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The worldwide home furnishing industry is expected to exceed $700 billion by 2023. Increased consumer interest in home decoration is fueling new market growth. Furniture, textiles and floor covering products are key components of home decor. Expansion and developments in real estate industry, have supplemented the growth of world home decor market. In particular, demand for organic home furnishing products is continuing to rise thanks to increased consumer awareness regarding the importance of choosing more environmentally friendly materials. Other factors driving market growth include availability of wider product ranges, regional market development and electronic media campaigns. Consumers are showing particular interest in natural products and alternative materials in the home furnishing products sector.

Market growth will be fueled by recovery in the housing sector, with increased construction activity leading to higher consumer demand for home decoration products. Developing markets such as Latin America and Asia-Pacific are expected to record rising demand over the coming years for colorful, vibrant bed furnishings.

Companies are focusing on the benefits of new technology innovation to offer consumers energy savings, cost reductions and more environmentally friendly lighting solutions. This shift has led to a decline in demand for conventional lighting options like electronic ballasts and T12, HID fixtures, but has spurred a subsequent rise in demand for integrated systems and solid-state technologies, including T8 and T5 fixtures and lamps.

Solid-state lighting controls facilitate more-efficient energy use, thereby reducing overall energy costs. Due to the higher price of technology, companies first target high-end markets when launching newer products such as LEDs and CFLs, which are popular for their superior energy efficiency and power.

Home decor has been gaining prominence across both developed and developing markets with increasing urbanization and globalization trends. Globalization is now enabling easy and wide availability of such decorative items, designs and ideas to consumers. Home owners are also realizing the need of such items and are often searching for them to keep their homes more attractive and organized.

Home decor is witnessing a strong growth catalyzed by rising levels of disposable incomes, recovery of the real estate industry, increasing urbanization rates and rising awareness levels. Rising levels of urbanization have resulted in an increasing number of new households being setup.

Currently more than half of the global population live in urban areas and these levels are expected to increase further in the coming years, creating a positive impact on the demand of home decor products. Moreover, home decor products are income elastic, we expect global disposable incomes to increase continuously over the next few years, particularly in emerging economies such as Asia, Africa, Middle East, Eastern Europe, etc.

Additionally, the recovery of the global real estate industry is also expected to drive home ownership rates creating a positive impact on this market. Another major factor driving this market is the strong performance of the online retail sector. The advent of online retail has made home decor products easily available, affordable and convenient to buy.

Globally, there are many international and domestic players, who provide furniture in the market. Companies such as Kimball International, Herman Miller, Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. and IKEA are some of the prominent players in the furniture market. These companies offer a wide range of furniture products of various categories, colors, material textures and styles.

Companies in this industry sell new furniture, home furnishings, and floor coverings. Major companies include Bed Bath & Beyond, Havertys, La-Z-Boy, Pier 1 Imports, Rooms to Go, and Williams-Sonoma (all based in the US), as well as Argos (UK), HOLA Home Furnishing (Taiwan), and IKEA (Netherlands).

Leading countries for furniture and home furnishings by revenue include the US, China, Germany, France, and the UK, according to Statista. Demand is driven by the rising residential and commercial construction, as well as the increasing expenditure for home décor-especially for millennials. Retailers are adding outlets in emerging markets as they see foreseeable growth.

The US home furniture and housewares stores industry includes about 51,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with annual revenue of about $113 billion.

THIS PROFILE IS PROVIDED COURTESY OF REPORTS LINKER WEBSITE – CLICK HERE FOR MORE
INDUSTRY PROFILE SOURCES: www.reportlinker.com , www.alliedmarketresearch.com , www.storis.com , www.ibisworld.com , http://www.valueline.com , www.dnb.com

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.”

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]

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

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

SOURCE Artmarket.com

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
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)

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1481626/Artmarket_Ultra_Contemporary_Lots.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1481627/Artmarket_artprice_tools.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1009603/Art_Market_logo.jpg

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

SOURCE Artmarket.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.