MONTHLY RESULTS New Orders According to our latest survey of residential furniture manufacturers and distributors, new orders were up 7% in February 2024 compared to February 2023, resuming our streak of 8 out of 9 straight months with order growth over the prior year after January’s decline. Approximately two-thirds of the participants reported increased orders in February 2024 compared to a year ago. New orders were also up 5% over January 2024. Shipments and Backlogs Shipments in February 2024 were down (5)% from February 2023, but up 8% from January 2024. Shipments in February 2024 were do ..read more

Homecrest Outdoor Living announced the addition of Babcock & Associates, Inc. to their network of residential sales representatives. Leslie Briley, Ray Babcock, and Ryan Clauss will represent Homecrest’s quality outdoor furniture throughout the Mid-Atlantic territory. Babcock & Associates, Inc. have been representing outdoor living products since their founding over 30 years ago. Siblings Leslie Briley and Ray Babcock started the company together, and they have since represented a variety of outdoor brands, currently including Weber-Stephen Products, Design Toscano, and EZ Smart Tools ..read more

Global home textiles supplier Standard Fiber continues its strong growth trajectory with the addition of a new Atlanta production and distribution center. The company says the Atlanta facility is a major investment to enhance customer service and reduce logistical costs across its diverse business segments. Continuing to execute its capital investments and strategic plan, Standard Fiber will open a new 180,000-square-foot warehouse and fulfillment facility with state-of-the-art machinery this summer. This brand-new east coast facility is designed to match the company’s Henderson, Nevada f ..read more

Universal Furniture is auctioning off exclusive, hand-painted pieces by Dallas-based contemporary artist Kelly O'Neal starting Monday, May 6. All auction proceeds will benefit  Ruff Love Rescue, a non-profit, 501(c)(3), no-kill dog rescue and foster care organization based out of Thomasville, N.C. The art was created live during Universal Furniture’s market party, Monday, April 15. O’Neal, with assistance from a friend’s son, held center stage in the showroom atrium for hours, painting a giant floral canvas, plus several small ottomans with his signature, modern graffiti style. The silent ..read more

Malouf Home™ has released a national commercial to promote their new line of cooling Ice Cloud Mattresses. The ad is designed to increase brand awareness and build excitement around these new products, as well as drive more traffic to retailers’ stores—resulting in higher sales and customer engagement. Click here to watch the ad. “Our end goal is to have customers going into stores to ask for Malouf products, and this commercial will increase demand for all our new mattresses, including the Ice Cloud,” said Ashlee Willes, director of marketing. “Mattresses are a key part of the overall sleep s ..read more

Ashley Global Retail has released its fourth annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report under its "Beyond Home Promise" initiative. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to various social and environmental causes, including honoring military and first responders, advancing medical research, protecting the planet, and uplifting communities. The 2023 CSR report details Ashley's efforts across these pillars, showcasing the company's year-round commitment to enriching lives and fostering sustainable practices. Notable achievements from the report include: Honoring Military ..read more

With only two weeks left to secure hotel reservations at a discounted rate, executives are urged to finalize their plans to attend the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AHFA) Logistics Conference June 17-19 at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. Discounted rooms are $229 per night and are available until May 15 or until the block is sold out. For reservations, click the link above or call 877-756-2121 and request the AHFA Logistics Conference rate. Presented by AHFA’s Specialized Furniture Carriers division, the 2024 Logistics Conference brings together top transportation ..read more

The International Casual Furnishings Association announces finalists for the 2024 Sales Representative of the Year following a call for nominations earlier this month among the membership. The award recognizes an outstanding sales representative within the casual furnishings industry. Finalists were selected based on leadership, professionalism, exceptional service, communication skills, knowledge and product training expertise. The 2024 winner will be selected from among the nine finalists through online voting of the ICFA membership. Finalists include: Tim Baldwin, Richmond, Va.; Doug Becht ..read more

J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. recognized 54 company drivers this week for achieving two, three, four and five million miles driven without a preventable accident at its annual Million Mile Celebration at company headquarters in Lowell. The drivers were awarded a total of $770,000 in safe driving bonuses for their outstanding accomplishment and commitment to operational excellence. “These drivers are the champions of our safety culture,” said Nick Hobbs, chief operating officer and president of contract services at J.B. Hunt. “Their million-mile achievements demonstrate an unwavering ..read more

  Norwalk Furniture, a leading innovator in custom furniture design and manufacturing, is reported that Timothy (“Tim”) Newlin has been named President, Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), and a member of the board, effective May 1, 2024. Newlin brings over three decades of experience in the furniture industry, most recently having served as Vice President, Strategic Business Development at Flexsteel Industries (NASDAQ: FLXS). During his tenure at Flexsteel, Tim led multiple teams in sales, marketing, product development, and merchandising. He has long-standing relationships and a deep under ..read more