See the Latest News  See the News Archive

Industry News

CONSO MERGER COMPLETED Conso International Corp., Union, SC, announced its merger with CIC Acquisition Co. was completed in early March. Conso is a leading manufacturer of decorative trimmings for the home furnishings industry. Its subsidiary, Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc., is a leading designer of patterns and other instructional materials for home sewing of apparel, home decorating and crafts. TRAVIS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Travis Industries, Inc., Tustin, CA, is under new management. Tom Bell, CEO; Robert Kincaid, vice president of sales and marketing with more than 23 years of involvement with wood blind components; Lyle Zastrow, vice president of operations; and Steve Sap, vice president of finance, head up a team of dedicated employees. Travis is celebrating its 20 anniversary this year. Kincaid stated the company was founded on serving customer needs and offers top-quality, consistent and dependable service. With the management's investment in inventory, the company can ship orders from stock in 48 hours and custom runs in two weeks. Travis acquired its primary wood supplier, Craftsman Millworks, in July 1999, which makes it a fully integrated source for wood blind components. DOTI OPENS NEWEST STUDIOS Designs Of The Interior (DOTI), Barrington, IL, has opened two new design studios: one in Green Bay, WI, the other in Lexington, KY. Stephanie Bruss owns and operates the Wisconsin studio. She has worked as a trainer for DOTI. Heather Thompson is the Kentucky licensee. She is a degreed interior designer in both commercial and residential design. DOTI studios are owned by independent licensees who are established professional interior designers. The studios are stocked with fabric samples and catalogs of high-end home furnishings and accessories. The licensees offer residential interior consultation and design. The studios also offer computerized space planning for clients. GILMORE, MARDO TEAM ON NEW HORIZONTAL SOFT SHADE Gilmore Enterprises, Chatsworth, CA, has entered into an exclusive marketing agreement with Kresta Holdings Co., Perth, Australia, the parent company of Mardo Australia, to introduce Softview Venetian Shades in North America. The Softview shades combine the functionality of horizontal blinds with the look and texture of fabric shades. They provide more light control options including a clear view when the shades are open, total privacy when the shades are down and the fabric slats are tilted closed, and soft translucence when the shades are closed and the fabric slats are tilted open. Because of its patented construction, the shades repel ultraviolet light, withstand humidity, dust, most stains and mildew. The product is patented in several countries with additional patents pending. Mardo, a leading independent window coverings company in Australia, already manufactures and markets Softview Venetian Shades under the Ventex brand name.

NEW OVERLAY COLLECTIONS FROM VISIONARY CONCEPTS Visionary Concepts, Branford, CT, has published its Mastervisions 2000 design overlay collection, which features two new products. The Window-Door Combination collection focuses on dealing with the variety of configurations of doors and windows in newly constructed homes. With this collection, the designer can create a variety of window/door combinations before overlaying the illustrated treatments. This collection also expands the design options for arched windows introduced earlier. The latest Mastervisions For Pillows[TM] book features unique round, bolster, rectangular and square pillow designs complete with fabric yardage calculation charts and pricing worksheets. The Mastervisions 2000 collections debuted at the International Window Coverings Expo in March in Baltimore, MD. US POLYMERS EXPANDS SHUTTERSMART LINE US Polymers, Commerce, CA, is extending its ShutterSmart product line by adding a trim frame for inside mounted shutters and a T-post for large windows. "The trim frame rounds out our full range of vinyl clad wood frames available," explained Viken Ohanesian, director of marketing. The ShutterSmart trade name was launched nationally earlier this year. The patented vinyl clad wood shutter was awarded the Most Innovative Product in 1998 by the Window Covering Manufacturers Association E-Z DECORATOR EXPANDS E-Z Decorator System, Los Angeles, CA, has expanded by purchasing a vintage building in Los Angeles to house its growing operation. Along with the announcement, the company says it will offer customers another new window coverings supplement and a bathroom and powder room supplement. Both supplements are to be available this spring. EISENHART AWARDS CONTEST WINNER Waltham Wallpaper & Paint, Waltham, MA, was selected by an independent panel of judges as winner in a display and merchandising contest held by Eisenhart Wallcoverings Co., Hanover, PA. (See D&WC, June 1999.) Jeanne Curley and her staff at Waltham Wallpaper & Paint adorned an entire room with selections from Eisenhart's Arnold Palmer Lifestyle collection, including laminating the floor with paper coated with several coats of polyurethane. In addition, they upholstered a heating radiator with paper and border and covered a table and a folding screen. The winner received a luxury golf vacation to Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club. Second, third and fourth place winners received personal autographs from Arnold Palmer and professionally endors-ed golf putters and drivers.