the company in September 2010 in his current roles, and since has implemented a sales-force effectiveness program designed to improve dealer communications and service, and including the definition of career paths for sales associates who aspire to leadership roles within the company.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.–Nearly 25 percent of registrants for next week’s New York International Gift Fair have expressed a specific interest in “Made in the USA” products, said show owner and producer GLM.

“More than 400 of NYIGF’s 2,800+ exhibitors identify themselves as producers of ‘Made in the USA’ products,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “NYIGF presents an ideal sourcing opportunity for retailers seeking American-made products across the gift, home and lifestyle spectrum.”

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.–Sleep Innovations has hired the investment banking firm of Sawaya Segalas & Co. to serve as an advisor as it explores a possible sale of the business.

MEDIA, Pa.–FXI, formerly known as Foamex International, has named Diane Adams senior vice president and head of its newly created consumer products division.

Adams is in charge of the company’s efforts toward developing consumer products using the company’s polyurethane foam, health-care foam and specialty comfort innovations. She is also responsible for Anatomic Global, the mattress manufacturer acquired by FXI last year. She reports directly to John Cowles, president and CEO.

FRIANT, Calif.–“Making Green on ‘Green,’” a seminar on marketing “green” bedding products, will be offered at the upcoming Las Vegas Market by the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA).

HOUSTON–Third-quarter net income for Mattress Firm jumped 556 percent to $12.3 million, as the mattress specialty retailer reported its quarterly results for the first time since its initial public offering in November.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–John Clark, eastern region vice president of sales for mattress manufacturer Southerland, died of an apparent heart attack on Dec. 10. He was 58.

Clark had been working for Southerland for five months. He began his career with Sealy, where he worked for almost 20 years. He also held management positions with King Koil (now Comfort Solutions), VA, Spring Air and Boyd Specialty Sleep.

He is survived by his wife, Debbi, and two sons.

ATLANTA–Brad Hill and Scott Smalling have been appointed to new positions within Simmons’ specialty division.

Hill has been named senior vice president and general manager of specialty products North America, putting him in charge of the division. Smalling has become chief of specialty innovation, responsible for the development of new foam specialty products. Both executives report to Simmons’ CEO, Gary Fazio.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of the markets it will cover in the February issue: Las Vegas Market, the New York International Gift Fair and Ambiente.

CARTHAGE, Mo.–Leggett & Platt recently collaborated with the Sleep Geek community for a $10,000 donation to Feeding America, the U.S. hunger-relief charity.

During a 24-day period, from Nov. 1-24, called “Geeksgiving,” the Sleep Geek community—an online group comprised of retail sales associates and members of the bedding industry—was asked a variety of questions including, “Why are you thankful for innovation in the industry?” Sleep Geek asked one question each day and for every response, Leggett & Platt donated from $1 to $10 to Feeding America.

LAS VEGAS–Gift+Home is planning a full line-up of events, entertainment and hospitality for the Winter 2012 Las Vegas Market, Jan. 30 – Feb. 3, 2012.

Among the amenities will be a Food Truck Festival on Jan. 30, featuring everything from meatballs and sliders to vegetarian fare; a Boogie Nights celebration of disco in the courtyard on Jan. 31; and food and wine tasting, high tea and other eating opportunities throughout the show.

As usual, next year’s six-month trade show calendar starts with a bang with a plethora of January events. Trade shows from Hong Kong to High Point, N.C., beckon members of the home furnishings industry through June. Here’s a partial list of trade show happenings. See the full calendar of events at hfnmag.com.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Serta has joined forces with City of Hope in a campaign to provide support to cancer research, treatment and education.

TRINITY, N.C.–Stephen Stickler has been promoted to vice president of product merchandising for Sealy.

In his new post, Stickler oversees product-development activities for all of Sealy’s brands, including Sealy Posturepedic, Stearns & Foster, Embody by Sealy, Bassett and private-label lines. He has been with the mattress manufacturer for 12 years, most recently as director of national accounts.

Prior to joining Sealy, Stickler served in various management positions with Milliken and Co.

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Strong increases in net sales and gross margin propelled Tempur-Pedic to a record net income of $61.9 million, up 40 percent from the third quarter of one year ago.

The specialty mattress manufacturer posted net sales of $383.1 million, 30 percent more than last year, in the quarter, which ended on Sept. 30. Sales logged significant gains across the company’s product categories, both in North America and internationally.

RICHMOND, Va.–Carpenter and SleepBetter.org, the company’s sleep-information website, have rejoined forces with pop singer Jewel on a new campaign promoting better sleep.

Under this new partnership, Jewel will provide sleep tips for new mothers after consulting with Dr. Shives, SleepBetter.org’s sleep specialist. This past summer, Jewel gave birth to her son, Kase, and released an album, “The Merry Gores Round,” which includes songs for both children and adults.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Sleep Train said it raised $500,000 at its recent annual charity golf classic, to go toward helping foster youth aging out of the foster-care system.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-The Better Sleep Council has collaborated with lifestyle and relationship expert Lissa Coffey on a three-part video series emphasizing how sleep and the selection of the right mattress contribute to a person’s overall health and well-being.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.–Luxury bedding manufacturer E. S. Kluft & Co. has expanded its international reach with the recent grand openings of three retail locations in China, through an agreement with Chinese hotel mattress supplier Eternal Sleep Limited, Co.        

YUBA CITY, Calif.–Walt Bader, president of Organic Mattresses Inc. (OMI), has been appointed to the California Department of Consumer Affairs Advisory Council.

MEBANE, N.C.–Craig Wilson has been named executive vice president of sales training at Kingsdown, succeeding Tom McLean, who is retiring after 42 years with the mattress manufacturer.

Wilson thus assumes responsibility over delivering sales training and education to Kingsdown’s retail customers. He has been working with McLean over the past year, coming to the company from Simmons where he was vice president of sales training and development, to assume his new role. Wilson reports to Kevin Damewood, executive vice president of sales.

SACRAMENTO-West Coast mattress store Sleep Train has acquired Christian’s Mattress Xpress.

Christian’s Mattress Xpress has stores in Visalia and Fresno, Ca. and a warehouse with an outlet store in Fowler, Ca. Sleep Train will open these three stores along with at least one more new store in the area this year, and four to five new stores in 2012, the company said in a statement.

TRINITY, N.C.–Sealy has formed an alliance with Dometic Corp., a marketer of products for leisure vehicles and trucks, on a collection of Sealy Posturepedic mattresses for recreational vehicles.

In addition, the mattress manufacturer has been named a finalist for the 2011 Jay Chiat Awards for Strategic Excellence, for its “Whatever You Do In Bed, Sealy Supports It” campaign for Sealy Posturepedic.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.–Kingsdown will close its manufacturing facility here, which it had purchased as part of an acquisition several years ago.

A company statement did not give the date for the closing of the plant. Kingsdown said regional production has already been assumed by larger and more efficient facilities in Oklahoma, Florida and Virginia.

ATLANTA—Simmons is introducing its newest ComforPedic Loft line with a road-show tour of 35 cities.

The 18-wheeler “showroom on wheels” will travel to mattress retailers over 20 weeks, spanning more than 10,000 miles, according to Simmons. On location, Scott Smalling, president of the Simmons Specialty Sleep division, and Butch Webster, vice president of the division, will help train dealers and retail associates in the best ways to showcase the new line.

CARTHAGE, Mo.–Leggett & Platt has launched a new website, leggett.com, with updates in both its look and its content.

NEW YORK–HFN has started collecting new product information and high-resolution images for its editorial show coverage of both the High Point and tabletop markets in October. Please send materials by Friday, September 9, for possible inclusion. For furniture, email Duke Ratliff, dratliff@hfnmag.com; for lighting, area rugs and home decor, email Andrea Lillo, alillo@hfnmag.com; for mattresses, contact Dave Gill, dgill@hfnmag.com; and for tabletop, email Allison Zisko, azisko@hfnmag.com. 

LAS VEGAS–The recent Las Vegas Market saw a surge in buyer attendance — both domestic and international — as well as almost 200 new companies exhibiting there for the first time, joining 1,300-plus exhibitors, according to International Market Center, which organizes the show. 

In addition, the market’s Gift+Home show continued its trend of success with a 35 percent increase in attending gift buyers, 27 new and expanded permanent showrooms, and 75 new-to-market exhibitors for Gift+Home temporaries.

HIGH POINT, N.C.-The High Point Market Authority board of directors has appointed trade show executive Tom Conley president and CEO, effective Aug. 15.

Conley replaces Brian Casey, who left the Market Authority in the spring.

LAS VEGAS–The foodie scene hits World Market Center Las Vegas just in time for Summer 2011 Las Vegas Market, which opened yesterday.

LEXINGTON, Ky.–The Tempur-Pedic financial engine was in high gear in its fiscal second quarter, with a gain in net income of 58.4 percent to $53.1 million.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center Las Vegas has agreed to continue its program to provide complimentary retailer memberships to the Gift & Home Trade Association for new gift buyers who attend the upcoming summer Gift+Home at Las Vegas Market.

NEW YORK–Sealy, Furniture First and Rowe Furniture will be among the supporters of the Northeast Cruise for Hope, which will be presented by City of Hope, the research, treatment and education center for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The cruise will honor Simon Kaplan, president of Crest Furniture.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Recent government actions affecting the marketing of organic and “green” products will be the subject of a seminar to be held by the Specialty Sleep Association during the upcoming Las Vegas Market.

Titled “Make Sure Organic and Green Work For You and Not Against You!”, the seminar will present the latest information regarding government actions on green marketing claims. It will be presented by Vicki Worden, president of Worden Associates, and Lori Wyman, outreach manager for Control Union Certifications.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Sales and gross margins improved for the U.S. and Canadian mattress industry in 2010, according to the annual Cost Survey by the International Sleep Products Association.

The industry posted its highest average gross profit in the past 10 years in 2010, the survey found.  In addition, inventory management (measured as gross margin divided by average inventory investment) also reached a 10-year high, and inventory turnover was close to a 10-year high. Net sales per employee and gross profit per inventory were both higher last year than in 2009.

NEW YORK–Bedding-protection products manufacturer Guard Master has taken showroom space at Las Vegas Market Center, with which it will spotlight its bedgear trademarked line of mattress protectors at the upcoming Las Vegas Market.

Located in room 840 of building A, the showroom will be open from Aug. 1-5 during the market. The first 500 visitors to the showroom will receive a “Demand Performance In Bedding” t-shirt and a chance to win an iPad 2.

TRINITY, N.C.–Costs associated with the rollout of the Next Generation Posturepedic line drove Sealy’s bottom line into the red in its fiscal second quarter.

NEW YORK–HFN is preparing its coverage of the Las Vegas Market in August. Exhibitors at the show are invited to submit information and high-resolution images of debuting products for possible inclusion. Submissions for furniture should be sent to Duke Ratliff (dratliff@hfnmag.com); for lighting, floor covering and home decor products, Andrea Lillo (alillo@hfnmag.com); and for mattresses, Dave Gill (dgill@hfnmag.com).

MINNEAPOLIS-As part of a new management structure, Select Comfort has promoted Shelly Ibach to the newly created position of chief operating officer.

Previously the company’s executive vice president of sales and merchandising, Ibach now assumes charge over consumer insights, sales, marketing and product management.

CORONA, Calif.–FXI Holdings, parent company of Foamex, has purchased a stake in memory-foam mattress manufacturer Anatomic Global.

Under the terms of the agreement, a new corporation called Anatomic Holdings has been formed, with David Farley, chairman and CEO of Anatomic Global, remaining in those posts. A spokesman for Anatomic said the two companies did not disclose how large a stake FXI has in the new company.

CHICAGO-Protect-A-Bed has begun a week-long contest themed around Father’s Day on the company’s Facebook page.

COSTA MESA, Calif.–Anna’s Linens has appointed Jim Stonehill director of real estate.

In his new role, Stonehill is responsible for identifying new store locations and negotiating new store leases, with an emphasis on aiding Anna’s Linens’ expansion plans in the Northeast. He reports to Steve Jackson, vice president of real estate. Currently, Anna’s Linens operates more than 275 stores nationwide.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.–Rob Killgore has been promoted to chief operations officer of Sleep Train.

Formerly senior executive vice president, Killgore is now in charge of the specialty retailer’s strategic planning and daily operations. He began his career with Sleep Train 25 years ago as a part-time delivery driver while attending California State University-Sacramento.

CHICAGO-Protect-A-Bed has begun a wedding sweepstakes on its Facebook page for this month.

Engaged couples can enter the contest for a chance to win a Luxury Wedding Gift Pack from the supplier of bedding-protection products, which consists of a Luxury Sleep Story sheet set and two Luxury Pillow systems; and a Bedding Protection Kit along with a $100 Visa card. The grand prize winner will be chosen randomly from the entrants, and will be announced on Protect-A-Bed’s website, protectabed.com, and its Facebook page.

JESSUP, Md.–Mattress Discounters has launched an updated website with enhanced search and brand-comparison features.

Located at mattressdiscounters.com, the site makes it easier for consumers to search and compare mattress brands, and to purchase online for in-home delivery or to pick up at a nearby Mattress Discounters store. Other new features include product reviews, customer testimonials, an appointment scheduler and a store locator.

ROSEVILLE, Calif.-A total of 370 executives with retailers and manufacturers attended the inaugural Home Furnishings Industry Conference April 30-May 2.

The event, which took place in San Antonio, was co-hosted by the Western Home Furnishings Association, the National Home Furnishings Association and numerous industry co-hosts. It presented educational sessions on retailer-manufacturer relationships, social networking, best practices and marketing. It also included an expo in which manufacturers such as Serta and Tempur-Pedic highlighted their products.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.–Mattress maker E.S. Kluft & Co. has agreed to acquire the Park Place Corp. manufacturing and distribution center in Denver, Pa.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. A company statement said the facility will enable Kluft, which up to now has been manufacturing only in California, to better service accounts in the eastern and central U.S. regions.

The acquisition is expected to close later this month, after which the 86,000 square-foot facility will be retrofitted for Kluft’s production processes.

MCLEAN, Va.–Doug Sullivan has been named executive director of the CertiPUR-US certification program for flexible polyurethane foam.

CertiPUR-US is a program of the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, which tests foam for ozone depleters, formaldehyde, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, prohibited phthalates, lead, mercury and other materials that affect indoor air quality. Sullivan is a more than 30-year veteran of the polyurethane foam industry, having served in executive posts with Hickory Springs, Union Carbide and Dow Chemical Co.

MINNEAPOLIS-First-quarter net income for Select Comfort totaled $16.6 million, a strong 114 percent ahead of its first-quarter bottom line a year ago.

The mattress manufacturer-retailer benefited from a 22 percent increase in net sales, to $193.1 million in the first quarter, which ended on April 2. Sales were driven by comparable-sales growth of 26 percent in its company-owned stores. In addition, Select Comfort’s gross margin grew by 170 basis points to 63.8 percent, thanks to a favorable mix of product sales, offset only partially by rising commodity costs.

LEXINGTON, Ky.–Tempur-Pedic said it expects record net sales and earnings for its fiscal first quarter.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–With the start of High Point Market this past weekend, manufacturers launched a number of new licenses and other programs to retailers.

The Dick Idol collection launched at Crestview in lighting, wall decor, accessories and accent pieces. Before, these categories were split among manufacturers but now “we get to merchandise the category together,” said Bryan Williams, executive vice president. The items also take the lodge and rustic looks to a new level, he said, and some items are transitional and more contemporary in feel.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–As HFN reported yesterday, an entity called the High Point Acquisition Company has purchased the the showroom buildings Market Square Complex, Hamilton Market, 300 S. Main Street, Furniture Plaza, Plaza Suites, and the National Furniture Mart from MMPI properties for $139.5 million.

These buildings and tradeshow spaces encompass 2.1 million square feet and represent some of the best known locations and properties within the High Point Market. The buildings had been in receivership since late last year, according to press reports.

TRINITY, N.C.-The rollout of the Next Generation Posturepedic line in late January was a key factor in Sealy’s $902,000 net loss in the first quarter.

Larry Rogers, president and CEO, cited “significant strategic investments” in the new line, which represents a refreshment of about half of Sealy’s entire product portfolio, and which included a national advertising campaign to support the Next Generation debut. These and other costs associated with the launch slimmed gross margin by 382 basis points to 38.8 percent in the first quarter, which ended on Feb. 27.

LAS VEGAS-Former President Bill Clinton will be the keynote speaker for the Summer 2011 Las Vegas Market, Aug. 1-5. 

TRINITY, N.C.–The divestiture of manufacturing operations in Europe and discontinued manufacturing in Brazil led to a $4.5 million net loss for Sealy in the fourth quarter, which ended on Nov. 28.

These moves hurt the mattress manufacturer’s bottom line to the tune of more than $7.9 million, and contrasted to net income of $2.6 million in the fourth quarter of last year. Counting only continuing operations, Sealy’s fourth-quarter net would have increased by 24 percent, thanks to the company’s efforts at reducing expenses and increasing operational efficiencies.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–The Better Sleep Council will premier a seven-episode web video series on sleep quality in December.

Titled “Suite 7,” the series will focus on the relationship between the mattress and overall quality of sleep. Each episode will be set in the same hotel room, with a new couple checking into the room each week and discovering that the bed in the room holds the key to dealing with their overall sleep health.

INDIANAPOLIS–Net income for mattress/appliance retailer hhgregg dropped 20 percent in its fiscal second quarter, to $3.4 million.

The bottom line suffered in spite of a 45 percent increase in net sales to $480.9 million in the quarter, which ended Sept. 30, 2010. Part of the quarterly numbers were a 41 percent jump in selling, general and administrative expenses and a 46 percent rise in cost of goods sold—the latter of which led to an 80 basis-point drop in gross margin to 30 percent. hhgregg also reported a 77 percent climb in net advertising expense.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.–Dan Hige has been promoted to president and chief operating officer of International Bedding.

Hige succeeds Tony Smith, who left the company in August to become Simmons’ president of U.S. sales and Simmons Canada. He has assumed charge over International Bedding’s sales and operations, and reports to Jeff Maillet, chief executive officer. An 18-year mattress-industry veteran, Hige had been vice president of manufacturing since joining the company in 2008.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Serta has launched a Facebook contest to promote the Paula Deen Home by Serta collection of mattresses.

Called the Spice Up Your Life Contest from Serta and Paula Deen, the contest invites Facebook users to share their favorite recipes for home comfort. One grand-prize winner will be chosen by the Facebook community, who will win a new Paula Deen Home by Serta mattress and a trip to Savannah, Ga., Deen’s hometown. One first-prize winner will receive a $500 gift care redeemable on Deen’s online store.

HOUSTON–Mattress Firm has named Ken Murphy national vice president of sales, a new position for the company.

Murphy oversees the company’s sales team, which totals about 1,000 associates through its 500 stores. He reports to Steve Stagner, chief executive officer.

Prior to taking on his new role, Murphy served in several executive positions with Mattress Firm including vice president of field and talent organization performance, vice president of multichannel sales and regional sales vice president for the Gulf Coast.

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.–Sleep Innovations has introduced a gel-infused memory foam that it is using on a new line of sleep products.

The new technology infuses gel beads into traditional memory foam, adding a layer of support in the foam and gathering together at pressure points to deliver maximum support. The foam combines comfort, support, pressure relief and improved airflow in sleep products.

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.–Sleep Innovations has added to its executive ranks in key sectors of its operations.

The basic-bedding manufacturer has named Mark Wooters executive vice president of sales, in charge of all of the company’s retail sales. In addition, Michael Loomis has joined the firm as vice president of business/product development, overseeing all product development activities. Sharon Miller has been appointed director of marketing communications, responsible for all of Sleep Innovations’ non-channel marketing communications.

ATLANTA—Tony Smith has been named president of Simmons’ U.S. Sales and Simmons Canada.

Smith  assumes charge over all of the mattress manufacturer’s sales functions and the Canadian unit, and reports directly to Gary Fazio, who became chief executive officer of Simmons in July.

 He succeeds Paul Bognar as head of Simmons Canada, who will now report to Smith, and Dominic Azevedo, executive vice president of sales, who is leaving the company. Before joining Simmons, Smith was president and CEO of International Bedding Corp. (IBC).

HICKSVILLE, N.Y.–Sleepy’s hosted the Corporate American Cancer Society Relay for Life event earlier this month.

More than 450 company employees and their families, along with a number of Sleepy’s vendors, attended the event, which featured a variety of activities including a dunk tank, pony rides and a barbecue. A make-shift track was set up on the grounds of Sleepy’s corporate headquarters here, on which participants walked in memory of those who lost their lives to cancer, and in honor of those who are fighting the disease.

FRIANT, Calif.–The Specialty Sleep Association has reorganized its board of directors and elected Bart DeHaerne, president of Deslee Textiles, to the newly created position of chairman.

LAS VEGAS—Two  weeks into his term as president and chief executive officer of Simmons, Gary Fazio detailed his overall goals for the mattress manufacturer as Las Vegas Market got under way.

Speaking to members of the press at Simmons’ showroom yesterday morning, Fazio said he intends to “restore the focus of the company as the most innovative mattress manufacturer, very, very professional and very competitive. We need to restore that competitiveness now that we’re not distracted anymore.”

CHINO HILLS, Calif.–Jacuzzi has introduced a collection of bedding products under its recently reached license agreement with JelSleep.

Branded as the Jacuzzi Bed Collection, the mattresses feature a proprietary comfort layer comprised of JelSleep technology combined with latex. The line comes in four different structure options: engineered foam, individually wrapped coil, latex or an adjustable air core that allows users to adjust the firmness of the head, lumbar and foot sections. The collection also includes adjustable bed frames, pillows and sheets.

TRINITY, N.C.–Sealy has launched a social-media campaign for its Embody collection of memory-foam and latex mattresses.

LEXINGTON, Ky.–Net income for Tempur-Pedic reached $33.5 million in the second quarter, almost twice as much as in the second quarter of 2009.

The company accomplished this on a whopping net-sales increase of 42 percent to $263 million, along with a gain in gross margin of 210 basis points to 48.7 percent. In a conference call with investment analysts yesterday, Mark Sarvary, Tempur-Pedic’s president and chief executive officer, said both domestic and international sales grew significantly, in spite of “an environment that is still quite unpredictable.”

ATLANTA—Gary Fazio, who has led Mattress Firm to become a major retail chain of mattresses, has been named chief executive officer of Simmons.

Fazio succeeds Steve Fendrich, president and chief operating officer, who is leaving the company. Fazio will assume his new post tomorrow.

SHELTON, Conn.–Latex International has broken ground for a plant in Malaysia, which will support the growth of its sleep products in Asia and Europe.

FRIANT, Calif.—Latexco US, the North American division of Latexco of Belgium, has joined the Green Initiative of the Specialty Sleep Association.

The initiative is focused on providing definitions and standards for mattresses, retailers and consumers of environmentally friendly sleep products. Latexco produces mattress toppers, mattress cores and pillow cores made of latex foam.

In addition, Roger Coffey, president of Latexco West, has been named to the founding board of the Green Initiative.

KÖPING, Sweden–Nick Braden has been named global president of high-end mattress manufacturer Hästens.

Braden assumes responsibility over the search for strategic opportunities for the company on a global level. He also oversees the centralized functions supporting the company’s worldwide operations.

WHITTIER, Calif.–Leggett & Platt Consumer Products Group has donated waterproof beds to the WorldBed project, part of the relief effort for victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

The WorldBed initiative’s goal is to send 200,000 beds to Haiti, according to Herman Tam, group vice president of sales and marketing for the Consumer Products Group. The cot-sized beds can be compression-packaged and quickly dispatched in volume to areas of need, according to a statement from the Leggett & Platt unit.

ATLANTA, TRINITY, N.C.-Sealy and Simmons, the nation’s two largest mattress manufacturers, have begun initiatives to mark key anniversaries for their two flagship brands, Posturepedic and Beautyrest.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–Mattress manufacturer Southerland has been acquired by employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

ATLANTA–Simmons has partnered with its suppliers of polyurethane foam to highlight the achievement of CertiPUR-US certification for the foams used in the company’s mattresses.

ATLANTA–Simmons has launched the Beautyrest Anniversary Challenge and will give free sheets to consumers who purchase a new Simmons mattress beginning on May 15.

MINNEAPOLIS–Select Comfort posted net income of $7.8 million in the first quarter, compared to a loss of $2.7 million in the first quarter of last year.

The manufacturer/retailer did so based on a combination of rising sales and expense controls. Net sales were $158 million in the first quarter, up 13 percent and including a 29 percent increase in same-store sales. In addition, Select Comfort’s gross margin of 62.1 percent was 350 basis points above the same figure in last year’s first quarter.

NEW YORK–The results of a survey sponsored by Sleep Studio and A-ha! Insights indicate that some consumers see mattress toppers as an answer to the support and comfort problems with their current mattresses.

WASHINGTON–Carpenter Co. has partnered with the National Sleep Foundation to introduce a new line of bed pillows, mattress toppers and mattress pads under the National Sleep Foundation name.

JESSUP, Md.–Classic Brands will spotlight a re-emergence of its Dormia label in two collections it plans to launch at the upcoming High Point Market.

Dormia had been the name of the chain of mall-based sleep shops, which closed in 2008 after that company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, after which Classic Brands stopped using the brand on mattresses and other specialty sleep products sold to its retail customers.

HICKSVILLE, N.Y.–1800Mattress.com has agreed to provide more than 500 beds to homeless shelters throughout the nation in partnership with HomeAid, a non-profit builder of housing for the homeless.

CARTHAGE, Mo.–Leggett & Platt is readying a social-media effort as part of the introduction of its VertiCoil Edge, a new innerspring available at a value price point.

NEW YORK-Savoir Beds, a United Kingdom-based manufacturer of luxury mattresses, is planning to enter the U.S. market with store openings here and in other major metropolitan areas.

The stores will open throughout this year, according to a company statement. Offering hand-crafted mattresses made with all-natural, toxin-free and allergen-free materials, Savoir Beds began in 1905 with a commission to produce beds for London’s Savoy Hotel. The company is now owned by Alistair Hughes, its chief executive officer.

NEW YORK–Sleepy’s has formed a partnership with First Book, a non-profit organization that provides books to children in need, and author Laura Numeroff to introduce Sleepy’s Bedtime Stories, a program that encourages families to read together.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–On a dollar basis, U.S. wholesale sales of mattresses rose 12.5 percent in February, totaling $296.3 million, according to the latest data in the monthly Bedding Barometer issued by the International Sleep Products Association.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–U.S. sales of mattresses rose 2.3 percent on a dollar basis in January, reaching $275.8 million, according to data from the monthly Bedding Barometer provided by the International Sleep Products Association.

The year also started on a positive note regarding unit sales, which gained 2.3 percent over sales in January 2009, totaling 929,022. The average unit selling price for the mattresses sold in January was $295.86, essentially flat compared with January of last year.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.–Serta has signed an agreement with Paula Deen Enterprises to produce a licensed collection of mattresses called Paula Deen Home by Serta.

According to a statement from Serta, the collection was designed in collaboration with the celebrity chef and Food Network star. The mattresses are made with an individually wrapped coil innerspring system, soy-infused foams and the KoolComfort Memory Foam with EcoSense, an exclusive and trademarked material from Serta. The price points will range from $799 to $1,499.

MONTREAL–Louisville Bedding Co.’s Canadian subsidiary, AHF Ltd., has created a joint venture with Welspun Global Brands to distribute home textiles to the Canadian market.
Together, AHF and Welspun will distribute towels, rugs, sheets and fashion bedding, according to a joint statement from the two companies.

E.S. Kluft & Co.

HOUSTON--Mattress Firm has appointed Stephen Leggiero to the newly created position of vice president of branding.
The naming of Leggiero represents the latest in a series of high-level executive moves at the mattress specialty retailer over the past two weeks. In that time, Gary Fazio, formerly chief executive officer, has been elevated to chairman, while company president Steve Stagner has added the CEO title to his duties. Also, Craig McAndrews and Dave Brummett have been named vice president of merchandising vice president of product development, respectively.

ATLANTA–The North Carolina Department of Labor has honored Simmons’ factory in Charlotte as a participant in its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).

MINNEAPOLIS–Select Comfort reported net income of $35.3 million in the fourth quarter, reversing a fourth-quarter net loss of $57.4 million last year.
The mattress manufacturer-retailer achieved this result through a gain in net sales and gross margin, plus stringent cost cutting. Net sales rose 4 percent in the quarter to $136.5 million, which included a whopping 23 percent increase in same-store sales, offset by the closure of 72 stores since the beginning of last year.

ATLANTA–Simmons has debuted a new sweepstakes called “Tweet for Sleep,” in which the company has invited consumers to “tweet” about a bad night’s sleep.

PINETOPS, N.C.–Therapedic and Edgecombe Furniture have reached a license agreement in which Edgecombe will produce upholstered furniture under the Therapedic name.
The products will include sofas, loveseats, chairs, sleep sofas and other upholstered goods. The line will be manufactured entirely in the United States, with mattress inserts made with Therapedic’s MemoryTouch viscoelastic foam and PureTouch latex. It will be available for shipment throughout North America.

CARTHAGE, Mo.-Leggett & Platt posted third-quarter net income of $54.3 million, a dramatic 66 percent ahead of the third quarter of 2008.
The company managed this in the face of a 28 percent dropoff in net sales, which finished the quarter at $809.9 million. Expense controls provided the key; Leggett & Platt lopped off 20 percent from its selling and administrative expenses, while cost of goods sold fell 33 percent.

SAN FRANCISCO–Designer Eileen West has begun a collaboration with AQ Textiles on a collection of fashion bedding.
The initial grouping includes a solid-color and woven-stripe program offered in 10 colors and made with supima tencel. The sheeting is 400 thread-count and features details such as pin-tucking, pleats, lace, embroideries, prints and jacquards.
Along with this fashion-bedding collection, AQ will offer a couture collection called Eileen West Black Label, which combines 800 thread-count Egyptian cotton and other fabrics with special trims and embroideries.

AT THE LAS VEGAS MARKET–Las Vegas Market organizers said attendance and optimism were “off the charts” for the opening day of September Market.
They added that registration numbers are higher than they’ve been during the last five consecutive markets, and international manufacturers have nearly doubled since the previous market.

BOCA RATON, Fla.–Hollander Home Fashions has appointed Tim Landers as vice president and business manager for mattress pads and comforters.
Landers is responsible for the management of the company’s mattress-pad and comforter product lines, including developing and implementing merchandise strategies focused on creating new products. He reports to Beth Mack, chief merchandising officer, and succeeds Raoul Lopez, who has left the company.

DUQUESNE, Pa.-American Textile Co. has reached a license agreement with Carolina Pad to manufacture a collection of bedding and decorative pillows under Carolina Pad’s Studio C brand.

LAS VEGAS–Attendees and exhibitors at next month’s Las Vegas Market are invited to participate in a Texas Hold’em poker tournament to benefit Walk Now for Autism Speaks.
Doug Krinsky, sales manager for Restonic and the parent of a child with autism, will serve as co-host. The tournament will be held at Binion’s Poker Tournament Room on Tuesday, Sept. 15, beginning at 7 p.m. The entry fee is $125 and registration begins at 6 p.m.

TAMPA, Fla.–A former employee of Spring Air, which closed its manufacturing facilities last week, has filed a class-action suit against the mattress manufacturer.

INDIANAPOLIS–Two hhgregg stores have opened in the North Carolina communities of Asheville and Wilmington.
With the new locations, the retailer now has 16 stores in North Carolina and 113 overall. Hhgregg will conduct a grand-opening sale in the new stores of its televisions, home appliances and mattresses from today through July 25.
Aside from North Carolina, hhgregg has locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee.

LAS VEGAS–The World Market Center said registration for this week’s Las Vegas Market was off 2 percent compared with last year’s event and described it as better than expected.
Robert Maricich, president and chief executive officer of World Market Center, said the traffic at the market was “exceeding expectations,” given the “significant dips” in attendance at other trade shows and markets.
More than 6,500 buyers have visited the market for the first time this week, according to the World Market Center.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–High Point Market is turning to a pair of musical institutions for its spring Stars Under the Stars concert series and gala Centennial Celebration.
Blood Sweat & Tears will kick off the festivities on April 25th under the Main Event Tent adjacent to the Transportation Terminal on Commerce Avenue. The next evening, legendary ’70s R&B group The Spinners will take the stage armed with their long playlist of hits. On April 26, the Beatles tribute band 1964 plays songs made famous by John, Paul, George and Ringo.

LAS VEGAS–A group of retailers, manufacturers, representatives and suppliers in the home furnishings industry will gather for an industrywide Web summit on Feb. 8, the day before the beginning of Las Vegas Market.

HIGH POINT, N.C.–High Point’s sponsoring manufacturers have set spring premarket for March 23 to 24 and fall premarket for Sept. 14 to 15 after voting late last month to retain the previously established schedule.
High Point has revitalized and repositioned premarket over the past two years, and it has become an important special event offering a competitive advantage for retailers and manufacturers, according to show organizers.

BOSTON–Ed Bates has been named vice president and director of sales for the Northeast region at Spring Air.
Bates reports to Steve Cumbow, acting chief executive officer, in this newly created position.
For 25 years, Bates operated the local Spring Air license company, Spring Air New England, and was one of eight independent licensees who sold their businesses to Spring Air in June 2007 to create a unified Spring Air Co. Since then, he has served as a part-time consultant to the company.

MINNEAPOLIS–Mattress manufacturer/retailer Select Comfort has reported its first quarterly profit of 2008.
The company posted net income of $983,000, down from last year’s third-quarter net of $11.9 million but an improvement on the net losses of $7.1 million in the first quarter and $6.6 million in the second quarter.

LAS VEGAS–In what amounts to a direct conflict with the High Point Market, World Market Center Las Vegas just announced this afternoon that it will shift to a fall and winter schedule for its market weeks in 2009, instead of the summer and winter rotation it has had since its start.
The winter 2009 dates, Feb. 9 to 13, had previously been announced, but the big news is the second show, which will now be held Sept. 14 to 17, instead of the last week of July. Each Vegas show will be reduced by one day to a four-day schedule as well.

NEW YORK–High Point Market exhibitors are invited to submit new product photography and press releases to HFN for its High Point Market show coverage. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 29.

AT THE MARKET–The Las Vegas Summer Market opens today, highlighted by the opening of Building C, the 2.1 million-square-foot addition to the home furnishings campus.
Nearly 1,500 companies are exhibiting in the more than 5 million squre feet of showrooms in the three buildings.
A new destination at the show is the Lodge Living area, a 25,000-square-foot glass-enclosed showroom in Building C with products inspired by outdoor living such as offerings from Woolrich.

NEW YORK–Las Vegas Market exhibitors are invited to submit new product photography and press releases to HFN for its Viva Las Vegas special section and daily show issues.
The deadline is Monday, June 30, to be considered for inclusion.

LAS VEGAS–World Market Center Las Vegas said it moved the dates for its winter 2009 market from the last week of January to Feb. 9 through Feb. 13, 2009, to better align the market with exhibitor business cycles, relieve industry show conflicts and offer more favorable Las Vegas hotel rates.
Specifically, Las Vegas is targeting more international attendees, who might attend January shows in Europe, and the gift industry, which also has a very crowded January trade show calendar, officials said.

NEW YORK–High Point Market exhibitors should send new product photography and press releases to HFN editors for coverage in our April Market issue. We’re accepting product submissions now—please don’t send them any later than Thursday, March 13.