News Briefs 1/10/06-1/17/06

Furniture World News

The New Orleans Times-Picayune (www.nola.com) reported that “ Ellis Mintz, a local businessman who built his family's furniture business into an internationally recognized force by working hard and anticipating what customers wanted, died Saturday at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. He was 82.” Mr. Mintz was the former owner of Hurwitz-Mintz Furniture Co. ______________ The Winston Salem Journal’s online edition at www.journalnow.com noted that, “Lifestyle's Forbidden City Museum showroom was buzzing with retailers attracted not only by an invitation-only display of new furniture, but also free airfare and other hospitality expenses, free DVDs and iPod sunglasses. The retailers also had a chance to win a BMW or Mercedes automobile in a drawing.” The three day show at their High Point showroom has attracted some attention from other manufacturers as well who, hoping to capitalize on the influx of 300 or so buyers attending the mini show. ______________ Furninfo.com readers report that bankrupt furniture retailer Levitz, under increasing pressure from consumers and governmental consumer advocates, has agreed to refund money paid for undelivered goods to customers who were were previously promised refunds. The customers must, however, prove that they purchased furniture somewhere else. This applies to consumers who paid cash for furniture and have waited months for delivery only to be offered a store credit. Consumers who paid cash up front and could not afford to purchase furniture elsewhere are apparently, for now, out of luck. Readers also report that the company has launched its “Go Forward” strategy and sent out an email blast on 1/17/06 fron furniturefan.com that read, “Dynamite Deals at Levitz! Get Dynamite Deals right now - the Cottage Treasures Queen bed is only $299.99! Or for less than the price of what you'd normally pay for a sofa alone - get our popular Cocoa Beach sofa and loveseat for only $799.99! Shop the Levitz Dynamite Deals sale today at Furniture.com - Sale ends Wednesday, January 18!”