Williams-Sonoma Inc. on Thursday gave a dismal forecast for the year, citing the weak economy, even as the home-goods retailer posted a higher profit in the most recent quarter. See full story.
In a statement, Chairman and Chief Executive Howard Lester said the company is operating in “one of the most challenging macro-economic environments we have seen in many years.” And said it was approaching the year with “a high level of caution.”
On a conference call with investors and analysts, Lester said the company was seeing consumer weakness in areas that were particularly hard-hit by the economic downturn, such as Florida, Atlanta, Southern California, Las Vegas and Phoenix. Areas that were more robust included Texas, Oklahoma and Chicago. (more…)
The IFDA (International Furniture Design Fair Asahikawa) has been held every three years since 1990.
It is considered an important occasion for furniture makers in Asahikawa to exchange ideas with designers from Japan as well as from other parts of the world.
The International Furniture Design Competition, the main event of the Fair, serves as an indicator of the future of wooden-furniture designs. (more…)
Marks & Spencer is to open standalone furniture stores in Cardiff and Manchester as part of a new push back into the home furnishing market.
Two years after the retailer pulled the plug on its failed Lifestore furniture venture in Gateshead, M&S is re-entering the sector with two stores already agreed and is understood to be looking for two more outlets for the new format, possibly in Preston and Cambridge.
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