Source: www.nebusiness.co.uk
Furniture buyers want financing and warranties - survey - Jamaica Gleaner
Market research on the furniture and wooden products industry, commissioned by Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), has found that the retail market requires financing options and warranties not offered by many local furniture manufacturers.
Conducted by consultants Rohan Bell and Lincoln Price of Research and Analysis Associates Limited, between December 2011 and March 2012, the study found that the market is willing to pay a premium for furnishings for which financing and product warranties are available.
By financing is meant that customers prefer to be offered a contractual arrangement in which they are allowed to pay for the goods in parts, or a percentage at a time.
Bad perception
The researchers also recommend that local manufacturers move to correct the perception that locals cannot deliver on time.
"Businesses and households who are not impressed with local industry perceive the local furniture maker as unreliable, likely to vary from specifications agreed for an order, not offering warranty and financing, and untimely with delivery," the researchers found.
"Based on the desirability of hire-purchase options, product warranty, guarantees to supply the volume ordered, to deliver on time, and the unfavourable perception of the market for the local industry on these selling features, focus must be placed on greater pre- and post-sales services that are enablers for the consumer at the decision making stage," said the researchers.
Businesses and householders agree that they prefer to visit showrooms to inform their purchasing decisions for furniture and wooden products. The Internet was identified as an important source of shopping information for businesses, three times as much as it is for households.
The researchers indicate that focus group feedback "suggests a pervasive impression that the local furniture maker is unreliable," although additional surveys contradict this.
"The conflicting impressions suggest a need for initiatives to push back negative perceptions in the market place that undermines acceptance of the local furniture maker," the researchers said.
The study shows that the most important features for household and businesses in furniture and wooden products are durability, type of material used and the finishing. As such, the researchers suggest that product development for the local industry must focus on those qualities to improve market competitiveness and consumer value.
In the survey, the researchers found that in terms of material, mahogany is the favourite choice for businesses, while households prefer cedar.
"Those who prefer wood tend to be willing to pay a higher price for their intended purchases than the market, generally. Leather, mahoe and pine fetch the highest reserve price," the researchers also found.
business@gleanerjm.com
Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
Record Attendance at Granny's Attic Annual Summer Flea Market Antique Show - Examiner
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Source: www.examiner.com
Topazery Jewelry Now Captures Baby Boomers' Ongoing Nostalgia for Antique Jewelry - Beaumont Enterprise
As they careen toward their retirement years, America’s 76 million+ baby boomers are cutting back on much of the free-flowing spending they enjoyed during their younger years. One area in which they’re unwilling to tighten their purse strings, however, is purchases that bring their family histories to life. Topazery Jewelry’s vintage and antique jewelry collection does just that with pieces straight out of grandma’s jewelry box.
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) June 20, 2012
As they enter their golden years, baby boomers are spending a good portion of their free time reminiscing about the past. Topazery Jewelry captures that nostalgia, helping them relive unforgettable moments from their past. The online antique jewelry boutique specializes in vintage, antique-style and antique rings, pins, brooches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and other jewelry pieces that will transport boomers to a bygone era, straight back into grandma’s jewelry box.
According to a January 2010 CNBC segment titled “Bust of the Baby Boomer Economy: ‘Generation Spend’ Tightens Belt,” “The recession and collapse of asset values have caused boomers to immediately cut back on spending and increase savings.” A follow-up November 2010 Fox Business report indicated that phase wasn’t just a passing one for baby boomers. “After 40 years of dominating this country’s economy, baby boomers are starting to throttle back on spending.”
While the recession has certainly played a part in this belt tightening, it’s not the only contributor. The Fox Business article went on to point out, “More and more baby boomers are reaching the stage in life when status symbols and collecting ‘things’ are not as important as they used to be. ‘They’re more interested in experiences’.”
That explains why “Despite financial stresses, many boomers say legacy is more vital than wealth,” the “Pittsburgh Post-Gazette” reported in May 2012. Based on the results of a study conducted by Allianz Life Insurance Co., “the majority of boomers place far more value on the life lessons and family history they inherit from their parents.” As a result, one retail sector in which they’re not afraid to continue splurging is anything that reminds them of the good old days, and in particular, those things that remind them of the individuals who have shaped who they’ve become.
Not surprisingly then, while boomer spending on luxury jewelry is down, antique and vintage jewelry is selling surprisingly well. “Nostalgia is a key motivator in getting the baby boomer generation to open their pocketbooks these days,” explains Jan Walden, founder of antique jewelry boutique Topazery Jewelry. “Vintage jewelry dating back to the eras of their birth, perhaps even engraved with their birth year, is just something that can’t be replicated. That makes it special.”
Vintage and antique jewelry tells a story. These jewelry pieces remind baby boomers of their beloved parents and grandparents. “Perhaps it’s an antique pin grandma wore that they toyed with while nestled in her arms as a child. Or it might be a pocket watch grandpa kept tucked in his trousers and pulled out for them to marvel over,” Walden continues. “We offer jewelry which recaptures such unforgettable moments for boomers.”
For more information on how to uncover a jewelry piece that recreates a precious moment from the past, contact Jan Walden at (678) 528-8901. To spark a memory from the past, browse Topazery Jewelry’s antique and vintage jewelry pieces online at http://www.topazery.com
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebTopazeryJewelry/BabyBoomer/prweb9618170.htm
Source: www.beaumontenterprise.com
Philippa turns her dream into reality - This is Gloucestershire
Fine furniture making student Philippa Moss always wanted to be a cabinet maker and now her dreams are becoming a reality.
Philippa, pictured, is thought to be one of the best trainee cabinet makers in the region after coming second in the cabinet making section of the South West heat of SkillBuild 2012, the UK's biggest construction skills competition. She is now laying the foundations for a bright future.
"When I was young I always want to be a carpenter and used to spend hours watching my grandad in his workshop. But as I got older and did my A-levels I just sort of forgot about it. It was only when I returned home and started to use the tools again that I rediscovered my love for the craft."
Despite her recent success, being a cabinet maker was not always on the cards for Philippa, and it was only at the age of 24 she finally decided to pursue her dreams.
After completing A-levels, Philippa continued in education progressing on to a degree in Geology at Portsmouth University and then on to a Masters degree in Geology and Archaeology at the University of Reading. She was all set move to Canada to undertake a PHD but the funding fell through and so, at the age of 24, she found herself returning to her home county of Gloucestershire.
Once at home, Philippa rediscovered her love for cabinet making. She began designing and creating a chicken house for her mum and her interest grew and grew. Philippa was introduced to a furniture maker in Nailsworth, who recommended the furniture making course at Gloucestershire College, and was inspired to develop a career in the industry. Impressed by the level of skill and detail taught at the college, Philippa enrolled on the two year course and began to learn skills including solid wood construction and marquetry.
Philippa gained part-time employment earlier this year as a cabinet maker at Roundhouse, a kitchen design company in Malvern. In her spare time she also designs and creates decking, outdoor furniture and fencing.
Mike Hyett, fine furniture lecturer at Gloucestershire College, said: "Throughout the duration of the course students develop their skills so at the end of the two years they can create bespoke fine furniture pieces. Philippa has been a dedicated student and made a fantastic start to her career."
The college is hosting its annual Fine Furniture Exhibition this month on Wednesday, June 27, 12noon to 9pm; Thursday, June 28 12noon to 9pm and Friday, June 29 10am to 5pm at Theatre, Gloucester Campus, Llanthony Road, Gloucester. Visitors will be able to view the furniture designed and created by Philippa and her fellow classmates. It is open to everyone.
Source: www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk
Fine Jewelry, Rolex and Antique Jukebox Headline Government Auction’s June 24th Auction - YAHOO!
Rolex is a brand that has come to symbolize quality and luxury in the world of elite timepieces. On Sunday, June 24th, Government Auction has made available for public auction a king's ransom of items to include a Rolex Oyster watch, fine jewelry, gold coins, art and memorabilia with starting bids as low as $2.
Tehachapi, CA (PRWEB) June 20, 2012
In addition to the luxury items being presented, the auction house is also featuring a collection of quality timepieces such as Rolex, and Cartier. An item sure to draw much interest for its timeless design and craftsmanship is vintage 1973 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust. The watch is stainless steel with a large steel face Model #6694 Serial # 3859072.A elegant yet classic women’s watch is the 1999 Cartier Santos stainless steel and gold watch, style #W90058C4. The timepiece is a link-bracelet style with a secure Cartier-style clasp, the watch is a unique representation of Cartier's inventive design and legendary ingenuity. Government Auction is offering the piece with a presale estimate of $3,500-$7,000 and an opening bid of only $2.
Topping the list on the fine jewelry front is a 3CT Tanzanite & Diamond Necklace. Effortlessly elegant, a 14K white gold pendant on chain features a 3.64-carat round-cut tanzanite surrounded by 114 sparkling diamonds with a total weight of 1.40 carats. The eye-catching tanzanite center stone is purple in color and professionally evaluated as being “near flawless.” The necklace has a retail replacement value of $24,500, and its auction estimate range is $12,280-$24,559.
A unique coin offered is a 1881 $5 U.S Liberty Head Gold Coin. The "Half Eagle" as the coin is also referred to is due to the gold content being half of the ten dollar Double Eagle. The coin was first introduced in 1839 before being replaced in 1907. The coin contains 24.18% of an ounce of gold and is the only coin to have been minted at 7 US mints. "The Half Eagle is a is a must have in any coin collectors arsenal because of the rarity of this mintage in this condition." stated Paul Sabesky, Chief Auctioneer.
For the antique collectors, a sought-after collectible is an antique Wurlitzer Model 71 phonograph jukebox with Art Deco styling and a decorative mounted speaker emblazoned with the words “Strike up the Band.” An extremely rare survivor, the jukebox could make $20,000-$40,000 on auction day.
Other auction highlights include a 1952 Mills 5-cent high-top slot machine with bald eagle motif and three-reel, one-armed-bandit design and a candy store cash register. The antique register has been fully restored and is cast iron.
Government Auction’s Sunday June 24, 2012 sale of fine jewelry, quality timepieces, art and antiques, will commence at 6:30 a.m. Pacific Time/9:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Absentee, phone and Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.com will be available.
View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at: http://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/30209_historic-auction-government-assets-sale/page1
For additional information on any lot in the sale, call Debbie on 661-823-1543 or e-mail info(at)governmentauction(dot)com.
Chris Budge
All Finance, LLC
661-821-2159
Email Information
Source: news.yahoo.com
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