Pipefine Patio Furniture

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Ikea plans to install solar energy panels on nine U.S. stores and a distribution center in the South, in a move that should give the retailer solar energy at 33 U.S. facilities by the middle of next year.

Pending government permits, installation will begin this winter and will be completed by next summer at its stores in Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; Frisco, Houston, and Round Rock, Texas; Orlando, Sunrise and Tampa, Fla.; and Woodbridge, Va., and at is distribution center in Savannah, Ga. The giant home furnishings retailer did not disclose its investment.

Together, the 10 locations will have 10.7 megawatts of solar generating capacity, nearly 45,360 panels, and a projected annual electricity output of 15,248,334 kilowatt hours, the company said. That’s the equivalent of reducing carbon emissions from 2,060 cars or powering 1,310 homes, it said.

The retailer will own and operate each of the solar energy systems atop its buildings.

“This investment by Ikea reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to sustainability and confidence in photovoltaic technology,” Ikea said in a release.

The retailer already has 12 U.S. solar energy systems operating and 11 more under way. Adding the new systems will give Ikea a solar presence in 75% of its U.S. locations and will increase its solar generating capacity of about 26.8 megawatts.

“Ikea believes we can be a good business while doing good business,” said Mike Ward, U.S. president for the Top 100 company.

Other Ikea sustainability efforts include recycling of waste, phasing out the sale of incandescent light bulbs and eliminating plastic bags from the check-out process. The company also incorporates environmental measures into building construction, with energy-efficient heating, air and lighting systems, recycled construction materials, skylights in warehouse areas and water-conserving restrooms.

The Sweden-based retailer has more than 330 stores in 40 countries, including 38 in the United States.

Consumers got some of their mojo back in November as the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence index jumped to 56.0, up from 40.9 in October.

The Present Situation Index increased to 38.3 from 27.1, while the Expectations Index rose to 67.8 from 50.0, the research organization said.

“Confidence has bounced back to levels last seen during the summer,” said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center, noting that the index hit 59.2 in July (1985=100). “Consumers’ assessment of current conditions finally improved after six months of steady declines. Consumers’ apprehension regarding the short-term outlook for business conditions, jobs and income prospects eased considerably. Consumers appear to be entering the holiday season in better spirits, though overall readings remain historically weak.”

Nov. 15 was the cutoff date for preliminary results from the monthly Consumer Confidence Survey, conducted for The Conference Board by Nielsen.

Consumers’ appraisal of present-day conditions improved in November. Those stating business conditions are “good” increased to 13.3% from 11.2%, while those stating business conditions are “bad” declined to 38.2% from 43.7%.

Consumers’ appraisal of the labor market was also more upbeat. Those claiming jobs are “plentiful” increased to 5.8% from 3.6%, while those saying jobs are “hard to get” decreased to 42.1% from 46.9%.

Consumers’ short-term outlook, which had declined in October, was less negative in November. The proportion of consumers anticipating business conditions to improve over the next six months increased to 13.6% from 10.2%, while those anticipating business conditions will worsen declined to 15.8% from 21.3%.

Consumers’ outlook for the job market also improved. Those expecting more jobs in the months ahead rose to 12.9% from 10.8%, while those expecting fewer jobs decreased to 24.1% from 27.6%. The proportion of consumers anticipating an increase in their incomes rose to 14.9% from 11.1%.

A record 226 million consumers shopped stores and websites over Black Friday weekend and spent a record $52.4 billion, according a National Retail Federation survey.

The survey, conducted for the NRF by BIGresearch, did not break out the furniture category, but reported that 21.3% of consumers purchased home décor and home-related furnishings over the holiday weekend.

The bigger category winners were clothing or clothing accessories (bought by 51.4% of shoppers), toys, books, CDs, DVDs, videos and video games, sporting goods and consumer electronics.

Black Friday weekend is defined as Thanksgiving through the following Sunday (with Sunday’s results projected). The survey was conducted Thursday through Saturday be the research firm, which polled 3,826 consumers.

The number of shoppers was up from 212 million the year before. Shoppers spent an average of $398.62, according to the survey, up from $365.34 last year.

NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay called the results “a promising sign for the economic recovery.

“After an historic holiday weekend, retailers know the holiday season is far from over and will continue to look for ways to excite holiday shoppers and build on the momentum we’ve seen thus far,” he said.

The survey also found more consumers lining up earlier at stores. Nearly a quarter of the shoppers polled said they were at the stores by midnight on Black Friday, compared to 9.5% lined up by that time last year and 3.3% in 2009.

Consumers also were more apt to do some of their shopping via smartphone or tablet this year, the report said.

AUSTIN, Texas — Austin-based mattress retailer Factory Mattress has teamed with mattress manufacturer Tempur-Pedic and the Red Cross to provide beds to families affected by the devastating Bastrop wildfires in Texas.

Over the next few weeks, more than 1,000 Tempur-Pedic mattresses, valued at more than $1.3 million, will be donated. Factory Mattress also will provide box spring foundations, in conjunction with vendors.

“The entire Factory Mattress family has its roots in central Texas, so when a tragedy like this occurs, it affects us all,” said Stephen Frey Jr., co-owner and director of marketing. “We are happy to assist in any way possible, and truly appreciative of Temper-Pedic for their generous support.”

Factory Mattress has been involved in local charitable efforts for more than 30 years, including donating mattresses to tornado victims in Jarrell, Texas, in 1997.

“This is our way of giving back,” said Stephen Frey Sr., co-owner. “Our family has always received such strong support from the community, so it’s a blessing that Temper-Pedic has supported us during this time so that we may help our neighbors.”

KIRKWOOD, MO. — Phillips Furniture is offering discounts and other rewards to help The Women’s Safe House, a domestic violence shelter in nearby St. Louis.

The store said it will offer discounts on entire purchases made by customers who bring money, diapers, strollers or undergarments into its stores through Monday.

Representatives from The Women’s Safe House will be available on Sunday to answer questions and spread awareness of the shelter, whose mission is to provide a safe home to battered women and their children and empower them to make informed choices about their futures.

The retailer also said it will host a drawing for $2,500 in free furniture.

“Helping women is our number one priority, whether it be in our stores designing the room of their dreams or working with charities that help them have a better life,” said Michael Phillips, one of the company’s owners. “We are very excited to start this partnership with The Women’s Safe House and help them provide a safe home for women in need. Everyone deserves a good home.”