Pipefine Patio Furniture

CPSC says there’s a danger of collapse

WASHINGTON — About 20,000 wooden bunk beds sold at Big Lots are being recalled because of a danger of collapse, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced.

The beds, made in Vietnam, have a three-step ladder and were sold between May 2008 and February of this year for about $300. Model numbers, located on a sticker on an interior panel of the headboard or footboard, are WP-9108-1 or WP-9108-2.

Big Lots said it has received 14 reports of the beds’ support slats cracking or breaking, including four reports of minor injuries. In the voluntary recall, the CPSC is telling consumers to stop using the beds and contact the store to return the defective parts and receive a free repair kit.

Big Lots can be contacted for more information at (866) 244-5687 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.biglots.com.

CPSC said it is still collecting information about incidents or injuries related to the beds. To file a report, visit www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx.

Survey shows that appearance of furniture counts in commercial uses
– Casual Living

Twenty-one percent of shoppers said the most important factor when choosing their furniture is that the colors and fabrics are fashionable, according to results of the Telescope National Shopper Survey conducted by WSL Strategic Retail.

More surprising results showed 15% of consumers reported the most important purchasing factor is that the furniture is made in the USA, despite the recession and the usually more expensive price tags. Another 15% said the most important factor is that the furniture is well rated in website reviews written by other customers.
 
Low on the list of most important factors was “the salesperson tells me it is good quality,” with only 2% citing that as the top selling point.
 
Another finding in the National Shopper Survey provided some insightful information for the contract/hospitality industry — specifically in the cruise, hotel and restaurant segments.  Many guests decide to return based on the appearance and condition of the furniture, whether it is a cruise ship, hotel or restaurant.

More than half of hotel guests say the appearance and condition of the furniture influences their decision to return. Survey results found consumers ranked appearance as important in deciding to return to:
Hotel — 56%
Cruise — 49%
Restaurant — 37%

“In times when people are severely cutting back on vacations and nights out, it’s important to keep a competitive edge by providing not only good customer service and clean facilities, but comfortable and attractive seating and fashionable surroundings as well,” said Kathy Juckett, CEO of Telescope. “Organizations, especially service-oriented ones, should not lose sight of their furniture, as clearly, guests admit that it matters.”

What follows are some tips, confirmed by recent surveys:
* Comfort is key. More than 2/3 of cruise travelers, hotel guests and restaurant diners notice whether the furniture is comfortable.
* Guests notice if furniture looks used or old – especially in hotels:
Hotel — 46%
Restaurant — 39%
Cruise — 29%

The Telescope National Shopper Survey is a national internet survey of 1,500 adults, conducted July 10-22 by WSL Strategic Retail.

Tim Smithe produces video to help win Games
Furniture Today, September 2, 2009

Walter E. Smithe of Smithe Furniture, has produced a video. The video, available on YouTube, Facebook and smithe.com, features appearances by more than a dozen celebrities, including Mike Ditka, Bonnie Hunt, Conan O’Brien, Lou Pinella and Quentin Tarantino. Participants sing along to a jingle, spell out 2016 in sign language and state briefly what Chicago getting the bid would mean to them. Click here to see it on YouTube.

Smithe, vice president of marketing and sales at the 13-store Chicago-area furniture chain, tapped his business and creative contacts for their participation, including makeup artist Brenda Arelano, publicist Cindy Martin, Arthur Murray Dance Studio instructor Amy Novotny, director Bill O’Neill and WMAQ General Manager Larry Wert. The video also features original music composed by Poi Dog Pondering’s Frank Orral.

Also participating in the video are Smithe’s kids. “We needed extras and the price was right,” he said.

Smithe and the other Chicago 2016 Committee members head to Copenhagen, Denmark, later this month to make a final pitch for the bid and await the Oct. 2 announcement. Chicago is competing with Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.