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$40 Million Investment Realized at GE Lighting’s Hendersonville, N.C. Plant, Home to Roadway Fixtures

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. —The culmination of a three-year, $40 million investment at GE Lighting’s Hendersonville, N.C. Plant was capped today with the unveiling of a new production area for the manufacture of LED circuit boards. The boards, which were previously outsourced to overseas vendors, bring new capabilities into the plant, while accelerating customer response times.

The boards are the source of light for LED fixtures and are the latest example of the vast transformation of this nearly 60-year-old, one-million-square-foot plant. Over the past three years, the plant has turned itself from a producer of traditional lighting technology to an LED powerhouse, bringing in 12 new LED product and component lines, including canopy lighting, roadway lighting, parking lot area lights, parking lot wall lighters and decorative outdoor products—a list that continues to grow. Today the plant exports nearly 30 percent of its products, illuminating emerging markets like Saudi Arabia, and turning the lights on in popular cities and sites in places like Hungary, Brazil and Canada, as well as many areas in between.

All of the plant’s new LED products provide customers optimal energy savings and lower maintenance costs, while continuing to bring investment and growth to the plant. To meet customer needs in real time, the plant has added more than 100 contract and full-time positions in the last year, which are bringing new opportunities and creating steady work for those in the Hendersonville area. Additional jobs are expected with new investments in 2015.

“Today, the employees of our GE Lighting Hendersonville Plant are helping light cities, stadiums and businesses the world over, from San Diego to Superior, Neb., from the Olympics to local high school stadiums,” says Dave Martin, Hendersonville plant manager. “We not only are transforming the types of technology and products made here, but how quickly we make them and how fast they move off our assembly lines and into service for our customers.”

Prior to the in-house LED circuit board capability, it could take as many as eight weeks to receive a board from an overseas vendor. By insourcing this technology and investing in new, high-tech equipment, the plant can produce the boards in 15 minutes or less, ensuring they find their way into fixtures, and to customers, faster.

In addition to new product lines, the plant has also invested in systems that speed the manufacturing process overall, including a build-to-order “parts-pull system” that utilizes a GE Intelligent Platforms’ Proficy Software suite. Incorporating principles of lean manufacturing, pull replenishment and Six Sigma, the plant’s employees can now ship orders in an average of six days or less, compared with a pretransformation four- to six-week delivery.

“With the evolution and growing adoption of LEDs, the lighting industry is in the midst of unprecedented transformation,” says Ron Wilson, Global supply chain general manager, who spoke as part of the day’s events. “The employees of this plant are helping us bring the latest LED innovations to market, and the transformation here is one that is truly serving both our business and our customers well.”
The GE Lighting Hendersonville plant is home to approximately 500 employees and contract workers.

On an average day, the Hendersonville team produces and ships about 3,000 lighting systems across the globe. Products include GE’s Evolve™ LED Scalable Cobrahead Roadway Lighting Fixture, which earned the prestigious “Best-in-Class” award from the U.S. Department of Energy’s annual Next Generation Luminaires Competition and won the 2013 LightFair International Innovation Award category for Parking, Roadway and Area Luminaires. Since it was established in 1955, the Hendersonville plant has put more than 50 million lighting units into service.

GE employs approximately 4,850 employees in North Carolina. GE’s Power and Water Nuclear Business headquarters is in Wilmington, and GE Aviation has facilities in Wilmington, West Jefferson, Asheville and Durham. GE Energy Management and GE Capital also have a presence in the state.
To learn more about some of the GE LED outdoor lighting made at the Hendersonville plant, visit www.gelighting.com/roadway.

About GE Lighting
GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs about 13,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx™, Immersion™, Infusion™, Lumination™, Albeo™ and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

A Curation of Color & Design from Kohler Co. and Benjamin Moore

KOHLER, Wis. — Two premium North American home brands have once again teamed up to provide interior design inspiration to homeowners and design enthusiasts. With Collaboration in Full Color Volume 2, Kohler Co. and Benjamin Moore offer ideas for balancing outstanding style with intriguing pieces and sensible function providing assistance to consumers by transforming vision into reality. This is the second installment from Kohler Co. and Benjamin Moore, each including a kitchen and a bathroom with the complete details on products and finishes used to simplify the selection process.

With three inspiring lifestyles — Natural State, Soft Focus and Desert Departure — the two companies have produced a 32 page-magalog sourcing inspiration from Californian style.

Natural State
A calming reprieve from daily life, this seaside home captures the soothing and tranquil feeling of watching the ocean tides turn. Sandbar colored fixtures throughout the home create a fluid style and earthy neutral hues are easy to build a style around.

Soft Focus
An ode to the glamour of a bygone era, this 1920s foothill manor gives its own definition to classical beauty. An appreciation for history and detail is balanced with clean lines and a need to be original.

Desert Departure
An escape from the desert’s rising temperatures, this mid-century modern home sets a new standard of cool with its color palette and attitude. Strong blues, whites and grays interspersed with glass accents and subtle textures create an uncomplicated and confident sensibility.
“Collaboration in Full Color continues to deliver inspiring content and tools from two industry leaders known for innovation, color and design leadership,” said Benjamin Moore Creative Director Ellen O’Neill. “We feel that homeowners are becoming more bold and energetic with their color choices and we are happy to offer inspiration to escort them through the process.”
“There’s so much more to great design than a room’s finished appearance,” said Tristan Butterfield, creative director for Kohler. “Great design should use what inspires you to bring personality, comfort and beauty into your home.”

The content and tools created through this collaboration are available now online by visiting Kohler.com/Ideas as well as in Kohler showrooms. Images are also available on Pinterest, pinterest.com/benjamin_moore and pinterest.com/kohlerco.

About Kohler Co.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 30,000 associates. With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; premier furniture, cabinetry and tile; and owner/operator of two of the world’s finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, and St Andrews, Scotland.

About Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of the North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and continues to develop the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, the company’s Natura® paint received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability plus rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in the Benjamin Moore Green Promise® portfolio include Aura®, Regal® Select, ben® and Ultra Spec® 500 paint for commercial interiors – all built upon our patented Gennex® platform that has changed the industry and earned the passion and loyalty of homeowners and professional painters by delivering extremely low-VOC and peerless beauty and performance. J.D. Power and Associates 2014 Interior Paint Satisfaction Study ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction, marking the fourth consecutive year and fifth time the company has earned this rating. Benjamin Moore paints deliver authentic Benjamin Moore colors and are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore’s network of paint and decorating dealers.

Abbey Romeo of Love on the Spectrum Partners with MakerPlace by Michaels to Launch Exclusive Hand-Knit Capsule Collection

IRVING, Texas, July 15, 2024 – MakerPlace by Michaels, the only online marketplace offering authentically handmade goods, classes, and how-to’s from independent U.S.-based makers and artisans, today announced a partnership and limited capsule collection with Abbey Romeo, the breakout star from Netflix’s, “Love on the Spectrum.” Known for her passion for knitting and helping neurodivergent individuals find their purpose through creativity and hand-making, Abbey’s collection of hand-knit scarves will be available to shop on July 15 exclusively through her MakerPlace store.

Starting at $30, the MakerPlace x Abbey Romeo capsule collection features a hand-knit hat-and-scarf bundle along with a range of scarves that not only showcase Abbey’s creative talents, but also represent the joy and purpose that crafting can bring to life, especially for those on the autism spectrum. Recent consumer data from Michaels found that 99% of makers see making and creating highly correlated with their own personal mental health.

“I’m excited to partner with MakerPlace by Michaels because it makes me feel excited, proud and productive when people buy my hats and I get to be independent and make my own money,” said Abbey. “I’ve been knitting hats for about 7 years, so it feels good to try something new, like these pretty scarves! It’s very therapeutic to knit and when I move my hands, I’ve noticed I’m more focused. If I can do it, you can do it!”

In addition to the capsule collection, MakerPlace will also spotlight some of Abbey’s favorite neurodivergent creators to promote their artistic talents and unique creations to customers. Aligning with MakerPlace’s mission to be the best place for handmade sellers and their customers, “Abbey’s Picks” will empower shoppers to support diverse creators within the independent artist and maker community.

“Abbey’s passion for crafting and enthusiasm for supporting handmade creators resonates deeply with our mission and core values at MakerPlace,” said Scott Bramble, Vice President at MakerPlace by Michaels. “This collection is a testament to Abbey’s talents and personal mission to empower others like her to find purpose through creativity. It also serves as a reminder that customers who shop on MakerPlace are investing in the passion, dedication, and hard work of independent artists and makers.”

Abbey is the latest artist to partner with MakerPlace for a limited capsule collection, a program designed to support the platform’s handmade sellers and showcase one-of-a-kind finds to customers. Future collaborations with additional artists will be announced later this year.

For more information about Abbey’s collection and to view the exclusive pieces, visit her MakerPlace store at https://www.michaels.com/makerplace/storefront/abbeyromeo.

About MakerPlace by Michaels
MakerPlace by Michaels is the only online marketplace offering authentically handmade goods, classes, and how-to’s from independent U.S.-based makers and artisans. By offering the lowest fees, more ways to earn, free listings, and flexible membership options, MakerPlace is dedicated to supporting the handmade community as the best place for sellers and their customers. Shoppers can discover hundreds of thousands of unique, handmade treasures on MakerPlace across categories including home décor, accessories, fine art, pets, and more. MakerPlace is part of The Michaels Companies, Inc. For more information, please visit https://www.michaels.com/makerplace.

Alliance Data To Launch Co-Brand And Private Label Credit Cards For IKEA Group Retail Operations In The U.S.

PLANO, TX – Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE: ADS), a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions, today announced its Columbus, Ohio-based card services business, a premier provider of branded private label, co-brand and business credit card programs, has signed a new agreement to provide branded credit card services in the United States for IKEA Group (www.ikea.com), the world’s largest furniture retailer. The IKEA Group operates 47 stores in the U.S. and a total of 362 in 29 countries around the world. IKEA aims to offer consumers home furnishing solutions of good design and function at affordable prices.

Alliance Data will create a loyalty-driven credit card program that combines customer insights and industry benchmarking to develop a customized rewards and benefits package tailored for the unique IKEA customer base. The co-branded rewards card can be used for both IKEA purchases and for everyday spending needs such as gas, groceries and utilities. The card will incorporate custom program perks designed to recognize customers for their loyalty. In order to make the card as affordable and rewarding as possible, IKEA Group in the U.S. has designed the card without an annual fee, and will reinvest resources from the card to offer customers more generous rewards. Alliance Data will leverage its digital and mobile expertise throughout the customer’s shopping journey, including its Frictionless Mobile CreditSM, which provides a seamless application experience–throughout the store or online–and puts customers in control of how and where they want to initiate the experience.

In addition, the new IKEA Projekt Card in the U.S. will function as a store-branded financing solution for qualified customers doing major home decorating and renovation projects, such as a dream kitchen. It will provide special financing options, allowing customers to pay for larger purchases over time.

“Making life better and easier for the many people drives everything we do at IKEA, and we were looking for a like-minded credit marketing partner that is passionate about the same values,” said Jacqueline DeChamps, chief operating officer at IKEA U.S. “Alliance Data really understands our company and will deliver meaningful credit and loyalty programs, while constantly innovating based on our customer needs. Leveraging Alliance Data’s skillset in loyalty and marketing, we are excited about how this new partnership will enhance our customers’ shopping experience across channels with added convenience and benefits.”

“Alliance Data and IKEA share a common culture focused on doing what is right for customers, the community, and the environment,” said Melisa Miller, president of Alliance Data’s card services business. “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new partnership to provide an unparalleled customer experience through our credit programs. We are confident that our lifecycle marketing approach will attract existing and new IKEA customers as lifelong cardmembers, motivated by a credit and loyalty experience that reflects the deliberately different approach that has earned IKEA its leadership position in the industry.”

IKEA U.S. utilized the services of the International Law Firm of Alston & Bird to consummate the transaction.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices. The IKEA Group operates 362 IKEA stores in 29 countries, including 47 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

About Alliance Data’s card services business
Alliance Data’s card services business is a leading provider of tailored marketing and loyalty solutions, delivered through branded credit programs that drive more profitable relationships between our brand partners and their cardmembers. We offer private label, co-brand, and business card products to many of the world’s most recognizable brands across a multitude of channels.

We uphold our Know more. Sell more.® promise by leveraging unmatched customer insights, advanced analytics, and broad-reaching innovative capabilities. It’s how we deliver increased sales to our partners, build enduring loyalty to their brands, and provide more value to our cardmembers. Alliance Data’s card services business is a proud part of the Alliance Data enterprise. To learn more, visit www.KnowMoreSellMore.com or follow us on Twitter @Know_SellMore.

About Alliance Data
Alliance Data® (NYSE: ADS) is a leading global provider of data-driven marketing and loyalty solutions serving large, consumer-based industries. The Company creates and deploys customized solutions, enhancing the critical customer marketing experience; the result is measurably changing consumer behavior while driving business growth and profitability for some of today’s most recognizable brands. Alliance Data helps its clients create and increase customer loyalty through solutions that engage millions of customers each day across multiple touch points using traditional, digital, mobile and emerging technologies. An S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company headquartered in Plano, Texas, Alliance Data consists of three businesses that together employ more than 17,000 associates at approximately 100 locations worldwide.

Alliance Data’s card services business is a leading provider of marketing-driven branded credit card programs. Epsilon® is a leading provider of multichannel, data-driven technologies and marketing services, and also includes Conversant®, a leader in personalized digital marketing. LoyaltyOne® owns and operates the AIR MILES® Reward Program, Canada’s premier coalition loyalty program, and Netherlands-based BrandLoyalty, a global provider of tailor-made loyalty programs for grocers.

Alliance Data To Launch Co-Brand And Private Label Credit Cards For IKEA Group Retail Operations In The U.S.

IKEA U.S. utilized the services of the International Law Firm of Alston & Bird to consummate the transaction.

Angie’s List Announce Exclusive Paint Relationship with Benjamin Moore

Indianapolis – Angie’s List (Nasdaq: ANGI) today announced its first exclusive paint manufacturer relationship with America’s Favorite paint, color and coatings brand, Benjamin Moore. The alliance identifies Benjamin Moore as the paint of choice by Angie’s List and provides members with contractor services through its private marketplace.

Angie’s List members will have access to best-in-class products and services while helping Benjamin Moore contractors strengthen and build their businesses with a professional and co-branded certification program.

“At Angie’s List, we are passionate about continuing to deliver increased value to our members,” said Pat Brady, president of Marketplace for Angie’s List. “We want to develop narrow but deep relationships with the best manufacturers in the business and we’re excited to count Benjamin Moore as the first of what we hope will be many such relationships.”

“In 2014, Angie’s List members spent an estimated $2 billion painting their homes with Angie’s List contractors,” said Ron Schuller, Chief Marketing Officer at Benjamin Moore. “As the preferred paint among professionals coupled with the growth and demand for painting services, this is the perfect opportunity to connect members to premium Benjamin Moore products and certified contractors.”

“We choose to work closely with the best service providers in the business,” said Brady. He added, “This relationship is designed to bring exclusive deals and efficiencies to both Angie’s List members and service providers, delivering the highest quality paint products at the best possible value.”
As part of this agreement, Angie’s List members will be able to use the Project Visualizer on angieslistbusinesscenter.com/benjaminmoore to preview what hundreds of Benjamin Moore interior and exterior paint colors would look like in and on their homes. In addition, Benjamin Moore painting professionals will provide exclusive ecommerce offerings to Angie’s List members.

About Angie’s List
Angie’s List helps facilitate happy transactions between more than three million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly-rated service providers in 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of authentic reviews of local service, Angie’s List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

About Benjamin Moore & Co.
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and continues to develop the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, the company’s Natura® paint received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability plus rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in the Benjamin Moore Green Promise® portfolio include Aura®, Regal® Select, ben® and Ultra Spec® 500 paint for commercial interiors — all built upon our patented Gennex® platform that has changed the industry and earned the passion and loyalty of homeowners and professional painters by delivering extremely low-VOC and peerless beauty and performance. J.D. Power and Associates 2014 Interior Paint Satisfaction Study ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction, marking the fourth consecutive year and fifth time the company has earned this rating. Benjamin Moore paints deliver authentic Benjamin Moore colors and are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore’s network of paint and decorating dealers.

Artmarket.com: The NFT Phenomenon – A Market ‘Disruptor’

PARIS, May 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — NFTs haven’t just been invented, but their arrival in the auction sphere has had the effect of a tidal wave. Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips have each sold their very first Non-Fungible Token in the past two months, while many other auction houses and galleries are getting drawn into the adventure. Artprice recognizes the unlimited creativity at the heart of this new medium as well as its extraordinary demand potential which seems in line with the rapid growth of the tech sector, but also with the aspirations of future generations of collectors.

The Great Wave of Kanagawa by Hokusai Katsushika, Woodcut, published by Yohachi (c.1831) – $1,590,000 – Christie’s New York, 03/16/2021
The Great Wave of Kanagawa by Hokusai Katsushika, Woodcut, published by Yohachi (c.1831) – $1,590,000 – Christie’s New York, 03/16/2021
While the auction summits reached by certain works of Contemporary art are regularly called into question, what about the recent results recorded for Beeple, Pak or Mad Dog? The astronomical records set by Jeff Koons or Damien Hirst, as controversial as they are, do at least crown the entire career of these artists and the gradual construction of their primary, and then their secondary markets. Today, the 7- or 8-digit results achieved by NFTs seem totally unpredictable since the works of these artists had never before circulated on the art market:

Everydays: The First 5000 Days by Beeple
Estimated unknown
Starting price: $100
Price achieved: $69,346,250.

Between art and technology

“NFTs are such innovative inventions that some people are comparing them to the greatest masterpieces in the history of art,” explains thierry Ehrmann, President and Founder of Artmarket.com and its Artprice department.

“When Sina Estavi bought the NFT of the very first “tweet” (for $2.9 million) and compared it himself to Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, he expressed what NFTs mean to him, and to many other aficionados of this technology: the advent of a new world of extraordinary artistic talent… a renaissance.”

Obviously, not all NFTs are works of art; but some have been created as true digital artworks and propelled to the forefront of the art market by the biggest auction houses on the planet. Artprice is keen to integrate these new forms of art into its databases in order to study their development and provide its members (with Basic, Advanced and Professional subscriptions) with all the necessary information relating to this new market.

‘Red-chips’ and NFTs

The arrival of NFTs in the auction sphere seems to be the extension of a recent shift in the traditional art market which has seen collectors increasingly focusing on the latest trends… i.e. ‘red-chip’ artists.

“Today, the rules have been overturned,” explained Isabelle Paagman, Sotheby’s Head of Private Sales in Europe during the presentation of the TV show The Next Big Thing.

“Traditionally, an artist first built his reputation and his audience with the help of galleries, building a primary market, then slowly progressing towards the secondary market. Today an artist creates his audience via Instagram and suddenly becomes one of the most desired artists on the planet. The result is we are now seeing at auction artists who are still very young and at the start of their careers.”

This transformation fits perfectly with the NFT technology: digital works circulate freely on the web, on Instagram, on Youtube, etc. while their digital property is secured in a cryptowallet.

Image:
[https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2021/05/The-Great-Wave-of-Kanagawa-by-Hokusai-Katsushika.png]

Don’t hesitate to contact our Econometrics Department for your requirements regarding statistics and personalized studies: econometrics@artprice.com
Try our services (free demo): https://www.artprice.com/demo
Subscribe to our services: https://www.artprice.com/subscription
About Artmarket:

Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 – Bloomberg: PRC – Reuters: ARTF.

Discover Artmarket and its Artprice department on video: www.artprice.com/video

Artmarket and its Artprice department was founded in 1997 by its CEO, thierry Ehrmann. Artmarket and its Artprice department is controlled by Groupe Serveur, created in 1987.

See certified biography in Who’s who ©:
imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2019/10/biographie_oct2019_WhosWho_thierryEhrmann.pdf

Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 770,000 artists.

Artprice Images® allows unlimited access to the largest Art Market image bank in the world: no less than 180 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians.

Artmarket with its Artprice department accumulates data on a permanent basis from 6300 Auction Houses and produces key Art Market information for the main press and media agencies (7,200 publications). Its 4.5 million ‘members log in’ users have access to ads posted by other members, a network that today represents the leading Global Standardized Marketplace® to buy and sell artworks at a fixed or bid price (auctions regulated by paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article L 321.3 of France’s Commercial Code).

Artmarket with its Artprice department, has been awarded the State label “Innovative Company” by the Public Investment Bank (BPI) (for the second time in November 2018 for a new period of 3 years) which is supporting the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the market art.

Artprice by Artmarket’s 2020 Global Art Market Report published in March 2021:
https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2020

Index of press releases posted by Artmarket with its Artprice department:
serveur.serveur.com/press_release/pressreleaseen.htm

Follow all the Art Market news in real time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter:
www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (over 5 million followers)
twitter.com/artmarketdotcom
twitter.com/artpricedotcom

Discover the alchemy and universe of Artmarket and its artprice department https://www.artprice.com/video headquartered at the famous Organe Contemporary Art Museum “The Abode of Chaos” (dixit The New York Times): https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013

L’Obs – The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o

www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999
(4.5 million followers)

Contact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department – Contact: Thierry Ehrmann, ir@artmarket.com

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1506653/Artmarket_The_Great_Wave_of_Kanagawa.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1009603/Art_Market_logo.jpg

CONTACT: tel: +33(0)478-220-000

Related Links
https://www.artmarket.com/

SOURCE Artmarket.com

Benjamin Moore Debuts Limited Edition Fenway Collection

Montvale, NJ – Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand, is commemorating its 12-year partnership with the Boston Red Sox with the launch of The Fenway Collection, a limited-edition collection of paints featuring the iconic colors of Fenway Park. The Fenway Collection is now available exclusively at select New England-area Benjamin Moore retailers.

The Fenway Collection encapsulates the spirit of Fenway Park by bringing together the ballpark’s five most iconic colors, including Green Monster, Boston Blue, Boston Red, Baseline White and Foul Pole Yellow. Each color is available in Benjamin Moore Regal® Select Interior Eggshell, ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and hallways. The collection’s hallmark color, Green Monster, is also available in Benjamin Moore Regal® Select Exterior Low Lustre. In addition to being sold by the quart, Green Monster is available by the gallon. Suggested retail prices for all colors in the collection are $24.99 per quart and $54.99 per gallon.

To celebrate the collection’s launch, Benjamin Moore and the Boston Red Sox joined forces to transform Bunker Little League Park, located in West Roxbury, MA, into a “mini Fenway Park” by repainting the field with the collection and constructing a miniature Green Monster. The surprise renovation of the remodeled park, which was completed overnight, was a group effort made possible by local Benjamin Moore volunteers, retailers and contractors to bring this gift to the neighborhood. Players from the Parkway Little League enjoyed their newly renovated field in a match up on July 18, 2014.

“Our collaboration with the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park is truly special, and we’re excited to bring these colors beyond the stadium and into the lives and homes of their fans,” said Rich Gaudino, Benjamin Moore Director of Sales, New England. “Fenway is such an important ballpark and brings together so many people, and we are really privileged to be able to help transform New England little league fields with this collection.”

“We have had a long and successful partnership with Benjamin Moore and we’re pleased the colors of Fenway Park will be available to people throughout New England through this limited edition paint collection,” said Red Sox Senior Vice President Corporate Partnerships Troup Parkinson. “It’s a great way to pay tribute to our 12-year relationship, and we look forward to our continued collaboration with Benjamin Moore.”
As an affirmation of its commitment to this American heritage sport and the Boston community, Benjamin Moore is committing a percentage of sales from The Fenway Collection to repainting additional little league ball fields in the Boston area.

To learn more about The Fenway Collection and to find your local retailer visit, BenjaminMoore.com.

Benjamin Moore Launches “Paint Like No Other.™” Marketing Campaign

MONTVALE, NJ — Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand, has kicked off the most robust and ambitious advertising campaign in company history. Under the new tagline “Paint like no other.”, the campaign is rolling out in two phases: the first series emphasizes product innovations, and is followed by a second wave focused on its retailer expertise.

“We’re pursuing a more aggressive approach to communicating the differentiating factors that set Benjamin Moore apart from our competitors,” said Ron Schuller, Chief Marketing Officer of Benjamin Moore. “There’s a consumer perception that ‘paint is paint,’ and our campaign sets the record straight by focusing on our unparalleled product quality and personalized retail experience.”

The first phase of the campaign entitled, “Feats of Can”, Benjamin Moore features coatings that correspond to different product lines of its expansive portfolio. The television spots illustrate unique attributes of each coating including Regal Select®, an easy to clean interior paint with superior stain resistant qualities; Natura®, the most environmentally friendly premium paint in the marketplace today; Aura® Exterior, paint with durability that withstands the elements with a lifetime warranty; and Regal® Select Exterior REVIVE™, paint that is formulated specifically for vinyl siding.

Schuller continued, “For more than 130 years, Benjamin Moore has been manufacturing paint that is superior and has revolutionized the industry — from developing a coating that has paint-and-primer together, to a paint with zero VOCs and zero emissions, this company continually innovates. Today’s consumer needs to know that inside every Benjamin Moore can is an unparalleled paint to get the job done right whether their project is for the interior or exterior of the home.”

The second phase of the campaign, “Who Are You Talking To?”, shifts attention to the expertise of locally owned and operated retailers. Benjamin Moore is the only paint maker that sells exclusively through independent retailers while purposefully avoiding distribution to big box stores. Benjamin Moore retailers are hometown resources that help consumers with the variety of questions related to priming, painting and staining. This series of television spots will begin airing May 4.
The multimedia campaign premieres on television, radio, in print and digital. To learn more about Benjamin Moore, visit www.benjaminmoore.com.

About Benjamin Moore & Co.
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and continues to develop the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, the company’s Natura paint received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability plus rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in the Benjamin Moore Green Promise® portfolio include Aura, Regal Select, ben® and Ultra Spec® 500 paint for commercial interiors — all built upon our patented Gennex® platform that has changed the industry and earned the passion and loyalty of homeowners and professional painters by delivering extremely low-VOC and peerless beauty and performance. J.D. Power and Associates 2014 Interior Paint Satisfaction Study ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction, marking the fourth consecutive year and fifth time the company has earned this rating. Benjamin Moore paints deliver authentic Benjamin Moore colors and are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore’s network of paint and decorating dealers.

Benjamin Moore Makes Personally-Inspired Rooms a Reality with Launch of Design By What Matters

Montvale, NJ – Benjamin Moore, one of North America’s most respected paint and coatings brands, announced today the launch of Design By What Matters, an innovative, interactive online tool that utilizes social data, lifestyle information and style preferences to help consumers design rooms inspired by what matters to them.

Benjamin Moore developed Design by What Matters to help consumers discover their design personalities and create unique color palettes just for them. In a few minutes, by answering a few fun and simple questions, users generate a customized room featuring a palette inspired by a favorite image or color. Questions like, “What’s on your bucket list?” or “What does your dream view look like?” among others, lead to a personalized bedroom, living room, kitchen or dining room. Consumers can further explore Benjamin Moore palettes to create a space that feels like home. From there, users can also buy paint samples and get design tips to help turn that ideal look into a reality.

“Designing a space is a very personal process inspired by what matters in an your life,” said David Melançon, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Whether you’re a design enthusiast or a novice choosing colors for your first home, Design By What Matters is a tool you can use to create living spaces that bring your personality, lifestyle and preferences to life virtually before you take the leap of committing to them in real life.”

Participants are encouraged to share their design creations on social media using #BenjaminMoore #DBWM. The platform also allows users to purchase paint samples and get design tips to help make your ideal look a reality. To get started and design a customized room and color palette, visit www.DesignByWhatMatters.com.

Benjamin Moore Makes Personally-Inspired Rooms a Reality with Launch of Design By What Matters

Benjamin Moore Names “Simply White” Its 2016 Color of the Year

Montvale, NJ – Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand, today announced its highly anticipated 2016 Color of the Year – Simply White OC-117. The company also unveiled Color Trends 2016, a corresponding palette of 23 colors to illustrate how white works within the color spectrum.

“The color white is transcendent, powerful and polarizing – it is either taken for granted or obsessed over,” said Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore Creative Director. “White is not just a design trend, it is a design essential. The popularity of white, the necessity of white, the mystique of white is quantifiable in our industry. Of the top ten best-selling Benjamin Moore colors, variants of white occupy five spots. It was inevitable that we would ultimately recognize white as our Color of the Year.”

The Benjamin Moore Color Studio forecasts color trends after a year of research attending major industry shows around the world, while also taking cues from standouts in architecture, fashion, textiles, home furnishings and the arts. White transcends style, and is seen in traditional, transitional and modern interiors. The color also presents attractive exterior looks for the home, from colonial to contemporary and virtually everything in between.

The Color Studio arrived at Simply White OC-117 after careful review of the company’s more than 250 white selections. According to the Color Studio, it was the most neutral, level and constant in the various light sources used in today’s design environments. The 22 colors of the Color Trends 2016 palette include the following:
•Simply White OC-117
•Paper White OC-55
•Ice Mist OC-67
•Mascarpone AF-20
•Ballet White OC-9
•White Heaven 2068-70
•Morning Sky Blue 2053-70
•Gray Owl OC-52
•Lemonade 2024-60
•Cream Puff 2174-70
•Enchanted 2070-50
•White Satin 2067-70
•Kittery Point Green HC-119
•Banana Yellow 2022-40
•Ravishing Red 2008-10
•Gentle Violet 2071-20
•Luxe AF-580
•Blue Echo AF-505
•Weimaraner AF-155
•Royal Flush 2076-20
•Patriot Blue 2064-20
•Black Ink 2127-20
•French Press AF-170

Benjamin Moore Color of the Year & Color Trends 2016 can only be achieved with Benjamin Moore paints. Offering residential paints for any project, the Benjamin Moore portfolio includes Aura®, Aura® Bath & Spa, Regal® Select, Natura® ben®, ADVANCE®, ARBORCOAT® and Aura Grand Entrance®. All 3,500 Benjamin Moore colors are available in pint samples at local retailers along with Color Trends 2016 curated palette cards. Benjamin Moore products are exclusively found at the more than 5,000 Benjamin Moore independently owned paint and decorating retailers across the U.S. and Canada.

To learn more about the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year and Color Trends 2016 palette, or to find the closest Benjamin Moore retailer, visit www.benjaminmoore.com. For more information, search #ColorTrends2016 on social media channels including Facebook (Benjamin Moore Paints), Twitter (@Benjamin_Moore), Pinterest (Benjamin Moore), Instagram (@benjaminmoore) and YouTube (BenjaminMoorePaints).

About Benjamin Moore
Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore is North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand. A leading manufacturer of premium quality residential and commercial coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura, Regal Select, ben as well as the most environmentally friendly premium paint in the marketplace today, Natura. Benjamin Moore is renowned for its expansive color portfolio, offering consumers and designers more than 3,500 colors. Benjamin Moore paints are available exclusively from its more than 5,000 locally owned and operated paint and decorating retailers.

Benjamin Moore Natura Now Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly

MONTVALE, NJ – Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand, today announced its most environmentally friendly paint, Natura®, has been Certified asthma & allergy friendlyTM by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). This certification comes on the heels of Natura becoming the 2015 Product of the Year in the interior paint category and being Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM Silver earlier this year, making Natura the most decorated paint by Benjamin Moore.

Asthma and allergies affect more than 370 million people worldwide, with 70 million in the United States alone. In 2006, AAFA collaborated with Allergy Standards Limited (ASL), an international physician-led certification company, to establish a scientific program to vet and identify consumer products that are more suitable for people with asthma and allergies.

“This is the latest step in our long history and commitment to manufacturing green paints that are safer for your family and the environment,” said Chris Connelly, Director of Brand Management, Benjamin Moore. “With zero emissions and no harsh fumes, Natura truly is an eco-friendly paint that delivers on performance and color integrity.”

The asthma & allergy friendlyTM Certification Program independently tests and identities consumer products that are more suitable for those living with asthma and allergies. Natura earned the certification with low odor, zero emissions* and zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs)**.

“We are proud of the scientific achievement that Benjamin Moore has made with this paint,” said Mike Tringale, Senior Vice President of External Affairs for AAFA. “Now every family can be confident they are creating a healthier home when painting.”

To achieve a preferred design aesthetic, Natura is available in three finishes: Flat, Eggshell and Semi-Gloss. To locate a nearby Benjamin Moore retailer and learn more about this certification, visit: http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/natura-asthma-allergy-certification.

*Zero emissions – No VOC emissions detected according to CDPH/EHLB/Standard Method V1.1, 2010
**Zero VOC according to EPA Method 24

About Benjamin Moore
Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore is North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand. A leading manufacturer of premium quality residential and commercial coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura®, Regal® Select, ben® as well as the most environmentally friendly premium paint in the marketplace today, Natura®. Benjamin Moore is renowned for its expansive color portfolio, offering consumers and designers more than 3,500 colors. Benjamin Moore paints are available exclusively from its more than 5,000 locally owned and operated paint and decorating retailers.

About the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program
The AAFA is the leading national nonprofit organization fighting asthma and allergic diseases. AAFA provides free information, conducts educational programs, fights for patients’ rights and funds research to find better treatments and cures. The asthma & allergy friendly™ Certification Program is jointly run by AAFA and ASL, a physician-led global certification company that prepares independent standards for testing a wide range of products to determine their suitability for asthma and allergy patients. The Certification Program is an independent laboratory-based product testing program that helps families with asthma and allergies find more suitable products for their homes. Visit www.aafa.org/certified to see the full catalog of Certified products, and get a free guide on how to reduce allergens and irritants in your home.

Benjamin Moore Reveals Blue Nova 825 as its Color of the Year 2024

MONTVALE, NJ – October 11, 2023 – Benjamin Moore, released its Color of the Year 2024 as Blue Nova 825 – an intriguing blend of blue and violet that sparks adventure, elevates, and expands horizons. Inspired by the brilliance of a new star formed in space, Blue Nova beckons us to unknown places in search of new experiences.

“Blue Nova 825 is an alluring mid-tone that balances depth and intrigue with classic appeal and reassurance,” said Andrea Magno, Color Marketing & Development Director at Benjamin Moore. “The Color Trends 2024 palette tells a story of duality – juxtaposing light against dark, warm and cool, showcasing complementary and contrasting color pairings. These contrasts invite us to break away from the ordinary to explore new places and collect color memories that shape the hues used in our homes.”

Benjamin Moore announced this year’s space-inspired color at Blue Origin’s Orbital Launch Site in Cape Canaveral, FL. As an authority in color and design, Benjamin Moore partnered with Blue Origin and its nonprofit Club for the Future to mutually inspire and mobilize future generations about STEM education and careers in the space industry. The organizations will reimagine design at local community hospitals, create space-themed experiences at upcoming events, and more.

Leading the way for Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2024, Blue Nova 825 provides eye-catching color with a nod to the night sky and creates a true presence in the home. Pairing colors that are as diametrical as they are captivating, Benjamin Moore’s latest Color Trends palette for 2024 includes ten hues to help blend traditional and modern design styles:

Blue Nova 825
White Dove OC-17
Pristine OC-75
Topaz 070
Teacup Rose 2170-50
Honeybee CSP-950
Regent Green 2136-20
Antique Pewter 1560
Polar Sky 1674
Hazy Lilac 2116-40

To learn more about the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year and Color Trends 2024 palette, order color samples or to locate a Benjamin Moore retailer, visit benjaminmoore.com. For more information, search #ColorTrends2024 on social media channels including Instagram (@benjaminmoore), Facebook (Benjamin Moore Paints), Pinterest (Benjamin Moore), YouTube (BenjaminMoorePaints), TikTok (benjaminmoore) and X (@Benjamin_Moore).

Contact:
Kimberly Flores
Benjamin Moore
pressrequests@benjaminmoore.com

About Benjamin Moore
Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore, a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883 and remains one of the world’s leading paint, color and coatings brands. A manufacturer of premium quality residential and commercial coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura®, Regal® Select, Ben®, Ultra Spec®, Advance®, Scuff-X®, Insl-X® and more. Benjamin Moore is renowned for its more than 3,500 unmatchable colors, and its design tools and expertise for consumers and professionals alike. Benjamin Moore products are available exclusively from more than 8,500 locally owned and operated paint, decorating and hardware retailers throughout the United States, Canada and more than 70 countries globally.

Benjamin Moore Reveals “SHADOW” As Its Color Of The Year 2017

Montvale, NJ — Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand, today announced its highly anticipated Color of the Year 2017 – Shadow 2117-30, a rich, royal amethyst. The color leader also unveiled Color Trends 2017, a corresponding palette consisting of deep, saturated hues. The Color of the Year was unveiled last night to leading interior designers, influencers and media at an exclusive event in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of The New York Public Library.

“Allusive and enigmatic, Shadow is a master of ambiance. It is a color that calls to mind a ‘past’, yet it can also make a contemporary, color-confident statement,” said Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore Creative Director. “Shadow is sophisticated, provocative and poetic, it can bring energy to a space or harmony and a moment of respite.”

The Benjamin Moore Color Studio forecasts color trends after a year of research attending major industry shows around the world, while also taking cues from standouts in architecture, fashion, textiles, home furnishings and the arts. Fine art emerged as a leading inspiration, highlighting the correlation between an artist’s use of color and light to create mood.

The Color Trends 2017 palette features 23 rich and sophisticated hues ranging from muted pales to saturated deeps. In curating the palette, the Color Studio lent significant consideration to the pairing of colors and relationships between color families, as well as a newfound level of color confidence in deeper hues among design professionals and consumers. The inspirational Color Trends 2017 color card illustrates the use of color in ways that celebrate how shadow and light travel throughout a space during the course of a day. The 23 colors of the Color Trends 2017 palette include the following:

Shadow 2117-30
Amulet AF-365
Salamander 2050-10
Guacamole 2144-10
Sandlot Gray 2107-50
Sea Star 2123-30
Etruscan AF-355
Chalk White 2126-70
Porcelain 2113-60
Sea Life 2118-40
Stormy Monday 2112-50
Grandfather Clock Brown 2096-30
Wet Concrete 2114-40
Cloud Cover OC-25
Dinner Party AF-300
Wish AF-680
Night Shade 2116-10
Knoxville Gray HC-160
Ebony King 2132-20
Gentleman’s Gray 2062-20
Pink Bliss 2093-70
Iceberg 2122-50
Dark Burgundy 2075-10

The richness and nuance demonstrated through the Color of the Year and Color Trends 2017 palette can only be achieved with Benjamin Moore products. Offering residential and commercial paints for any project, the Benjamin Moore portfolio includes Aura®, Aura® Bath & Spa, Regal® Select, Natura® ben®, ADVANCE®, ARBORCOAT® and Aura® Grand Entrance®. All 3,500 Benjamin Moore colors are available in pint samples at local retailers along with Color Trends 2017 curated palette cards. Benjamin Moore products are exclusively found at the more than 5,000 Benjamin Moore independently owned paint and decorating retailers across the U.S. and Canada.

To learn more about the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year and Color Trends 2017 palette, or to find the closest Benjamin Moore retailer, visit www.benjaminmoore.com. For more information, search #ColorTrends2017 on social media channels including Facebook (Benjamin Moore Paints), Instagram (@benjaminmoore), Twitter (@Benjamin_Moore), Pinterest (Benjamin Moore) and YouTube (BenjaminMoorePaints).

About Benjamin Moore
Founded in 1883, Benjamin Moore is North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand. A leading manufacturer of premium quality residential and commercial coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura®, Regal® Select, Natura®, and ben®. Benjamin Moore is renowned for its expansive color portfolio, offering consumers and designers more than 3,500 colors. Benjamin Moore paints are available exclusively from its more than 5,000 locally owned and operated paint and decorating retailers.

Benjamin Moore Unveils ‘Breath Of Fresh Air’ As Its 2014 Color Of The Year

MONTVALE, NJ — Benjamin Moore, a unit of Berkshire Hathaway and one of North America’s most respected paint and coatings manufacturers, unveiled today its highly anticipated Color of the Year for 2014 to be “Breath of Fresh Air” (color number 806) as part of its Color Trends 2014 palette. Announced by newly appointed Benjamin Moore Creative Director Ellen O’Neill at the opening of the company’s New York City showroom during Fall Market 2013 for architects and designers, Breath of Fresh Air is a gorgeous, ethereal blue serving as a “new neutral” that is livable and functional.

“We chose Breath of Fresh Air because we were seeing it across several different environments—it’s our new neutral,” said O’Neill. “Our Color of the Year and Color Trends 2014 palette is a direct result of the fresh color cues and pastel trends we’ve seen throughout the home furnishing, fashion and even pop culture landscape.”

For the 2014 Color Trends collection, Benjamin Moore decided to break away from the pack with a collection that is not only rich and enduring, but livable for today’s homeowner or designer as each hue resonates with many different styles. As color rarely exists in isolation, Benjamin Moore designed a palette of 23 colors that not only stand each on their own but also work well in harmony allowing the transitions of spaces and colors to flow seamlessly.

O’Neill added: “We know that color is the ultimate form of personal expression, so we curated this collection to help consumers create beautiful spaces with confidence.”

The Benjamin Moore Color Trends for 2014 palette includes 23 carefully selected Benjamin Moore paint hues that harmonize with one another to create that perfect envelope for any interior design style:
Breath Of Fresh Air 806
Distant Gray 2124-70
White Dove OC-17
Peach Parfait 2175-70
Fruit Shake 2088-60
Coral Essence 2007-40
Clay Beige OC-11
Sparrow AF-720
Castleton Mist HC-1
Elemental AF-400
Van Alen Green HC-120
Palladian Blue HC-144
Caribbean Teal 2123-20
Wickham Gray HC-171
Normandy 2129-40
Van Deusen Blue HC-156
Mt. Rainier Gray 2129-60
Flint AF-560
Lavender Mist 2070-60
Iced Mauve 2115-50
Super Nova 1414
Nightingale AF-670
Black Satin 2131-10

Benjamin Moore Color Trends for 2014 curated palette cards and Benjamin Moore products are exclusively found at Benjamin Moore’s network of 5000 independent paint and decorating dealers across the US and Canada. Visit www.benjaminmoore.com to find the closest dealer.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.benjaminmoore.com

BMW Group renews partnership with Frieze Art Fair in London and New York

London/Munich. The BMW Group has renewed its partnership with Frieze London, Frieze Masters and Frieze New York for another three years. Since 2004, the BMW Group has been a supporter of Frieze London extending its support to Frieze Masters and Frieze New York at launch in 2012.

The 12th edition of Frieze London, one of the world’s most important fairs of contemporary art, will take place from October 15 to 18, 2014 in Regent’s Park with an invitation-only Preview Day on 14October.

Frieze Sounds 2014 will be presented with BMW again in the VIP cars at Frieze London and Frieze Masters. Sounds will also be accessible via a listening station inside Frieze London and streamed online. Frieze Sounds is a programme of sound works featuring three specially commissioned audio works by international artists. This year Frieze Sounds presents works by artists Keren Cytter, Cally Spooner and Hannah Weinberger. Frieze Sounds 2014 is programmed and curated by Cecilia Alemani and presented with BMW.

This year’s fair was designed by Universal Studio of Barber & Osgerby. In collaboration with BMW Group Design, the studio’s designers Ed Barber and Jay Osgerby created the installation “Double Space for BMW – Precision & Poetry in Motion”. Also dating from this year, it premiered at London’s Design Festival 2014. The installation will be shown until October 24 at the Raphael Gallery of the Victoria & Albert Museum.

As part of the activities taking place during Frieze Art Fair London, an afternoon tea will be prepared on October 13 in the rooms of the private Zabludowicz Collection. For the private collectors portrayed in the “BMW Art Guide by Independent Collectors“, this will present an opportunity for exchange, and a guided tour of the first exhibition of Ryan Trecartin and Lizzie Fitch will be offered. To this day, the “BMW Art Guide” is the first and only publication of its kind that presents a comprehensive overview of international private collections of contemporary art open to the general public.

On the occasion of the London Frieze the recorded performances of BMW Tate Live: Performance Room will be shown at Tate Modern for the very first time, allowing visitors to experience this novel kind of live performances. BMW Tate Live is a pioneering artistic programme created exclusively for live broadcast and available for online audiences only. From October 13 to October 16, the multiple award-winning series of events BMW Tate Live: Performance Room will be presented at Tate Modern.

BMW is cultivating sustainable long-term partnerships with the most renowned art fairs worldwide including Art Basel, Art Basel Miami Beach, Art Basel Hong Kong, Frieze Art Fair and Frieze Masters London, Frieze New York, Paris Photo in Paris and Los Angeles, TEFAF Maastricht, art berlin contemporary and the Gallery Weekend Berlin.

BMW’s Cultural Commitment
For over 40 years now, the BMW Group has initiated and engaged in more than 100 cultural partnerships worldwide. The focus of this long-term commitment to culture is modern and contemporary art, jazz and classical music as well as architecture and design. BMW has worked with artists such as Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Olafur Eliasson, Jeff Koons, Zubin Metha, Daniel Barenboim and Anna Netrebko and commissioned architects such as Karl Schwanzer, Zaha Hadid and Coop Himmelbau. In London, BMW in partnership with the London Symphony Orchestra, hosts the BMW LSO Open Air Classics, a yearly live concert free of charge in Trafalgar Square, and supports Frieze Art Fair. The BMW Group takes absolute creative freedom in all the cultural activities it is involved in for granted – as this is just as essential for groundbreaking artistic work as it is for major innovations in a successful business.

Further information: bmwgroup.com/culture and bmwgroup.com/culture/overview

The BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 29 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2013, the BMW Group sold approximately 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

BMW i & Soho House Announce Global Partnership. Exploration of innovation, arts and design.

London/Munich. Soho House Group (SHG) and BMW i today announced a global partnership across all of SHG’s 12 sites in Europe and North America. As Soho House Group’s global automotive partner, BMW i will provide BMW i3 vehicles for driving experiences for members and guests at many of its sites and cultural events. Soho House and BMW i will also collaborate on an international arts program throughout Soho House locations in Europe and the US. The two brands will co-create events and experiences focusing on contemporary art, innovation and design.

On Tuesday, October 14, 2014, the partnership kicks off at Shoreditch House in London, with an exclusive art talk between the photographer Juergen Teller and Chris Dercon, director of the Tate Modern: “The Naked Truth? Nudity, fashion, and the photographic image today.” The discussion will be followed by a rooftop reception in celebration of the partnership.

Nick Jones, Founder and CEO of Soho House said: “We were drawn to BMW because they share our passion for innovation across art and design. Our membership will see a range of co-curated members’ events and cultural celebrations such as Art Basel Miami. The launch of BMW i3 marks an exciting new era for electric cars and we are delighted to be able to offer our members and bedroom guests the opportunity to be among the first to drive them.”

Steven Althaus, Senior Vice President Brand Management BMW, Marketing Services BMW Group said: “BMW i and Soho House share a common mindset: both brands strive for innovation, creativity as well as a special sense for aesthetic setting new design standards. What I look forward to most about our partnership is our determination to create memorable and sophisticated experiences together.”

BMW i
BMW i stands for visionary vehicles and mobility services, visionary design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly geared towards sustainability. The BMW i brand redefines individual mobility by creating totally new and ground-breaking possibilities for networking in urban traffic. The BMW i3 is the world’s first premium electric vehicle purpose-built from the ground up for electric power using carbon fiber, creating a car that guarantees typical BMW sheer driving pleasure with zero emissions. Driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services specially developed for BMW i, combined with the services of 360° ELECTRIC, make emission-free mobility in the urban environment a fascinating everyday experience.
Further information: bmw-i.com

BMW’s Cultural Commitment
For over 40 years now, the BMW Group has initiated and engaged in more than 100 cultural partnerships worldwide. The focus of its commitment to culture is modern and contemporary art, jazz and classical music as well as architecture and design. BMW has worked with artists such as Gerhard Richter, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Olafur Eliasson, Jeff Koons or Zaha Hadid and is a partner of museums such as the Guggenheim in New York and the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin. In London, BMW in partnership with the London Symphony Orchestra, hosts the BMW LSO Open Air Classics, a yearly live concert free of charge in Trafalgar Square, and supports both BMW Tate Live as well as Frieze Art Fair.
Further information: bmwgroup.com/culture and bmwgroup.com/culture/overview

The BMW Group
With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

Soho House
Soho House was founded in Greek Street, London, in 1995, as a private members’ club for those in film, media and the creative industries. The portfolio has since expanded to include clubs, hotels, restaurants and spas across the UK, Europe, the US and Canada. Each site is different, maintaining its own personality, but all have a sense of shared DNA as homes from home for members and guests.

Elsewhere in London is the Dean Street Townhouse – a four-storey 39 bedroom hotel and all-day dining room, located in Soho; Shoreditch House, an East London club with rooftop pool, gym, restaurants and 26 rooms; High Road House, a quiet outpost, featuring club, bar, brasserie and 14 rooms in Chiswick; and Little House, Mayfair’s best kept restaurant, bar and lounge. Moments away from Little House sits the first outpost of Cecconi’s, a modern day classic Italian restaurant open to the public for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.in the last 10 years, Cecconi’s has travelled to West Hollywood and Miami, with further international restaurants on the horizon. Babington House, set in 18 acres of rural Somerset is home to 32 individually designed bedrooms, a 24 hour restaurant and the flagship Cowshed Spa.

Soho House Berlin opened in May 2010, in Berlin’s Mitte district and was the first venture in continental Europe. Occupying eight floors, the House has an expansive club floor, roof top pool and bar, 85 rooms and short let apartments, a fully equipped gym, screening room and Cowshed Spa with Hammam.

The company has been building its US footprint since Soho House New York opened in June 2003. Covering six floors, it’s housed in a 45,000 square feet period warehouse building in the Meatpacking District. The club offers extensive facilities; a restaurant, bar, 44-seat cinema and a rooftop pool as well as 30 spacious bedrooms and a Cowshed Spa. Soho House West Hollywood opened in May 2010 at 9000, Sunset Boulevard, it’s club floor, screening room, event spaces and garden terrace restaurant occupying the top floor and roof of an iconic office building.
Miami followed in October 2011, with 50 bedrooms situated over fifteen floors. Designed to combine vintage furniture and vibrant textiles to create an aura of South American glamour, the club is home to a screening snug, 2 pools, a beach club, Cowshed spa and Cecconi’s restaurant. In 2012 we opened Soho House Toronto, which launched with an array of events to celebrate the Toronto International Film Festival. Most recently, in August 2014, Soho House opened its largest property to date in Chicago.

Breakthrough Innovations in Sherwin-Williams Enhanced Harmony® Paint Help Improve Indoor Air Quality

LAS VEGAS – Sherwin-Williams enhanced Harmony Interior Acrylic Latex Paint, features industry-leading innovations that help promote better indoor air quality and reduce common indoor odors. Combined with its zero-VOC formula and washable finish, enhanced Harmony Paint delivers advanced performance for residential and commercial professionals alike.

“Enhanced Harmony Paint is a groundbreaking coating that offers innovative performance features not expected from a paint,” said Karl Schmitt, vice president of marketing research and design, Sherwin-Williams.

Once the paint has dried, enhanced Harmony’s Formaldehyde Reducing Technology reduces airborne concentrations of formaldehyde and other aldehydes – volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from possible sources like insulation, carpet, cabinets and fabrics. A recent school demonstration study by the UL-GREENGUARD Environmental Institute and Sherwin-Williams found that Harmony’s Formaldehyde Reducing Technology can reduce these airborne VOCs by up to 45 percent, and separate laboratory studies validated these findingsi.

Harmony Paint’s Odor Eliminating Technology reduces ambient odors of organic origin, such as those from cooking, smoke and pets. The result is beautiful rooms that stay fresher, longer. In addition, Harmony Paint also contains anti-microbial agents to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the paint film and inhibits related bacterial odors. Harmony Paint also delivers great hide and a durable finish that can withstand frequent washings.

Like all Sherwin-Williams latex and water-based paints, Harmony is tinted with ColorCast Ecotoner® colorants that do not add VOCs to the tinted paint. Harmony Paint meets the most stringent VOC regulations, and has achieved GREENGUARD® GOLD certification. (GREENGUARD Certified Products are certified to GREENGUARD standards for low chemical emissions into indoor air during product usage. For more information, visit ul.com/gg.)

The Formaldehyde Reducing Technology is now available in all the sheens of enhanced Harmony Paint – flat, eg-shel and semi-gloss.

This Press Release is courtesy of sherwin-williams.com

Calling All Interior Design Students: Sherwin-Williams Design Competition Now Open

CLEVELAND – The 2018 Sherwin-Williams Student Design Challenge is accepting submissions for residential and commercial projects through March 15. The eighth annual competition celebrates emerging talent and gives students a chance to be nationally recognized for their work with cash prizes up to $2,500, including $1,000 for their design school.

“Sherwin-Williams is proud to encourage excellence among the future leaders of the interior design industry,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “The Student Design Challenge provides students a unique opportunity to showcase their work to top designers and celebrates their creativity.”

Wadden will be judging the contest, with help from Nancy Fire in the residential design category and Vanessa Deleon in commercial design. Fire, co-founder and creative director of Design Works International and design director of HGTV HOME, is known for her trend-forward print and fabric designs. Deleon is the owner of Vanessa Deleon Associates. Her modern-glam aesthetic has been featured on NBC, HGTV, Bravo and more.

To enter, students can easily submit an original residential or commercial design project online. Separate submissions can be made for each category, and students may enter as individuals or as a design team of up to three students. There is no fee to enter. The top winner from each category will receive a $2,500 cash prize, and their design school will receive $1,000. Second-place winners will win a $1,000 cash prize and third-place winners will win a $500 cash prize. The two first-place winners will also have their work featured in the 2018 edition of Sherwin-Williams STIR magazine, a print magazine dedicated to design professionals, and all winners will be featured on the Sherwin-Williams Facebook page and in a future issue of the STIR eExtra email newsletter.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
For more than 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,200 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Countdown to Black Friday Begins: Amazon Launching More than 15,000 Lightning Deals This Holiday

SEATTLE— (NASDAQ:AMZN) – Let the countdown begin! November 1 is the official start of the holiday shopping season on Amazon, as the company kicks off Black Friday early with its Countdown to Black Friday Deals Week event. Amazon is counting down to the big day with even more deals, all day, every day. This holiday Amazon customers will find more than 15,000 Lightning Deals, including brand new early access deals for Prime members. Customers can find the best deals at www.amazon.com/blackfriday.

“Starting in November, millions of holiday shoppers come to Amazon hunting for the best deals and that one perfect gift,” said Steve Shure, Amazon Vice President Worldwide Marketing. “This year, we will have more than 15,000 hand-selected, limited time promotions on hot products, including new early access deals for Prime members on many Lightning Deals from Amazon.com and daily sales events on MyHabit.”

2014 Black Friday Deals Start Early

Amazon provides customers with the leading deals destinations this holiday season, offering two coveted Deals of the Day every day, now through December 22. In addition, from now through Black Friday weekend, customers will find thousands of Lightning Deals on great gift items every week including electronics, toys, clothing, jewelry, kitchen and more. Customers can find the best deals at www.amazon.com/blackfriday.

Continue to check back regularly for deals on great gift ideas at incredible prices from brands like Dewalt, Disney, Canon, Philips, Skip Hop, Jeep and more. The following deals will be available to all customers in the coming weeks:

Savings of 40% or more on select Star Wars toys, Mickey and Minnie, Crayola and Disney Princess toys
Save up to 35% on Green Toys
Save $150 on the Canon EOS Rebel T5i DSLR
Save more than 50% off Analon cookware sets
Save up to 70% off Cuisinart cookware sets
Save 50% off SodaStream Fountain Jet Home Soda Maker Starter Kit
Save up to 50% off all the tools you need for the perfect Thanksgiving
Save 60% off Paderno Three Blade Slicer
Braun electric shavers starting at 30% off
Save $250 or more on Samsung Baby Care Washers
Save 50% on Philips Avent classic gift sets
Save 50% or more on the Levana Sophia Video Baby Monitor
Up to 75% off select One Industries Motorcycle Helmets
Up to 40% off select Jeep and truck accessories, including Husky, Heininger, and Rugged Ridge
$25 off Makita tools, on select orders over $100
Free App of the Day Bundle – Get more than $115 in top apps and games for free from Amazon Appstore (October 30 – November 1) – download the bundle from the Amazon App
2014 Holiday Trends

Amazon has identified some of the most anticipated shopping trends this holiday from gifts that give back to same-day delivery, Amazon customers are shopping smarter than ever before.

Shopping for Good: Amazon celebrates the one year anniversary of AmazonSmile where customers can find the exact same Amazon they know and love, except Amazon will also donate a portion of the purchase price to a favorite charitable organization. Customers can start shopping today at smile.amazon.com
Growth of Mobile Shopping: More and more Amazon customers are shopping on a mobile device. In fact, more than half of Amazon customers shopped using a mobile device last holiday. Between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, Amazon customers ordered more than five toys per second from a mobile device. Now with visual and voice search, customers can use their smart phone to search and shop in seconds. We want customers to go from “I want that” to “I bought that” in under 30 seconds.
Discover and Shop on Twitter: New this year, customers can add items they discover on Twitter to their Amazon Shopping Cart or Wish List without leaving their Twitter feed. When customers discover a Tweet from their favorite artist, expert, brand, or friend with an Amazon.com product link, they can simply add #AmazonCart or #AmazonWishList to their reply on Twitter and the product is added to their Cart or Wish List.
Same-Day Delivery: Amazon Same-Day Delivery, including the new same-day search filter, noon order cut-off and seven days a week delivery, is available in 12 major metro areas including Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Dallas, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC. Customers can choose from more than a million items including this season’s hottest gifts or entertaining items – and get them delivered to their home the very same day. Learn more at www.amazon.com/sameday.
Prime Early Access: Prime members will discover Lightning Deals eligible for early access marked “Prime Early Access Deal” on event and deal pages on Amazon.com. Lightning Deals are limited time promotions that start throughout the day, in which a limited number of discounts are offered on an item. Prime members are also invited to shop MyHabit daily sales events early.
Sparkle, Frozen and Wearables, Oh My

The biggest question this time of year – what should I buy? Amazon has many different ways to shop and discover great gift ideas including the Holiday Toy List and the new Gift Finder, which displays the most popular items gifted by Amazon customers, categorized by age and gender of recipients.

Sparkle and Shine: Find popular beaded, metallic and embellished dresses, sweaters, skirts, watches and even footwear for girls of all ages on Amazon Fashion.
Frozen, Star Wars and Turtles: Toys, games and even apparel related to the latest entertainment are frequently hits during the holidays. This year, Disney’s Frozen, Transformers, Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are some of the most popular. In fact, the most wished-for toy sold by Amazon.com this year is the Disney Frozen Sparkle Princess Elsa Doll. Customers will also find adorable cold weather accessories as well as kids’ boots, slippers and fashion sneakers with popular characters and critters on them.
Retro: From classic toys to throwback men’s sneakers, retro is back again in a big way. Classic toys provide a bit of nostalgia with products such as Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys and Spirograph, collectible characters like Peter Rabbit and classic brands from Barbie to Monopoly all expected to be popular this holiday.
Wearables for Kids and Adults: Wearable technology combines innovative technology, fun games and activities, health and more. Find great wearables for kids and adults alike including the LeapFrog LeapBand and VTech Kidizoom along with Samsung Galaxy Gear and the Misfit Shine helping adults and kids stay active.
Cut the Cords: Home theaters are becoming completely untethered with the addition of new streaming media devices like Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick combined with wireless speakers like the Bose SoundLink Mini Speaker along with great movies and TV shows.
Book Worms: Last holiday, Amazon customers added seven books every second to Amazon Wish Lists. This year proves to be no different. Families can set-up healthy reading habits at home with the new Kindle. And with Kindle FreeTime included or, for as little as $2.99 a month for Prime members, Kindle FreeTime Unlimited to help encourage kids to read. And kids are rewarded with achievement badges when they reach their reading goals – a great way to keep kids reading through the holidays!
The Everything Tablet: Many customers want reassurance that their tablet will be both fun and durable for the kids to enjoy. We expect the new Fire HD Kids Edition Tablet, which includes a Fire HD 6 or 7 Tablet, 1 Year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, 2-Year Worry-Free Guarantee and a Kid-Proof Protective Case, to be a big hit among customers this holiday season.
About Amazon

Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.

Decorating Den Interiors announces Designer of the Year and other design awards

Easton, Md. — Franchise owner Monique Holland, of Washington DC (https://mholland.decoratingden.com/) was named Designer of the Year, the highest design award presented by Decorating Den Interiors, North America’s largest interior design and home furnishings franchise company.

central shot of winning gold and black dining room.
After

Her modern and industrial design of a dining space with bold wallcovering was judged best in category and the overall best of 300 entries in 10 categories by interior design journalists from throughout the U.S. and Canada. She also had the first-place home office, second-place family room, and won in three other separate categories of judging competitions.

wide shot of completed dining room
After

“I am thrilled to win this honor,” said Holland, ‘especially since this was the first time I entered Dream Room. I started my business only four years ago. Being Designer of the Year and winning so many other awards is very exciting.”

before picture of a blank dining room
Before

Designer of the Year Runners-Up

First Runner-Up was the franchise of sisters Barbara Elliott and Jennifer Ward Woods and their design team, of Stone Mountain, Ga. Their family room took second place among the winners in each room category. They also won firsts in bedroom, kitchen and outdoor, along with seconds in living room and outdoor, and a third in bathroom.

Second Runner-Up was Lynne Lawson, of Columbia, Md. and her design associate Laura Outland, whose bathroom took third place among the first-place rooms. They also won third place in bedroom and first in another judging.

Other Design Awards:

Donayre Award

First-place winner of the Donayre Award, which is voted on by company franchisees and is named for Carol Donayre Bugg, ASID, retired company vice president and director of design, was Lisa Bibawi, of Dallas, for her first-place living room.

Barbara Elliott and Jennifer Ward Woods won second for their family room.

Monique Holland won third for her winning dining room.

People’s Choice Award

Lynne Lawson and Laura Outland won first place in the People’s Choice Award segment, an online judging open to the public. Their bathroom design received the highest number of votes cast.

Monique Holland won second place for her home office, which took first place in the journalist judging.

Elliott and Ward Woods had the third highest online voting total for their kitchen, which took first place in the journalist judging.

Patti Award

Holland’s dining room also won the Patti Award. Named after Patti Coons, former public relations director who was instrumental in starting the International Dream Room competition, the award is for first-time entries into the competition and is judged by those franchisees who have achieved Decorating Den Certified Decorator status.

Michelle Jett, of La Verne, Calif., won second place for family room and third for her bedroom

This was the company’s 38th International Dream Room awards presentation. It was held at the company’s DESIGNCON 2022 annual conference in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where the conference was to have been held in 2020 but was prevented because of Covid.

Decorating Den Interiors was founded in 1969 and has interior design professionals and decorators throughout the U.S. and Canada. Its design professionals offer full-service interior design that includes fine furniture, case goods, accessories, lighting, floor and wall coverings, draperies, and other hard and soft window treatments from its custom LIVV Home Collection™ of furnishings. Its design professionals bring samples directly to the client’s home or office, provide complimentary design services and personally oversee projects through installation.

Furniture Safety In Design Applauded

HIGH POINT, N.C. – U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Inez Tenenbaum told furniture manufacturers this week to “aim for the highest level of safety” in their designs to minimize health and safety risks to consumers.

Tenenbaum addressed members of the American Home Furnishings Alliance Board of Directors during the group’s May meeting in Arlington, Va. The annual event includes visits with key legislators on Capitol Hill.

Tenenbaum recalled visiting several furniture factories and showrooms at AHFA’s invitation in 2011. “To see the manufacturing process from start to finish provided me with valuable insights,” she remarked.

Those insights are helping to inform the CPSC’s work toward a mandatory flammability standard for upholstered furniture. “Throughout my tenure as chairman, I have made it clear that we are committed to developing an upholstered furniture standard that does not require the use of harmful chemicals,” she said.

“I want to see progress on this rule this year and want all stakeholders, including all of you, to stay engaged with CPSC as we move forward,” she told the AHFA directors.

Tenenbaum thanked AHFA’s Vice President Bill Perdue for his leadership of the ASTM subcommittee on furniture safety and commended the committee for its work on updating the furniture tip-over standard.

“I hope that each of you – whether you make adult furniture, children’s furniture, or both – will use all of the communication tools at your disposal to encourage your customers to anchor their furniture and televisions,” she added.

Tenenbaum concluded her remarks by explaining the CPSC’s concept of “safety by design.”

“As I have travelled around the United States and the world, I have shared with companies that it is vital to design out potential health and safety risks in each and every model – before manufacturing and assembly even starts,” she said. In the residential furniture industry, that means ensuring that products are made without lead, cadmium, antimony, chromium and other toxic metals.

“I believe that safety by design – which includes meeting current standards and anticipating and preventing new hazards – can be a winning approach for all industries to incorporate.”

In addition to the CPSC Chairman, the AHFA Board was addressed by Senators Ron Johnson (R-WI), Mark Warner (D-VA), Richard Burr (R-NC) and Kay Hagan (D-NC), as well as Representatives Lee Terry (R-NE) and Alan Nunnelee (R-MS).
Courtesy of American Home Furnishings Alliance

GE Antares Capital Finances Nielsen & Bainbridge Acquisition of The Home Décor Companies, Creating NBGHome

CHICAGO — GE Antares, a unit of GE Capital, announced today it served as administrative agent on a $315 million senior secured credit facility to support the acquisition of The Home Décor Companies by Nielsen & Bainbridge, LLC, a portfolio company of Kohlberg & Company and GE Antares borrower. GE Capital Markets served as joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner on this facility.

Headquartered in Southaven, MS, The Home Décor Companies is a leading provider of home décor products, services and solutions to North American retailers such as HomeGoods, Lowe’s, Wal-Mart and Target. Combining the company with Nielsen & Bainbridge (N&B)’s custom and ready-made picture frame business significantly expands N&B’s product lines and customer base and provides new revenue opportunities. The combined company will operate under the name NBGHome.

“GE Antares is a longstanding trusted business partner to Kohlberg,” said Seth Hollander, partner at Kohlberg. “Their responsiveness and their syndication expertise made them an ideal financing choice for creating NBGHome”.

“We’re pleased to provide debt financing to NBG Home and Kohlberg in support of the acquisition of The Home Décor Companies,” said Chet Zara, senior managing director of GE Antares. “We look forward to continuing to support Kohlberg and management as they pursue the exciting growth opportunities at NBGHome.”

The Home Décor Companies
Headquartered in Southaven, MS, The Home Décor Companies combined to be the market leader in portable lighting in the United States as well as the #2 supplier of wall décor and a rapidly growing player in the decorative soft goods and accent furniture categories. THDC’s products are marketed under various labels, including Jimco, J. Hunt Home, Patton Picture and Thro.

Nielsen & Bainbridge, L.L.C.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Nielsen Bainbridge is an international company owned by Kohlberg & Company, a New York-based private equity firm, and is one of the world’s leading producers and distributors of high quality picture framing products, marketed under brands such as Pinnacle, Burnes, Nielsen and Bainbridge. A world leader in research, innovation and ground-breaking new products, Nielsen Bainbridge anticipates the latest styles and trends, to give customers the most desirable products.

About Kohlberg & Company, L.L.C.
Kohlberg & Company, LLC is a leading U.S. private equity firm headquartered in Mt. Kisco, New York. Since its inception in 1987, Kohlberg has completed more than 62 platform investments and more than 100 add-on acquisitions, with aggregate transaction value in excess of $9 billion.

About GE Antares Capital
GE Antares is a unit of GE Capital. With offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, GE Antares is a leading middle market lender, offering a “one-stop” source for GE’s lending and other services offered to middle market private equity sponsors. GE Antares was recognized by Private Debt Investor and Private Equity International as 2013 Lender of the Year, North America and Mid-Cap Lender of the Year, North America, respectively. For more information, visit geantares.com.
GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit www.gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (https://twitter.com/GECapital).

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ge.com

GE Capital Sees Healthy Lawn And Garden Industry

CHICAGO, il, – While seasonal weather patterns in 2014 have had a larger-than-normal impact on the lawn and garden industry, GE Capital’s Commercial Distribution Finance business, a leading provider of financing to the lawn and garden industry, says the industry today is healthy, with dealer financing volume up 9% year to date in the United States and 12% in Canada.

“The long winter and late spring this year contributed to strong snow-products sales but a slow start for lawncare products,” said Mike Horak, president of CDF’s outdoor products group. “I expect robust ordering of snow products for next year to replenish depleted inventories. And, since mower sales stabilized after that slow start, our outdoor products dealers are in good shape as we head into the end of the year.”

CDF outdoor products dealer portfolio data shows U.S. inventory turnover running at a strong annual rate of over 2X, and inventory-aging rates, reflecting inventory over 18 months old, also healthy at only 7%. The Canadian market is seeing stronger signs, as inventory turnover is 3X, and inventory-aging rates are 5%. Generally improving macroeconomic drivers like consumer spending and housing starts are also giving dealers more confidence.

In advance of the annual Green Industry & Equipment (GIE) Expo, which will be held October 23-24 in Louisville, KY, CDF has released a new audiocast featuring Horak and Jim Tokarski, owner of A-1 Repairs in Elgin, IL, a lawn and garden dealership and service shop. Horak and Tokarski discuss how technology has played a big role in the evolution of the industry and other headwinds and tailwinds impacting the industry.
To listen, go to CDF’s Facebook page.

GIE+Expo will take place Oct. 23–25, 2014 in Louisville, KY. Attendees are invited to visit GE Capital at booth #11108 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. For information about the event, go to http://gie-expo.com/gieexpo/.

CDF has supported the lawn and garden industry for more than 30 years with flexible inventory financing products. Inventory financing, also known as floorplan financing, enables dealers to stock, market and sell lawn care products. Manufacturers may generally benefit from enhanced product flow and potentially increased sales opportunities, while dealers may obtain improved credit availability and terms.

About GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance
GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance provided $34 billion in financing for more than 30,000 dealers and more than 3,000 distributors and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in 2013. Programs include inventory and accounts receivable financing, asset-based lending, private label financing, collateral management and related financial products. For more information, visit http://www.gecdf.com/ or follow company news via Twitter (http://twitter.com/GEInventoryFin).

GE Intelligent Lighting to Transform Retail Experience through Qualcomm Collaboration

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — Consumers are more connected in every aspect of daily life than ever before, from apps on their smartphones, to GPS in their vehicles, to wireless Internet in their offices. Now, tech-savvy shoppers can expect their favorite retailers to advance the in-store experience with the help of GE Lighting and Qualcomm Atheros, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated.

GE and Qualcomm Atheros have announced a collaboration to bring indoor positioning technology to major retailers, allowing retailers to pinpoint shoppers’ locations and use mobile apps to personalize the in-store experience. Technology embedded in new GE commercial LED bulbs creates unique pulse patterns to “talk” to shoppers’ smartphones and tablets. This high-accuracy, real-time connection will allow retailers to combine contextual information with location to create revolutionary new tools such as indoor navigation, infinite aisle, suggested items, product information, and special offers or coupons to those who opt in and download the retailer’s app.

“Today’s consumers want a customized experience—from the news they read, to the games they play, to the products they buy, they expect technology-driven personalization,” said Jeff Bisberg, Global General Manager, Indoor Location, GE Lighting. “Working with Qualcomm Atheros, GE is harnessing the power of our commercial LED lighting to give retailers the opportunity to create an enhanced experience for shoppers securely, while respecting their privacy.”

A recent Google study confirms that consumers want more information and customized experiences during the shopping journey. The study found 71 percent of shoppers who use smartphones for research said their devices have become more important to their in-store experiences. Meanwhile, two in three shoppers who tried to find information within a store didn’t find what they needed, and 43 percent left frustrated.

“Enabling retailers to provide shoppers contextual services, with pinpoint accuracy, will introduce a new level of personalization and customer service,” said Dr. Cormac Conroy, vice president of product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We look forward to supporting GE Lighting to commercialize this technology and to make possible a new level of indoor location and context experience.”
Beyond the retail industry, GE’s LED lighting-based indoor positioning systems could also see application in airports, hotels, hospitals and many other environments where it is beneficial to know individuals’ locations.

GE is highlighting advancements in lighting at LIGHTFAIR International 2015, including LED-based intelligent solutions for homes and cities, as well as commercial buildings.
Learn more about GE’s indoor positioning and other lighting solutions at LIGHTFAIR 2015 in New York City, May 5-7, in GE Lighting’s booth #1621, or visit www.gelighting.com.

GE Lighting
GE Lighting is changing the way people light and think about their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. Light brightens our path to a better way of being. Today, light is intelligent. Light listens, learns and sees. GE. Where Light Is Bright. www.gelighting.com

GE
GE (NYSE: GE) imagines things others don’t, builds things others can’t and delivers outcomes that make the world work better. GE brings together the physical and digital worlds in ways no other company can. In its labs and factories and on the ground with customers, GE is inventing the next industrial era to move, power, build and cure the world. www.ge.com

GE LED Holiday Lighting Shines Bright on the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — (NYSE:GE) — Tonight, the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, the National Park Service, and GE Lighting will unveil this year’s holiday LED lighting design for the National Christmas Tree at the 92nd annual National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at President’s Park. With more than 60,000 holiday LED lights on the living Colorado blue spruce, it is one of the most notable holiday displays in the United States.

“Each strand of GE LED holiday lights consumes up to 80 percent less energy than incandescent holiday lights, but still provides the festive lighting consumers love,” said Mary Beth Gotti, manager of the GE Lighting Institute and holiday lighting designer for the National Christmas Tree. “With GE LED holiday lights, consumers don’t have to compromise; they can enjoy energy savings and the inviting, glow they know and love.”

Smart LED holiday lighting
For more than 100 years, GE Lighting has been a symbol of both tradition and innovation in holiday lighting, bringing advanced technology and the industry’s highest standards to brighten festive decorations around the world. And this year, holiday lighting just got smarter – thanks to new GE LED innovations – including wirelessly controlled and color-changing LED holiday lighting.
While the National Christmas Tree has been all-LED for the past five years, it is expected that two out of every five holiday lighting strands sold this holiday season will be LED. As consumers begin their own holiday decorating, GE has brand-new products to help create the perfect holiday glow.
iTwinkle: Have fun with holiday lighting with GE’s iTwinkle lights, which can be controlled using a smartphone or tablet. Users can customize their holiday lighting like never before by adding a dimmer, pattern, color, music and even a voice to their holiday displays. GE’s iTwinkle is a new way to interact with holiday lighting in a smart, simple way.

Dual Color: Dual Color lights offer two colors on one light string. This new technology allows consumers to use either the GE Colorite Warm White or LED Multi-Color.

ConstantON®: GE’s ConstantON® technology will save countless frustrated holiday decorators this season, with technology that ensure that if one bulb burns out, the remaining lights on the string will stay lit.

Watch the National Christmas Tree Lighting Live:
GE Lighting along with the National Park Foundation and National Park Service invite families to watch a live stream broadcast of the lighting ceremony tonight. Visit www.thenationaltree.org to find out how you can tune in live. The event will also air on public television throughout the month of December. For broadcast times, check local listings or the National Christmas Tree Lighting website.

About GE Lighting
GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs about 13,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the reveal® and energy smart® consumer brands, and Evolve™, GTx™, Immersion™, Infusion™, Lumination™, Albeo™ and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

GE’s Lighting Intelligence Reaches New Heights in Retail, Commercial Buildings at LIGHTFAIR® International 2014

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio -Lighting does much more than just illuminate a store, office or street. Increasingly, it thinks and communicates to those who can now make quicker, more intelligent decisions. From a shopper in a store to a street lighting maintenance manager, LED lighting has become the gateway to smarter buildings and cities.
“Lighting is no longer just something you turn on and off; it has become an entryway and valuable resource to more efficient operations,” said Jaime Irick, general manager of North America Professional Solutions, GE Lighting. “Not only are energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures meeting more vigorous efficiency standards, they are helping to capture critical data, offering much more robust functionality for such users as retailers and municipalities.”
GE Lighting highlights advancements in lighting at LIGHTFAIR International 2014:

Enhanced experience for shoppers
Want to stay in step with shoppers as they browse your retail aisles for electronics, health care items or clothing? LED lighting fixtures can communicate with customers’ smart phones as they peruse store shelves, enabling retailers to provide location-based services using GE’s LED infrastructure.
The next generation of GE’s LED lighting fixtures will be enabled with indoor location technology. Through an opt-in application on smartphones and tablets, retailers can identify the location of shoppers and provide messages relevant to each store visit—from a welcome while they’re in the parking lot, a coupon when they pass the shoe aisle or a pasta recipe as they browse sauce in the Italian food section. GE is collaborating with ByteLight to demonstrate this innovative technology at the show.
“GE Lighting’s next generation of LEDs not only will save energy and maintenance costs, they will be a strategic enabler to combining big data with location to deliver a more engaging shopping experience that increases customer loyalty and revenue,” Irick said.

Improved controls for indoor and outdoor lighting
To combat lighting’s position as one of the biggest energy hogs in commercial facilities, incorporating controls is becoming the new industry standard. In conjunction with the latest technology of energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures, energy use can be significantly reduced through sensors and controls, which also increase the ability to implement a demand-response system.

Controls for outdoor lighting are equally dynamic. For example, the city of San Diego is the first in the United States to adopt GE’s LightGrid™ technology, which incorporates innovative outdoor wireless controls and LED street lighting. The new system self-commissions to the LightGrid network and provides accurate energy metering per light pole, allowing municipalities to pay for the energy they actually use. With GPS location features, it also provides real-time data and identifies individual street lights that are malfunctioning or not working at all. With the new lighting system, the city will save more than a quarter-million dollars in energy costs each year.
Learn more about these and other lighting solutions at LIGHTFAIR® International 2014 (LFI®) in Las Vegas, June 3-5, in GE Lighting’s booth #4208, or visit www.gelighting.com.
About GE Lighting
GE Lighting invents with the vigor of its founder Thomas Edison to develop energy-efficient solutions that change the way people light their world in commercial, industrial, municipal and residential settings. The business employs about 13,000 people in more than 100 countries, and sells products under the reveal® and Energy Smart® consumer brands, and Evolve ™, GTx™, Immersion ™, Infusion ™, Lumination™, Albeo™ and Tetra® commercial brands, all trademarks of GE. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information, visit www.gelighting.com.

GE’s Lumination™ LED DownLights Now Offered in More Versatile and Designer-Friendly Options

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio –GE’s Lumination™ LED DownLights are now available with new reflector finishes and anodized color options, offering even greater versatility and customization of the energy-efficient Lumination DI Series for new construction of high-end retail, commercial office and hospitality spaces.

In addition to new configurations and finishes, GE’s Infusion™ technology gives users more options, including a variety of lumen output and color temperatures, to illuminate key products or focal points with the simple switch of an LED module.

“GE’s Lumination DI Series LED DownLights come in a wider range of finishes and colors—from wheat, semi-diffused and white colors to specular, clear and even black—giving designers and architects more versatile options than ever before,” said GE Indoor LED Product Manager John Koster. “Adding in the Infusion technology, which provides outstanding efficacy and color rendering—including high R9 values across all color temperatures—this truly is the ideal downlight solution for retail spaces and other areas where the color, richness and detail of merchandise and key interest areas can pop.”

Additionally, the Lumination DI Series is available in a wall washer option, which helps highlight walls, artwork and architectural features, allowing the lighting to make a room appear brighter, bigger and livelier. With wide, even illuminance, the DI Series wall wash optimizes uniformity horizontally on the wall while delivering light all the way up to the ceiling line.

With lumen package options from 1,000 to 4,000 lumens, the Lumination DI Series is an energy-efficient alternative to a range of traditional downlights, from 13-watt CFL to 100-watt metal halides. It also gives more future-friendly versatility than typical LED downlights, ensuring the lowest total cost of ownership. The GE Lumination LED DownLight modules can be effortlessly upgraded in seconds through the Infusion twist-fit design that doesn’t require a fixture change.

A product of GE ecomagination℠, the LED modules of GE Lighting’s Lumination LED DownLights come in a variety of lumen outputs and color temperatures. With up to 90 CRI color rendering and high R9 values, colors appear more vibrant—ideal for retail, hospitality and other environments where lighting quality is essential, especially for spaces with 10- to 20-foot ceilings.

Additionally, the Lumination DI Series has a 50,000-hour rated lifetime, providing considerable maintenance savings compared to the 20,000-hour rated life for many CFL downlights. It is available in 4- and 6-inch round and square shapes that allow users to choose the perfect light for each application.
To learn more about Lumination LED lighting fixtures, visit www.gelighting.com. Read more about GE’s commitment to innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges at www.ecomagination.com.

50 Years of LED Innovation
Oct. 9, 1962, GE scientist Dr. Nick Holonyak, Jr., invented the first practical visible-spectrum light-emitting diode (LED). In the 50 years since, GE has been on the forefront of LED innovation. The company has released inspired LED products for both residential and commercial settings, from the first ENERGY STAR®-qualified A19-shaped LED bulb to LED street lighting that illuminates cityscapes the world over.

GLidden Professional Launches Marketing Toolkit for the Pros

PITTSBURGH, – The GLIDDEN PROFESSIONAL® brand, one of America’s most trusted and recognized professional paint brands, today announced the launch of a new marketing toolkit for the professional painter. This easy-to-use system is designed specifically for the Pros to provide necessary tools to help them promote their businesses.

This toolkit enables the Pros to stand out from the competition by helping them develop professionally designed and printed promotional materials that display their company logos with the outstanding quality that is a staple of Glidden Professional products.

By utilizing the digital toolkit, Pros will be able to create hats, T-shirts, business cards, lawn signs, vehicle magnets and many other unique and creative items with production turnaround times of as few as three business days.

“The Pros have the products and the skills necessary to do their jobs, but the time and effort it takes to market their brands isn’t always available,” said Jodi Pitchok, senior marketing manager for the Glidden Professional brand of PPG Architectural Coatings. “We are excited about the opportunity to provide our Pros with an easy-to-use and affordable toolkit that will help them create quality promotional products to help attract new customers.”

Visit www.GliddenProfessional.com/THD/ProMarketingToolkit to get started.

Glidden Professional products are available at more than 2,200 THE HOME DEPOT® locations. Click here to locate a store near you.

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.®
PPG Industries’ vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty materials company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in nearly 70 countries around the world. Reported net sales in 2013 were $15.1 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com

– See more at: http://corporate.ppg.com/Media/Newsroom/2014/GLIDDEN-PROFESSIONAL-Launches-Marketing-Toolkit-fo#sthash.Dj9GqTtV.dpuf

Homeowners See Value in Making Bold Impressions with Paint According to New Nielsen Survey

CLEVELAND – Homes and communities across North America are preparing for a bold and colorful new look, as Sherwin-Williams kicks off its fifth annual National Painting Week, which runs from May 22-30, 2016.

According to a new survey conducted by Nielsen on behalf of Sherwin-Williams, the timing for National Painting Week couldn’t be better. More than half of all homeowners surveyed said they plan to take on a painting project in the next 12 months, and nearly three out of four state there is a positive emotional impact after painting a space. Sherwin-Williams is making it easy for homeowners to follow through on their plans with a National Painting Week sale and by helping them find the right colors, paint and tools.

In addition, during National Painting Week and throughout May, thousands of Sherwin-Williams associates across North America will be volunteering to refresh more than 275 locations in need of a fresh coat of paint, such as community centers, parks and historic landmarks.

Renowned architect and interior designer, John Gidding, will be joining Sherwin-Williams by participating in a community project and offering tips about how to make bold impressions. DIY bloggers and design professionals will also be sharing their inspirational ideas in the form of before-and-after reveals and project renderings.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Sherwin-Williams again this year to help inspire consumers to make bold impressions with paint, while also making a difference in local communities,” Gidding said. “Homeowners know that even simple projects can make a big transformation in homes and communities, and we’re looking forward to sharing tips, tools and inspiration to help get them started.”

Sherwin-Williams will be partnering with local affiliates of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Canada, and will be donating the paint and supplies for these projects. Painting contractors and builders are also participating in several community projects along with the teams from their local Sherwin-Williams stores. They will be sharing expertise and offering promotions in celebration of National Painting Week as well.

Survey reveals homeowner sentiment is high for projects
The Sherwin-Williams National Painting Week survey conducted by Nielsen revealed insights into homeowners’ mind-sets when it comes to painting projects and future plans, notably showing that most homeowners (56 percent) are planning to paint an area in their home in the next 12 months. Among key findings from the survey include:

Most homeowners (59 percent) are confident when considering a painting project
Nearly three quarters (74 percent) of millennial homeowners plan to paint an area in their home in the next 12 months
When asked how best to make a room stand out, nearly half (44 percent) of respondents chose painting an accent color on one wall
Almost three in five homeowners (59 percent) said they’d be willing to spend more than $100 on a DIY painting project
Among homeowners who have worked with a painting contractor in the past, 70 percent are planning a painting project in the next 12 months
For some homeowners, it may be time for a door refresh, as the survey also indicated that nearly a quarter (24 percent) haven’t had their front door painted in six or more years
“I’ve worked on many projects and above all, I’ve learned that there are endless ways to make a sophisticated, bold impression in your home and that small changes can make a big impact. With only 1 gallon of paint and a little time, people can achieve a positive, lasting outcome they’ll appreciate and enjoy for some time,” Gidding said.

Sherwin-Williams National Painting Week
In celebration of National Painting Week, Sherwin-Williams will be offering 30 percent off its branded paints and stains, and an additional 20 percent off wallpaper, from May 22-30. Visit your local Sherwin-Williams store to learn more. More information on National Painting Week is available at Sherwin-Williams stores and swpaintingweek.com.

ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
For 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,000 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.

IKEA Expands Distribution Network With New Custormer Fulfillment Center In Lakeland, FL

LAKELAND, Florida -IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that it has leased additional warehouse space in Lakeland, FL to serve as a Customer Distribution Center supporting the Tampa, Orlando and Miami markets. This facility will also fulfill parcel orders for the entire U.S. Southeast and will strengthen the company’s existing network of nine regional distribution centers while supporting its 48 stores in the U.S.

“As we grow our e-commerce presence, we want to provide our customers with shorter lead times and a higher-quality experience when shopping at IKEA,” said Lars Petersson, IKEA U.S. president. “The new distribution center in Lakeland provides opportunity to optimize customer accessibility in the Southeast and allows us to continue meeting the home furnishing needs of our customers.”

The IKEA Customer Distribution Center in Lakeland is currently planned to open in early 2019 and will comprise of 326,000 square feet of leased space off Allen K. Breed Highway, 28 miles from downtown Tampa. This project represents the sixth IKEA location in the state of Florida and is expected to bring 200 jobs to the Tampa-area.

The fulfilment center will focus on delivering items to customers who order products online. The site will be operated by DHL Supply Chain, a leader in contract logistics and a division of Deutsche Post DHL Group.

With nearly 1,000 suppliers in 50 countries, IKEA traditionally transports products globally to its stores through regional distribution centers. This customer distribution center and others in the future will augment the current U.S. distribution strategy and enhance IKEA’s ability to ensure product availability for customers shopping in-store or online.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently 419 IKEA stores in 49 countries, including 48 in the U.S. IKEA has been included in rankings of “Best Companies to Work For” and strives to be an employer of choice. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

IKEA GreenTech Invests In Innovative Technology To Expand Design Potential Of Energy Efficient LEDs.

IKEA GreenTech, an IKEA Group venture capital company, announced today that it has invested in Design LED Products Ltd, a Scottish company with a unique technology for a whole new generation of lighting products using energy efficient “light tiles” – LEDs embedded into clear resins and films. The tiles are unique as they are extremely thin, flexible and low cost and can be seamlessly joined together in exciting new designs.

The investment will support the delivery of the IKEA Group Sustainability Strategy, People & Planet Positive, which includes goals to enable customers to save energy and live more sustainably at home.

“This technology opens up fantastic possibilities for innovative designs using energy efficient LEDs. The partnership is a clear strategic fit for IKEA and our goal to make living sustainably affordable and attractive for millions of people,” says Christian Ehrenborg, Managing Director, IKEA GreenTech AB

LED lights use 85% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 20 times longer. IKEA will switch its entire lighting range to the technology by September 2015.

The investment will enable Design LED to expand its business and to increase its offer of products that can be used in lighting designs for the home.

“This strategic investment allows Design LED to significantly accelerate plans to deliver highly differentiated products to an international market desperate to conserve energy, and hungry for exciting new form factors in LED lighting” says Stuart Bain, CEO, Design LED Products Ltd

Existing Design LED Products shareholders have also invested alongside IKEA GreenTech, including most significantly Scottish Enterprise. A number of Scottish “business angel” investment groups also participated in this investment round, including Strathtay Ventures, Tricap Ventures, and Highland Ventures.

About Design LED Products Ltd,

Design LED, head-quartered in Livingston near Edinburgh, Scotland, is an internationally regarded LED lighting system technology business. The company is taking unique and innovative products to a global lighting market, which itself is growing rapidly on the back of international government and environmental legislation and increasing consumer demand for low energy, highly differentiated and low cost lighting solutionsMore information about Design LED Products Ltd is available at http://designledproducts.com

About IKEA GreenTech AB
IKEA GreenTech was established in 2008 and focuses mainly on the EU area. The company is wholly own by IKEA AB with the aim to explore and invest in companies and funds that will help IKEA Group to deliver on its sustainability strategy, People & Planet Positive.

IKEA GreenTech has made investments in the following companies; Exibea AB (energy management, Sweden), BoFood AB (vegetarian food, Sweden), DyeCoo Textile Systems (waterless dyeing), El-Seed Corp (LED-technology, Japan), Alelion Batteries AB (energy storage, Sweden) and Mountain Cleantech Fund II (Cleantech Growth Fund in the DE/AT/CH region).

More information about IKEA GreenTech is available at http://www.ikea.greentechab.com

IKEA Group says “thank you” to 123,000 co-workers with investment in their retirement funds

Conshohocken – IKEA Group co-workers around the globe will receive a special thanks from the company as part of the IKEA Tack! retirement fund. IKEA recently announced that Tack!, which means ‘thank you’ in Swedish, will allocate $113 million* total into the retirement funds of 123,000 IKEA co-workers throughout its corporate, retail and distribution centers. For U.S. co-workers, each will receive $1,403 into their Tack! retirement fund.

“At IKEA, no matter where you work in our organization you are contributing to our success and continued growth. We believe it’s important to recognize our co-workers for their hard work and loyalty and celebrate our successes together,” said Lars Petersson, IKEA U.S. President. “Our contribution to each co-worker’s Tack! retirement fund is just one way we can show our gratitude and demonstrate our commitment to being a great place to work.”

The global funding is divided between all IKEA Group countries, based on each country’s proportion of the total salary and wages. Every co-worker gets the same amount regardless of position or salary, and part-time co-workers are rewarded in proportion to their hours worked. Tack! was introduced in 2013 and since then the IKEA Group has paid out $600 (€509) million globally.

IKEA U.S. has been recognized as an employer-of-choice for its outstanding co-worker benefits including parental leave policy and minimum wage structure. The company has recently received these awards: FORTUNE 2017, Best Companies to Work For; FORTUNE 2017, 50 Best Workplaces for Diversity; Glassdoor 2017 Best Places to Work; 2017 PEOPLE Companies that Care; Fatherly: The 50 Best Places to Work for New Dads in 2017; and three Glassdoor 2017 Awards: Best Places to Work, Highest Rated CEOs, Best Places to Interview.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 392 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 46 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

IKEA introduces a new way to reduce indoor air pollution with a curtain

Älmhult, Sweden — Air pollution is a global issue and particularly problematic in megacities. According to WHO around 90% of people worldwide breathe polluted air, which is estimated to cause eight million deaths per year. IKEA has committed to contributing to a world of clean air, by actively reducing air pollutants and also enabling people to purify the air in their homes. The GUNRID air purifying curtain is a new step on the journey.

“Besides enabling people to breathe better air at home, we hope that GUNRID will increase people’s awareness of indoor air pollution, inspiring behavioural changes that contribute to a world of clean air,” says Lena Pripp-Kovac, Head of Sustainability at Inter IKEA Group. “GUNRID is the first product to use the technology, but the development will give us opportunities for future applications on other textiles.”

The curtain uses a unique technology, which has been developed by IKEA over the last years together with universities in Europe and Asia as well as IKEA suppliers and innovators. The way it works is similar to photosynthesis found in nature. The process is activated by both outdoor and indoor light.

“For me, it’s important to work on products that solve actual problems and are relevant to people. Textiles are used across homes and by enabling a curtain to purify the air, we are creating an affordable and space-saving air purifying solution that also makes the home more beautiful,” says Mauricio Affonso, Product Developer at IKEA Range & Supply.

For many years, IKEA has been reducing air pollution from its own operations by phasing out hazardous chemicals and reducing air emissions. Last year, IKEA launched the Better Air Now! Initiative, aiming to turn rice straw – a rice harvesting residue that is traditionally burned and contributes heavily to air pollution – into a new renewable material source for IKEA products. IKEA has also committed to becoming climate positive by 2030, reducing our overall climate footprint by 70% on average per product (compared to 2016).

“We know that there is no single solution to solve air pollution. We work long term for positive change, to enable people to live healthier and more sustainable lives,” says Lena Pripp-Kovac.

GUNRID air purifying curtain will be available in IKEA stores next year.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at affordable prices. Ingka Group, a strategic partner and the largest franchisee of the IKEA franchisee system operates 367 IKEA stores and touchpoints in 30 countries, including 49 in the U.S. During the past year, 160,000 co-workers welcomed 838 million visits to IKEA stores and more than 2.35 billion visits to IKEA.com.

IKEA is Growing While Making investments in Co-workers and Initiatives to Reduce Impact on the Environment

(Conshohocken, PA – November 6, 2015) IKEA US announced today that the company continued to grow in FY15;1 IKEA US store sales increased by 4.5 percent and total sales – including ecommerce – increased by 8.6 percent outperforming both retail and home furnishing sectors.2 Additionally, IKEA US wind farm investments in Hoopeston, Ill and Cameron, TX are expected to generate between three and four times the amount of energy IKEA used in its US operations during FY14.

“We are pleased that IKEA US continues to grow. Our investment in our co-workers’ new minimum wage structure and our positive environmental programs demonstrate IKEA is a great place to work as well as a business that positively impacts our planet,” commented Lars Petersson, IKEA US President. “We also see great opportunities for significant future growth as we expand the number of U.S. stores 12 percent by fall 2017.”

IKEA US investment in its co-workers was exemplified when it announced in June 2015, it would once again raise its minimum hourly wage in existing stores, effective January 2016. This follows the new minimum wage structure that was implemented on January 1, 2015, which resulted in a 4 percentage point reduction in turnover by the end of FY15.

IKEA is a Leader in Life at Home
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people, which includes offering products that are well-designed, functional, and cost-efficient. During FY15, this was demonstrated by the following actions and programs:•IKEA lowered the prices on a considerable number of articles including some of the best-selling IKEA products like the MALM storage bed and BRIMNES wardrobe.

•With a focus on a sustainable life at home, IKEA became the first major U.S. retailer to convert to selling only LED lamps and replacement bulbs.
•During FY15, IKEA completely changed its kitchen offer. The new range of kitchens, SEKTION, offers customers advantages such as – improved integration of lighting into drawers, new drawers within drawers and more options to customize cabinet interiors.

Business Growth & Expansion•As online shopping is growing among all customer sectors; IKEA Ecommerce experienced strong growth, up 23%.
•Life has become busier for most people and IKEA home deliveries has seen an increase of 73% in the last two years.
•Growth in the bed and bath departments contributed nearly half of total IKEA US sales growth.
•IKEA loyalty shopping has proven successful resulting in IKEA FAMILY memberships at 9.8 million in FY15, a 43% increase from FY14.
•FY15 saw improved IKEA food menu choices (seasonal, well priced) including the introduction of new healthier and more sustainable options; the IKEA food sector was up 5%.

Great Place to Work•IKEA cares about its co-workers and the lives they live. With a focus on more predictable scheduling, IKEA US provides co-workers with their schedules three weeks in advance, more than required by federal legislation.
People & Planet•IKEA aims to produce as much renewable energy as the company consumes in its operations by 2020. To that end, IKEA continued to invest in renewable energy in FY15 by expanding solar installations and investing in wind farms in the U.S. Today, 90% of IKEA US units – store, distribution centres and offices – have solar installations.

About IKEA Group
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 328 IKEA Group stores in 28 countries. Additionally, there are 40 IKEA stores run by franchises. There are 41 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 15, IKEA Group had 771 million visitors to the stores and 1.9 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, please visit www.IKEA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog

IKEA kitchen cabinets ranked “Highest Customer Satisfaction” in 2018 J.D. Power Satisfaction Study

Conshohocken, PA – IKEA SEKTION Kitchen cabinets were ranked “Highest Customer Satisfaction with Kitchen Cabinets,” for 2018, by J.D. Power, a global marketing information company that represents the voice of the customer.

The IKEA SEKTION kitchen cabinets were ranked against eight other brands based on customer satisfaction in five factors , during the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Study: operational performance, ordering and delivery, price, design features and warranty. IKEA ranked highest in all five factors , coming out with an overall satisfaction score of 872 out of 1000.

“At IKEA, we believe that kitchen cabinets are a long-term investment for a home, and our goal is to make them affordable, beautiful and high-quality backed by a 25-year limited warranty,” said Kathleen Wilber, Business Leader, IKEA U.S. “We’re honored to have won the highest customer satisfaction ranking, again, for our kitchen cabinets.”

IKEA is also currently offering savings of 10% on a new kitchen, valid through Sunday, November 11, 2018 for IKEA Family members.*. Customers can find tools to help create their dream kitchens at http://kitchenplanner.ikea.com/US. Details about IKEA kitchen service offerings, including measuring, planning, professional installation, total project management, and home delivery, are also available on the site.

*Includes only SEKTION kitchen cabinets; cabinet fronts; hinges; integrated kitchen cabinet shelves, drawers and drawer fronts; cover panels; molding; toekicks; legs; countertops; knobs & handles; integrated kitchen lighting; sinks; faucets; and appliances. Tax and delivery not included. Offer cannot be applied to prior purchases or combined with other kitchen offers such as custom countertop offers. Offer valid only in US. Some offer restrictions may apply. See store or IKEA-USA.com for more details. No minimum purchase required.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices. The IKEA Group operates 367 IKEA stores in 30 countries, including 48 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

IKEA Launches Pilot Virtual Reality (VR) Kitchen Experience for HTC Vive on Steam

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – IKEA today announced the release of a pilot virtual reality app, the IKEA VR Experience, on Valve’s world leading game platform Steam. The test app, featuring a virtual kitchen experience, is the first foray from IKEA into VR technology. The launch of the app is intended to solicit consumer feedback as IKEA continues to explore the possible implications of the technology for the home. In recent years, IKEA has explored new technology as a way to improve its offer and empower customers. The launch of IKEA VR Experience is one of the steps taken in this effort.

“Virtual reality is developing quickly and in five to ten years it will be an integrated part of people’s lives. We see that virtual reality will play a major role in the future of our customers. For instance, someday, it could be used to enable customers to try out a variety of home furnishing solutions before buying them,” says Jesper Brodin, managing director at IKEA of Sweden and Range & Supply Manager at IKEA Group.

The IKEA VR Experience brings the user a virtual IKEA kitchen in real world size. Using an HTC Vive headset, consumers can use the app to explore one of three differently-styled kitchen room settings. The user can change the color of cabinets and drawers with a click. Another feature is the ability to view the kitchen from different perspectives by either shrinking or stretching yourself to move around the kitchen at the size of a 3.3 foot-tall child or a 6.4 foot-tall adult. This could be useful for the user, since walking around the room in someone else’s shoes enables you to discover hidden dangers or possible design solutions.

“We also see IKEA VR Experience as an opportunity to co-create with people all around the world. We hope that users will contribute to our virtual reality development, by submitting ideas on how to use virtual reality and how to improve the virtual kitchen,” says Martin Enthed, IT Manager for IKEA Communications, the in-house communication agency at IKEA of Sweden.

The app was made in collaboration with developers at the French company Allegorithmic, using Unreal Engine 4 from Epic Games, and has been developed for HTC Vive, a first of its kind, award winning, virtual reality system created by HTC and Valve.

Feedback and suggestions on how to improve the IKEA VR Experience can be submitted to VRDevelopment@IKEA.com. The IKEA VR Experience will be continuously updated until August when this particular pilot test ends.

About IKEA U.S.
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. here are currently more than 380 IKEA stores in 47 countries, including 41 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

About IKEA Group
Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people and we offer well designed, functional and affordable, high quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. The IKEA Group has 332 stores in 28 countries. In addition there are more than 40 stores run by franchisees outside the IKEA Group. The IKEA Group had 771 million visitors during FY15 and 1.9 billion people visited IKEA.com (www.ikea.com).

About HTC
HTC Corporation aims to bring brilliance to life. As a global innovator in smart mobile devices and technology, HTC has produced award-winning products and industry firsts since its inception in 1997, including the critically acclaimed HTC One and HTC Desire lines of smartphones. The pursuit of brilliance is at the heart of everything HTC does, inspiring best-in-class design and game-changing mobile and virtual reality experiences for consumers around the world. HTC is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

About Allegorithmic
Allegorithmic develops the new generation of 3D texturing software: Substance Painter, Substance Designer and Substance B2M. With most AAA game studios using these tools, Substance has become the industry standard for creating next-generation PBR (Physically Based Rendering) assets. These tools are also rapidly expanding to the VFX/Film and Design/Architecture industries.

About Unreal Engine
Developed by Epic Games, the Unreal Engine brings high-fidelity experiences to PC, console, mobile, the Web and VR. Unreal Engine accelerates the creation of games, applications, visualizations and cinematic content. Download Unreal Engine for free at unrealengine.com, and follow @UnrealEngine for updates.

IKEA Lights Up UNHCR Refugee Camps With Sustainable Lighting

Conshohocken, It’s a bright idea for a good cause with the introduction of the new IKEA Foundation campaign, ‘Brighter Lives for Refugees.’ Running February 3 – March 29, 2014, the global IKEA store initiative includes a donation of one euro ($1.35)* to the UN refugee agency UNHCR for every IKEA LEDARE – LED light bulb sold. Raised campaign funds will help to provide solar street lights, indoor solar lanterns, and other renewable energy technologies such as fuel efficient cooking stoves in UNHCR refugee camps in countries including Ethiopia, Chad, Bangladesh and Jordan.In addition the campaign will also fund improved primary education.

Today, there are nearly 10.5 million refugees globally, around half of which are children. Some refugees have no choice but to live in refugee camps where an absence or lack of light after sunset can have a devastating effect on safety and security. Simple activities such as visiting the toilet, collecting water or returning to the shelter from elsewhere can become difficult and dangerous, particularly for women and girls. The improvements funded by the campaign will make each refugee camp a safer and more suitable home for refugee children and their families.

“In 2013, over 2 million people became refugees – a near twenty-year record. With each new humanitarian emergency the support of the private sector becomes more vital and more urgent. This campaign represents a new, unique chapter in our relationship with the IKEA Foundation, UNHCR’s largest private sector partner. Together, we hope to be able to transform the lives of many refugees,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres.

The IKEA Foundation believes that every child deserves a safe place to call home. Since 2010 the IKEA Foundation has partnered with UNHCR, helping to provide shelter, care and education to families and children within refugee camps and surrounding communities.

“Life in a refugee camp can be very hard, particularly for children. The absence of powered light limits everyday activities we take for granted such as sharing a meal or doing your homework. It impacts safety and security and the ability for families to generate an income. The ‘Brighter Lives for Refugees’ campaign will help bring lights and renewable energy into the streets and homes of refugees camps, so UNHCR can help build a better everyday life for refugee children and families,” explains Per Heggenes, CEO, IKEA Foundation.

IKEA continues to lead in sustainable business practices. In October 2012, IKEA US announced it would make a bold move to sell only LED lights in all its US stores by 2016. Already well on its way, the IKEA sale of only LED lights and lamps will and has enabled millions of people to live a more sustainable life at home, and save on their energy bills. IKEA also phased out all plastic bags in its stores in 2007 and incandescent bulbs in 2010.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.ikea.com

IKEA Live Oak is officially open!

Live Oak, TX — IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today opened the doors of its Live Oak store to customers at 9 a.m. CT. Before the doors opened, store manager Diedre Goodchild, Live Oak Mayor Mary Dennis, Sweden Deputy Chief of Mission Göran Lithell and IKEA U.S. Deputy Retail Manager Gus Tinajero were present to welcome the community with a traditional Swedish log-sawing ceremony, bringing good luck to the new store and its guests.

“We are excited and proud to offer the San Antonio community our unique IKEA shopping experience and affordable home furnishing solutions,” said Diedre Goodchild, store manager. “We appreciate the warm welcome from the community and are very excited to be here. Today’s grand opening reflects the community’s enthusiasm, and our co-workers can’t wait to welcome them into the store.”

IKEA Live Oak grand opening visitors will be greeted with family-friendly activities, special offers and a chance to win thousands of dollars in gift cards—including three (3) gift cards valued at $500, $1,500 and $2,000 awarded prior to the doors opening. Throughout the entire day, visitors who join the IKEA FAMILY loyalty program or scan their IKEA FAMILY card in-store at an IKEA FAMILY kiosk, will also be automatically entered for a chance to win one of twenty (20) $250 IKEA gift cards. Two winners will be randomly drawn and announced every hour from 10:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on opening day.

The 289,000-square-foot IKEA Live Oak store reflects the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide. It was built on 31 acres at the southwest corner of Interstate 35 and Loop 1604, approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio. IKEA Live Oak features nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, 40 inspirational room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and 359-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties including meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at affordable prices. Ingka Group, a strategic partner and the largest franchisee of the IKEA franchisee system operates 367 IKEA stores and touchpoints in 30 countries, including 48 in the U.S. During the past year, 160,000 co-workers welcomed 838 million visits to IKEA stores and more than 2.35 billion visits to IKEA.com.

IKEA Place app launches on Android, allowing millions of people to reimagine home furnishings using AR

Conshohocken, PA – IKEA is opening a world of furnishing possibilities to millions of Android users around the world, allowing more people to see how a great piece of furniture might amp up their space. IKEA Place lets users confidently experiment, experience and “place” 3-D representations of more than 3,200 IKEA products into their space to ensure that they are just the right size and design from sofas and lighting to beds and wardrobes. IKEA Place is now available on Android for all ARCore compatible devices.

“When we first launched IKEA Place on iOS 11, in September 2017, we gave our customers the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’. Customers truly appreciate that we are helping them to create a better life at home using our AR technology. Today’s release is about bringing the ease of IKEA Place to over 100 million Android devices as well”, says Michael Valdsgaard, Leader Digital Transformation at Inter IKEA Systems.

Visual search
The latest release has a range of new features, including Visual Search powered by Grokstyle. This allows people to take a picture with their phone of any furniture they see, and then find similar or matching IKEA products through the app, ready for purchase.

“Barriers between the digital and physical world are disappearing fast. To keep pace with that change, we focus on opening up new ways for people to access IKEA, wherever they are”, Michael continues.

Play the furnishing game
To coincide with the launch of the IKEA Place app on Android, IKEA has teamed up with lifestyle blogger Caroline Solomon (@lowcheekbones) to explore the service IKEA Place provides. The app makes it fun and easy for couples, families and friends to reach common ground on design choices. Matchers Keepers is a gameshow series, where couples and flatmates team up and find out how well their tastes match.

ABOUT IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices. The IKEA Group operates 362 IKEA stores in 29 countries, including 47 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

IKEA Seeking 300 Coworkers to Join Swedish Family at Store on Track to Open Summer 2016 in Las Vegas, NV

LAS VEGAS, NV – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced it has begun the coworker recruitment process for its future Las Vegas store, opening Summer 2016 along the northern side of the 215 Beltway at Durango Drive, near Sunset Road. Candidates interested in working at the future IKEA Las Vegas should apply online at IKEA-USA.com.

“We are thrilled to offer interested jobseekers diverse positions with limitless opportunity at a global company known for being a great place to work,” said Amy Jensen, IKEA Las Vegas store manager. “At IKEA, we offer a variety of positions for different coworkers’ interests so they can enjoy their job and contribute successfully. We believe it is as fun to work at IKEA as it is to shop at IKEA.”

As IKEA Las Vegas progresses through the construction process, a variety of positions are open to local residents. Prospective coworkers can apply for the approximately 300 diverse positions now available in: home furnishings sales, interior design, customer service, safety and security, cashier, facility management, receiving, stock replenishment and warehouse. Also, setting itself apart from other local retailers, IKEA Las Vegas will offer approximately 60 food service opportunities in its Restaurant, Swedish Foodmarket, Café Bistro and coworker cafeteria.

Drawing from the company’s Swedish heritage, IKEA offers family-friendly initiatives and diverse workplace benefits including full medical/dental insurance to coworkers working 20 hours or more per week with eligibility for domestic partners and children. Other benefits include: vacation, paid maternity/paternity leave and paid time off for child adoption, tuition assistance, a bonus program, 401(k) matching, a pension plan, professional development, training and mentoring programs, free uniforms, and – of course – a discount at IKEA.

IKEA recently was voted by coworkers as a Great Place to Work® on the ‘Fortune 20 Best Retail Workplaces’ list, received a 100 percent perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI,) and listed as #3 on Forbes’ list of “Happiest Retailers to Work For.” Previously, the company has been included in rankings of “Best Companies to Work For” and, as further investment in its coworkers, has raised its own minimum wage twice in two years.

IKEA BEGINS RECRUITMENT FOR LAS VEGAS STORE

The organization puts career opportunity into the hands of the individual, encouraging coworkers to consider assignments within different functions, at other IKEA stores or even in other countries. IKEA prides itself on the fact an opportunity at IKEA truly can evolve into a career, potentially paving the way for a global experience as well. The company also places value and emphasis on coworkers’ personal lives and the importance of a work/life balance.

Under construction on 26 acres in the Spring Valley area of Clark County, the 351,000-square-foot future IKEA Las Vegas and its approximately 1,300 parking spaces is located along the northern side of the 215 Beltway at Durango Drive, near Sunset Road. IKEA also will be installing Nevada’s largest single-use retail rooftop solar array, consistent with the IKEA renewable energy presence at its 90% of its U.S. locations.

The store will feature nearly 10,000 exclusively designed items, 50 inspirational room-settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 450-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries and salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Other family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the Showroom, baby care rooms, play areas throughout the store, and preferred parking.

IKEA will generate significant tax revenue for state and local governments. When IKEA Las Vegas opens in Summer 2016, the new store will welcome the newly hired 300 coworkers to the IKEA family of more than 14,000 in the United States and 147,000 globally. Until IKEA Las Vegas opens, customers can shop at the closest IKEA stores: Covina, CA; Tempe, AZ, or Draper, UT; or online at IKEA-USA.com.

Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 370 IKEA stores in 47 countries, including 41 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

IKEA U.S. Annouces “Cook And Eat Your Way”, A Nationwide In-Store Event For IKEA Family Members

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA – IKEA U.S. is inviting IKEA FAMILY members and their loved ones to join a special in-store event* on Saturday, November 5, 2016 called “Cook and Eat Your Way.” Keeping in line with the theme of the new 2017 IKEA catalog “Goodbye expectations, Hello you,” this day is meant to encourage people to let go of stressful expectations around the kitchen – from setting the perfect table to baking from scratch. During the event, IKEA FAMILY members will enjoy fun and inspirational activities to help them break a few food-related “rules,” as well as delicious treats, exclusive deals and giveaways throughout the day.

“Traditional expectations around how things are supposed to be done can kill inspiration and be overwhelming. That’s why we believe that there isn’t a right way in the kitchen, just one’s own personal way,” said Wanda Fisher, Regional Marketing Manager, IKEA U.S. “With this event, we invite everyone to shrug off what’s expected and celebrate all the offbeat solutions in and around the kitchen.”

Designed as a special reward for IKEA loyalists and their friends, “Cook and Eat Your Way” will include the following in-store offerings**:

•Kitchen Know-how: Learn fun and unique kitchen tips and tricks, discover tasty new recipes, and enjoy activities for the entire family. Specific workshops and activities vary by store, but could include “A Dinner Without Dishes,” “Slow Food in a Jiffy,” or “Personal Table Settings.”

•Food Storage Giveaway: The first 100 IKEA FAMILY members to check in at the IKEA “Cook and Eat Your Way” Event will receive a 17-piece PRUTA food storage set, a $4.99 value! These stackable, BPA-free containers are safe for the microwave, freezer and dishwasher to give you greater flexibility with portions and leftovers.

•FIKA Workshop: FIKA is a Swedish word that means “coffee break”. Traditionally, this is a time for one to take a small break with friends, colleagues or family and enjoy some coffee with a snack such as cookies, candy, or baked goods. We’ll show you the art of putting together the perfect fika for friends and co-workers. Additionally, attendees of the workshop can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $100 IKEA gift card (five winners per store; excludes IKEA Burbank*).

•Delicious Food Offers: Friends love to bond over food, and IKEA makes it even easier with a Buy One, Get One Free dessert offer from 2:00-4:00pm in the IKEA Restaurant. IKEA FAMILY members can enjoy complimentary tea & coffee, including our new specialty coffee drinks. Foodies can take advantage of $5 off $25 at the Swedish Food Market with a coupon. Free food samples will also be a part of the day.

•Big Discounts: IKEA FAMILY members can save more, with offers such as:
o20% off VARDAGEN kitchen accessories
o20% off HENRIKSDAL chairs
o20% off OMAR shelving
o$3.59 MALINDA chair cushions (reg. $4.49)
o15% off all Mattresses and Bedframes
oAdditional special local offers**

For more information on “Cook and Eat Your Way” and specific activities/offers at your local store, please visit https://info.ikea-usa.com/Cook-and-Eat-Your-Way/. Participants can share their experiences of the day using #IKEAYourWay.

Beyond this one-day special event, IKEA shoppers can continue to get more out of each IKEA store visit by becoming an IKEA FAMILY member. The no-cost membership includes perks like special discounts, gift card giveaway entries with each purchase, complimentary coffee and tea in the IKEA Restaurant, and more. During the Cook & Eat Your Way event, shoppers will have the opportunity to sign up for the ongoing rewards program.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 385 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 42 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

IKEA U.S. continues its ‘5,000 Dreams’ program, donates 2,800 additional beds and bedding to refugee families starting new lives in America

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA – IKEA U.S. announced today the continuation of ‘5,000 Dreams’, its community donation program focused on supporting the newly-arrived refugee families in local IKEA store communities. Working with three partner refugee organizations — the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, the International Rescue Committee and the Ethiopian Community Development Council — IKEA is donating an additional 2,800 beds and bedding to refugees who are making fresh starts with their families in the U.S. This will complete the total donation of 5,000 beds and bedding planned through the 5,000 Dreams program.

“The 5,000 Dreams program goes hand-in-hand with our vision to create a better everyday life for the many people,” said Samantha Giusti, IKEA U.S. Community Affairs Manager. “We are pleased to continue to play a part in helping refugee families build a new life here in our local communities by providing beds and bedding to make their homes more comfortable and ensure a good night’s sleep.”

The current international refugee crisis is one of the greatest, most complex humanitarian challenges of our generation. Today, the number of people displaced from their homes by violence and persecution is unprecedented in human history. More than 65 million people have been forcibly displaced and nearly a third – more than 22 million – are living outside of their countries as refugees, according to The UN Refugee Agency.

“Resettlement is a collective effort. It depends on public/private partnerships and IKEA is keeping their commitment by providing 5,000 Dreams: 5,000 beds, pillows and bedding for newly-arrived refugees,” said Eskinder Negash, acting Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. This gift not only provides tangible support for those newly arrived, it sets a standard of private sector support that is commendable and demonstrates leadership at a time when millions of people are displaced and wondering where they will safely lay their head tonight.”

“Thanks to IKEA’s 5,000 Dreams program, thousands of refugees fleeing war and persecution, including hundreds at a dozen ECDC affiliate sites around the country, started their life in America sleeping safe and warm in a new bed,” said Dr. Tsehaye Teferra, President of Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. “Their American dreams began with a good night’s sleep in an IKEA bed.”

“After overcoming significant challenges and experiencing unspeakable hardship, refugees come to the U.S. with barely anything, let alone the essentials they need to start rebuilding their lives,” said Jennifer Sime, senior vice president of U.S. programs at the International Rescue Committee. “Through our continued work with IKEA’s 5000 Dreams, we can help refugees build a home in America. From there, they can create a space where they and their families can thrive.”

IKEA U.S. will be working with the three refugee agencies for the majority of the donations. However, for 11 IKEA stores (West Chester, Orlando, Round Rock, Charlotte, Portland, Long Island, Memphis, Sunrise, Jacksonville, Fishers and Columbia), IKEA U.S. will be working with other local refugee organizations to coordinate the donations and ensure timely distribution for those in need.

In addition to 5,000 Dreams, IKEA U.S. has also been committed to helping its local communities through many other social programs, including Early Steps to School Success, Feeding the Future, and the Life Improvement programs, which benefit community schools, organizations and institutions that need a helping hand through IKEA product donations and IKEA co-worker volunteer support.

Globally, IKEA and the IKEA Foundation continue to address the global refugee crisis in many ways. The IKEA Foundation is donating 150,000 mattresses to UNHCR for vulnerable families living within Syria. Additionally, the IKEA Foundation created another refugee program with a positive societal impact, purchasing rugs from Jordan and partnering with local refugee social enterprises and foundations to support livelihoods for refugees and locals. This program will enable 200 Syrian refugee women to produce saleable rugs through IKEA.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 414 IKEA stores in 49 countries, including 47 in the United States. IKEA has been included in the rankings of “Best Companies to Work For” and as further investment in its coworkers raised its own minimum wage twice in two years. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants has protected the rights and addressed the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide for over 106 years. Our vision is that immigrants, refugees and uprooted people will live dignified lives with their rights respected and protected in communities of opportunity. In the United States our network is comprised of over 100 local agencies. Learn more at www.refugees.org

The International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 28 offices across the U.S. helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities. Learn more at www.rescue.org and follow the IRC on Twitter & Facebook.

Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc.ECDC is one of nine resettlement agencies working in partnership with the Department of State and the Office of Refugee Resettlement to provide initial placement and support services to refuges being resettled in the United States. With a special focus on African refugees, ECDC promotes cultural, educational and socioeconomic development programs to assist refugees and immigrants in becoming productive members of their new homeland. For more information about ECDC visit http://www.ecdcus.org/ and follow ECDC on Facebook and Twitter.

IKEA U.S. Introduces Regissor, New Living Room Storage Series Designed For Quicker Assembly

Starting this month, IKEA U.S. will begin selling a new living room storage series called REGISSÖR that uses an innovative technique for faster and easier furniture assembly.
Customers can assemble the new REGISSÖR series – which includes a bookshelf, cabinets and a coffee table, using a new IKEA-developed solution that was designed on the factory floor together with suppliers. Featuring special wedge dowels, furniture pieces assembled using this technique require no tools and have no loose pieces; you can put them together using only your hands. Click HERE to see a video [NOTE: You can click the Closed Caption (CC) button in YouTube to view English subtitles during Swedish language sections of the video].

The new assembly technique will be used in an additional storage units slated for spring 2015 and is already being used in select pieces from the STOCKHOLM range (sideboard and cabinet). REGISSÖR is the first product where the new assembly solution is used in full-scale production.

“The new solution gives consumers more choices,” says Janice Simonsen, Design Spokesperson, IKEA U.S. “By making it even easier to assemble our furniture, we want to give people who may find it challenging a new reason for choosing IKEA.”

REGISSÖR also includes a new board-on-frame technique, allowing IKEA to use fewer raw materials and still offer a product with great quality at an affordable price.

IKEA U.S. Launches a New Gift Registry to Help Shoppers Celebrate Special Occasions

Conshohocken, PA – IKEA U.S. announces today a new gift registry which allows customers to create and fulfill wish lists for weddings, baby showers, housewarmings, back to college, or any other special occasion. Whether seeking cozy bedding, the perfect set of wine glasses, a new crib or even a new kitchen, shoppers can easily choose their favorites from thousands of affordable products for every area of the home to add to their registry. To celebrate the new registry, IKEA is offering the chance for three registry entrants to win a $1,000 IKEA gift card to use for their special moment (giveaway period is 2/14/17 – 5/31/17).* IKEA will also offer registrants additional giveaways, prizes – and other surprises! – on an ongoing basis.

“A gift registry has been on our customers’ wish list for years,” said Ashley Wahl, IKEA Gift Registry Project Leader and CRM Specialist. “The new IKEA Gift Registry makes it easy for your loved ones to help you celebrate your special moments, whether it’s your wedding day, a new baby, an exciting move—or just any other reason to shower you with love. We’re thrilled to be able to now offer them this service and to play a small part in helping people celebrate special moments in each other’s lives.”

IKEA Gift Registry:
To create a registry, customers can choose from several options:
1)Download the IKEA Gift Registry app (available for iOS and Android; text “Registry” to 62345 to receive link to download)
2)Visit the IKEA Gift Registry website (www.IKEA-USA.com/registry)
3)Go to an IKEA store and use the IKEA Gift Registry kiosk.

The IKEA Gift Registry is powered by IKEA FAMILY, so to create a registry, shoppers must be a registered IKEA FAMILY member** (simply log in using an existing account, or sign up for IKEA FAMILY – the free IKEA loyalty program – when creating the registry account).

Adding items to a registry list is easy. When in-store, the IKEA Gift Registry app can be used to scan product barcodes, manually enter article numbers or to capture and add entire room settings (multiple products) using the special “snap photo” function. The “snap photo function” also allows shoppers to add IKEA services – like home delivery or delivery with assembly – to their list. On the IKEA Gift Registry website, shoppers can add products by entering their article numbers or by searching/choosing from a categorized product list. Registrants can also select product suggestions from the inspiration section, as the website features gift ideas for any occasion, from weddings to baby basics to new home needs. Additionally, users can add items to their list directly from the IKEA website product pages (www.IKEA-USA.com).

Once completed, the registry list can be shared with guests via text message, email or social media. Users can manage their registries online or on-the-go with their mobile device and can follow what friends and family have purchased, read messages from guests and to send thank you notes.Purchasing products from the IKEA Gift Registry is also easy! Guests can obtain the registry list from the kiosk in the local IKEA store or from the website (www.IKEA-USA/registry). There are four ways to purchase from the registry:

1)Chip-in: Via the IKEA Gift Registry site, users can “chip in” a desired dollar amount towards the total purchase price of the product, a great option for big-ticket items.***
2)Add to Gift Card: Via the IKEA Gift Registry site, users can virtually “buy” an item; the value is then applied to an IKEA Gift Card, as opposed to buying the physical product.
3)Buy Online: Users can purchase a registry item online at IKEA-USA.com and choose to have an item sent to them or directly to the recipient.
4)Buy In-Store: Users can purchase a registry product in any IKEA U.S. store.

For more information on the new IKEA Gift Registry, visit www.IKEA-USA.com/registry. To download the IKEA Gift Registry app, visit the app store (iOS and Android) or text “REGISTRY” to 62345 to get a link to download the app.

The IKEA Gift Registry Giveaway
To celebrate the new registry, IKEA is offering the chance for three registry entrants to win a $1,000 IKEA gift card to use for their special moment (giveaway period is 2/14/17 – 5/31/17).* To enter, customers must create an IKEA registry between February 14, 2017 and May 31, 2017. No purchase necessary. For official rules and additional information about the “IKEA Gift Registry Giveaway,” visit www.IKEA-USA.com/registrylink.

IKEA will also offer registrants additional giveaways, prizes – and other surprises! – on an ongoing basis.

* The Giveaway begins at 12:00:01 AM (ET) on 2/14/2017 and ends at 11:59:59 PM (ET) on 5/31/2017. Visit www.IKEA-USA.com/registrylink for Giveaway rules.

** IKEA FAMILY is a free loyalty program with benefits such as product discounts, free coffee or hot tea in the restaurant, 90 day price protection, extra Småland time, special offers, ideas and inspiration, and more. Visit IKEA FAMILY for more information.

*** Chip-in is only available on single items greater than $50 in value. Not available if registry creator adds 2 or more of an item to their registry

**** Not all IKEA products are available to purchase online. To find out if a product is available to purchase online, when looking at the registry list online on the IKEA Gift Registry website, click on “purchase” to reveal the purchase options for a specific item. Adding the registry number in the shopping cart during the online checkout process will ensure the purchase is attributed to registry. To do this, enter the registry number in the “IKEA FAMILY card number” field in the shopping cart at checkout.

***** Present a gift registry print out or pull up and present the registry number and barcode via a mobile device to the cashier at checkout. The cashier will scan the registry barcode at the register. If the product has a special IKEA FAMILY price, it will be applied once the barcode is scanned as well.

ABOUT IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 392 IKEA stores in 48 countries, including 43 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

IKEA Unveils 2015 Catalog Focused On Helping People Begin And End Every Day In The BestT Way Possible

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA – IKEA announced today that the new 2015 IKEA U.S. catalog, filled with design inspiration and new products for every area of the home, will be available to the public starting this August. Themed “Where the Everyday Begins and Ends,” this year’s catalog highlights the two important rooms where people sleep and get ready every morning and night – the bedroom and the bathroom. Readers will learn how IKEA can help them make the beginning and end of their days more comfortable, more calm, and more organized by designing their spaces based on their own routines, utilizing smart space solutions, and expressing their personal styles.

To gain a better understanding of how the start of the day impacts a person’s well-being, IKEA recently released its first global Life at Home Report. The report, which includes an interactive “Data Mixing Board,” took a deep look at people’s morning routines from waking up to walking out the door, and how their morning habits impact their days.

“Everyone goes to sleep and wakes up, but everything in between those moments is very personal. We all have individual needs when it comes to our morning and evening routines,” says Patty Lobell, Sales Manager, IKEA U.S. “IKEA understands how people live and we use that knowledge to create solutions to help you make the most of your personal spaces so you can make the most of you.”

Bedrooms and bathrooms are places to refresh and recharge. The bathroom is a personal retreat but often also a small shared area. In fact, 70% of Americans share their bathroom with a spouse or partner*. IKEA can help make the most of the limited space you have by providing space-saving products that grab every square inch and clear out the clutter. In addition, IKEA offers soft and cozy textiles that help create a relaxing, spa-like feel. The bedroom is your comfort zone, where you can relax and recharge. People cite their biggest challenge in the bedroom as a lack of space or insufficient storage**. IKEA has well-organized storage solutions that help you find your things quickly and easily, leaving you with more time to spend with the kids or have that extra cup of coffee. And, since a good day starts with a good night’s sleep, you can customize your sleep experience with IKEA products that that meet your needs for warmth, support, and softness.

The 2015 catalog will be available in 67 printed editions, 32 languages and 46 countries/territories. The IKEA catalog is now the largest print production ever to be printed on 100% FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper. The entire IKEA catalog production chain, from forest to printer, is FSC-certified to ensure a more sustainable origin of the wood.

U.S. consumers can access the new catalog in multiple ways:
Printed Version – Request a printed copy of the catalog at www.getmy2015catalog.com.
Digital Version – Visit www.2015digitalcatalog.com to view the digital version of the catalog online beginning on July 24. New for this year, user will also be able to save lists of their favorite products from the digital catalog and create shopping lists.
Catalog App for smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android) – Download from your app store beginning on July 24. The app gives users access to extended catalog content by scanning designated pages of the printed catalog. The extended content includes: an augmented reality “Place in Your Room” feature which allows users to virtually place and view nearly 300 IKEA products in their own homes; shareable videos featuring quick DIY tips and stories behind IKEA products; 360º views that allow users to look all the way around a whole room; and image galleries. Select content will also be available in the digital catalog.
Fans can connect with IKEA on Pinterest (https://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA), Twitter (@DesignbyIKEA) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/IKEAUSA). Join the conversation via the hashtag #IKEACatalog.

*Source: IKEA U.S. Consumer Panel – Life in the Home: Bathrooms, November 2013
**Source: IKEA U.S. Consumer Panel Bedroom Report, June 2013

NOTE FOR PRESS: Please visit our press site at IKEA-USA.com/2015catalog for downloadable press information on the catalog, hi-res product images, videos and additional materials. Also available at the site is a press preview of the digital catalog via a link to a beta version. Contact IKEARequests@Ketchum.com for additional information, product loans or images.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good designand function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currentlymore than 350 IKEA stores in 44 countries, including 38 in the U.S. IKEA incorporatessustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and theenvironment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com

IKEA US Adopts New Minimum Hourly Wage Structure

(Conshohocken, PA) IKEA US announced today it will adopt a new minimum hourly wage structure for their US retail co-workers beginning January 1, 2015. The change will take the average minimum hourly wage in existing US stores (as of June 2014) to $10.76, a $1.59 or 17% increase, and $3.51 above the current federal minimum wage. The increase will impact approximately 50% of IKEA US retail co-workers. The hourly wage will vary based on the cost of living in each IKEA US location*. This is a departure from determining wages based on the local competitive situation and is centered on the needs of the co-worker.

“At IKEA, we are guided by our mission ‘to create a better everyday life for the many people,’ a vision that includes our co-workers, customers and the communities impacted by our business,” said Rob Olson, IKEA US Acting President and CFO. “The transition to the new minimum hourly wage structure is not only the right thing to do, it makes good business sense. We are basing our wages on our co-workers and their needs, rather than what the local employment market dictates. Our focus is to ensure that IKEA is a great place to work by providing an environment that develops our co-workers and also meets our customers’ expectations. All of this contributes to our business success.”

The wage increase is based on the MIT Living Wage Calculator, which takes into consideration housing, food, medical and transportation costs plus annual taxes.* The hourly wage will vary based on the cost of living in each IKEA US location. All 38 existing US retail locations, as well as IKEA’s three new locations which open before the end of 2015, will adopt the new structure. All IKEA US non-retail locations – including five distribution centers, two service centers and a manufacturing facility – have hourly wage jobs that are already paying minimum wages above the local living wage.This increase is just the latest in a series of investments that IKEA has made in its co-workers. In the past year, IKEA US has introduced the TACK! loyalty program which makes contributions to a new retirement fund, and has increased the employer-matched contributions to the co-worker’s 401(k) plan, as well as launched the new One IKEA Bonus program for all co-workers.

The new minimum hourly wage structure will be a significant investment but it will not increase IKEA prices. In fact, IKEA is committed to continuing to lower prices.

* The rate used is a single person with no children .Based on the MIT Living Wage calculator http://livingwage.mit.edu
Rate applies no matter what the hours per week a co-worker works.

Contact: Mona A. Liss, IKEA Corporate PR Director ~ Mona.Liss@IKEA.com, 610.834.0180, ext.5852 (until June 27 and thereafter contact Elizabeth Gray, APCO Worldwide ~egray@apcoworldwide.com, 646-556-9316.)

About IKEA
The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 305 IKEA Group stores in 26 countries. There are 38 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 13, the IKEA Group had 135,000 co-workers, 684 million visitors to the stores and 1.3 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment.
For more information, visit IKEA-USA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @DesignByIKEA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog

IKEA US Renewable Energy Commitment Included In President Obama Announcement to Advance Solar Deployment

Conshohocken, PA. Today, President Obama announced more than 300 private and public sector commitments to create jobs and cut carbon pollution by advancing solar deployment and energy efficiency. IKEA US was listed with this commitment:

IKEA commits to use renewable energy generation at their new U.S. IKEA store locations, when feasible, with a focus on evaluating the viability of using solar and geothermal generation. IKEA is also announcing that their Miami, Florida store, which will open in summer 2014, will be their 40th US location with solar PV.

IKEA is committed to renewable energy and to running its business in a way that minimizes carbon emissions, not only because of the environmental impact but also for good business practices. IKEA invests in its own renewable energy sources so that it can control exposure to fluctuating electricity costs and to also continue to provide great value to its customers.

IKEA US is currently the 2nd largest private commercial solar US owner/user and is in the midst of investing $150 million in Photovoltaic systems. On April 10, 2014, IKEA US announced that it is making its first wind farm investment in the United States with the purchase of Hoopeston Wind in Hoopeston, Illinois. The 98 megawatt wind farm is the largest single IKEA Group renewable energy investment globally to date and will make a significant contribution to the company’s goal to generate as much renewable energy as the total energy it consumes by 2020. The project is currently being constructed by Apex Clean Energy and is expected to be fully operational by the first half of 2015. Hoopeston Wind is expected to generate up to 380 GWh of renewable energy each year.

During FY13, IKEA installed solar panels atop 8 more US locations. Today these solar installations completed are 90% of IKEA locations across 20 states, resulting in 165,000 solar panels providing 38 MW installed capacity. For FY14, IKEA US will expand the solar installations atop 3 locations as well as install an array atop its future Miami-Dade store set to open in Summer 2014. In addition, IKEA integrated a geothermal component into the heating and cooling system of the IKEA store in Centennial, CO, with another geothermal project underway as part of a new Kansas City-area store slated to open in Fall 2014.

The IKEA Group has also installed 550,000 solar panels on IKEA buildings in nine countries. In 2013, the IKEA Group produced 1,425 GWh of energy from renewable sources, including wind and solar, equivalent to 37% of the company’s total energy needs. As part of its People & Planet Positive sustainability strategy, the company has allocated $2 billion to invest in wind and solar until 2015 to get closer to its goal of producing 100% as much renewable energy as the total energy it consumes by 2020. The IKEA Group is also leading in making its operations more energy efficient, and since 2010 has saved nearly $55 million through energy efficiency efforts in IKEA stores and warehouses.

The commitments in this statement from President Obama administration represent more than 850 megawatts of solar deployed – enough to power nearly 130,000 homes – as well as energy efficiency investments that will lower bills for more than 1 billion square feet of buildings. Additionally, the President announced new executive actions that will lead to $2 billion in energy efficiency investments in Federal buildings; smarter appliances that will cut carbon pollution by more than 380 million metric tons – equivalent to taking 80 million cars off the road for one year – and will save businesses nearly $26 billion on their energy bills; and training programs at community colleges across the country that will assist 50,000 workers to enter the solar industry by 2020.

This news is courtesy of www.ikea.com

Ikea’s FSC Certification and Karelia Forest Management in Russia

[National] Wood is one of our most important materials and it is used in many of our products. For us it is important to offer home furnishing products of good quality to low prices. However, a low price must never be at the expense of quality of production conditions.

Our FSC certificate for Karelia has been suspended. We see the suspension of the certificate as highly temporary. The deviations mainly cover issues related to facilities and equipment for our co-workers, forestry management as well as training of our forestry co-workers. A majority of the deviations have already been corrected and our full focus is now on correcting the remaining deviations and reinstating the FSC certificate urgently. And whilst disappointed we also believe that the certificate suspension shows that the FSC system working. We take our responsibility for the forests and the people who work there very seriously and we appreciate that correcting the deviations will improve the way we manage the forest in Karelia.

While operating in Karelia, we have worked together with NGOs and authorities to improve forestry management in the region, for example set aside forest land and to leave trees standing on the logging sites.

IKEA is committed to responsible forest management and to the principles of the FSC. Our lease in Karelia has been FSC certified since 2006 and we believe that a reinstated FSC certificate will continue to be the best protection for natural values in the logging areas. Once we have transitioned our operations, we will continue to support the development of responsible forest management in Russia, which will also have positive impact on the Karelia region. We will do this through organizations such as the FSC.

What is our comment to the claim that IKEA is harvesting 600 year old trees?

This claim is misleading. The temporary suspension of the FSC certificate is not related to old growth forest. It is related to deviations within forest management, manuals and co-worker equipment. We do not use 600 year old trees in our products. The average age of the trees we are cutting in the lease is 160 years.

Karelia is an area with high natural values. 22% of the lease is identified as High Conservation Value Forest (HCVF as per definition of FSC) and we do not log from these areas.

Background

The IKEA Industry forestry operations in Karelia, Russia have been FSC-certified since 2006 and are controlled annually by external independent audits carried out by accredited FSC certification bodies.

The latest audit was carried out in October 2013 and the preliminary results where good with only minor deviations. However, in the final audit report, of January 31, deviations resulted in a temporary suspension of the FSC certificate of the Karelia leases. A majority of the deviations have already been closed and we are now working full force to close the remaining deviations and to get the certificate reinstated as soon as possible.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.ikea.com

Ingka Group invests in kitchen service company, Traemand, becoming even more convenient for customers

Ingka Group (Ingka Holding B.V and its controlled entities), the world’s largest home furnishing retailer, has signed an agreement to invest and acquire 49% of Traemand, a US based kitchen service company, with an option to buy the remaining shares. Traemand is an existing partner of IKEA Retail US and Canada, providing tools and systems to simplify the customers’ kitchen journey.

Ingka Group is accelerating its retail transformation by stepping up the investments to better meet the increasing needs of its customers. With the investment in Traemand the customer experience will be more simple and seamless.

“We know our customers appreciate our affordable, inspiring and functional kitchen range, in addition, the investment in Traemand makes it possible to integrate the planning and the installation service in the purchase, offering customers an even easier and more convenient experience when investing in a kitchen, ,” says Marcus Baumgartner, Customer Fulfilment Manager, Ingka Group.

The partnership with Traemand started in 2005, a long-standing and fully dedicated partner for the IKEA kitchen service business in the US and more recently Canada. The company has systems and tools which – when integrated closer to IKEA Retail – will enable a seamless kitchen journey from in-house measurement, online and instore kitchen planning, installation of the kitchen and customer support services.

“For the past 13 years we’ve had a successful partnership with IKEA Retail US, where we have supported thousands of customers in the journey of buying their dream kitchen. This investment makes it possible for us to take the next steps in developing our tools and services to better benefit the many IKEA kitchen customers,” says Bjarne Rasmussen, founder of Traemand.

The investment will allow Traemand to look into possibilities to expand its kitchen service concept outside the US and Canada, in order to further develop the kitchen service business and strengthen the IKEA customer experience.

“We are always striving to develop new and improved services to make our customers’ lives a little bit easier. We see that services connected to planning and getting your kitchen installed are key to our customers. Therefore this investment allows us to better meet their needs with convenient and affordable in-house service,” says Marcus Baumgartner.

The agreement was signed on 12 December 2018. Ingka Group now owns 49% of Traemand. Traemand will continue to be steered by its majority owners.

For more information contact: Ingka Group Media Relations, +46 70 993 6376 or corporate.communications.gl@ikea.com

About the Ingka Group
Ingka Group (Ingka Holding B.V. and its controlled entities) is one of 11 different groups of companies that own and operate IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. Ingka Group has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. It is the world’s largest home furnishing retailer operating 367 IKEA stores in 30 markets. These IKEA stores had 838 million visits during FY18 and 2.35 billion visits www.IKEA.com

About Traemand
Founded in 2005, Traemand is a leading kitchen service company that offers planning, measurement and installation services for kitchens. They have developed systems and tools which enable a full on-line support and customer meeting for kitchen sales and services. Traemand’s business model is built around the IKEA kitchen business.

Today they have 300 employees and operate in 32 states across the United States and two provinces in Canada supporting seven IKEA stores. It is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and Montreal, Quebec. For more information, visit Traemand.com.

Inspired by Wanderlust, Sherwin-Williams Names 2018 Color of the Year

CLEVELAND – A fusion of rich blue with jewel-toned green, the 2018 Color of the Year, Oceanside SW 6496, represents the growing desire for color that is both accessible and elusive. A complex, deep color, Oceanside offers a sense of the familiar with a hint of the unknown, bridging between old and new, light and dark.

“Green-blues in deep values, such as Oceanside, respond to changes in light, which is a quality that creates intense dimension,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “It is a tremendously versatile color, and harmonizes with other diverse color groups.”

Bringing the Color of the Year into the home
Blues evoke a multitude of moods and associations depending on hue, shade and application. Despite this variety, they are universally perceived as intelligent, honest and interesting—making blue the most beloved color worldwide. Oceanside’s multi-dimensional look could create a welcoming statement as a lively color for a front door. This green-meets-blue tone can also boost creative thinking and clarity of thought in a home office, or invite meditation and introspection in bedrooms or reading nooks.

“People today have a growing sense of adventure, and it is making its way into even the coziest corners of our homes. We are craving things that remind us of bright folklore, like mermaids and expeditions across continents. Oceanside is the color of wanderlust right in our own homes,” says Wadden.

Oceanside’s versatility allows it to play well with many colors. It is a bright counterpart to equally eye-catching colors, such as Exuberant Pink SW 6840 or Honey Bees SW 9018, or it can rest relaxingly alongside other blues, such as In The Navy SW 9178.

It is also the ideal companion for corals and copper metallic tones. Oceanside is universally embraced by design styles from mid-century modern to Mediterranean-inspired, and traditional to ultra-contemporary.

The Color of the Year in commercial spaces
Oceanside offers familiar inroads to bold color for developers, builders and interior designers. As with other colors found in nature, Oceanside can channel healing and tranquil emotions, but also spur heightened levels of creativity—making for a peaceful first impression in an office or hotel lobby and a bright, imaginative environment in classrooms.

“Oceanside is reminiscent of the multi-tonal blues found in nature, offering a memorable, yet calming effect for public spaces,” says Wadden. “It is a new twist on navy, a common color for use in commercial spaces. When placed correctly, it is refreshing and offers dimension and depth as a statement color.”

Channeling the inspiration of indigenous patterns and artisan styles embraced by many community spaces, Oceanside pairs best in commercial settings with camel-colored neutrals such as Tatami Tan SW 6116 and Tamarind SW 7538. As a base color, it effortlessly accents pops of red, like Heartthrob SW 6866 or Borscht SW 7578.

About Sherwin-Williams 2018 Colormix® Forecast
A part of the ‘Unity’ palette that was announced earlier this year, Oceanside is one of the colors in the 2018 Colormix Forecast. For more information on the annual Sherwin-Williams Colormix Forecast, visit the 2018 Colormix Forecast.

About Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year
Led by Director of Color Marketing Sue Wadden, the Sherwin-Williams global color and design team travels the world to research and identify key trends that influence the way we interact with color. From those findings, the team selects the strongest influence and then decides the Color of the Year. This is the eighth year Sherwin-Williams has named an official Color of the Year with the 2018 selection, Oceanside SW 6493. A list of colors selected includes: 2011: Indigo Batik SW 7602, 2012: Argyle SW 6747, 2013: Aloe SW 6464, 2014: Exclusive Plum SW 6263, 2015: Coral Reef SW 6606, 2016: Alabaster SW 7008, 2017: Poised Taupe SW 6039. For more information visit 2018 Color of the Year.

Integrated Lighting In New “SEKTION” Kitchen Allow Homeowners to Create Individualized Kitchen Solutions

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. – IKEA announces the launch of SEKTION, a new, versatile kitchen system that will hit U.S. stores on February 2, 2015. The new modular kitchen, which will replace the current kitchen system AKURUM, enables customers to create truly customizable solutions, regardless of the size and shape of their kitchen space. SEKTION offers new features such as more modularity, integrated lighting, inside drawer organization, and “drawers within drawers,” giving homeowners options to create a beautiful, quality kitchen at a great price.

In developing SEKTION, IKEA did extensive research into what the kitchen means to people today, discovering that functionality and ease of use are top-of-mind for customers. “At IKEA, we understand that people want to create a home that is comfortable, safe and welcoming for their friends and families,” says Kathleen Wilber, IKEA US Sales Leader for Kitchens. “For the new SEKTION kitchen, this meant creating a collection that that is beautiful, easy to use, and works for all of life’s everyday activities, from cooking and eating to socializing and doing homework.”

Features of the new SEKTION kitchen system include:
A modular design that is easier to install, more functional and gives you almost endless possibilities when creating your kitchen.
Drawers within drawers that give you extra storage while maintaining a sleek, modern look.
New interior organizers to help squeeze the most out of every square inch of drawer and cabinet space and create a kitchen where things are accessible and easy to find.
Integrated LED lighting with features such as corner modules, electrical and USB outlets, remote control dimming and in-drawer lighting.
SEKTION also retains the best features of the current IKEA kitchens, such as soft close drawers and doors, a wall mounted rail system for easy installation, and a 25-year limited warranty. SEKTION is not compatible with the AKURUM system.

SEKTION will be available in a range of colors and styles from traditional to modern and everywhere in between. Starting February 2, 2015, customers can use the online IKEA Kitchen Planner to plan their own SEKTION kitchen. In addition to the online tools, IKEA offers a full range of services in-store, from planning and measuring to ordering and installing.

For images and all information on SEKTION, please go to www.IKEA-USA.com/SEKTION.

About IKEA
Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings of good design and function at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 360 IKEA stores in 47 countries, including 40 in the U.S. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information see IKEA-USA.com, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA or IKEAUSA on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest.

Kohler® Co. and Benjamin Moore Come Together to Inspire with Color and Design

KOHLER, Wis. — When it comes to color, Kohler Co. and Benjamin Moore know the impact it can have on enhancing a space—as well as the process homeowners undergo to pick the perfect palette. To aid homeowners and members of the trade through the selection process, designers from both companies collaborated to create Collaboration in Full Color, an array of inspiring tools and content that help customers visualize and choose their styles, and then empower them to create it by providing a list of materials to transform that vision into reality.

These are the first three of a future series of creative environments, each including a kitchen and a bathroom, launched in this collaboration between Kohler Co. and Benjamin Moore:

Southern Charm
Inspired by the rich and distinctive architecture of historic southern town, this elegant design palette pulls together soft pinks, saturated blues, cloudy grays and shining details for a look that’s worthy of any home.

Eastern Mist
Inspired by the swirling blend of misty colors that blur the lines of sea and sky on the eastern seaboard, this palette features the beautiful, pale shades of green and blue. Light woods and earthy tones add to the fresh and tranquil spirit of this palette.

Northern Roots
Even the well-worn, wind-beaten farmhouse has a uniquely wondrous beauty to it. Years of weathering reveal the varying hues of grays and taupes that inspired this palette of deep and complex neutrals, creating a beautifully mature feel.
For the two industry pioneers with a combined 216-year history in cultivating color, this collaboration is a natural fit. “Color isn’t only a part of our history, it’s a part of our heritage dating back to 1927 when we were the very first to apply color to plumbing products,” says Tristan Butterfield, Kohler’s creative director. “Bold design with color happens a number of ways in the home—some bright and vibrant, others subtle and calming. Teaming up with fellow color leader Benjamin Moore will help us deliver livable color solutions to homeowners in innovative ways.”
Benjamin Moore’s creative director Ellen O’Neill concurs: “Collaboration in Full Color will produce the kinds of inspiring, yet easy-to-use tools and color palettes that designers and consumers have come to expect from Benjamin Moore and Kohler.”

The content and tools created through this collaboration are available now online as well as in Kohler showrooms and select Benjamin Moore retailers across North America. Additionally, the color collaboration will be rolled out at trade shows, in-market events, and as featured content across several social media channels.

About Benjamin Moore & Co.
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and continues to develop the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, the company’s Natura® paint received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability plus rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in the Benjamin Moore Green Promise® portfolio include Aura®, Regal® Select, ben® and Ultra Spec® 500 paint for commercial interiors — all built upon our patented Gennex® platform that has changed the industry and earned the passion and loyalty of homeowners and professional painters by delivering extremely low-VOC and peerless beauty and performance. J.D. Power and Associates 2013 Interior Paint Satisfaction Study ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction, marking the third consecutive year and fourth time the company has earned this rating. Benjamin Moore paints deliver authentic Benjamin Moore colors and are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore’s network of paint and decorating dealers.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.benjaminmoore.com

Landscaping Is Booming In The South

Many homeowners who saw an appreciation of home values in the last quarter have began improvements to their properties. The increase in home values, increases their leverage to borrow and spend on home improvement.

Lawn & Garden Companies Look to Stock More Inventory and Grow Sales, According to GE Capital Survey

CHICAGO, — Lawn and garden companies are feeling optimistic about 2015, according to a survey conducted by GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF). Twenty-two percent of respondents think sales will grow 15 percent or more, with an additional 22 percent expecting growth between 10-15 percent and 38 percent expecting growth between 5-10 percent.

This optimistic mindset leads to 46 percent of respondents thinking now is a good time to stock more inventory for 2015. “Although some segments like mowers had a slow start this year, inventory overall is turning at a strong pace,” said Mike Horak, president of CDF’s outdoor products group. “The confidence reflected in these results means that dealers want to stock inventory now in anticipation of steady demand.”

Over half (51%) of survey respondents felt the popularity of lower cost models was the biggest trend in the industry this year. Limited new model introductions (17%), long production lead times (15%) and reduced levels of inventory (14%) in 2014 were other notable trends of the year.
“The lawn and garden industry is correlated to consumer confidence. Although it is rising slowly, there is still price sensitivity and it is no surprise that lower cost models were popular this year,” said Horak.

GE Capital’s survey was conducted Oct. 23-25, 2014 at the annual Green Industry & Equipment (GIE) Expo in Louisville, KY. Of the 176 respondents, 37 percent were dealers or retailers; the remainder was manufacturers, distributors and others. Read more about CDF’s view on the lawn and garden industry here.

Michaels and Darby Smart Launch Strategic Partnership – Craft Leader and Online DIY Marketplace Join Forces

IRVING, Texas, – Michaels (Nasdaq:MIK), the world’s largest arts and crafts retailer and top online crafting resource, has partnered with trend-driven online DIY marketplace Darby Smart to make crafting simpler and more accessible to everyone.

The partnership will launch in September to bring the best of Michaels – including its huge variety of innovative products and craft industry leadership – to Darby Smart, and the best of Darby Smart’s on-trend projects and online community to Michaels.

“Aligning with Darby Smart is another way to connect with novice crafters and make it easy for them to engage in creating projects, with simple step-by-step instructions that help them achieve great results,” said Michaels CEO Chuck Rubin. “Michaels and Darby Smart share a deep commitment to the maker movement, and this partnership helps us bring more people into the fold with accessible, modern, designer projects that anyone can make.”

Darby Smart, known for its innovative DIY ideas and active online community, will gain exposure to the more than 9 million people who visit Michaels.com each month through a link on the Michaels site’s project page. Darby Smart users will have access to more craft categories and a wider variety of supplies through the partnership, while Michaels customers will have access to the Darby Smart digital shopping lists, ideas and tutorials.

“I’ve been shopping at Michaels for many years, and there’s no other playground like it for the creative,” said Darby Smart co-founder and CEO Nicole Shariat Farb. “Our community will benefit from Michaels’ unique product offerings that are broad in category, deep in selection and high in quality, and we welcome Michaels customers to our unique, online maker community.”

Initially, the partnership will focus on easy, beautiful projects for personalized fall, Thanksgiving and holiday decorating, entertaining and giving.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc., is North America’s largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of May 2, 2015, the Company owns and operates 1,177 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 118 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 12 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, ArtMinds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads®, Imagin8® and Make Market™. Visit www.Michaels.com for additional information.

About Darby Smart
Darby Smart is the destination for DIY -whether it’s made by you or made for you, Darby Smart allows you to browse, share and shop everything DIY. On Darby Smart, you can browse unlimited ideas, share what you’ve made and shop supplies and handmade items. Darby Smart connects DIY enthusiasts across the globe, from aspiring crafters to leading DIYers. With a rapidly growing and passionate community, Darby Smart is the place to find endless DIY inspiration, view tutorials, connect with others and shop products. Founded and headquartered in San Francisco, Darby Smart brings DIY to the masses. To learn more, visit www.darbysmart.com

Michaels Debuts MakerPlace by Michaels “Respect the Handmade” Brand Campaign and In-Store Selling Pilot to Celebrate Handmade Artists and Creators

IRVING, Texas, – Michaels, the best place for all things creative, today unveiled the first-ever brand campaign for MakerPlace by Michaels, the new online marketplace for truly handmade goods, classes and how-to’s, as well as an in-store selling pilot at Michaels Stores for MakerPlace sellers. These efforts are the latest in Michaels’ continuous evolution of the platform in support of the goal to be the best place for handmade sellers and shoppers.

“We launched MakerPlace by Michaels with the goal of becoming the best place for handmade sellers and their customers,” said Ashley Buchanan, Chief Executive Officer at Michaels. “Our latest efforts, including our first brand campaign and an in-store selling pilot, are just the beginning of what we have planned to deepen our support for the independent handmade community. MakerPlace, together with our stores and expanded ecommerce assortment, enable Michaels to be the true one-stop-shop to support handmade sellers along every step of their creative journey. We’re grateful to the MakerPlace sellers and customers who have been with us from our early beta and look forward to continuing to grow together.”

“Respect the Handmade” Brand Campaign
The “Respect the Handmade” campaign was brought to life in partnership with creative agency OBERLAND, and celebrates the brand promise of respecting and supporting independent handmade artists and makers as well as the customers who turn to them for unique gifts, décor and more. The campaign will extend across social media, the MakerPlace website, and Michaels owned channels as well as streaming video and programmatic paid media.

The campaign is based on the concept of handmade goods coming to life, showcasing the thrill of discovering unique, handmade treasures and the joy these items bring to the customers purchasing them. It features an anthem spot set to a playful cover of the iconic song “Respect” performed by handcrafted puppets representing the kinds of items sold on MakerPlace, including goods available for purchase from sellers Sun Sprinkles and Breads and Threads Handmade.

“I’ve been a MakerPlace by Michaels seller since the beta launch and have been thrilled to see Michaels continue to support and evolve the site,” said Linette Ramos de Soto of Breads and Threads Handmade on MakerPlace. “The new ‘Respect the Handmade’ campaign is a testament to the admiration Michaels and MakerPlace have for truly handmade businesses, and I’m so excited that my art will be featured and seen by millions.”
In-Store MakerPlace Seller Pilot
MakerPlace was designed with the goal of helping handmade artists and makers succeed with lower fees, flexible membership options and more ways to earn. In parallel with the launch of the brand campaign, Michaels is leveraging its brick-and-mortar presence to test another way for MakerPlace sellers to earn through an in-store pilot program.

Select MakerPlace sellers will be invited to sell directly to their community via their local Michaels Store, creating a new opportunity to drive exposure and sales for their independent handmade businesses. Michaels customers will have the added benefit of discovering local handmade artists and shopping high-quality handmade goods across MakerPlace categories like home décor and accents, fine art, and woodwork alongside the Michaels offerings they know and love.

This pilot is the latest example of Michaels’ “test and learn” strategy, which takes a data-driven approach to launching and evaluating small scale in-market innovations that inform future launches.

“Finding and reaching potential customers is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses, especially in the handmade space where online marketplaces have become crowded and difficult to break through,” said Jande Laulu of Jande Summer on MakerPlace. “I jumped at the invitation from Michaels to test their in-store MakerPlace pilot. It’s an exciting way to connect with my local community and reach new customers who love and appreciate handmade goods.”
The first in-store pilot began on Feb. 24 in seven stores across NC, FL, MO, IL, UT, LA, and MA, with the next pilot scheduled for March 23.

Visit https://www.makerplace.com to discover unique handmade goods, classes and how-to’s or open your own shop today.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
At The Michaels Companies Inc, our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity. As the leading creative destination in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and MakerPlace by Michaels, a dedicated handmade goods marketplace. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com.

Michaels Expands Education Offering – Exclusive Partnership With Creativebug Provides Video Classes

IRVING, Texas, — Michaels (Nasdaq:MIK), North America’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, has launched online arts and crafts classes taught by top instructors and industry experts through an exclusive partnership with Creativebug.

A video accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=31150

The classes with Creativebug, a subscription-based provider of online DIY instruction, will round out Michaels’ robust arts and crafts educational programming. Michaels also offers numerous in-store classes and crafting events each month, as well as hundreds of online project ideas and instructions.

Accessible anytime, anywhere, the video classes provide the novice crafter with basic techniques, such as beginning calligraphy and paper crafting, while also catering to the enthusiast crafter by teaching more advanced skills and projects.

“Creativebug offers Michaels customers classes that capture the spirit of in-person teaching, so they feel like they are learning alongside their instructor, but at their own pace,” said Michaels Executive Vice President – Marketing Steve Carlotti. “The partnership with Creativebug provides a tremendous resource for our customers who are interested in making a project but are looking for step-by-step instruction and encouragement to make it a reality.”

In addition to the videos featured on Michaels.com, customers who sign up by March 22 can receive a free two-month trial subscription to Creativebug.com, with access to hundreds of video classes as well as a coupon for 25 percent off customers’ entire regularly priced purchase through March 25 at Michaels stores and Michaels.com

“At Creativebug, our goal is to enhance our viewers’ creative lifestyle by continuously teaching new techniques and encouraging them to explore new craft spaces,” said Creativebug CEO Ursula Morgan. “Through Michaels.com, we will be able to share our on-trend, modern craft classes with a wider audience and introduce these customers to the broad range of DIY art and craft techniques that Creativebug.com provides.”

The partnership debuts this month in conjunction with the launch of Michaels’ Springtime In Paris contest. Creativebug will offer viewers step-by-step instructional videos to create Paris-inspired craft projects, which crafters can enter in the contest for a chance to win a trip for two to Paris. Additional details are available on the contest website.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc., is North America’s largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of Jan. 3, 2015, the Company owns and operates 1,168 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 121 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 12 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, ArtMinds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads®, Imagin8® and Make Market™. Visit www.Michaels.com for additional information.

About Creativebug
Founded in San Francisco by Chief Creative Officer Jeanne Lewis, Chief Operating Officer Julie Roehm and Editorial Director Kelly Wilkinson, Creativebug launched in May 2012 with the goal of being the go-to source for online DIY art and craft instruction. The subscription-based site features some of the most inspirational designers, artists and crafters to create personalized video classes for all levels of makers. Today, Creativebug.com features more than 400 classes, with two to four added each week to help elevate the creative lifestyle from a holistic approach. The classes focus on sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet, art and drawing. Otter Media, a joint venture between The Chernin Group and AT&T, acquired Creativebug in July 2014.

Michaels Forecasts 2014’s Top Craft Trends

(IRVING, Texas) – The New Year brings new do-it-yourself inspiration, and Michaels, North America’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, has identified the top trends that will influence DIY projects from home decor and paper crafts to entertaining and gifting in 2014.

“Our trend team travels the globe and takes cues from the worlds of fashion, home decor and art to find new themes that will excite and inspire our customers,” said Michaels Vice President, Trend and Design Idalia Farrajota. “For 2014, we see both a nostalgic look back and bold individuality among our top trends.”

The Michaels trend team has identified these top three craft trends for 2014:

Handwriting: The art of handwriting reappears in DIY projects as crafters turn off the electronic devices and put pen to paper for handmade notes, invitations and greeting cards. Calligraphy adds an elegant touch for more formal occasions. Handwritten pages also can embellish lamp shades, furniture, decoupage boxes and frames or other projects to add a touch of old-world charm.

Patterns: What’s old is new when it comes to patterns, including stripes, polka dots and floral prints. Polka dots are modernized with colorful pops of metallic against organic or neutral surfaces, while the iconic sweet romance of floral remains nostalgic with cabbage roses, delicate pinks and white, full blooms and natural arrangements. Bold stripes rule in 2014 with a twist – white on color. Tools like stencils, decoupage and paint daubers make it easy to create the patterns on any home decor or other craft project.

Raw: Blank, unfinished surfaces and materials such as birch wood, cork, burlap, canvas and wood are becoming a project staple. Crafters are toning down the embellishments to create simple and sophisticated projects incorporating materials in their natural state. The raw trend is as limitless as the imagination and appears in home decor, gifting, entertaining, celebrations and more.

This Press Release is courtesy of www.michaels.com

Michaels Launches National Loyalty Program

IRVING, Texas, – North America’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer, Michaels, today unveiled a new, free loyalty program designed to deliver exciting and customized benefits for Michaels’ customers. As part of the new, experience-focused program, Michaels Rewards, customers will receive member-only offers tailored to their interests, receipt-free returns, access to exclusive in-store and partner experiences as well as advanced notice and preview shopping hours for special events, all without a point or purchase level requirement.

“At Michaels, we are focused on strengthening our relationship with our customers and improving their overall shopping experience,” said Steve Carlotti Executive Vice President of Marketing. “This program not only further deepens our focus on customer engagement but it will provide valuable data to help us tailor our customer communications and promotions more effectively.”

Today, customers nationwide can sign up for the Michaels Rewards program in any Michaels store in North America or online. There is no cost to customers to join the program. To celebrate the launch of the program, Michaels Rewards members will have the chance to win one of 1,000 $100 gift cards.

The new loyalty program is focused on the Michaels experience, and members will enjoy member-only events to meet and mingle with other like-minded makers while also enjoying special shopping hours. Members will be the first to know about big sales with early alerts and will be able to utilize receipt-free returns. In addition to access to exclusive and tailored deals and department-specific coupons for Michaels, loyalty members will also receive member-only offers from other special partners.

To learn more about the Michaels Loyalty Rewards Program and to sign up for free today to get started with savings please visit www.michaels.com/rewards.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc. is North America’s largest specialty provider of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall décor, and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself home decorator. As of April 30, 2016, the Company owned and operated 1,352 stores in 49 states and Canada under the brands Michaels, Aaron Brothers, and Pat Catan’s. The Michaels Companies, Inc., also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of high quality custom and specialty framing merchandise, and Darice, a premier wholesale distributor in the gift and decor industry. The Michaels Companies, Inc. produces a number of exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor™, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, Art Minds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads®, Make Market®, Foamies®, LockerLookz®, and Sticky Sticks®. Learn more about Michaels at www.michaels.com

Michaels Names This Season’s Hottest New Gifts to Inspire Creativity

IRVING, Texas, – Michaels (Nasdaq:MIK), North America’s leading arts and crafts specialty retailer, gives the gift of creativity this holiday season with great products that offer hours of hands-on fun and artistic expression.

“Too often, parents feel a tradeoff between the hottest new toy and the desire to engage their children’s imagination and creativity,” said Michaels Executive Vice President – Merchandising Philo Pappas. “With our holiday must-haves, parents can feel good about giving a creative gift that provides kids with endless entertainment and creative development.”

Here are the top must-have new products for inspiring creativity:

Colored Kinetic Sand™: Pack it, pull it, shape it and love it. Kinetic Sand flows like a slow-moving liquid, yet is completely dry, only sticks to itself and can be sculpted into any shape. Available in six colors, Kinetic sand offers nonstop fun for ages 3 and up.

Loopdedoo™ Friendship Bracelet Making Kit: The possibilities are endless for making bracelets, necklaces, anklets, belts and more with this fun fashion spinning loom. Each piece created is one of a kind, perfect for wearing and sharing. Ages 8 and up.

Loopdeloom™ Weaving Loom Kit: Weaving scarves, rugs, purses and more is fast and fun with this ingenious spinning peg loom. Anyone age 8 and up can begin weaving within minutes to make unique knit creations.

FujiFilm™ Instax Mini 8 Instant Camera: This compact instant camera, available in five colors, captures life as it happens, producing high-quality, credit card-sized photos in 90 seconds – perfect for capturing memories. Ages 13 and up.

Crayola® Virtual Design Pro Fashion Collection and Pro Car Collection: Kids can share their fashion designs on a virtual runway or display custom car designs on a virtual stunt course using high-quality, hands-on design tools and specialty software. Ages 6 and up.
For more information on these and other fun holiday gift ideas, go to www.Michaels.com.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc. is North America’s largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of Aug. 2, 2014, the company owns and operates 1,147 Michaels stores in 49 U.S. states and Canada and 117 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 11 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, ArtMinds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads® and Imagin8®. Visit www.Michaels.com for additional information.

Michaels New Décor Delivers Fresh Trends to Seamlessly Transition Your Home from Summer to Fall

IRVING, Texas – Michaels, the best place for all things creative, today unveiled two new décor collections inspired by the latest trends in pop culture and design to seamlessly transition your space from summer to fall. From a romantic, French Regency inspired line to a vibrant assortment of eclectic kitchen accessories reminiscent of Italian summer cuisine, these collections deliver new high-end styles to refresh your space without the high-end price tags. Customers can now preview the trend-forward collections online, which will become shoppable in-store and on Michaels.com as they roll out through mid-June.

“From coquette aesthetics to modern Tuscan charm, our early fall décor collections capture two of pop culture’s most in-demand trends that easily transition into the new season with style,” said Mandi Clark, Michaels’ Director of Trend and Design. “Rooted in the escapism trend that blossomed in early 2020, these collections will infuse your space with the allure of distant locales. Whether you yearn to turn your space into a French salon or dream of a serene retreat in the Italian countryside, these stylish looks deliver luxe for less with prices starting as low as $3.99.”

The collections include:

French Manor (Available June 7): Be the home décor diamond of the season with this French-inspired collection that brings the gilded styles of the summer’s top streaming show to life. Featuring a palette of blues, creams, and light pinks, this extravagant collection exudes romance with materials like velvet, lace, mirrored glass, and an unapologetic use of bling. Create your own Regency era escape with pieces featuring iconic French motifs like poodles, perfume bottles, and bows galore for a taste of opulence on a budget. Oui please!
Italian Kitchen (Available June 14): Embrace la dolce vita and host iconic dinner parties with this vibrant collection inspired by rustic Italian cuisine. Serve up a taste of Tuscany with new functional kitchen accessories like wooden cutting boards, printed rolling pins and playful serving dishes adorned with carb-happy Italian motifs like pasta, tomatoes, and cheese. Pairing hues of golden yellow, deep blue and warm red with ceramics, mosaic tiles and cheeky prints, this collection gives new meaning to comfort food.
During the summer, Michaels’ will maintain regular business hours on Labor Day (9 a.m. – 9 p.m.) and US stores will close early on the Fourth of July (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Use our Store Locator on Michaels.com to check your local store hours for exceptions.

Michaels has much more creative inspiration and fun to offer, so be sure to visit us online, and follow us on Instagram (@michaelsstores) and TikTok (@michaelscraftstore).

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity. As the leading creative destination in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and MakerPlace by Michaels, a dedicated handmade goods marketplace. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com.

Media Contact
Rachel Petersen
prcontact@michaels.com

Michaels Predicts Adult Coloring Books Trend to Continue for Holiday 2015

IRVING, Texas, – Summer’s hottest book trend – coloring books for adults – will continue through fall and into the holiday season, according to market leader Michaels (Nasdaq:MIK), the world’s largest arts and crafts specialty retailer.

Michaels, which has sold the books for more than a decade, has a 15 percent market share of the adult coloring book business, based on BookScan data, and has seen about a one-third jump in sales so far this year over last year. Social media has helped drive the trend, with more than 400,000 posts on Instagram with #coloringbook.

“Coloring books for adults, featuring images of mandalas, nature, animals and more, are seen by many as a way for adults to de-stress and remove themselves from technology,” said Michaels Vice President of Trend and Design Idalia Farrajota. “The books are enormously popular, and with their great price point – most are under $20 – they’re an ideal holiday gift for friends, relatives, teachers and co-workers.”

Some psychologists say the creative activity can be helpful for relaxation and focus. It has also become an increasingly popular social activity, with enthusiasts forming groups that gather together regularly to color or organizing coloring meetups through social media.

The books’ intricate designs can be filled in with pens, pencils or crayons. Each book features around 30 designs to provide hours of coloring that can be done anytime, anywhere.

Coloring books for adults, including national bestsellers by Johanna Basford, are available in stores or at www.Michaels.com.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.

The Michaels Companies, Inc., is North America’s largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of Aug. 1, 2015, the Company owns and operates 1,186 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 118 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 11 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, ArtMinds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads® and Imagin8®.

Michaels Spotlights Project Sunshine Throughout July to Support Creative Play for Pediatric Patients

IRVING, Texas — Michaels, the largest specialty arts and crafts retailer in North America, today announced the return of its monthlong dollar donation drive benefitting Project Sunshine, a nonprofit organization that delivers the healing power of play to more than 200,000 pediatric patients and families each year.

Beginning July 1st through the end of the month, customers can donate any amount or purchase donation cards for $1, $3, or $5 at the register with all donations going to Project Sunshine. To spotlight Project Sunshine and the impact the organization is making on the lives of children and family facing medical challenges, Michaels is dedicating a free Sunday MakeBreak on July 9th to the organization. The sunshine wooden frame MakeBreak begins at 2 PM local time with no registration required and all supplies included for all ages.

“This is our third year supporting Project Sunshine, and each year we are more impressed by the positivity and hope that creative play brings to kids and their families alike,” said Joe Venezia, Executive Vice President – Chief Operating Officer at Michaels Stores. “Michaels is proud to support Project Sunshine and we know our customers believe in their mission, too. We look forward to a successful donation drive to help bring the joy of creativity to even more kids and hospitals.”

Project Sunshine Executive Director Whitney Namm Pollack shared, “Project Sunshine is thrilled to partner with Michaels, a company that understands the joy arts and crafts bring to people of all ages. We are grateful to Michaels and their loyal customer base as they help us deliver the healing power of play to children facing medical challenges all across the U.S. and Canada.”

To learn more about classes, experiences, and events at Michaels, visit michaels.com/classes. To learn more about Project Sunshine, visit projectsunshine.org.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
The Michaels Companies, Inc. is the destination where all Makers get inspired, shop, learn, and create. As the largest specialty arts and crafts retailer in North America, we operate 1,290 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, our mission is to empower every Maker to bring their creative dreams to life. For store locations or to shop online, please visit www.michaels.com.

About Project Sunshine
Project Sunshine’s mission is to deliver the healing power of play to children with medical needs through trained and dedicated volunteers. For over 20 years, Project Sunshine volunteers have brought joy and play directly to pediatric patients through our network of medical facility and nonprofit partners across the country. Our programs include in-person play with patients called Here to Play, curated activity kit deliveries called Kits for Play, and live, virtual play sessions called TelePlay.

Over 16,000 trained volunteers deliver programs that provide opportunities for creative expression, socialization, intellectual stimulation, and sensory integration to nearly 200,000 pediatric patients and families each year. Our unique volunteer engagement model allows community groups, colleges, and corporations to create moments of connection with pediatric patients, caregivers, and families providing child and family-centered, play-based programming. Project Sunshine partners with 485 medical facilities across the U.S. and in three international locations.

Media Contact
Rachel Petersen
prcontact@michaels.com

MICHAELS WILL DEDICATE A FREE SUNDAY MAKEBREAK ON JULY 9 TO DRIVE AWARENESS OF PROJECT SUNSHINE’S MISSION TO SUPPORT CREATIVE PLAY FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS.
Source: The Michaels Companies, Inc.

Michaels Teams With Top Designer Isaac Mizrahi To Introduce Isaac Mizrahi “CRAFT”

IRVING, Texas, – Michaels, North America’s leading arts and crafts store, is the exclusive retailer for Isaac Mizrahi CRAFT, the designer’s new yarn collection debuting just in time for fall.
From super chunky to shimmery chic metallic, the line includes four New York-inspired, trend-driven collections:

Lexington – super bulky in six bright prints for quick accessory projects and arm knitting
Sutton – deep, rich color shades gently from one tone to the next for creating cowls, scarves and accessories
Carnegie Hill – bulky with loops and threads of metallic for fall and winter accessories and shawls
Carlyle – extremely lightweight neutrals with lofty metallic sheen for sweater and scarf projects

“Yarn, knitting, and crafts have always been a huge part of my life. To create this line I took my inspiration from the icons of New York, my home town which also happens to be the epicenter of American style and fashion,” said Mizrahi, Creative Director for the brand. “My new yarn collection is filled with the colors and textures of fall 2014, and offers a completely fresh take on handcrafted design.”

Isaac Mizrahi CRAFT, created by Premier Yarns, includes 4 different yarns in 24 fall and holiday colors.

“More and more young people are discovering knitting and yarn projects to create unique fashion and home looks,” said Michaels Executive Vice President – Merchandising Philo Pappas. “Mizrahi’s beautiful new designer yarns appeal to those who want a nontraditional spin on their projects.”

Project ideas and instructions are available on Michaels.com.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc. The Michaels Companies, Inc. (Nasdaq: MIK), is North America’s largest specialty retailer of arts and crafts. As of Aug. 2, 2014, the company owns and operates 1,147 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada and 117 Aaron Brothers stores, and produces 11 exclusive private brands including Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®, Ashland®, Celebrate It®, Art Minds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®, Loops & Threads® and Imagin8®. Visit www.michaels.com for additional information.

About Isaac Mizrahi Isaac Mizrahi has been a leader in the fashion industry for almost 30 years. Since his first collection in 1987, Mr. Mizrahi’s designs have come to stand for timeless, cosmopolitan, style. He has been awarded four CFDA awards, including a special award in 1996 for the groundbreaking documentary “Unzipped.” In 2012, Mr. Mizrahi launched the Isaac Mizrahi New York collection, available at better retailers nationwide. Previously, in 2009, Mr. Mizrahi launched his exclusive lifestyle collection, ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! on QVC. In addition, television audiences have come to value Isaac’s media presence through his roles on “Project Runway All Stars” for Lifetime, “The Fashion Show” for Bravo and his own series for both Oxygen and the Style Network. www.isaacmizrahi.com

About Premier Yarns Premier Yarns, headquartered in Harrisburg, NC, has its finger on the pulse of fashion and craft trends from all over the world, bringing the newest ideas to craft stores and their customers every season. Founded in 2006, Premier Yarns set the mission to deliver quality hand-knitting basic and fancy yarns from its mills in Turkey to all crafters across North America. Premier Yarns collections have grown to encompass more than 70 hand-knitting yarns and includes Deborah Norville Collection® of yarns and needles.

About Xcel Brands Xcel Brands, Inc. is a leader and innovator in the acquisition, design, licensing, marketing, and retail sales of consumer brands. Xcel owns and manages the Isaac Mizrahi and Judith Ripka brands, pioneering an omnichannel sales strategy inclusive of interactive media, brick and mortar retail, and e-commerce. Xcel also owns an interest in, manages and designs the Liz Claiborne New York brand which is sold exclusively through QVC. Headquartered in New York City, Xcel Brands is led by an executive team with significant retailing, licensing, design, and marketing experience, and a proven track record of success in elevating branded consumer products companies. With a team of over 50 designers and social media focused marketing executives, Xcel maintains control of product quality and promotion across all of its licensed product categories and distribution channels. Xcel differentiates by design. www.xcelbrands.com

Michaels Unveils Refreshed Brand Identity Celebrating a New Era of Creativity

IRVING, Texas, Aug. 14, 2023 — Michaels, the best place for all things creative, today unveiled a new brand identity focused on helping core and new customers alike bring their creative ideas to life. Marking its 50th anniversary, Michaels is further establishing itself as the single destination for creatives to get inspired, learn, shop, and create. An updated tagline of “Everything to Create Anything” supports the new brand strategy by expanding to reach the many kinds of creativity represented in Michaels’ assortment. Bold colors, playful fonts, and highly textured macro imagery brings the new strategy to life alongside brand storytelling that connects to the joy and self-expression that creativity evokes in all of us.

“Our customers’ creativity is the driving force of the Michaels brand, and it’s an honor to play a special role in helping them bring their ideas and projects to life,” said Mandy Rassi, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Michaels. “With a new brand strategy and purpose focused on fueling the joy of creativity, Michaels is well-positioned to meet creatives where they are while supporting every step of their journey and continuing to grow as a leader in our category.”

Ideas to I-Did-Its
The new look and feel are launching with a campaign that introduces Michaels as your creative partner, helping turn your ideas into “I did its!” By acknowledging the thrill of the first spark of inspiration and the flicker of doubt that often follows, this new campaign features three ad spots that promise the best tools, guidance, inspiration and value from Michaels to instill confidence and break down barriers to creativity and self-expression.

Bringing Purpose to Life
The brand refresh was designed as a visual reflection of the company’s purpose to “fuel the joy of creativity.” It was developed in partnership with independent agency OKRP as a result of in-depth customer, competitor and company research and analysis, and nods to Michaels’ rich history of supporting artists, makers and creatives while positioning the brand to continue being a leader in creativity for the next 50 years and beyond.

“The new brand look leans into the artful nature of category and how a trip to Michaels makes people feel – the design system is bright, vibrant, textural, and has no shortage of glitter or multicolor pom poms,” explained Andrea Knowles, Creative Director at OKRP. “People love going to Michaels and having that tactile experience, so we wanted to celebrate how ownable that is through the work.”

The new design system features the same logo and iconic Michaels red, but reimagined with updated fonts, accent colors and bold graphics that highlight the tactile nature of the creative products that inspire its customers. The roll-out has already begun in stores and online and will continue over the coming weeks, encompassing every customer touchpoint from video to digital marketing to store signage and the online experience.

Creating a Pathway for Growth
This revitalized brand identity marks the next stage of growth for Michaels as the retailer caters to a wider audience of creatives to drive demand while meeting changing customer needs. To position itself for future success and increase relevance while maintaining engagement and trust with its core customers, the retailer has worked to transform its brand strategy and optimize its media mix by investing in new channels and innovations to meet creatives where they are today and in the future.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.
At The Michaels Companies Inc, our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity. As the leading creative destination in North America, we operate over 1,290 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and MakerPlace, a dedicated handmade goods marketplace. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com

Mirror, Mirror on the wall… who’s the happiest of them all?

With well over two-thirds of Britons claiming image insecurity and self-doubt, IKEA have today announced the launch of the ‘Motivational Mirror’ – bestowing personalised compliments to provide the nation with a much needed morale boost.


The research commissioned by the Swedish furniture retailer* into morning routines revealed that just under half (49%) of all Brits receive no compliments in an average week, despite two fifths (38%) saying just one positive comment would make them smile and a quarter (26%) revealing a kind word results in them liking themselves more. 
Equally, Brits aren’t the best at complimenting themselves either, with over a quarter (26%) saying they feel insecure when they look in the mirror. When our eyes reach the mirror, over two thirds (68%) of the population are self-critical of their appearance, with a third (34%) of those questioned admitting they focus of their body shape, whilst weight sits the second heaviest on our minds with 32% surveying the pounds. And these feelings only get worse early in the morning, with a third (33%) of us feeling our most negative first thing on a Monday morning.
As part of a revolutionary pilot scheme to help target browbeaten homeowners with tailored pick-me-ups, IKEA have developed a prototype ‘Motivational Mirror’ – featuring fully interactive tech that provides positive reinforcement and elevate the nation’s self-esteem. 
Using next generation Kinect motion sensor technology combined with complex coding, personalised messages are automatically triggered and delivered by a voice recording and text appearing on the mirror. 
Using nationwide research and unique insight into the lives of UK homeowners and their morning routines, the integrated tech features the compliments Brits stated they would most like to hear - including: “Have you been working out?” (18%), “Your eyes are mesmerising” (8%) and “Your skin is glowing” (7%). The ‘Motivational Mirror’ has been developed to inject compliments back in to the day-to-day lives of Brits. IKEA trialled the prototype at its Wembley store in London on Tuesday 20th October to raise awareness of how simple solutions in the home can make our daily routines better.
Myriam Ruffo, Head of Bedrooms and Bathrooms, IKEA UK & Ireland said:
“We all know how that first look in the bathroom or bedroom mirror can determine whether we have a good or bad day. That’s why we thought – wouldn’t it be great if the mirror actually told you something positive for a change!
“It’s often the small things that make the biggest difference – something that became evident in our recently published Life at Home report which studied how Britons feel in the morning. We believe that starting the day positively, by having a good night’s sleep, quality time with loved ones, or a boost to our self-esteem, will have knock-on effects that shape not only the mood of the individual, but that of the nation.”
IKEA’s A to Zzz tips provide further suggestions on small changes we can make at the beginning and end of the day to help improve our everyday life. To see these in detail, visit ikea.co.uk/atozzz
About IKEA Group

Our vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people and we offer well designed, functional and affordable, high quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. The IKEA Group has 315 stores in 27 countries. In addition there are more than 40 stores run by franchisees outside the IKEA Group. The IKEA Group had 716 million visitors during FY14 and 1.5 billion people visited IKEA.com. www.ikea.com


           
                   
               NBA Retired Players Teams Up With Publicolor and Benjamin Moore to Transform Hall of Famers High School
               
                NEW YORK – As part of the NBA All-Star celebration in New York City this February, the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) will team up with Benjamin Moore and Publicolor to transform the alma mater of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers Nate “Tiny” Archibald and Dolph Schayes. On Saturday, February 14 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, Archibald and Schayes will be honored for their legacies by NBRPA Board Members Thurl Bailey and Dwight Davis, as well as NBRPA Ambassador Teresa Weatherspoon (4-time WNBA All-Star with New York Liberty), 18-year NBA veteran Danny Schayes (Dolph’s son) and NBRPA New York City Chapter President Tom Hoover (New York Knicks). Following a short ceremony, these former players and dozens more (as well as their family members) will work alongside youth from Publicolor and DeWitt Clinton High School, community volunteers and leaders from Benjamin Moore to revitalize common areas of the 118 year old New York City public school.
“Tiny Archibald (DeWitt Clinton Class of 1966) and Dolph Schayes (DeWitt Clinton Class of 1945) are two of the greatest basketball players ever to emerge from New York City,” said NBRPA President & CEO Arnie D. Fielkow. ”As the professional basketball community converges on New York to celebrate NBA All-Star 2015, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate their outstanding playing careers and commitment to community than to unite with Benjamin Moore and Publicolor in service at DeWitt Clinton High School.”
Raised in the South Bronx’s Patterson housing projects, Archibald emerged from one NYC’s toughest neighborhoods to become an NBA Champion, six-time NBA All-Star and one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Dolph Schayes was one nation’s first true basketball superstars, going from DeWitt Clinton to New York University to the Syracuse Nationals (now Philadelphia 76ers) of the NBA, where he was an NBA Champion, 12-time NBA All-Star and one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
“Through a year-round continuum of unique design-based programs that include transforming dreary environments into ones that convey dignity and respect, Publicolor addresses two of the root causes of poverty: the under-education of New York City students and their lack of preparedness for the workforce.  We are delighted to partner with Benjamin Moore and the National Basketball Retired Players Association in a day of meaningful civic engagement benefitting DeWitt Clinton High School’s entire community,” said Ruth Lande Shuman, Founder and President of Publicolor.
“Benjamin Moore is thrilled to bring together two service-oriented organizations – the National Basketball Retired Players Association and Publicolor – that share our vision for making a positive and lasting impact through education in our communities,” said Kimberlee Bradshaw, Managing Director of The Giving Moore Foundation. “Our roots began in New York City more than 130 years ago so we are proud to continue our legacy of beautifying and enriching the community around DeWitt Clinton High School.”
Benjamin Moore donated the paint and sundries for this special project as the company is the official paint sponsor of Publicolor, an award-winning not-for-profit that engages at-risk youth in their education through a continuum of design-based education programs, academic support, and weekly career-readiness and life skills workshops. The Hall of Famers will be joined by additional former NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters and WNBA players to give the second floor of DeWitt Clinton a much-needed facelift and share life lessons with the students between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on February 14. Another great DeWitt Clinton alum from the Bronx – Ollie Taylor, who also played for the Brooklyn (then New York) Nets – will participate in the event, as will former New York Knicks All-Star Micheal Ray Richardson, Emmette “Em” Bryant (New York Knicks/Boston Celtics), Willie Burton (Miami Heat), David Wingate (New York Knicks), Jack Marin (Washington Bullets), Matt Fish (Los Angeles Clippers), Ken Gardner (Utah Stars) and Tom Kerwin (Golden State Warriors).
About the National Basketball Retired Players Association

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters and WNBA. It is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization with a two-pronged mission to assist former NBA, ABA, Harlem Globetrotters and WNBA players in their transition from the playing court into life after the game, while also positively impacting communities and youth through basketball. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Arnie D. Fielkow is the President & CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Otis Birdsong, Vice Chairman Thurl Bailey, Treasurer Marvin Roberts, Secretary Steve Hayes, Past Chairman Robert A. (Bob) Elliott, Past Chairman George Tinsley, Rick Barry, Dwight Davis, Spencer Haywood, Nancy Lieberman, Johnny Newman and Eldridge Recasner.
About Publicolor

Publicolor is a not-for-profit organization that engages at-risk students in their education and communities, and empowers them to realize their potential. Through a continuum of youth development/educational programs, Publicolor guides students in planning and preparing for college and careers. This all starts by teaching them to paint vibrant colors in their institutional-looking schools turning their prison-like schools into visually stimulating, student-centric environments. By teaching the marketable skill of commercial painting, students also acquire strong work habits that are transferable to success in school, career and life. Publicolor’s programs run year-round with a 7 week summer literacy and math immersion program called Summer Design Studio that they teach through the scaffold of product design. This is a work/study program where students create products in the mornings on Pratt Institute’s Brooklyn campus. Publicolor deliberately holds it at a college so their students feel comfortable in a college setting, and spend their afternoons painting city-owned homeless shelters. To ensure that their students continue their studies after high school, Publicolor has a community service scholarship fund that removes the main obstacle that separates low-income students from a college degree . Some of Publicolor’s recent achievements are: 2014 National Arts+Humanities Youth Program Award; 97% of Publicolor students graduated high school on time compared to 66% citywide; 94% went on to college versus 51% of their peers of a similar demographic and 94% persist in college versus 51% of students of similar demographic nationwide.
About Benjamin Moore & Co.

Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore maintains a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and continues to develop the most eco-responsible formulations possible. In 2012, the company’s Natura® paint received the Green Good Housekeeping Seal, acknowledging its high degree of sustainability plus rigorously tested performance. Other superior products in the Benjamin Moore Green Promise® portfolio include Aura®, Regal® Select, ben® and Ultra Spec® 500 paint for commercial interiors — all built upon our patented Gennex® platform that has changed the industry and earned the passion and loyalty of homeowners and professional painters by delivering extremely low-VOC and peerless beauty and performance. J.D. Power and Associates 2014 Interior Paint Satisfaction Study ranked Benjamin Moore highest in consumer satisfaction, marking the fourth consecutive year and fifth time the company has earned this rating. Benjamin Moore paints deliver authentic Benjamin Moore colors and are available exclusively from Benjamin Moore’s network of paint and decorating dealers.
              
             
           
                   
               No Matter the Color Scheme, GE’s Slate Finish Appliances Blend and Trend
               
                LOUISVILLE, Ky. In the home, gray is more than a shade between black and white. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), gray will be the fastest growing color scheme in the kitchen in 2014.1 GE’s (NYSE: GE) Slate premium finish is the answer for consumers who want to bring gray into their kitchen with slide-in and built-in Profile™ Series appliances available beginning in August.
Inspired by the rich texture and appearance of stone, Slate has a deep, warm and inviting look that exudes refinement and sophistication. Slate’s low-gloss metallic finish is adaptive, allowing it to seamlessly blend into kitchens that flow into the living room and rest of the house, making it ideal for today’s open-concept living.
“Open-concept design puts the appliances front and center, visible whether you’re sitting in the kitchen or the adjacent living space,” said Lou Lenzi, director of GE’s Industrial Design Operation. “Slate’s neutral, matte qualities make it visually interesting without causing a distraction.”

When it comes to kitchen design, according to the NKBA, transitional style was the most popular in 2013, and is expected to remain strong in 2014.1 Slate gray fits, complementing a wide spectrum of materials and finishes found in transitional design, while delivering on today’s muted color scheme.
Slated for expansion

Slate’s expansion is the second one for the finish, which originally launched in September 2012 and more than doubled after one year as popularity exceeded expectations. In a recent GE survey of consumers who have purchased Slate, 97 percent were either “extremely” or “very” satisfied with the appearance of Slate appliances in their kitchen.
Additional advantages

The matte quality is resistant to fingerprints, a frequent consumer complaint about stainless steel appliances

Mix and match: brushed stainless steel handles and knobs add contrast while also complementing stainless steel appliances in the kitchen

The 2014 Slate expansion includes:

Slide-in gas and electric range models PS950EEFES ($2,899*), JGS750EEFES ($2,499*) and JS750EFES ($1,899*), available in August.

Wall oven models PT7050EHES ($2,499*) and PT7550EHES ($3,499*), available in August.

Electric cooktop models PP932EHES ($1,299*) and PP962EHES ($1,299*), available in August.

Countertop microwave PEB7226EFES ($379*), available in August, and over-the-range convection microwave PVM9179EFES ($649*), available in September.
Counter-depth French door bottom-freezer refrigerator GYE22KMHES ($2,899*), French door bottom-freezer refrigerator GFE28GMH ($2,499*), 30″ bottom-freezer refrigerator GDE20GMHES ($1,649*), and side-by-side refrigerators GSS23HMHES ($1,649*) and GSS25GMHES ($1,399*), available in October.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter or check out our website for more information

Friend GE Appliances on Facebook to view how-to videos, learn about new GE appliances and join in the discussion with other GE appliance owners. Join today and follow @GE_Appliances on Twitter or just locate detailed information about our products at geappliances.com.
GE Appliances

GE Appliances is at the forefront of building innovative, energy-efficient appliances that improve people’s lives. GE Appliances’ products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water filtration systems and water heaters. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information on GE Appliances, visit www.ge.com/appliances.
              
             
           
                   
               P&G Brands Partner with Higher Level Art and Food 4 Less to Create Neighborhood Artwork
               
                LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–This Fall, Charmin, Crest, Dawn and Pampers brands launch a public art project, in partnership with Higher Level Art and retailer Food 4 Less, that features artwork on the Metro Gold Line in Los Angeles. Telemundo52 Los Angeles (KVEA), Telemundo’s West Coast flagship television station, along with Outfront Media will also support the effort. Over the past month, artists and designers have worked to create artwork that highlights the importance of family, happiness and nature that will inspire and encourage Angelenos to rediscover their neighborhoods.
“As one of the busiest cities in the nation, we know Angelenos spend a good part of their day on the go, whether it’s commuting to and from home, school or work,” said Seunghee Ha, Brand Manager, NA Go-to-Market Innovation at Procter & Gamble. “P&G’s public art project on the Metro Gold Line, which extends from East Los Angeles to Pasadena and back, spotlights the beauty and diversity of Los Angeles, turning the mundane task of commuting into something extraordinary. With the support of our partners, we are so proud to be able to celebrate this one-of-a-kind city.”
P&G brands partnered with Higher Level Art, a collective of artists creating exclusive murals, signs, and fine art installations around the world, to develop the 90 feet colorful murals that depict some of the brands’ iconic images. Higher Level Art is known for producing extensive creative works that draw from the wide variety of influences in popular culture.
“As artists we are always looking for ways to be inspired and inspire others. We are honored to have the opportunity to transform the Metro Gold Line to serve as visual entertainment to alleviate the stress of commuting,” said Matt Dayler at Higher Level Art. “We are hopeful that these bright colorful images will bring joy and smiles to Angelenos.”
Telemundo52 will support the Los Angeles project by offering new Spanish-language content that will extend until January 2015. The local television station is producing a video series in Spanish coined “Súbete con Telemundo52” (All aboard with Telemundo52) to cover the behind-the-scenes of the art project and Los Angeles attractions to visit off the Metro Gold Line.
For more information, visit Telemundo52.com/subete for more information about the beautification of the Metro Gold Line in Los Angeles.
About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves nearly five billion people around the world with its brands. The Company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Duracell®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, Wella® and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.
About Food 4 Less

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Food 4 Less operates 146 price-impact, warehouse-format supermarkets under the banners Food 4 Less in Southern California, Nevada, Illinois and Indiana, and Foods Co in Central and Northern California. Last year, Food 4 Less contributed more than $4 million to support education, hunger relief, women’s health and local nonprofit organizations in the communities served by the company’s stores. Food 4 Less is a subsidiary of The Kroger Co., (NYSE:KR), one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information about Food 4 Less, please visit our website at www.food4less.com.
Telemundo52 Los Angeles

Telemundo52 / KVEA is Telemundo’s West Coast flagship television station, serving the Spanish-speaking community in the Los Angeles market. Owned by NBCUniversal, Telemundo52 has been delivering local news, information and entertainment to viewers throughout Southern California for nearly 30 years, reaching approximately 10 million viewers in five counties. Viewers turn to Telemundo52 for breaking news, weather and sports headlines across a variety of platforms, including online at Telemundo52.com and via mobile and social media channels. Today, Telemundo52 produces more than 20 hours of local news and programming each week and demonstrates its commitment to the community by cultivating local partnerships and capturing the diversity of Southern California.
              
             
           
                   
               Post-it Brand Unveils A World of Color Collections  Introducing Vibrant New Color Palettes
               
                ST. PAUL, Minn.- -Post-it Brand from 3M introduces World of Color, a line of nine new eye-catching Post-it® Note color palettes inspired by bold and magnificent destinations around the world. Showcasing the transformative power of color, the collections hone in on color’s ability to trigger imagination, organize thoughts and foster self-expression. The collection’s bright hues empower us to Move to A World of Color, sparking unique ways to organize and express from the home to the office and beyond through the vitality of color.
Bright, lively and bold, the Post-it Brand World of Color collections energize thoughts, offering a vivid array of tones perfect for any personality. From majestic beaches in French Polynesia to the desert jewel of Morocco, the assortment echoes inspirational destinations and brings striking bursts of color into daily routines.
“Color is a powerful force, it has the ability to not only brighten your workspace, but also influence your mood and productivity in the office,” said Jeff Hillins, global business director for Stationery and Office Supplies. “The Post-it Brand World of Color collections continue to contribute to the brand’s extensive assortment of products, offering innovative tools to transform daily communication and organization and enhance creativity, collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking.”
The Post-it Brand World of Color collections feature palettes inspired by global destinations including:
Bali, Indonesia – Warm and soft pastels that reflect a tropical journey

Bora Bora, French Polynesia – A refreshing palette that echoes an escape to the island paradise

Cape Town, South Africa – Vibrant and upbeat hues true to this port at the southern tip of Africa

Helsinki, Finland – Tranquil and clean colors honor the simple pleasures of Scandinavian living

Jaipur, India – Bold and exotic bursts of color resemble the food, art and culture of India

Marrakesh, Morocco – Expressive and energetic colors reflective of this eclectic desert treasure

Marseille, France – Lively pastels that showcase the vitality of this French port city

New York, United States – Bright hues inspired by the city’s notable skyline, stone and steel landscape

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Dramatic bursts of color celebrate this Brazilian metropolis
In celebration of A World of Color, the Post-it Brand is a national sponsor of The Color Run™, one of the largest 5k event series in the world that brings together communities to create a canvas of colorful fun while embracing individuality, healthiness and happiness. In 2015, the Post-it Brand is hosting the yellow color zone along the course where participants will be doused with bright yellow color on their way through the event. At the color zone, runners will also find the Happy Wall, where they will be able to post and share Post-it Notes about what makes them happy. In runs across the nation, participants will receive a sample of Post-it World of Color Notes to continue spreading colorful messages after the race.

To demonstrate how color can positively impact your world, the Post-it Brand has launched 7 Days of Color, a week-long challenge to individuals and businesses to commit to bringing color into their lives with the opportunity to enter to win a trip to one of five destinations. Now through March 31, 2015, visit Post-it.com/color to discover how color can shape your world and take a brief survey to begin your colorful journey through a series of emails, activities, articles and more for additional sweepstakes entries.
The Post-it Brand World of Color collections are available in a variety of sizes including 3×3, 4×4, and 4×6, featuring Post-it Super Sticky Notes, Post-it Recycled Super Sticky Notes and Post-it Greener Notes, priced from $7.99. Explore all of the new city collections by visiting Post-it.com/color and learn about the vibrant cultures that inspired the color palettes. Post-it Brand World of Color products are available at office superstores, mass merchandise and online retailers nationwide.
About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $31 billion in sales, 3M employs 89,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
              
             
           
                   
               Quick Answers to Key Questions Concerning F2057-23
               
                On Wednesday, April 19, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to adopt the revised ASTM International voluntary stability standard, F2057-23, as the mandatory federal safety standard for clothing storage units required by the STURDY Act.
The agency’s action included a stay of the existing CPSC Final Rule that was adopted in November 2022 and slated to take effect May 24, 2023. The stay voids that rule and its May 24 effective date.
The effective date for the new federal rule based on F2057-23 is discussed below and will be no earlier than late August 2023.
The Stop Tip-overs of Unstable Risky Dressers on Youth Act, better known as STURDY, was signed by President Biden on December 29, 2022, as part of the 2023 Omnibus spending bill. STURDY directed the CPSC to develop a mandatory consumer product safety regulation for CSUs within one year of the date it was signed.
This document provides an overview of what it means for the industry now that the CPSC has replaced its original Final Rule with F2057-23, in compliance with STURDY.
What is the scope of F2057-23?
Under F2057-23, the scope of the new federal safety standard for CSUs will encompass free-standing clothing storage units, including but not limited to chests, chests of drawers, armoires, bureaus, door chests and dressers that:
are 27 inches or greater in height; AND

are 30 pounds or greater in weight; AND

contain 3.2 cubic feet or greater of enclosed storage volume.

Units must meet ALL three of the above criteria to fall within the scope of the rule. These criteria were developed to cover children up to 72 months of age, which account for approximately 80 percent of all deaths related to CSU tip-overs.
What is excluded from the scope of F2057-23?
F2057-23 does not cover shelving units such as bookcases or entertainment furniture. It does not cover office furniture, dining room furniture, underbed drawer storage units,
jewelry armoires, laundry storage/sorting units or occasional/accent furniture that is not intended for bedroom use. Many of these categories fell within the much broader scope of the CPSC’s original Final Rule.
When will the new federal safety standard for CSUs take effect?
The new direct final rule based on F2057-23 will take effect 120 days after it is published in the Federal Register, unless the Commission receives a significant adverse comment within 30 days of publication. If the Commission receives such a comment, it will withdraw the direct final rule and commence a new rulemaking. Industry has been advised to expect “a few weeks” before publication of the rule, pointing to a late August to early September effective date.
The new stability requirements will apply to all units within the scope of the rule with a manufacture date on or after the rule’s effective date.
What are the F2057-23 testing requirements?
Compliant units must pass three performance tests. The set-up, equipment required and precise procedure for each test is detailed in F2057-23, which can be purchased here.
Simulated Clothing Load. All extendible elements and spaces behind doors are loaded with 8.5 pounds per cubic foot. All doors and loaded drawers are opened. The loaded unit must remain upright for 30 seconds. (There is a separate test for units with drawer interlocks that prevent 50 percent or more of the extendible elements from opening.)

Simulated Horizontal Dynamic Force. With all doors open and all elements extended, a 10-pound horizontal force is applied to the highest handhold, not to exceed 56 inches. The unit must not tip while the force is applied to the top edge of a drawer or to the center of the pull area of the extendible element and held for 10 seconds.

Simulated Carpet Test with Child Weight. A test block of 0.43 inches is placed under the rear legs or base of the unit to simulate the impact of units placed on carpet. All doors are open and all elements extended. A test weight of 60 pounds is applied gradually over the top of the door or extendible element most likely to cause tip-over and remains in place for 30 seconds without causing the unit to tip over.

Is third-party testing required?
Third-party testing is not required, unless the product is marketed for use by children (as required by the Consumer Product Safety Act). For companies that need or want third-party verification of test results, AHFA is working with the industry’s top labs to ensure global uniformity in testing procedures.
Does F2057-23 include a labeling requirement?
Yes. All covered units must carry a warning label in a “conspicuous location when the product is in use.” The rule includes a detailed description of placement options. The warning message, specifications for size and style of font, and downloadable icons required in the label all are included in the rule. All of these, including the text of the warning label, are identical to the warning label requirement in F2057-19.
Does F2057-23 include a hang tag requirement?
NO.
Does F2057-23 include a tip restraint requirement?
YES. An anti-tip device that meets the requirements of ASTM F3096 must be included with each item of furniture covered by the safety specification.
Is there a stockpiling provision?
NO. There is no stockpiling provision.
What is the status of existing non-compliant inventory?
The new federal safety specification for clothing storage furniture is prospective, covering all products with a manufacture date on or after the effective date of the rule.
Manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers may continue to sell non-compliant products with a manufacture date before the new rule’s effective date.
However, any product involved in a tip-over incident is subject to recall and companies will continue to face additional enforcement costs (not to mention liability) for products that fail to comply with the voluntary standard that was in effect at the time of manufacture.
What does the new federal rule require of retailers?
Retailers who import bedroom furniture directly from overseas suppliers are responsible for ensuring those products meet all federal safety and environmental regulations, including the new stability standard for clothing storage units.
Who will enforce the new standard?
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Non-compliant products are subject to recall. Upon adoption of F2057-23 as the mandatory safety standard required by STURDY, CPSC Chair Alexander Hohen-Saric noted: “CPSC will be monitoring the marketplace and actively enforcing this standard.”
              
             
           
                   
               Ralph Lauren Announces Strategic Collaboration To Accelerate Growth Of Luxury Furniture Business
               
                NEW YORK — Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) today announced a strategic, long-term agreement with Haworth Lifestyle Design, a recognized leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of luxury furniture, enabling Ralph Lauren to continue to expand and grow its Home business. Commencing April 1, 2024, the agreement brings together the strength of the Ralph Lauren brand with the operational expertise of Haworth Lifestyle Design in a first-of-its-kind collaboration for the two companies that is designed to significantly expand the production and distribution of Ralph Lauren’s Italian-made, luxury furniture offerings. The collaboration will also include the development and operations of a network of new, freestanding, immersive Ralph Lauren Home stores in strategic locations globally. 
Introduced in 1983, Ralph Lauren’s all-encompassing Home collection revolutionized the industry with its pioneering lifestyle approach to design. Since then, Ralph Lauren Home has become synonymous with a distinctive vision of enduring style and an unwavering commitment to the highest level of craftsmanship. The expansive collection includes handsome furniture and lighting, distinctive floor coverings, fabric and wallcovering, tabletop, and decorative accessories as well as luxurious bed and bath linens.
“As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Ralph Lauren Home, we are committing to continuing our investment in the success of our Home business, positioning us to keep inspiring consumers around the world to create a more beautiful life,” said Guillaume Tardy, Chief Lifestyle and Licensing Officer, Ralph Lauren Corporation. “Home is a high potential category for us, and working with Haworth Lifestyle Design will allow us to leverage their expertise in craftsmanship, manufacturing and customer service, as well as to expand distribution of our luxury furniture, further accelerating the growth of Ralph Lauren Home around the world in support of our Next Great Chapter: Accelerate strategy.”
Under this new agreement, Ralph Lauren and Haworth Lifestyle Design will closely collaborate to bring the Ralph Lauren Home experience to consumers, partnering on design, marketing, and selection of store locations and store designs. The Company will also continue to directly manage the development of its bedding, bath, tabletop, and gifts product categories and will work with its existing partners for other home furnishings categories.
Haworth Lifestyle Design is one of the largest operators of luxury furniture brands in the world, with best-in-class supply chain capabilities from made-to-order, Italian manufacturing through to white glove delivery. The company also operates a global network of standalone luxury furniture stores and maintains expansive luxury wholesale partner relationships. These capabilities will be leveraged through the introduction of new, standalone Ralph Lauren Home stores operated by Haworth Lifestyle Design in locations aligned to Ralph Lauren’s key cities ecosystem strategy, raising visibility and brand awareness for Ralph Lauren’s home offerings. Haworth Lifestyle Design will also be responsible for product development, sourcing & manufacturing, product marketing, and wholesale account management. 
“Like Ralph Lauren, at Haworth Lifestyle Design we are driven by a passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and helping people around the world lead a life well-lived,” said Dario Rinero, Chief Executive Officer, Haworth Lifestyle Design. “Ralph Lauren has defined for more than four decades what a luxury lifestyle can look like through its iconic and timeless home designs. We are deeply invested in this collaboration and honored to partner with their team to inspire trade partners and consumers, exceeding their expectations with beautiful furniture designs and exceptional service.”
Haworth Lifestyle Design will also assume post-order customer service and white glove delivery for ecommerce and existing Ralph Lauren stores globally. The company will produce the majority of Ralph Lauren furniture in Italy, exclusively on a made-to-order basis. 
ABOUT RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of luxury lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, footwear & accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren has sought to inspire the dream of a better life through authenticity and timeless style. Its reputation and distinctive image have been developed across a wide range of products, brands, distribution channels and international markets. The Company’s brand names — which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children and Chaps, among others — constitute one of the world’s most widely recognized families of consumer brands. For more information, go to https://investor.ralphlauren.com.
ABOUT HAWORTH LIFESTYLE DESIGN

Haworth Lifestyle Design is a federation of leading global design brands part of Haworth Inc., a US company operating in commercial furniture and interiors, with revenues of 2.5 billion dollars and over 8.000 members worldwide. Haworth Lifestyle Design is a world leader comprising the following brands: Poltrona Frau, Cappellini, Cassina, JANUS et Cie, Luminaire, Ceccotti, Karakter, Luxury Living Group, Interni, Zanotta. Luxury Living Group designs and manufactures under license home furniture for some of the most important luxury brands for over 30 years: Dolce & Gabbana Casa, Versace Home, Trussardi Casa, Bentley Home and Bugatti Home. Haworth Lifestyle Design is a multicultural team in continuous expansion and evolution, rich of different and complementary brands that have contributed to tracing the success of Italian design and craftsmanship in the world.
              
             
           
                   
               Raymour & Flanigan offering Genesis second-look financing
               
                LIVERPOOL, N.Y. — Top 100 furniture chain Raymour & Flanigan has begun offering second-look financing from Genesis Financial Solutions, the companies announced.
Genesis said its program allows credit-challenged customers to make purchases at the 105-store Liverpool, N.Y.-based retailer.
“Genesis Credit has taken an innovative approach to developing high-quality, customer-focused financing that complements our existing Raymour & Flanigan custom-fit financing program,” said Raymour CEO Neil Goldberg. “Our sales have increased and our store associates appreciate the ease and simplicity of Genesis’ program while creating more loyalty to Raymour & Flanigan.”
Genesis said its program offers superior customer service and similar program features as a prime lender.
“We are honored to partner with Raymour & Flanigan, one of the leading and premier retailers in home furnishings,” said Bruce Weinstein, CEO of Genesis Financial Solutions.
              
             
           
                   
               Seal Off Stubborn Stains With Sherwin-Williams New Extreme Block™ Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer
               
                CLEVELAND – Sherwin-Williams introduces Extreme Block™ Primer/Sealer, a versatile indoor/outdoor formula, to its extensive coatings lineup. The new oil-based primer reduces the need for repaints by sealing off stubborn stains such as smoke, fire and nicotine, making it ideal for quickly restoring a property to fresh condition.
“Extreme Block joins other recently introduced coatings, such as Extreme Cover™ Stain Blocking Paint and Primer in One, as a key product in the property management and residential repaint toolkit,” said Steve Revnew, senior vice president of product innovation, Sherwin-Williams. “The fast-drying formula and powerful stain-blocking properties make it a great option for multifamily property managers, facility maintenance crews and other professionals looking to save time and maximize results.”
This fast-drying primer can be top-coated with either acrylic or alkyd products in as little as two hours and adheres well to multiple substrates including wood, drywall, masonry and prepared metal. Extreme Block is easy to sand to a uniform surface and provides lasting adhesion through deep surface penetration.
Now available, Extreme Block Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior Alkyd Primer/Sealer can be purchased in Sherwin-Williams stores nationwide. For more information, visit www.s-w.com.
ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

For more than 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,200 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
              
             
           
                   
               Sherwin-Williams Announces Color of the Year 2015
               
                CLEVELAND – Perfectly suited to celebrate a mid-decade year that’s poised for revitalization, Coral Reef (SW 6606) is Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year 2015. The uplifting, vivacious hue with floral notes is the perfect mélange of pink, orange and red that can be used to liven up any space.
Pulled from the Sherwin-Williams Buoyant palette, Coral Reef channels floral components, which are prominently featured in current fashion trends. Other palette colors are reminiscent of vintage floral patterns, influenced by natural-healing botanicals and the trend for green urban spaces.
“Coral Reef embodies the cheerful approach to design that we’re seeing for the coming year. Its unexpected versatility brings life to a range of design aesthetics, whether traditional, vintage, cottage or contemporary. Simply add this carefree color to your home’s palette and watch your creativity blossom,” said Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing, Sherwin-Williams.
Although Coral Reef has the chutzpah to stand by itself on a single accent wall or object like a front door or piece of furniture, its outgoing personality begs for company. Colors that make it truly sing include Cotton White (SW 7104) and Black Fox (SW 7020), as well as other floral hues, such as the Baroness (SW 6837) and lush greens, such as Paradise (SW 6720).
To relax it slightly, Coral Reef works with warm neutrals such as Sedate Gray (SW 6169) or buttery yellows like Hubbard Squash (SW 0044). Driftwood, medium wood tones and metal finishes also complement its flower-garden hue. For vintage quality that’s hard to beat, Coral Reef and aged matte brass make a perfect pair.
Standing out in a vibrant color forecast

Each year, Jordan and other Sherwin-Williams color experts research color influences from around the world to determine the annual color forecast and the Color of the Year. Color Forecast 2015 is comprised of 40 colors grouped into four palettes. In addition to the Buoyant palette in which Coral Reef resides, the forecast includes the Chrysalis, Voyage and Unrestrained color palettes.
Buoyant

“After weathering the recession and finally seeing signs of growth, the Buoyant palette reflects our enthusiasm with colors that evoke big, bright florals in fashion and interiors. Our spirits echo the optimism following World War II when GIs returned from exotic locales, bringing tropical prints and tiki-inspired looks,” said Jordan.
Chrysalis

As technology rushes ahead, the colors of Chrysalis offer a calm oasis — a place to pause and find balance. The palette’s colors range from off-black to chalky neutrals and dusty blues, for more comfortable interiors.
“An influence for Chrysalis is the appreciation of earth’s natural striations,” said Jordan. “Patterns created by the land and sky are driving inspiration for colors found in nature, from beach rocks to stormy skies.”
Voyage

From space tourism to undersea resorts, the sci-fi dreams of past decades are more viable than ever. The Voyage palette looks to these outer limits, featuring hues imagined while emerging from the water into the atmosphere — undersea teal, bright green kelp, light watery blue and deep space purple.
“The colors of Voyage are supernatural and magical. The palette is driven by unusual atmospheric events including a decade-best aurora borealis, keeping our eyes focused on the heavens,” said Jordan. “The palette’s lighter colors create an uplifting space, while its deeper tones combine to add drama.”
Unrestrained

From bold, ethnic-inspired colors and designs to the Bohemian lifestyle, the Unrestrained palette celebrates free-spirited wanderlust. Its saturated primary hues include sunny yellow, lively turquoise and bright blue, as well as black and white. Each can be used for a pop of color, or combined to create a vibrant, energetic space.
“South Africa’s colorful art scene and focus on the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro have influenced a Carnival-like spirit, inspiring design with a zest for life. The vibrant colors of Unrestrained reflect that aesthetic,” said Jordan.
Color Confidence

Using Sherwin-Williams suite of easy-to-use color selection tools, consumers can explore Color Forecast 2015 and more than 1,500 Sherwin-Williams colors. Online tools include Chip It!, which creates a colorful palette from any picture, and Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer, which enables them to virtually “try on” paint colors.
The ColorSnap® smartphone app allows consumers to create a palette from a photo or explore colors by family, while the ColorSnap Studio iPad® app offers color inspiration and the ability to virtually paint a wall with a swipe of a finger.
All Sherwin-Williams color resources can be found at http://www.sherwin-williams.com/color.
ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

For nearly 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service that’s focused on unique project needs. Recently, Sherwin-Williams was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Paint Retailers, Two Years in a Row” and “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Exterior Paints” by the J.D. Power 2014 Paint Satisfaction Study. Sherwin-Williams products can only be found at its more than 3,900 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
              
             
           
                   
               Sherwin-Williams Introduces New App for Pros Redesigned To Save Time and Increase Productivity
               
                CLEVELAND – Sherwin-Williams unveiled its latest tool for painting professionals seeking ways to work more efficiently: the all-new Sherwin-Williams PRO app.
With the new and improved PRO app by Sherwin-Williams, it’s easier than ever for professionals to get their work done while on the go. Professional customers have faster access to money-saving offers, product details, online account information, store locations and more. Pros who have already set up an online account profile can use the app to access purchase history, invoices and statements, as well as make payments. In addition, the new app allows for quick access to data sheets and an enhanced paint calculator for cost estimates. Later this year the new PRO app will enable online ordering.
“We developed our new app with the evolving needs of our professional customers in mind,” said Pam Gillikin, senior director e-business marketing, Sherwin-Williams. “The completely redesigned and reimagined app allows us to seamlessly incorporate additional capabilities over time.”
The new PRO app is available now. It replaces Sherwin-Williams ProBuy+ app, and all ProBuy+ users are encouraged to now download the PRO app from the Apple App store or Google Play.
ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

For nearly 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,100 neighborhood stores across North America. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.
              
             
           
                   
               Sherwin-Williams Is First Paint Company To Offer Seamless Integration With Revit Software
               
                CLEVELAND — Specifying paint and color is being simplified for architects and designers, thanks to a new agreement making Sherwin-Williams the first and only paint company to offer seamless integration with the Autodesk Revit software program. Professionals using the software now have instant access to Sherwin-Williams paint products and colors, enabling them to create color-accurate renderings of rooms, quickly and more efficiently.
Autodesk Revit is the leading Building Information Modeling (BIM) software used by architects and designers to design buildings, specify products and render photo-realistic images. Now, Autodesk Material Library files have been created in the software, enabling Revit users to integrate Sherwin-Williams paint products and colors directly from the catalog into their drawings, eliminating extra tasks in the design process.
“As architects and designers seek to streamline the workflow process, the integration of Sherwin-Williams products and colors into the software will make specification faster and easier,” said Joe Kujawski, director, wholesale marketing, Sherwin-Williams.
With the advancement, Revit users can save Autodesk Material Library Files locally on a computer or to a centralized network for access by multiple people. They can easily navigate the Revit file to access information needed from the full Sherwin-Williams catalog, including the paint series, color number and name, and the appearance properties of the paint sheen. They can then instantly apply the colors, with photo-realistic accuracy, throughout their model.
“In the past, paint and coatings manufacturers didn’t have a great way to become an integral part of the BIM workflow; this new approach achieves just that,” said Benjamin Glunz, president, Anguleris Technologies, the Autodesk Content Services Provider on this project. “We are always seeking ways to improve the design and specification process for architects and designers, and the incorporation of Sherwin-Williams reduces steps in the process significantly.”
The libraries are available for download on Autodesk Seek, the leading repository for BIM Content. To learn more about Sherwin-Williams integration with Autodesk Revit, visit http://seek.autodesk.com/SherwinWilliams.
ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

Through its more than 3,900 stores and 2,200 sales representatives, Sherwin-Williams provides fast, flexible, responsive service and personalized, expert advice to meet the coating and color needs of builders, designers, specifiers, property managers and contractors. As North America’s largest single-source supplier of high-quality paints, stains, masonry coatings and brand-name wall and floor coverings, Sherwin-Williams is proud to have earned the EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its innovative acrylic alkyd technology. Visit sherwin-williams.com 
              
             
           
                   
               Sherwin-Williams Launches Breakthrough System to Simplify Color Selection
               
                LAS VEGAS – Sherwin-Williams introduces its latest innovation: ColorSnap®, the company’s most comprehensive, integrated color selection system ever offered. Designed to help consumers and professionals make confident and efficient paint color selections, ColorSnap® includes a first-of-its-kind, in-store display that makes color selection fast and easy, in addition to enhanced online and off-line tools, and new colors.
“With the ColorSnap® system, we’ve created a completely new way to navigate color. Whether in their neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store, at home or on the go, ColorSnap® provides a solution to easily explore and find color any way the consumer chooses,” said Jackie Jordan, director, color marketing, Sherwin-Williams.
ColorSnap® began rolling out last year and will be available in all Sherwin-Williams stores across the U.S. and Canada by the end of first quarter.
Easy, intuitive and fast

Customers can explore color in an entirely new way with the interactive, in-store ColorSnap® Studio display, which groups color by family, such as red, yellow or blue, then displays color by saturation level from bright to neutral with a new category just for whites. Each color family is set on one of 24 rotating panels. By turning a panel, customers can see a curated selection of nearly 50 paint chips of specific colors within that color family — making the selection process simple and fun.
The display, which will be the centerpiece of every Sherwin-Williams store, also features new 2-by-3-inch take-home color chips, rather than strips, so customers can get a bigger, better idea of how colors will look in their space.
Sherwin-Williams conducted extensive testing to ensure the new ColorSnap® system would improve the overall customer experience. During in-store testing, on average, customers found their paint color of choice in 60 percent less time than with the previous display.
Sherwin-Williams collaborated with IDEO, an award-winning global design and innovation consultancy, on the in-store display, which uses a human-centered, design approach to help simplify the color-selection experience for both DIYers and professionals.
“We were honored to work with Sherwin-Williams to reimagine the color selection journey through the lens of the company’s many diverse customers. After a thoughtful and iterative design process, we’re excited to see ColorSnap® come to life,” said Michelle Ha Tucker, portfolio director, IDEO.
As part of the new display, a central work area will be added for customers to arrange and review their color choices, explore Sherwin-Williams color tools and interact with store experts. Customers will also be able to browse and take home nine new color guides and 12 postcards that are designed to inspire, educate and simplify color selection.
In addition to ColorSnap® Studio, the redesigned in-store color display, the all-new system includes a refreshed and integrated online set of tools including ColorSnap® Visualizer for iPhone, iPad, Android and online (at sherwinwilliams.com). The tools allow users to explore color before ever picking up a paintbrush. With the mobile app, customers can scan the new 2-by-3 inch color chip with their iPhone or Android smart phone for instant access to room scenes featuring that color, options for coordinating colors, and more. ColorSnap® Visualizer also inspires by matching a color in a photo to a specific Sherwin-Williams color, allowing users to virtually paint a room or simply browse details on the full range of Sherwin-Williams colors. The iPad app also features inspirational room scenes that showcase expert color picks.
The new color selection system is powered by Sherwin-Williams ColorSnap® Precision, a proprietary technology that delivers exceptional color accuracy and control in every gallon of paint. From initial product formulation to final tinting, ColorSnap® Precision provides gallon to gallon color consistency that is available only at Sherwin-Williams more than 4,000 neighborhood stores.
Faster and easier for design professionals

Professionals will also find color selection easier and faster, thanks to the variety of new resources available to them, whether in the office or on the job site. The ColorSnap® Design Pro Suite includes an updated and expanded suite of tools for professionals (including a new ergonomic fan deck, portable and desktop kits and more), along with the ColorSnap® Visualizer online tools. The ColorSnap® Design Pro Suite creates a powerful color selection system that can differentiate a design practice. It will be available in early 2016.
To learn more about the ColorSnap® system, visit your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store or www.colorsnap.com.
ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

For nearly 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,000 neighborhood stores across North America. Sherwin-Williams has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Paint Retailers, Three Years in a Row” in the J.D. Power 2015 Paint Satisfaction StudySM. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.
              
             
           
                   
               Sherwin-Williams Launches New Paint Specification Writing Tool To Determine Right Coating System for Projects
               
                CLEVELAND – Sherwin-Williams announces the launch of SpecExpress™, a free specification writing tool that helps architects, designers, and specifiers create paint specifications based on the unique criteria of each project.
“Time is a precious commodity, and SpecExpress helps architects and designers maximize it by easily and quickly narrowing down paint selection options to meet aesthetic, durability and performance requirements for their projects,” said Joe Kujawski, director of wholesale marketing, Sherwin-Williams.
SpecExpress uses a simple five-step process to help select the right paint products for commercial and residential projects. The online system then creates a a proper paint specification document — including paired primers and topcoats — that meet the criteria of the specific project.
A SpecExpress specification can be downloaded as a Word, WP or RTF file, and may be used in its entirety or added to a project master specification.
For more information about Sherwin-Williams SpecExpress, visit SWSpecExpress.com. 
ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™
For nearly 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,000 neighborhood stores across North America. Sherwin-Williams has been ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Paint Retailers, Three Years in a Row” in the J.D. Power 2015 Paint Satisfaction StudySM. For more information, visit sherwin-williams.com. Join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.
              
             
           
                   
               Sherwin-Williams New Online Center Provides Training For Architects And Designers
               
                CLEVELAND — Architects, designers and green building professionals now have free access to certified continuing education courses 24/7, with the new Sherwin-Williams Online Learning Center. Professionals can visit swceulearn.com to earn CEU credits for courses covering a broad range of topics, from paints and coatings to color and design. Certified by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) and Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), credits are processed within days of completion. New courses will be added to the site on an ongoing basis.
“Providing rich opportunities for continuing education benefits the entire construction and design community, as it helps professionals to gain competencies and knowledge that are essential to their growth and success,” said Joe Kujawski, director of marketing, Sherwin-Williams. “Sherwin-Williams is pleased to provide this complimentary Online Learning Center to make it easy for architects and designers to complete high quality CEU courses at their convenience and at their own pace.”
To access the course offerings, professionals can log on to swceulearn.com to register and sign in. A link to the Online Learning Center can also be found in the Architect/Specifier/Designer section of sherwin-williams.com. There are descriptions and objectives for more than a dozen CEU courses under the categories of “Paint & Coatings” and “Color & Design.” Once a course is selected, the site enables users to learn as their schedules permit. A personalized “Courses in Progress” page helps users track their efforts, including the date they started a course, when they last visited it, the percentage completed, and actions left to take. Once they’ve finished a course, users can simply click on the course title to print a certificate of completion. CEU credits are automatically processed to AIA and IDCEC.
Paint & Coatings Courses

Professionals can explore a broad choice of topics within the Paint & Coatings category. For example, with the “Paint 101” course they can discover the evolution of paint technology and the functional properties of paint and coatings, as well as the four basic components of paint. Other topics range from courses on protective architectural coatings to decorative concrete finishes.
Color & Design Courses

Courses in the Color & Design category also cover a broad spectrum of topics. For example, in the “Seeing Red” course, professionals will learn the origins of the color and why it the most popular color in the world. Or, users can also learn about the principles of color and light by taking the “Color, Light & Metamerism” course, which describes the phenomenon known as metamerism.
Resources for Professionals

Professionals visiting swceulearn.com will also find links to a variety of additional resources to help them in their work, including the ability to order Sherwin-Williams paint color samples, explore colors by family and collection, view product specifications or download guides for complying with green building standards and local VOC regulations.
ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

Through its more than 3,900 stores and 2,200 sales representatives, Sherwin-Williams provides fast, flexible, responsive service and personalized, expert advice to meet the coating and color needs of builders, designers, specifiers, property managers and contractors. Recently, Sherwin-Williams was ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Paint Retailers, Two Years in a Row” and “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Exterior Paints” by the J.D. Power 2014 Paint Satisfaction Study. As North America’s largest single-source supplier of high-quality paints, stains, masonry coatings and brand-name wall and floor coverings, Sherwin-Williams is proud to have earned the EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its innovative acrylic alkyd technology. Visit sherwin-williams.com 
              
             
           
                   
               Sherwin-Williams Paint Lines Now Available in Industry’s First Cleanable True Flat Finish
               
                LAS VEGAS – Sherwin-Williams introduces the paint industry’s first-ever truly flat finish that has excellent washability, now available in Emerald and Duration Home Interior paints.
“Professionals no longer need to sacrifice performance for appearance,” said Karl Schmitt, senior vice president of market research, color and design, Sherwin-Williams. “The flat finish hides minor drywall imperfections while providing a washable, rich look.”
Unlike other paints that claim to offer a washable flat finish, the new, technologically advanced finish for Emerald and Duration Home is truly flat and cleanable. It offers the same exceptional washability, durability and burnish resistance of the matte and glossier sheens. Both paints also feature anti-microbial agents that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on the paint surface.
Emerald Interior and Duration Home Interior paints are available in all Sherwin-Williams colors and custom tints in four sheens: flat, matte, satin and semi-gloss. Satin and semi-gloss finishes are now available in a new high hiding accent base, formulated to boost hiding power and deliver truer colors in fewer coats. Dark and vibrant colors are easily achieved with the same trusted performance and exceptional hide of Emerald and Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex paints.
Emerald Paint: Revolutionary technology, best-in-class overall performance

Emerald Interior Acrylic Latex Paint and Primer in One features advanced stain-blocking technology that creates a beautiful, smooth, long-lasting finish, with remarkable hide and application characteristics. It also has outstanding resistance to scrubbing, stains, blocking and water spotting. Emerald Interior Paint meets the most stringent VOC regulations, is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and has achieved GREENGUARD GOLD Certification. The paint is suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial applications, including hotels, offices and home interiors.
Duration Home: Excellent durability and washability

Ideal for high-traffic areas, Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex Paint and Primer in One features exclusive cross-linking technology that actually repels stains. Most stains wipe clean with water or mild soap, with no color rub-off and less visible shine after washing. Duration Home goes on smoothly and quickly and offers excellent hide.
For more information on Sherwin-Williams products, visit sherwin-williams.com/home-builders.
ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

Through its more than 4,000 stores and 2,400 sales representatives, Sherwin-Williams provides fast, flexible, responsive service and personalized, expert advice to meet the coating and color needs of builders, designers, specifiers, property managers and contractors. As North America’s largest single-source supplier of high-quality paints, stains, masonry coatings and brand-name wall and floor coverings, Sherwin-Williams is proud to have earned the EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its innovative acrylic alkyd technology. Visit sherwin-williams.com or join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.
              
             
           
                   
               Sherwin-Williams To Launch Most Comprehensive Deck Care System This Spring
               
                CLEVELAND – Sherwin-Williams introduces SuperDeck, the most comprehensive deck care finishing system available. The full line, featuring premium Duckback® technology, includes products for staining, sealing, stripping, cleaning and restoring decks. The line is set to launch in the spring of 2015.
Innovations found in the new line include revolutionary infrared (IR) reflective technology stains, designed to help keep surfaces cool even when temperatures are hot.
“SuperDeck products bring together the impressive results customers want with the easy application and fast drying time contractors are looking for,” said Karl Schmitt, senior vice president of market research, color and design, Sherwin-Williams. “Long-lasting results, durability and adhesion make the line perfect for any deck-related project.”
The SuperDeck care system offers a clear sealer and semi-transparent, semi-solid and solid color stains – all in a waterborne formula, plus oil-based transparent and semi-transparent formulations. Additionally, SuperDeck Deck & Dock Elastomeric Coating is ideal for smoothing and filling rough or damaged surfaces. Also available are Log Home Oil & Waterborne Finishes, Exotic Hardwood Stain and Pressure Treated Wood Stain.
SuperDeck can be applied on a variety of deck substrates including new, uncoated, pressure-treated, weathered lumber, cedar and redwood. It’s also available in a wide range of colors that complement Sherwin Williams popular WoodScapes® stains for vertical wood surfaces – allowing for a fully coordinated look.
Unique offerings in the new line include:
SuperDeck IR Reflective Waterborne Deck Stains

IR reflective technology contains pigments that reflect ultraviolet rays back into the atmosphere. As a result, the exterior surface temperature of wood decks stay cooler on the foot compared to conventional dark stain colors that are difficult to walk on in warm, sunny days. This technology is available in three colors in both the Waterborne Semi-Solid Color and Solid Color stains.
SuperDeck Waterborne Semi-Solid Stain

A semi-solid stain has a rich pigmented appearance that allows some natural wood grain to show through. The semi-solid makes a stronger color statement than a semi-transparent, without completely concealing the wood grain like a solid color. It also repels water on new or weathered wood and can be applied to damp or dry wood.
SuperDeck Log Home and Deck Stain

This stain achieves the appearance and weathering performance of a satin varnish with the ease of a stain. This formula offers exceptional water beading properties and UV inhibitors for premium results. Its semi-transparent look is ideal for new wood surfaces.
ASK SHERWIN-WILLIAMS™

Through its more than 4,000 stores and 2,400 sales representatives, Sherwin-Williams provides fast, flexible, responsive service and personalized, expert advice to meet the coating and color needs of builders, designers, specifiers, property managers and contractors. As North America’s largest single-source supplier of high-quality paints, stains, masonry coatings and brand-name wall and floor coverings, Sherwin-Williams is proud to have earned the EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award for its innovative acrylic alkyd technology. Visit sherwin-williams.com or join Sherwin-Williams on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Tumblr.
              
             
           
                   
               Sustainability Drives Technological Advances from Dow Coating Materials
               
                PHILADELPHIA – Dow Coating Materials, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), accelerates progress in paints and coatings through customer collaboration, understanding market trends, and research and development, including high through-put research, in support of ongoing product development. The results of these efforts will be on display at booth 212 during the 2015 Eastern Coatings Show, June 1-4 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
“Customers are looking for solutions that vary across a range of capabilities – including coatings that contain less volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can offer more application flexibility and do more than decorate and protect,” said Sylvia Insogna, North America marketing director, Dow Coating Materials. “We continue to collaborate across the value chain to address these challenges holistically to drive sustainable coatings solutions.”
From increasing sustainability requirements to general functionality improvements, Dow Coating Materials aims to develop products with premium performance across a wide variety of architectural and industrial applications.
Sustainable Solutions for Industrial and Architectural Coatings
A first in solvent-borne two-component (2K) urethane technology, PARALOID™ Edge Isocyanate1-Free Technology is a high performance, ambient crosslinking system that is both isocyanate-free1 and formaldehyde-free2. Solving the dilemma of extending pot life while maintaining quick cure, PARALOID™ Edge Technology offers flexibility for a variety of applications including auto refinishing, agriculture and construction equipment, and maintenance and protective coatings for metal and industrial wood.
Also a pioneer in waterborne industrial coatings, it’s no surprise that Dow Coating Materials continues to offer innovations aligned to evolving sustainability trends. Recently introduced MAINCOTE™ AEH Acrylic Epoxy Hybrid and MAINCOTE™ 4950 Acrylic Resin help enhance durability and protection properties for concrete and direct-to-metal applications while offering low-VOC capability. MAINCOTE Resins are available as one-component and two-component systems and offer improved performance without sacrificing on sustainability.
Balancing low VOC with high performance is an ongoing need in paint formulating in both industrial and architectural coatings – not just for binders, but for additives as well.
Paint makers are seeking highly efficient, easy pouring thickeners, while applicators are looking for better applied hiding, enhanced surface appearance, and better touch-up.
A recent addition to Dow’s functional family of additives, ACRYSOL™ RM-725 Rheology Modifier – a solvent-free3, APEO-free4 HEUR for near zero VOC paint formulations, addresses a number of paint maker challenges. Offering more of what formulators and applicators want, ACRYSOL™ RM-725 Rheology Modifier boasts excellent sag-flow balance for vinyl acrylic (PVA), vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) and other acrylic binder systems.
These high-performance coatings needs extend even further for exterior substrates that need to withstand harsh elements. Dow Coating Materials also offers binders for exterior architectural wood coatings that help improve functionality while bringing the natural beauty of wood to the surface.
“Waterborne acrylic restoration coatings for wood substrates require fewer annual re-applications to help protect the beauty and value of wood,” said Insogna. “Excellent adhesion to wooden substrates and increasing the overall durability of exterior wood coatings allows applicators, formulators and end-users alike to create more sustainable wood surfaces.”
From semi-transparent stains to solid color stains and wood restoration coatings, exterior wood coatings, like AVANSE™ ST-410 Binder from Dow can highlight the grain and texture of wood substrates, offer enhanced dirt pickup resistance, advance UV durability or even rejuvenate well weathered wood.
Dow experts will address these innovations during the following presentations at the 2015 Eastern Coatings Show:
Tuesday, June 2: (11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) Controlling Wet Hiding with TiO2 Reduction Strategies in Architectural Coatings

Wednesday, June 3: (8:40 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.) Weathering the Elements – Why Real World Data is Critical in Developing Polymers for the Exterior Market

Wednesday, June 3: (9:40 a.m. to 10:10 a.m.) Relevant Preservative Testing: The Importance of Robust Microbial Challenge Testing to Mimic Paint Manufacturing Conditions

As customer and market needs change, Dow Coating Materials continues to collaborate with its customers to produce high-performance products that address growing sustainability and functionality trends across the globe.
“The continued focus on incorporating sustainable technologies into coatings is driving a broadening of paint categories,” said Insogna. “With growth of added functionality, improved environmental footprint and environmental, health and safety improvements, Dow Coating Materials is committed to research and development of innovations to advance these trends.”
1Manufactured without isocyanate
2No added formaldehyde or formaldehyde generators
3Manufactured without added solvent
4Manufactured without the use of APEO surfactants
About Dow Coating Materials

Dow Coating Materials is the most innovative coatings raw material supplier in the world; driving fundamental shifts in the coatings industry and moving the market as the expert’s expert in coatings solutions. Through its mission of collaboration, inspiration, innovation and growth, the business provides material products, science, technology and manufacturing solutions to the architectural and industrial coatings industry worldwide. Dow Coating Materials operates 43 manufacturing plants worldwide and 13 dedicated R&D facilities across all major geographic markets where Dow does business. For more information please visit www.dowcoatingmaterials.com.
About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company is driving innovations that extract value from the intersection of chemical, physical and biological sciences to help address many of the world’s most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, clean energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow’s integrated, market-driven, industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 180 countries and in high-growth sectors such as packaging, electronics, water, coatings and agriculture. In 2014, Dow had annual sales of more than $58 billion and employed approximately 53,000 people worldwide. The Company’s more than 6,000 product families are manufactured at 201 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to “Dow” or the “Company” mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.
              
             
           
                   
               TD Bank to Provide Raymour & Flanigan Private Label Credit
               
                TD Bank has signed a multi-year agreement to provide a new branded private label credit card program for Raymour & Flanigan Furniture.
The new Raymour & Flanigan card launched this week in the family-owned, Liverpool, N.Y.-based retailer’s 94 full-line showrooms, 11 clearance centers and online business. Under the agreement, TD’s Retail Card Services division will direct all facets of the program for the 67-year-old retailer, which has stores in seven states throughout Upstate New York, Metro New York and New Jersey, New England and Philadelphia regions.
“The Raymour & Flanigan card has long been a critical part of the services offered to our customers. Accordingly, it was essential that we partner with a company with a proven track record of providing first-rate service at the point-of-sale and beyond, innovative credit marketing programs and the extensive range of affordable financing options that are so important to furniture retailers,” said Raymour & Flanigan CEO Neil Goldberg. “In particular, we found a strong cultural fit between TD and our organization around the core mission of being completely focused on the customer. We look forward to partnering with them as we continue our commitment to building the preeminent retail furniture brand in the Northeast and beyond.”
“We are very pleased to add Raymour & Flanigan to our growing family of furniture retailers across North America,” said David Boone, executive vice president, U.S. Partnerships at TD Bank, Mahwah, N.J. “From the beautiful, well-merchandised showrooms offering vast collections of furniture and bedding, to a dedication to professional customer service that begins on the sales floor and continues well after the product arrives at the home, Raymour & Flanigan is laser-focused on creating the best experience for their customers. That focus also extends to their private label credit card and we are proud to have been selected to take the program to the next level.”
              
             
           
                   
               The BMW Art Journey To Send Artists On Journeys Of Creative Discovery
               
                Munich/ Miami. Starting in 2015, Art Basel and BMW will support emerging artists by awarding the BMW Art Journey, enabling them to go on their own journey of creative discovery. Functioning as a mobile studio, the BMW Art Journey can take artists almost anywhere in the world – to conduct research, make new contacts, and create new work.
The artist proposes the journey. The artist sets off on the journey. The artist reflects on the journey. Inspired by travel and encompassing infinite potential variations on places and experiences, encounters and destinations, the artists will have an opportunity to develop new ideas, discover new themes, and envision new creative projects.
Artists who are exhibiting in Art Basel’s sectors for emerging-artists in Miami Beach and Hong Kong, respectively, are eligible to receive a BMW Art Journey. It will be awarded twice a year, to one artist among those who exhibit at each location. Two international expert juries, one for Hong Kong and one for Miami Beach, will determine a shortlist of three artists per sector and invite these artists to submit proposals for a journey. One artist from each shortlist will then be selected, in a second round of judging, to receive the BMW Art Journey. The artist chosen from the Discoveries sector of Art Basel’s show in Hong Kong, taking place in March 2015, will be announced in the summer of 2015. The selected artist from the Positions sector of Art Basel in Miami Beach, in December 2015, will be announced in early 2016.
Members of the Hong Kong jury (first selection, March 2015) include:

Richard Armstrong (Director Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York)

Claire Hsu (Director Asia Art Archive, Hong Kong)

Matthias Mühling (Director Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus, Munich)
Members of the Miami Beach jury (first selection, December 2015) include:

Juan Gaitán (Curator based in Mexico City)

Massimiliano Gioni (Artistic Director New Museum, New York City)

Gabriele Horn (Director KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin)

Victoria Noorthoorn (Director Museo de Arte Moderna, Buenos Aires)

Bisi Silva (Director Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos)
The journeys will be documented and shared with the public in publications, digital and social media. Where possible, BMW will work with the artists to present any new work or publications that may originate from the experience of the BMW Art Journey to the public or help them to engage with other artists, art organizations and local art-world entities along the journey’s path.
“For over forty years now, BMW has been involved in the arts with hundreds of long-term initiatives worldwide,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW of North America. “Now we are extending these efforts to contribute more directly to contemporary art practice. The BMW Art Journey is a great example of how we can do something meaningful for the benefit of today’s artists. We are confident that this initiative will allow the chosen artists to broaden their horizons and push their work into new creative territory. At the same time, we see this as another important step in our long-term partnership with Art Basel.”
“We are delighted to be collaborating with our long-standing partner BMW on this new project,” said Art Basel Director Marc Spiegler. “The BMW Art Journey will allow emerging artists from the Positions and Discoveries sectors of our shows to go on journeys that will feed into their future practice – so I look forward to ‎seeing where the artists go, and with what they return.”
Recognizing and supporting the work of some of the most accomplished artists working today, the BMW Art Journey is the latest in a broad range of cultural projects for BMW.
For more information, visit www.bmw-art-journey.com
About Art Basel

Art Basel stages the world’s premier art shows for Modern and contemporary works, sited in Basel, Miami Beach, and Hong Kong. Defined by its host city and region, each show is unique, which is reflected in its participating galleries, artworks presented, and the content of parallel programming produced in collaboration with local institutions for each edition. In addition to ambitious stands featuring leading galleries from around the world, each show’s singular exhibition sectors spotlight the latest developments in the visual arts, offering visitors new ideas, new inspiration and new contacts in the art world.

www.artbasel.com
BMW’s Cultural Commitment

For more than 40 years now, the BMW Group has initiated and engaged in over 100 cultural cooperations worldwide. The company places the main focus of its long-term commitment on modern and contemporary art, jazz and classical music as well as architecture and design. In 1972, three large-scale paintings were created by the artist Gerhard Richter specifically for the foyer of the BMW Group’s Munich headquarters. Since then, artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Olafur Eliasson, Jeff Koons, Zubin Metha, Daniel Barenboim and Anna Netrebko have co-operated with BMW. The company has also commissioned famous architects such as Karl Schwanzer, Zaha Hadid and Coop Himmelb(l)au to design important corporate buildings and plants. In 2011, the BMW Guggenheim Lab, a global initiative of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the Guggenheim Museum and the BMW Group celebrated its world premiere in New York. The BMW Group takes absolute creative freedom in all the cultural activities it is involved in for granted – as this is just as essential for groundbreaking artistic work as it is for major innovations in a successful business. 
The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2013, the BMW Group sold approximately 1.963 million cars and 115,215 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2013 was € 7.91 billion on revenues amounting to approximately € 76.06 billion. As of 31 December 2013, the BMW Group had a workforce of 110,351 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
              
             
           
                   
               The Home Depot Preps for Spring with 80,000 New Hires
               
                ATLANTA, The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, has begun filling more than 80,000 positions as it prepares for spring, the company’s busiest selling season.  
“Spring is our peak hiring season, giving us the opportunity to find some of the best associates who are passionate about customer service,” said Tim Crow, executive vice president—Human Resources.
Job seekers can research openings and begin applying now at www.careers.homedepot.com. All applicants must apply online.

Job opportunities are available on a market-by-market basis, based on individual store needs and geographical variance in climate. College students, retirees, veterans and reservists are encouraged to apply.
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,263 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. In fiscal 2012, The Home Depot had sales of $74.8 billion and earnings of $4.5 billion. The Company employs more than 300,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.
This Press Release is courtesy of www.homedepot.com
              
             
           
                   
               The IKEA Group Continues to Grow and Enable More Customers to Live a Sustainable Life at Home
               
                Conshohocken – PA, The IKEA Group net income amounted to EUR 3.3 billion ($3.7 billion US)* for the financial year 2014**. Market conditions continued to improve with strong performance in China and North America, and an upward trend in Europe. There were 716 million visits to the IKEA Group stores and more than 1.5 billion visits to IKEA.com 
“FY14 was a good year for IKEA. I am happy to see increased growth in all our sales channels; in existing stores, in the opening of new stores and in e-commerce. We reached some important milestones towards becoming energy independent and saw a 58% increase in the sales value of products that enable people to live a more sustainable life at home. Sustainability is an integral part of our business strategy”, says President and CEO Peter Agnefjäll. 
Total sales increased by 5.9% (adjusted for currency impact) from last year to EUR 28.7 billion. Together with the rental income from the shopping centre business, total revenue amounted to EUR 29.3 billion (+2.8%). The IKEA Group gained market share in almost all markets and entered a new country – Croatia. The largest markets in terms of sales were Germany, US, France, Russia and the UK. 
“We have an ambitious growth agenda and at the same time we’re determined to have a positive impact on people and the planet. Our size gives us a unique opportunity to make a difference and contribute to positive change in society, for instance by making energy-efficient lighting both affordable and attractive for millions of people”, continues Peter Agnefjäll. 
Within its own operations, the IKEA Group produced renewable energy equivalent to 42% of the total energy consumed and aims by the end of 2015 to have invested and committed to invest EUR 1.5 billion in renewable energy projects, mainly offsite wind farms and photovoltaic (PV) panels. 
In FY14, EUR 200 million were set aside to a new loyalty programme Tack! and the amount for the One IKEA Bonus Program was increased by EUR 98 million, as a thank you to our co-workers. 
“A key factor to our strong performance is that we have a long-term view, and we don’t aim to maximise short-term profits. We strive to continuously create better products at lower prices for our customers and to make substantial investments in our future”, says Peter Agnefjäll. 
* Dollar to Euro calculated at $1.12, January 24, 2015.

**FY14 = Financial year 2014 period is September 1, 2013 – August 31, 2014. 
IKEA US FY14 Highlights
US Sales and Services:

US comparable store sales increased by 4.24% in the period September 2013 – August 2014. This builds on growth of 6.7% in FY13 and 8% in FY12. Total sales including e-commerce were up 5.38%.

Expansion:

There were 39 US stores in FY14. New stores opened in Miami, FL, August, 2014 and Merriam, KS, September, 2014. Planned store openings: St Louis, MO, Fall 2015; Las Vegas, NV, Summer 2016; Memphis, TN, Fall 2016.

Expansion of existing stores includes Stoughton, MA and Canton, MI

Sustainability:

IKEA installed additional solar energy systems to more US locations in FY14, with nearly 90% of our buildings outfitted with solar panels. IKEA announced two new stores; Merriam and Miami would open with solar panels. The IKEA Canton, Centennial, and Stoughton stores had their solar energy systems expanded by at least 25%. The IKEA Perryville and West Hampton distribution centers completed phase two of their solar panel installation.

The IKEA Merriam store will also have geothermal technology, a heating and cooling system.

In April 2014, IKEA US made its first wind farm investment in the US with the purchase of Hoopeston Wind in Hoopeston, IL. When completed, this project will generate enough safe, pollution-free energy to power approximately 30,000 US homes.

In the last 18 months, we have dropped the price of our E26 400 lumen bulbs (dimmable and non-dimmable) from $9.99 to $4.49 in order to make LED affordable for the many people; offering the lowest price on the market.

For more information on IKEA US community and environment programs, please read here: http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/this-is-ikea/reports-downloads/index.html

People:

In June 2014, IKEA Retail US announced that as of January 1, 2015 it will adopt a new minimum wage structure for all hourly IKEA US co-workers based on local living costs. IKEA will utilize the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Living Wage Calculator to determine these new wages. As a result of this change, 50% of IKEA US Retail co-workers saw an increase in their hourly pay rate. 22 US IKEA stores will have an hourly minimum wage of $10.10 or above; 33 retail locations will have an increase in their minimum wage because of this change.

For further information, please contact:

Mona Astra Liss, US Corporate PR Director, Mona.Liss@IKEA.com,

610.834.0180, ext. 5852

Martina Smedberg, Media relations IKEA Group, Martina.Smedberg@IKEA.com

+46 42 444 77 76
About IKEA Group

The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. There are currently 315 IKEA Group stores in 27 countries. Additionally, there are 40 IKEA stores run by franchises. There are 40 IKEA stores in the US. In FY 14, IKEA Group had 716 million visitors to the stores and 1.5 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, please visit www.IKEA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com
              
             
           
                   
               The IKEA Group Makes Largest Wind Farm Investment to Date
               
                Conshohocken, PA – The IKEA Group announced today that it has purchased its second wind farm in the United States from Apex Clean Energy: a 165-megawatt wind farm in Cameron County, Texas. This represents the single largest renewable energy investment made by the IKEA Group globally to date. The wind farm will contribute significantly to the IKEA Group 2020 goal of producing as much renewable energy as the total energy the company consumes globally. The Cameron Wind farm is expected to be fully operational in late 2015.
Earlier this year IKEA Group announced its first U.S. wind farm purchase located in Hoopeston, Illinois. The Cameron Wind farm will be more than one-and-a-half times the size of the Hoopeston project. Together, the IKEA Hoopeston and Cameron wind farms are expected to generate nearly 1,000 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, which is equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of around 90,000 American households. 1
“IKEA believes that the climate challenge requires bold commitment and action,” says Rob Olson, IKEA US Acting President and CFO. “We invest in renewable energy to become more sustainable as a business and also because it makes good business sense. And as a home furnishings retailer with sustainability in our roots, we are committed to providing products and solutions that help our customers be more sustainable in their everyday lives.” 
IKEA Group has now committed to own and operate 279 wind turbines in nine countries, and will invest a total of $1.9 billion2 in wind and solar power up to the end of 2015. IKEA has also taken steps to further the development of a low-carbon economy by supporting key initiatives including the People’s Climate March, UN Climate Summit, RE100, and the Climate Declaration. 
Mark Kenber, CEO of the non-profit organization The Climate Group, said: “IKEA was one of the first major companies to recognize that tackling climate change makes good business sense. IKEA has set commendable renewable energy targets for its own company, and its actions are positively influencing business practices and the energy market. It has played an instrumental role in setting up ‘RE100’, The Climate Group’s global initiative to support businesses in switching to 100% renewable power.” 
IKEA renewable energy investments in the U.S. to date now include: 104 wind turbines located on wind farms in Hoopeston and Cameron; 165,000 solar panels installed on 90% of IKEA buildings across the U.S., providing an additional 38 megawatts installed capacity; and geothermal integrated into the heating and cooling systems of two U.S. store locations, in Centennial, Colorado, and Merriam, Kansas. 
Cameron Wind is located in a particularly favorable wind area in the south of Texas, which is the leading state in the U.S. for wind energy production. The wind farm will be fully owned by the IKEA Group and will be constructed and managed by renewable energy company Apex Clean Energy. The project will use 55 Acciona 3-megawatt turbines. 
“Apex is excited to partner with IKEA once again to bring clean, renewable energy from wind to market in the U.S.,” added Apex President, Mark Goodwin. “Both companies understand that this abundant resource is great for the planet, great for our business and great for our shared future.” 
1Calculated using the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s ‘Average Residential Monthly Bill by Census Division and State’: http://www.eia.gov/electricity/sales_revenue_price/html/table5_a.html

2Calculated at 11/17/14 exchange rate (€1=$1.25). IKEA Group made the €1.5 billion commitment in 2009. 
About IKEA

The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will be able to afford them. The IKEA Group currently has 315 stores in 27 countries. There are 40 IKEA stores in the United States. In FY14, the IKEA Group had 716 million visitors to the stores and 1.5 billion visitors to IKEA.com. IKEA incorporates sustainability into day-to-day business and supports initiatives that benefit children and the environment. For more information, visit IKEA-USA.com, facebook.com/IKEAUSA, @IKEAUSANews, @IKEAUSA, http://pinterest.com/IKEAUSA/, www.youtube.com/IKEAUSA, www.theshare-space.com, www.theshare-space.com/en/Blog
About Apex Clean Energy

Apex Clean Energy is an independent renewable energy company based in Charlottesville, VA. Since its founding in 2009, Apex has become one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry. In 2012, Apex completed the 300 MW Canadian Hills wind energy project. The company currently has 265 MW of new renewable energy facilities under construction and an additional 750 MW contracted and scheduled for completion in 2015. Apex also has a diversified portfolio of wind energy facilities in development around the country and owns several operating solar PV assets. The company’s management team comprises experts from throughout the industry whose collective prior experience includes the development, financing, construction and operation of over $10 billion in wind and solar energy facilities now operating in the United States. 
              
             
           
                   
               Ultra-contemporary Art Conquers Auctions, Making Artprice Subscriptions Ever More Useful
               
                PARIS, April 6, 2021 — In the absence of other cultural news, the art world is continuing to discover the joys of online auctions which seem better adapted to dematerialization than other art forums. One consequence has been a very substantial rise in the sale of new creations via auction. Indeed, the number of ultra-contemporary artworks produced less than two years ago and already resold at auction is experiencing phenomenal growth. Several young artists have generated 5- or 6-digit results before their work has even been exhibited by a major museum.
“Auctions are currently at the forefront of the international art scene, concentrating all the trends in the Art Market. That’s why the Artprice Databases and our Decision Support Tools have never been so valuable,” concludes thierry Ehrmann, President and Founder of Artmarket.com and of its Artprice department.
“Auctions are even attracting a significant section of the primary market; the latest records for Beeple and Banksy were established by works put on sale directly by the artists themselves.”
Cautious estimates

Deprived of international art fairs, gallery openings and major exhibitions, collectors are paying more attention to works circulating in the auction sphere. This pushes up the prices which in turn encourages the holders of works by these popular artists to resell them. This stimulation of both supply and demand has allowed the emergence of young art market superstars in the space of just a few months.
Artists under the age of 40, who had never before generated auction results, have suddenly reached dizzying price points with extremely recent works (“the paint is still wet” as we used to say a few years ago). These results are all the more disconcerting for having demolished the estimates posted by the major auction houses, proving either that this acceleration has taken contemporary art specialists completely by surprise… or that they wish to remain cautious.
– Amoako Boafo (1984), The Lemon Bathing Suit (2019)

Estimated: $40,000 – $65,000

Price with fees: $881,400

13/02/2020 Phillips London
– Matthew Wong (1984-2019), The Realm of Appearances (2018)

Estimated: $60,000 – $80,000

Price with fees: $1,820,000

29/06/2020 Sotheby’s New York
– Christina Quarles (1985), Tuckt (2016)

Estimated: $70,000 – $100,000

Price with fees: $655,200

08/12/2020 Phillips New York
On the need to remain vigilant
A few years, or even just a few months after their creation, these canvases have already been sold at auction. A situation that shocks the artists themselves, as Amoako Boafo explained in an interview with Bloomberg in February 2020, titled Hot New Artist Laments That His Work Is Being Flipped for Profit.
www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-12/hot-new-artist-laments-that-his-work-is-being-flipped-for-profit
So far, the prices of this young Ghanaian artist are holding firm: his 34 paintings put up for sale since 1 January 2020 all found buyers in London, New York and Hong Kong. Artprice nevertheless remains extremely vigilant regarding the development of Amoako Boafo’s market. His next work to come up for sales, a canvas titled Grace (2018) was acquired directly by the seller from the artist and will be offered at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong on 20 April 2021.
www.artprice.com/artist/904704/amoako-boafo/painting/23560098/grace
Images:

[https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2021/04/1-Ultra-Contemporary-Lots-by-year.png][https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2021/04/2-artmarket-artprice-tools.jpg]
Copyright 1987-2021 thierry Ehrmann www.artprice.com – www.artmarket.com
Don’t hesitate to contact our Econometrics Department for your requirements regarding statistics and personalized studies: econometrics@artprice.com
Try our services (free demo): https://www.artprice.com/demo
Decision support tools, Artprice Indicators® – Subscribe to our services: https://www.artprice.com/subscription
About Artmarket:
Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris, SRD long only and Euroclear: 7478 – Bloomberg: PRC – Reuters: ARTF.
Discover Artmarket and its Artprice department on video: www.artprice.com/video
Artmarket and its Artprice department was founded in 1997 by its CEO, thierry Ehrmann. Artmarket and its Artprice department is controlled by Groupe Serveur, created in 1987.
See certified biography in Who’s who ©:

imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2019/10/biographie_oct2019_WhosWho_thierryEhrmann.pdf
Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 770,000 artists.
Artprice Images® allows unlimited access to the largest Art Market image bank in the world: no less than 180 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians.
Artmarket with its Artprice department accumulates data on a permanent basis from 6300 Auction Houses and produces key Art Market information for the main press and media agencies (7,200 publications). Its 4.5 million ‘members log in’ users have access to ads posted by other members, a network that today represents the leading Global Standardized Marketplace® to buy and sell artworks at a fixed or bid price (auctions regulated by paragraphs 2 and 3 of Article L 321.3 of France’s Commercial Code).
Artmarket with its Artprice department, has been awarded the State label “Innovative Company” by the Public Investment Bank (BPI) (for the second time in November 2018 for a new period of 3 years) which is supporting the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the market art.
Artprice by Artmarket’s 2020 Global Art Market Report published in March 2021:

https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2020
Index of press releases posted by Artmarket with its Artprice department:

serveur.serveur.com/press_release/pressreleaseen.htm
Follow all the Art Market news in real time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter:

www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (over 5 million followers)

twitter.com/artmarketdotcom

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Discover the alchemy and universe of Artmarket and its artprice department https://www.artprice.com/video headquartered at the famous Organe Contemporary Art Museum “The Abode of Chaos” (dixit The New York Times): https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013
L’Obs – The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o
www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999

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Contact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department – Contact: Thierry Ehrmann, ir@artmarket.com
SOURCE Artmarket.com
              
             
           
                   
               ‘Corvette Canvas’ to Benefit Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
               
                DETROIT – A 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray will become a canvas on wheels when threeGeneral Motors automotive designers transform it into a “performance art car” during the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) Gala Fundraiser on Friday.
Through paint and brush, the designers will bring to life Detroit’s “creative corridor,” consisting of industries that merge art, technology and business.
“Creativity is the basis of everything in life, from fine arts to innovation, from design to manufacturing,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design and honorary chairman of the MOCAD gala. “What better way to demonstrate inspiration and creativity than by having these young GM designers, who helped create the new Corvette Stingray, transform it into an art car during this event.”
The idea for the Corvette art car was inspired by such famous artists as Andy Warhol, Peter Max and Frank Stella, all of whom transformed race cars into rolling works of art.
“There is a lot of creative energy in the city and helping our youth harness it early is essential to a vibrant Detroit and museum,” said MOCAD Executive Director Elysia Borowy-Reeder. “In the past year, MOCAD’s Teen Council, workshops, teacher K-12 advisory group, and student docent programs have made contemporary art and design accessible to nearly 12,000 youth.”
GM and the GM Foundation have long supported organizations such as MOCAD, which focus on the role of art and design in contemporary culture while seeking to inspire future generations to pursue careers in creative arts that could help grow Detroit’s economy.
“Thanks to the support of industry partners like GM, we can continue the vital work of inspiring and empowering teens in middle and high school to reach their full potential, provide pathways to creative professions, and increase diversity in those important innovative fields,” Borowy-Reeder said.
The Corvette will be painted by three GM Design employees:
Casey Swanseger, 30, a creative designer and graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art

Tyler Mars, 28, digital sculptor and a graduate of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies (CCS)

Haneif Katebi, 25, creative designer, sculptor and a graduate of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies

The trio will use acrylic, water-soluble paints to create a contemporary art design on the white vinyl-wrapped Corvette. Using brushes and paint bottles, the designers will use a mix of patterns to paint the car in 45 minutes, accompanied by music played by a disc jockey.
Although the designers experimented in advance, the final creative concept will be kept under wraps until the gala.
Welburn said the Corvette art car project combines experimentation, design and passion, which can help create awareness of the possibilities of careers in creative arts and the impact on Detroit’s economy.
“This is a great opportunity to encourage and inspire creativity in young people, either in the automotive industry or other professions,” he said.
Tickets for the MOCAD Gala Fundraiser and Art Auction can be purchased at the MOCAD website, http://mocadetroit.org/gala/.
About General Motors Co.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM’s brands include Chevrolet and Cadillac, as well as Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.
About the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)

Established in 2006, MOCAD’s mission is to present art at the forefront of contemporary culture. As a non-collecting institution, MOCAD is responsive to the cultural content of our time, fueling crucial dialogue, collaboration and public engagement. The museum is an innovative addition to Detroit’s vibrant Midtown neighborhood and functions as a hub for the exploration of emerging ideas in the contemporary arts. The 22,000-square-foot building, a former auto dealership, has been renovated carefully to maintain its historic character. With its raw, flexible and light-filled cavernous spaces, the building is well-suited to the exhibition of contemporary art. MOCAD’s ambitious series of public programs aims to engage diverse audiences and includes lectures, musical performances, films, literary readings and educational activities for children.


  


  
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