Looking for the best outdoor furniture stores around?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top sellers of such goods in Santa Ana, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list. Read on for a rundown.
May is traditionally one of the top months of the year for consumer spending at retail and wholesale businesses across the Santa Ana area, according to data on local business transactions from Womply, a software provider that also helps companies find free business advertising. Daily spending at Santa Ana-area retail and wholesale businesses grew to $2,413,523 for the metro area in May of last year, second only to August with an average of $2,434,489, and 8% higher than the average for the rest of the year.
Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions.
1. Patio Guys
First on the list is Patio Guys. Located at 2907 Oak St., the refinishing service and furniture repair spot is also the highest-rated outdoor furniture store in Santa Ana, boasting four stars out of 42 reviews on Yelp.
2. Patio Furniture Plus
Next up is Patio Furniture Plus, at 2210 Ritchey. With 4.5 stars out of 20 reviews on Yelp, the outdoor furniture store, which offers home decor, patio coverings and more, has proved to be a local favorite.
3. Legacy Consignment Center
Last but not least is Legacy Consignment Center, at 1401 Village Way, Suite A. It's another top choice, with Yelpers giving the used, vintage and consignment furniture store four stars out of 13 reviews.
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
Furniture in Fashion, the leading online furniture store in the UK, has launched its mobile app for all consumers who can now use this application to buy furniture and decor
According to Furniture in Fashion CEO Asad Shamim, this app will serve as a platform for buyers to order their desired pieces of furniture online, and their respective orders will be shipped to their doorsteps next working day.
The app works faster and has a user-friendly interface. For all sorts of users, it is pretty simple to down load and use. The app can be downloaded and installed from the Play Store on android mobiles and iOS.
There are more than 20,000 furniture products in the app, in various categories ranging from living room, dining room to bedroom furniture. They app has an extensive range of lighting, TV stands, Storage Cabinets, and Bar Stools etc.
The Daily Deals are updated on a routine basis so that customers can explore those deals and buy furniture in sale with up to 70 per cent off.
Furniture in Fashion launched its website in 2006 and became one of the first online furniture retailers in the UK
Since 2006, it has been providing exceptional quality, modern and contemporary furniture in the UK. It operates from a massive site that covers an area of almost 3.5 acres. Its furniture store or warehouse is one of the largest in the UK.
With a great stock that includes bedrooms, sofa sets, dining tables, storage and entertainment units, a lot of space is required. This huge variety of stock has earned it a reputation of being the best online furniture retailer in the UK.
Furniture in Fashion has an edge over its competitors because it is a fully stocked furniture store. It has a significant variety of furniture in its store and online. It imports its own designs from all over the world. It does not rely on local suppliers since it has the capacity to hold more than £3 million of stock at any one time in its warehouse. This makes it a preferred choice among customers compared with several other furniture stores that do not own their stock.
Most furniture stores in the UK are drop shippers. They rely on their suppliers or distributors for delivering furniture to their customers. They receive the orders directly from the customers, but they do not ship the furniture themselves. Rather, they transfer the order to their distributors who ship the order to the respective customer with the name of that drop shipper. Their prices are usually higher as their profit margin is adjusted in the prices of the products. Also, the quality is lower than expected since they have no control over the quality of the furniture.
This is where Furniture in Fashion, a fully stocked furniture store has emerged as an ideal choice for the people of the UK. Its prices are lower, and it ensures highest quality in its furniture and decor. Also, there is a great range of furniture to choose from.
Since it has launched its app, its customers can now buy the furniture they want using their mobile phones. Every smartphone is compatible with the application. You can search for their app from Play Store or iOS app store and install it in your phone. The app allows customers to explore their stock on their phones. All categories are given on the app and the stock is regularly updated as well.
Apart from stock and products, the sale deals are updated on a regular basis, as per Furniture in Fashion. Customers can place their order through the app and their ordered furniture will be shipped to their given address.
According to recent stats, most people buy furniture using their mobile phones. They do not like using their desktops and laptops just to order products online. When they are busy at their workplaces, all they want is an application they can use on their smartphones and place their orders.
According to Furniture in Fashion CEO, this app is designed for all such consumers. Since most customers these days prefer to order through their mobile phones, this app is a wonderful assistance for them.
Asad Shamim said: "Customers will now be able to buy quality furniture at affordable prices through the FiF app. We have launched it to make it easier for our customers who order furniture using their smartphones."
Now, you can buy furniture from Furniture in Fashion by a single click. There is no limit to furniture you are buying through the app, buyers can add as many pieces as they want to their cart. All in all, this mobile app is a revolutionary step taken by Furniture in Fashion!
Contact Name:Samantha Peters Role:Marketing Manager Company:
Furniture in Fashion Contact Email:click to reveal e-mail Contact Phone:01204792700 Company Website:https://www.furnitureinfashion.net/
Macy's, Inc. Launches New App and In-Store Technology Features ...
Jennifer Aniston's days have really gone to the dogs.
On Monday, the Morning Show actress, 51, shared photos of her two sleepy four-legged friends as they lazily lounged around on her furniture.
"Big day..." she wrote on one photo she shared to her Instagram Story, featuring a snapshot of Clyde, her Schnauzer mix.
"Exhausted," she added on another pic of her white pit bull, Sophie.
Aniston, like millions of Americans, has been practicing social distancing by staying at home amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Though the actress admitted that the shelter-in-place experience hasn't been too difficult for her.
Jennifer Aniston/Instagram; Inset: Kevin Mazur/Getty Jennifer Aniston Shares Photo of Her Dogs Lounging
"I'm a born agoraphobe. This is kind of a dream," Aniston joked earlier this month, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. "Not a dream, it's obviously a nightmare. But, me personally, it's not been that much of a challenge."
"The most challenging thing is watching news and trying to digest [everything] that's going on out there," she said, adding that she doesn't like to keep up with the daily headlines. "I allow a check-in in the morning and then I'll do a check-in in the evening, and that is it because basically, it's regurgitating the exact same thing."
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Kevork Djansezian/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Jennifer Aniston
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And the star's newfound free time has amounted to plenty of chores. Aniston revealed that her new "favorite thing in the world" was doing the dishes, "because not only are you doing your dishes, but you're washing your hands."
The Emmy-winning actress also said she keeps busy by re-organizing her home.
"I was a crazy person the first week, and then I realized I had to pull back because I was going to run out of closets," she joked. "I've got to pace myself."
In addition to chores, Aniston has been using her time to give back. Along with her former Friends costars — Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Matthew Perry and Lisa Kudrow — the group has worked to raise money to support America's Food Fund though the All-In Challenge campaign.
Fans who donate anywhere from $10-$100 to the fund via the contest are entered for a chance to win a seat for themselves and five friends at the taping of the highly anticipated upcoming Friends reunion.
Filming for the special is set to tape at the comedy's original soundstage: Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank, California. The unscripted cast reunion special, along with all 236 episodes of the series, was set to be available to subscribers at the launch of HBO Max in May 2020, but it has since been postponed due to the nationwide production shutdown. A new date has yet to be announced.
"We're so excited to join the ALL IN challenge to help keep people fed and healthy during this time," Aniston wrote on Instagram last week, as she announced the All-In Challenge. "We're inviting you and five of YOUR friends to join the six of us on Stage 24. Be our personal guests in the audience for the taping of our @HBOMAX reunion, as we reminisce about the show and celebrate all the fun we had 🥳 … and get the whole Friends VIP experience on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour."
"We hope this brings a little joy, and something to look forward to," she concluded. "Can't wait to meet and hug you guys when this is all over 🥰 Until then, keep Facetiming, calling, DMing, and texting your friends and family. We gotta stay connected."
As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments. PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, click here.
Jennifer Aniston Shares Adorable Selfie With Her Dog, Clyde: 'Girl's Best Friend'
Fashion has been tackling sustainability head-on. We're now paying more attention to where our clothes are made and what the material composition breaks down to, in an effort to become more conscious shoppers. If you feel like you have a pretty good handle on how to outfit yourself in a way that's more eco-conscious but are stumped on where to begin for your home, you're not alone. You probably know to avoid single-use plastics, but what about the bed we sleep in/work from? What about that new chair you've been eying? Which factor has a greater impact on the environment the moment you click "buy now"?
"Focus on the how," says Dio Kurazawa, sustainability expert and founding partner of consulting firm The Bear Scouts. Working with fashion, automotive, and home goods brands, Kurazawa and his team collaborate on the blueprints for eye-catching, responsible products like the Dr Romanelli x LN-CC bean bag lounge chair, which was handmade from cuts of upcycled Adidas tracksuits. "If you're able to embrace circularity by the use of upcycled or recycled materials, this would drastically reduce CO2 footprint and reduce the need for many of the traditional steps in textile creation."
That's not to say location isn't important: When you consider that textiles can be made in one facility and then assembled as a final product in another region or country, the reduction of CO2 output heavily relies on the distance in between. Location also reveal local factory regulations that impact worker rights and waste management. However, the types of textiles sourced will also impact these factors along with determining the level of natural resources used to create them. "On top of that, the home care of textiles goes through a lifetime of wash and wear, further impacting water usage, and if the textile has plastics, these could end up in our water supply as microplastics after laundering," says Kurazawa.
If you do decide to buy new, here are some tips for staying eco-friendly: Check for labels like Made in Green by Oeko-Tex, which verifies that the materials, ranging from knitted fabrics to leathers conditioned to last, were sustainably sourced under ethical working conditions and are free of toxins proven to be harmful to health. And for those who prefer the bohemian look over a slick metal layout, go for furniture built with woods that are FSC-certified and have proven durability, like teak, oak, and walnut.
While your local furniture boutique might be full of homegrown fixtures, purchasing an upcycled piece, even if it wasn't made nearby, should be your first consideration. It's the easiest way to reduce pollution and waste while you spruce up your all-in-one home/office/gym, which the planet will thank you for.
HOW TO SOURCE ECO FRIENDLY FURNITURE FOR YOUR SLOW HOME | Conscious Consumerism | Slow Living
In mid-March, congress passed the CARES Act, which set aside funds to give approximately 140 million Americans up to $1200 per adult in a household plus an additional $500 per child under seventeen years old, to help stimulate the economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
If you aren't using your check to stay afloat, purchasing new furniture is a great way to use it. Even when social distancing mandates are lifted, most of us are still going to be spending a lot more time at home for the foreseeable future. So what better way to stimulate the economy than to improve your living space? Has your sofa seen better days? Have you been thinking about upgrading to a king-size bed? Or do you just want to change things up because you're sick of looking at the same old coffee table? Whether your style is modern, contemporary, or traditional, here are the best pieces for $2400 or less to spend your stimulus check on.
Payne's Grey Nouveau Media Side Board
If you haven't shopped Paynes Gray before, you should. With contemporary to traditional pieces for every room in the home as well as accessories like rugs and lighting fixtures, the owners of this female-founded small business hand select every piece they sell.
The living room is truly the center of the home right now. So why not choose a piece that's as practical as it is stylish like the Nouveau Media Side Board? While this media center is a neutral color, it's still a showstopper, designed in a transitional style that easily integrates into most decor schemes. The acacia wood herringbone panels are subtle yet sophisticated, accented with a white lacquer top and brushed brass handles. As a bonus, the inside of this piece features removable wine racks.
Society Social X Ariel Okin Fenimore Grasscloth Cocktail Table
Society Social is a women-owned brand that's pioneering the new traditional movement with unique colorful pieces that look great on Instagram, but feel cozy and chic in real life.
Every piece of newly-launched collaboration with interior designer Ariel Okin (who is known for working with Lena Dunham) stands out, but the Fenimore Grasscloth Cocktail Table adds a particular layer of chic and texture to any room. It's made in nineteen colors from light neutrals to shades of blue and even hot pink. It can also be customized to any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore paint color. If your home is flooded with neutrals and you want to add a pop of color, there's no better way to do it than with this coffee table.
Lulu And Georgia X Ginny MacDonald Belmont Velvet Chair
Interior Designer Ginny MacDonald just launched her Harbor Collection for Lulu and Georgia. Inspired by her English heritage, each piece is handmade in Los Angeles. There are a total of thirteen items in this collection including sofas, ottomans, sectionals, beds, and chairs.
The Belmont Chair stands out because it's comfortable, yet durable with a variety of upholstery options in velvet and linen. Available in neutral shades as well as brighter hues— think of it as the elevated version of that comfortable chair everyone at home runs to for first dibs.
Arhaus Maya Bed
If you've ever wanted your bedroom to feel like a tropical resort, opt for the Maya Bed by Arhaus. It's is an heirloom quality piece that will stand the test of time, yet is perfectly on-trend right now. Made from Manau rattan cane, which is the highest quality rattan available, this artisan-crafted piece is built to last. Knowing that can help you sleep better at night. It's a true statement bed that instantly adds charm and warmth.
Sixpenny Neva Sofa
There's nothing worse than sitting on an uncomfortable sofa, especially when you're spending a lot more time sitting down. So, if your old sofa needs to go, Sixpenny's Neva Sofa ships quickly and has a versatile look. Whether you choose polyester or down fill, it feels like sitting on a cloud. It's also a practical choice, ideal for families and pets because the slipcovers can be removed and washed. Several varieties of cotton, linen, and canvas fabrics are available in clean, neutral colors.
Serena & Lily Hanging Rattan Chair
If you can't get enough rattan, Serena & Lily's Hanging Rattan Chair is a statement piece that's equal parts fun and charming. It can be used indoors and outdoors to create a floating reading nook or purchase two to create a space for conversation and cocktails. Then accessorize with a cushion and pillows. Kids (of all ages) will especially appreciate these chairs.
Ethan Allen Auburn Bench
Ethan Allen's Auburn Bench in Marcus Charcoal Distressed Plaid has an elevated farmhouse chic style that's refined, yet practical. The spool-shaped foot gives this bench an antique quality, while the stain-resistant fabric makes it an interesting choice for a dining room. Or keep to adjacent to a window and create a reading nook.
Perigold Kartell Ghost Louis XVI Chair
Ghost Chairs will never go out of style. Created by famed designer Philip Starck, it's named for French King Louis XVI who married Marie Antoinette. First available in 2002, it's one of the most iconic chairs of the millennium. It also incredibly versatile, complimenting everything from new modern furniture to rooms full of antiques.
Made in Italy of Polycarbonate, the clear (ghost) color is the most versatile of all the options in the Ghost family, but it's also available in a range of choices from modern Opaque Glossy Black to mod Transparent Sunset Orange.
Design Within Reach Eames Molded Fiberglass Dowel-Leg Side Chair
With its signature angled-leg, the Eames Molded Fiberglass Dowel-Leg Side Chair is a mid century modern piece that doesn't grow tired. Choose your shell from the eight colors available, three options for the base metal and four leg colors to create a look that's almost custom for your space.
These are great chairs for dining, desks, or even as an accent chair in any room. They're durable and fun. While you can find copies, there's nothing like owning an original.
MOMA Design Store Liquefy Table
If only something incredibly unique will do, then opt for the Liquefy Table. Truly like nothing else available, this table is psychedelic meets sophisticated. It's furniture, but art at the same time. Made in Italy of extra light tempered glass, it was designed by Patricia Urquiola. This oval-shaped table looks different at various angles, making it a great conversation starter, perfect for any modern space.
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If you're feeling like your small apartment or home could use a little upgrade, sometimes investing in a space-saving furniture piece can make a huge difference. These picks are either the perfect size or even offer extra storage space, but the hard part is hunting down the best choices. We looked for you and uncovered so many great pieces at Wayfair. The affordable online retailer has tons of impressive options that won't break the bank.
Ahead, you can shop our 37 top picks that range from stylish bed frames with storage to comfortable sofas that turn into beds. These all have one thing in common though: they'll finally help you refresh you home and get organized. To find the best matches for your home, keep reading to shop them all.
11 DIY Project ideas for Small and Limited Space Bedroom
Wayfair Sale: Save Big, Give Back on Furniture and Home Decor | Entertainment Tonight arrow-left-mobilearrow leftarrow-right-mobilearrow rightGroup 7Gallery Icon Copy 2Video Play Button Copy 5Hamburger MenuInstagramYoutubeShare Button7C858890-6955-48EA-B871-66CE1E33590CVideo-Playbutton Copy Skip to main content
Wayfair Sale: Save Big, Give Back on Furniture and Home Decor
Grocery chain Kroger Co (NYSE: KR) is teaming up with on-demand shipping company Frayt to experiment with same-day delivery of outdoor furnishing products to consumers, Grocery Dive reported.
What Happened
Several Kroger Marketplaces stores in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio and Northern Kentucky will soon ship outdoor furnishing products like patio dining sets, BBQs and more to consumers. The brand's Marketplace stores are known for carrying a selection of non-food products and groceries.
Frayt, which normally facilitates business-to-business deliveries, has seen a 250% increase in interest in its services since it started to deliver to consumers, according to Grocery Dive.
Why It's Important
Kroger's expansion to furniture is a way to sell outdoor dining items to consumers when many of its competitors are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Grocery Dive.
Partnering with Frayt gives the grocer a better chance of competing against retailers like Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) and Walmart Inc (NYSE: WMT).
What's Next
If Kroger's initial trial proves to be successful, it could expand to many additional locations. Out of the total 2,757 stores under Kroger's umbrella, 183 are a Marketplace.
Kroger also owns more than 100 Fred Meyer stores in the Northwest region that carry similar furniture items and could potentially be tapped as well to deliver direct to the consumer.
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Retail Online Appliances and Furniture Seller 1847 Goedeker Files for IPO Jon C. Ogg April 22, 2020 3:35 pm /> />
During the peak of the panic selling just a month ago, many investors were in the midst of bracing for the bear market to turn into a full blown stock market crash. There were fears that the window for initial public offerings was going to be closed for quite some time. In the wake of trillions of dollars of economic stimulus, now the stock market has recaptured more than half of its entire losses — and some IPO filings are starting to appear again.
A small home furnishings company called 1847 Goedeker Inc. has filed to come public in an initial public offering. Its common shares will trade under the "GOED" stock ticker without having selected which stock exchange it would use. ThinkEquity is the sole underwriter on its S-1 filing, and the deal may have been too small for most larger Wall Street firms to have joined the underwriting syndicate.
While no details were offered on the number of shares to be sold, nor on the day of trading or on the price range for an indicated stock price, the filing's proposed maximum amount was $11.5 million or $12.218 million after adding in shares for the underlying representative warrants.
1847 Goedeker is a Missouri-based company that is a one-stop e-commerce destination for home furnishings from appliances to furniture to home goods and related products. The company dates back to 1951 and its filing said that it has evolved from a local brick and mortar operator in the St. Louis metro area to a large nationwide omnichannel retailer. The company has maintained its St. Louis showroom, but the filing indicated that over 90% of its total sales come through the goedekers.com site. The company offers more than 227,000 SKUs and the site is organized by category and product features.
The appliance category covering refrigerators, ranges, ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, freezers, washers and dryers is 1847 Goedeker's largest revenue source. It carries about 22,000 SKUs from brands such as Bosch, GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Sharp, Kitchen Aid and others. This appliances category was shown to have accounted for approximately 80% of 2019 sales and 76% of 2018 sales.
1847 Goedeker began selling furniture online in 2015 and it currently offers roughly 148,000 SKUs from over 340 furniture vendors. The furniture category accounted for approximately 15% of 2019 revenues and 19% of 2018 revenues.
Larger online home furnishings sellers cannot afford to ignore any competition, but 1847 Goedeker is still by and large unknown in the country. The company's filing showed a net loss of $2.5 million in 2019, on total revenues of $47.6 million. 1847 Goedeker reported net income of $2.0 million in 2018, with total revenues of $56.3 million.
The company's site allows for live chats or speaking with a representative by phone. Its IPO filing says:
We are focused on bringing our customers an experience that is at the forefront of shopping online for the home. We have built a large online selection of appliances, furniture, home goods and related products. We are able to offer this vast selection of products because our model requires minimal inventory. We specialize in the home category and this has enabled us to build a shopping experience and logistics infrastructure that is tailored to the unique characteristics of our market.
The IPO filing also contained its own 'Coronavirus Pandemic' update section. While there are stay-at-home orders impacting its showroom, with over 90% of our sales completed online and with its call center and warehouse/distribution operations up and running the local restrictions are shown to have not yet had a negative impact on the company's operations. That said, the company does warn that its operations could be hurt under certain coronavirus scenarios.
This might not represent a grand re-opening of the IPO market, but as more filings begin to be seen it may represent at least some normalcy for the markets compared to a month earlier.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter Read more: Retail, GOED, IPOs and Secondaries
This is Ryu Jong-dae, a South Korean furniture designer based in Seoul.
His unlikely go-to material? Cornstarch.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN ARTIST, RYU JONG-DAE, SAYING:
"After the process of grinding dehydrated corn finely into a starch form and then solidifying it, it turns into solid coil which can be used for designing and producing by using a 3D printer."
As plastic increasingly becomes an environmental pariah, a growing number of furniture and homeware designers are experimenting with bioplastic, a green alternative made from renewable sources.
Vegetable fats and oils, seaweed, fish scales, and cornstarch have all been deployed in the quest to protect the Earth from plastic pollution.
44-year-old Ruy is among the pioneering designers.
His collection of side tables made of cornstarch was launched in 2019.
And it's not just the material that's worth mentioning.
All of Ruy's furniture is also 3D-printed.
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN ARTIST, RYU JONG-DAE, SAYING:
"One of the reasons I work with 3D printers is because I was contemplating how to reduce waste that comes from the creative process. But you still waste materials even if you use it (a 3D printer). If I throw these (leftover materials) out, that would just be more trash, so I gather them to design products that actually have a function."
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN ARTIST, RYU JONG-DAE, SAYING:
"Digital crafting is meaningful, because it expands the scope of work from existing crafts by using new materials, such as bioplastics. It also reduces waste that comes from the creative process and helps the global environment by using eco-friendly materials."
The World Bank said humans generated 242 million tons of plastic waste in 2016.
In South Korea, more than 8.2 million tons of plastic waste were produced in 2018, according to the Korea Environment Corporation.
Plastic production has surged in recent decades, leading to widespread use of inexpensive disposable products that are having a devastating effect on the environment.
Story continues
Most commonly used plastic made from petroleum does not biodegrade.
Instead, it may take hundreds of years for it to decompose into smaller pieces.
Bioplastics, on the other hand, can be naturally broken down in certain environment.
Ruy says he has started to experiment with other kinds of bioplastics, including one derived from shrimp shells.
SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN ARTIST, RYU JONG-DAE, SAYING:
"I think bioplastics made from shrimp shells and fish scales are very close to being commercialized. I'd like to work with those new bioplastics, and I'd also like to work with recycled plastic from fishing nets or other marine waste to create artwork using 3D printers or other digital technologies."
(SOUNDBITE) (Korean) SOUTH KOREAN ARTIST, RYU JONG-DAE, SAYING:
"The resources that we use now are finite, so I think artists should care about the way of reducing waste when they design and make products for the public."
South Korean artist crafts cornstarch furniture - Reuters
DOWAGIAC, MI -- A furniture manufacturer in Southwest Michigan is permanently reducing its workforce after a forced closure related to the coronavirus.
Ameriwood Industries, a furniture manufacturer in Dowagiac, permanently laid off 79 employees and will repurpose its facility into a distribution center, according to paperwork filed with the state of Michigan April 13.
"This reduction is a result of a significant downturn in our business and has become immediately necessary due to the halt in business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the governor of Michigan's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive order, which has shut us down almost entirely," the company wrote in the notice to the state of the change to its workforce.
The company is permanently laying off three salaried professionals and 76 hourly employees, the letter stated.
The manufacturer's parent company, Dorel, was "forced to make some hard financial decisions" and will repurpose the Dowagiac facility from a manufacturing operation to a distribution and warehouse operation supporting the parent company.
Production operations located in Dowagiac will be moved to other facilities and the local facility will be converted to a Midwest Distribution Center, the company said.
"This means a drastic change to the number of employees that will be needed going forward and the permanent elimination of a large number of jobs in Dowagiac effective immediately," the company said.
Businesses across the state are cutting staff and closing doors amid the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting executive order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer instructing Michiganders to "stay home" expect for very limited "essential" purposes.
Other than those working for essential businesses, employees are mandated to stay home while officials fight the spread of COVID-19. As of Monday, April 20, there are more than 31,000 cases of the coronavirus in Michigan and nearly 2,400 deaths.
CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS
In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.
Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.
Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.
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James Maddison has suggested that he will continue to ignore talk of an imminent move to Manchester United being made, with the midfielder seeing himself as "part of the furniture" at Leicester.
The England international has found himself at the centre of intense transfer speculation for some time now.
Having proved himself on a Premier League stage, while earning senior recognition with his country, Maddison has seen another step up the ladder mooted.
Those at Old Trafford are said to be mulling over a big-money move to lure the talented playmaker away from the King Power Stadium.
Maddison, though, is happy in his current surroundings and has offered no indication that he is considering a move elsewhere.
The 23-year-old has told LCFC TV: "If I think back four years ago, I was on loan at Aberdeen from Norwich and now I'm playing every week in the Premier League and that's all I always wanted to do.
"Sometimes stuff like this can make you really reflect and be proud of myself that I've got to this level and obviously look forward now.
"It's not ideal, but this will give us time to reflect on what's happened, whereas normally you can only think about what's forward because it's the next game… where are the next points coming from?
"It's been a whirlwind two years and I've loved every second of it. I feel right at home at Leicester. I feel like part of the furniture already and I love it here.
"I love the lads, I love the fans, [we've got] a great manager, so I'm very, very happy."
Maddison, with nine goals and three assists to his name this season, is currently being prevented from enhancing his reputation during a coronavirus-enforced lockdown.
He is, however, looking to keep himself busy and will be raring to go when competitive football resumes.
The Foxes star added: "I'm doing all good, as well as I can. Obviously it's tough and strange times for everyone at the minute, but it is what it is.
"You've just got to get on with it and stay at home, obviously, and follow the guidelines and stuff. I'm just cracking on with stuff at home really.
"It's important that we keep fit, so we've obviously been getting sent the individual programmes off the sports science and the conditioning team at Leicester.
"For the first time in my life, I'm actually trying to do more exercise than what I actually need to do because there's nothing else to do. I'm trying to fill time slots."
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Now that we're all spending more time at home, it's impossible not to look around and notice everything you want to change. Your living room needs better light, your desk chair isn't comfy enough for an entire work day, and your rug is tired.
But with massive shipping delays at Amazon, it makes sense to look elsewhere to jazz up your place. We scoured the internet for sales and found nine awesome pieces to transform your home without putting a noticeable dent in your wallet.
Done with working from the kitchen table or the couch? It's time for a proper desk. This elegant teak option features unique O-frame metal legs in a powder-coated white finish for durability.
Shop it: O-Frame Modern Computer Desk Teak Gray, $118 with code SPRING (was $154), target.com
This chair looks like it came straight from Scandinavia. With hardwood arms and classic woven upholstery, you can add it to your seating arrangement for a bit of midcentury flair or use it to replace that uncomfortable dining chair you've been "borrowing" for work.
Shop it: Langley Street Derryaghy Armchair, $167 (was $315), wayfair.com
With a marble base and fabric shade, this sculptural beauty will add a dynamic look to any room—and it costs way less than a big piece of art.
At an eye-opening $254 off, this closeout is begging to be added to your cart. The C-shaped side table with a frosted glass top is designed to hug your favorite sofa or reading chair.
Shop it: Caceres Glass Top C Table, $61 (was $315), wayfair.com
Lend an organic feel to any room with this natural woven rug. Handwoven of jute, it's virtually maintenance free and looks amazing on its own or layered with a cowhide on top.
Stop everything: This lounger is $461 off. So if you're thinking of upgrading your outdoor space, build it around this super elegant solid wood number.
With midcentury vibes, this majorly discounted structured chair with a stainless steel base will modernize your living space without overpowering other pieces.
Shop it: Armen Living Chandler Chair in Dark Grey, $386 (was $644), bedbathandbeyond.com
At $136 off, this small-space sanity saver is a steal. Use it as a coffee station in the kitchen or to keep those bottles of wine all in one place. With a practical butcher-block top, a metal storage basket, and a handy drawer, it's a versatile must-have.
Shop it: Berinda Multifunction Bar Cart, $83 (was $219), wayfair.com
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Top 10 Creative Ideas That Will Make Your House Awesome.
Moving furniture is one of the most affordable ways to give your home a new look—but it's not always the easiest way. These handy items will help you move furniture without the back pain, whether you want a quick home redesign or just need to clean under the bed.
1) Furniture Pads
This pack of reusable furniture pads will help you easily slide heavy objects across both carpet and hardwood floors, with a plastic and felt bottom respectively. Just tilt the heavy furniture, apply the non-stick grip side of the pad to the legs of furniture, and slide to a new location.
EZHOUSE 16 Pack Furniture Movers for Carpet and Wood Floor available from Amazon
2) Shoulder Dolly
The shoulder dolly is a 2-person lifting system that allows you to carry heavy furniture while keeping your hands free. Large dressers, media stands, and even washing machines can be loaded onto the dolly. The design prevents back strain, and utilizes leg strength to lift.
Shoulder Dolly Lifting and Moving System available from Amazon
3) Traditional Dolly
While the shoulder dolly allows you to carry objects up and down stairs, a traditional dolly allows you to roll heavy furniture without any strain. This dolly carries up to 900 pounds, and has carpet ends to prevent scratching.
Vestil Hardwood Dolly with Carpet Ends available from Amazon
4) Add Casters
For frequently moved furniture, especially in small spaces like studio apartments, adding casters can save you time and back pain. Drill the casters into the bottom of shelves, table legs, and even your couch to quickly move furniture out of the way for guests.
MegaDeal 12 Pack Swivel Caster with Brake available from Amazon
REARRANGING FURNITURE AND REDECORATING MY HOUSE | FARMHOUSE STYLE DECOR
You don't have to own a pool to find something you want at Sunset Pool and Patio in New Albany.
The business, located at 510 E. Main St., has a large selection of high-quality, comfortable outdoor furniture.
Sunset Pool and Patio is owned by husband and wife Jason and Amanda Butler, who bought the business last year from Kathy Chism, who is now a state senator.
Chism opened the storefront in 2018, but her time in the pool business goes back about 25 years. She still helps the Butlers out with the business since she has been the "backbone" of the operation for so long, said Jason.
Prior to the Butlers buying the business, Amanda was working as a registered nurse for New Albany Medical Group. Amanda stopped working as an RN to work in the business full time. Jason also owns Empowered Electrical and Plumbing in New Albany.
The polymer patio furniture at the business is well-made and very comfortable. Loungers, swings, high-top tables, gliders and rocker gliders that rock and swivel are among the furniture items available at the business.
"We have a big variety of furniture" said Jason, adding that it comes in various colors and styles.
The patio furniture is good for people who do not even have a pool, he noted. The furniture can work well on the front porch, patio or even around a fire. The polymer furniture does not corrode, rot or lose its color, said Jason.
"It's good heavy furniture," he said.
Jason and Amanda live in Myrtle, and they graduated from Myrtle Attendance Center. They both attended Itawamba Community College, where Jason got a degree in electrical technology and Amanda got a degree to be an RN.
Amanda has done a great job learning the business at Sunset Pool and Patio, said Jason. Prior to them taking over the business from Chism, Jason was already installing above-ground pools. Chism has been a family friend for years and helped them learn about the pool and patio business.
"It's a new adventure for us, but we're excited about it and want to offer a good service at a fair price," said Jason. "It's been good so far."
Jason also worked at American Family Radio for about 13 years in the engineering department. But he left there to start his electrical, plumbing and gas business in Union County.
Sunset Pool and Patio has a great group of people who work for the business, he added.
He said he would "absolutely" recommend that people get a pool because it provides fun for the whole family. Whereas a vacation only lasts a few days, a pool is around for years, he said. Children can also enjoy a pool if everything is done safely, he said.
Amanda and Jason have two children—Wyatt, 11 and Waylon 4.
Jason encourages people to think about using their stimulus money to put in a pool or to fix up an existing pool.
Moreover, Jason noted that Sunset Pool and Patio is locally owned and operated. He said he and his wife are just everyday people trying to make a living.
Sunset Pool and Patio provides a full range of services related to pools. For instance, the business can help people open their pools for the summer and close them down for the winter. Opening the pool for the season includes making sure it is treated with the right chemicals so the water is balanced and ready to swim in.
If the water is not properly balanced it can affect the pool by breaking down the liner, said Jason. When a pool has dull water it probably does not have the right chemical balance, he noted.
The business can also help people winterize their pools for the off season and close them down. Installing in-ground and above-ground pools as well as fiberglass pools are other services provided by the business, which also does pool repairs.
Sunset Pool and Patio keeps parts, chemicals and other items in stock. There are even robotic cleaners that can be dropped in the pool. The business also sells floats, hammocks and toys.
Sunset Pool and Patio is closed Tuesday and Sunday. During the weekdays it is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The business can be reached at 662-539-7122.
RV Slide Topper What You Should Know! (With Keep Your Daydream)
Mr. Rubin, who with his wife founded a business in a single Quincy location that has grown into a series of stores that stretch from South Portland, Maine, to Hyannis, died in Florida Monday of COVID-19. He was 82.
"I have a lot of respect for somebody who can start a business from scratch and stick with it and make it prosper and create a legacy for his family, which Bernie did with a lot of class," said Ed Ansin, owner of WHDH-TV, Channel 7. "Bernie was a great patriarch. He loved his family."
Ansin, a longtime friend, often accompanied Mr. Rubin to sporting events, where the Bernie in the commercials was the same Bernie in the next seat.
"We went to Red Sox games, Patriots games, Celtics games," Ansin said. "He was just a wonderful human being. Everybody loved Bernie. He had a great personality and a nice way about him."
Having entered the furniture business as a teenager, cleaning the store for which his father drove a truck, Mr. Rubin worked seven days a week after he and his wife launched Bernie & Phyl's in 1983.
The work demands didn't show on TV, where his enthusiasm made commercials memorable.
"He had a presence and felt very comfortable with the camera," said Terrie Brown, a senior account executive at WBZ-TV, Channel 4, who handled Bernie & Phyl's advertising. "He worked the camera and the camera loved him."
By appearing in years of commercials, the Rubins "became household names. They became a brand into themselves," said Bill Fine, president and general manager WCVB-TV, Channel 5. "The fact that people liked them and trusted them was probably one of the most important factors in their success."
As the company expanded, the couple's three children joined the business. Larry Rubin is now chief executive, Rob Rubin is president of merchandising and marketing, and Michelle Pepe is director of community relations.
In turn, Mr. Rubin and his wife became more involved in philanthropic efforts.
Phyl Rubin was diagnosed in the early 1970s with multiple sclerosis, and the couple worked to raise funding for research and increase awareness.
They recorded public service announcements, and the Greater New England chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society honored her in 2010 with the MS Hope Award at its MileStones Gala.
Mr. Rubin, meanwhile, was forthright in persuading business associates and friends to contribute to charities he supported.
"He made sure people knew a cause was important to him," Fine said.
And yet, Fine added, Mr. Rubin made his case without being overbearing.
"He was without question one of the kindest, warmest, friendliest, gentlemen I've ever met," Fine said.
Born in Boston on Dec. 17, 1937, Mr. Rubin grew up in Mattapan and was 4 when his mother died.
His father was a milkman, and Mr. Rubin told Furniture World Magazine in 2012 that he helped out on his father's Boston delivery route, carrying milk upstairs in three-deckers.
When his father started driving a truck for a furniture business, Mr. Rubin began running errands for the business when he was 13, and also cleaned floors and polished furniture in the store.
It was then that he began planning for the day when he could open his own furniture store.
As a high school senior, Mr. Rubin met Phyllis Segal when a friend brought him to her Sweet 16 birthday party. They fell in love and within months were inseparable.
As a commuter student at Northeastern University, from which he graduated, Mr. Rubin kept daily contact with Phyl, proposing when he was 19 and she was 17. They married a year later, in 1958.
Initially after college, Mr. Rubin joined his father's furniture trucking business. Over the years, he and his wife lived in Randolph and Sharon.
The Rubins had three children and were in their 40s when they launched Bernie & Phyl's in 1983, in Quincy. By then, she was also several years into her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and together they worked seven days a week, side by side, building their business.
Expanding a location at a time, the Rubins — later joined by their children —turned the original store into a chain. More than 400 people are now employed at locations that include Braintree, Hyannis, Natick, Raynham, Saugus, and Westborough, as well as South Portland, Maine, and Nashua and Newington, N.H.
The Rubins drew praise for their ability to bring their children — and more recently the next generation — into their business.
When the time arrived to let his children take leadership roles, Mr. Rubin was "the kind of parent who said, 'You know what? I love you all. It's your turn,' " said Kerry Lebensburger, senior vice president of Ashley Furniture. "His strength was that he believed in his kids. I don't think there's anything more a father can do."
Along with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mr. Rubin and his wife supported causes and agencies such as the Pine Street Inn, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, and the Home for Little Wanderers.
In addition to their financial contributions, they provided furniture for Roxbury Village — transitional housing the Home for Little Wanderers runs for young adults aging out of foster care, said Rick Houpt, the agency's manager of corporate relations.
And Mr. Rubin periodically hosted up to 20 children at Fenway Park for baseball game outings known as Bernie's Baseball Buddies.
These are kids who don't get to go to Fenway ever. That's an enriching experience for them," said Houpt, who added that Mr. Rubin "was a special guy."
For Mr. Rubin, sharing his good fortune with others was important.
"We are the luckiest people," he told The Boston Globe in 2010, when his wife went public with her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. "There's a lot of ups and downs in life. Nothing ever goes smoothly. But when all is said and done, we've had a nice ride."
Information was not immediately available regarding a service for Mr. Rubin, who in addition to his wife and three children leaves 10 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
With a gift for friendship and a love sports, particularly baseball, Mr. Rubin and a companion at a game "could easily fill all nine innings with conversation," Fine said. "Bernie was as great at answering questions as he was with asking them.
And perhaps inevitably, given how recognizable he was from his TV commercials, work sometimes followed Mr. Rubin into the ballpark.
"We were at a Red Sox game one time and there was a family that sat behind us — a couple of young boys, they were probably 10 or 12," Ansin recalled. "Bernie was sitting right in front of these two boys, and I turned to them and said, 'Do you know you have a celebrity in front of you?' Bernie turned around to see them, and the boys immediately started singing, 'Quality, comfort, and price – that's nice!' "
Bryan Marquard can be reached at bryan.marquard@globe.com.
BOSTON (CBS) — Bernie Rubin of Bernie & Phyl's furniture died of coronavirus Monday. He was 82 years old.
Rubin had been hospitalized in South Florida.
He and his wife were the faces of the furniture chain that they launched in 1983. They stepped back and turned the business over to their sons a few years ago.
The furniture chain has nine locations throughout New England.
Bernie Rubin Of Bernie & Phyl's Dies Of Coronavirus
A Shropshire couple have decided to downsize from their spacious, Grade-II listed farmhouse - but instead of putting the property on the market, the pair are to hold a prize draw and intend to give tens of thousands of pounds to charity.
Nigel and Jane Chalenor have lived in their six-bedroom farmhouse for 18 years and now it is time to move on. Set in three acres of land, the house is located in the village of Loppington, 10 miles from Shrewsbury.
The house is set on three acres of land (Photo: winmydreamhome.co.uk)
Hot tub and lawn mower thrown in
Three independent valuations have put the farmhouse at £630,000 to £650,000, the couple said. They want to raise an additional £100,000 on top of the property's value and donate 10 per cent of all ticket sales to the Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury, which has cared for several of their family members and friends.
The new owners will enjoy scenic views and plenty of space. What's more, the Chalenors are throwing in all the furniture too. Top features include a four-oven Aga, an oak garden room and a solid wood kitchen. A hot tub and ride-on mower are also included in the prize.
Fancy winning a 6-bedroom farmhouse set in three acres of 🌳land and 💐gardens? Well, why not try your luck🤞Two of our supporters, Nigel and Jane are not only supporting us from their sofa, they are throwing one into their raffle for their Grade II listed, furnished farmhouse in north Shropshire too.They have decided to raffle off Grafton Farmhouse, which has been their home for the past 18 years.And they are giving us 10 per cent of the total from the raffle ticket sales. They both have both been hit by the coronavirus and their son and daughter are key workers. Jane said: "In recent years Severn Hospice has been there for our friends and family at the worst moments in their lives. We know how much Severn Hospice takes the pressure off the NHS. In this dire time, we felt we all need some hope and being able to make a difference on this scale makes all the sense in the world." The stunning farmhouse is the perfect country retreat – scenic views, space for 🐓chickens and 🐕dogs and a beautiful, furnished home complete with a four-oven Aga, an oak garden room and a solid wood kitchen. A hot tub and ride-on mower are also included in the prize. The raffle opened today and tickets cost just £2 each. The raffle is set to close on May 31 with a live draw on June 3.Go to winmydreamhome.co.uk or facebook.com/winmydreamhome.co.uk to enter and for more information.
Posted by Severn Hospice on Friday, April 10, 2020Valued hospice
The Chalenors, who have two adult children, were previously foster carers - they have looked after 22 youngsters - and want to downsize and work with deprived communities.
Ms Chalenor said: "In recent years Severn Hospice has been there for our friends and family at the worst moments in their lives.
"We know how much Severn Hospice takes the pressure off the NHS. In this dire time, we felt we all need some hope and being able to make a difference on this scale makes all the sense in the world."
The raffle opened this weekend, with tickets costing £2 each. It will close on 31 May and a live draw will take place on 3 June. Participants can enter by visiting the website.
Shropshire couple to raffle off £650,000 home, complete with furniture and hot tub, for charity
FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2006, file photo a person drive through the gates of a federal prison in Oakdale, La. The federal Bureau of Prisons is locking all its 146,000 inmates in their cells for the next two weeks in an unparalleled effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus, as the focus shifts to the Louisiana compound, where two inmates have died and nearly 20 others remain hospitalized. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File) (Photo: Rogelio V. Solis, AP)
This investigation was published in partnership with The Marshall Project, a nonprofit news organization covering the U.S. criminal justice system. Sign up for their newsletters, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
As the coronavirus spread across the country, Patrick Jones kept reporting to his job in the textile factory at the federal prison in Oakdale, Louisiana.
He'd worked there for years, sewing tidy buttonholes on government uniforms. Though the highly contagious virus was creeping into prisons by mid-March, Jones and his fellow inmates were working without masks, according to interviews with family and prisoners who knew him.
He collapsed on March 19 and was taken to a hospital. About a week later, he died from COVID-19.
Shortly after his death, the pandemic's first in a federal Bureau of Prisons facility, the agency announced a nationwide 14-day "lockdown," saying inmates would be mostly kept in their cells to decrease the spread of the virus.
But prisoners in several locations were still reporting to work at Unicor, a federal program that runs prison factories, as the number of infections grew and those stricter rules were announced, The Marshall Project learned through interviews with dozens of prisoners, their families and correctional officers. Some factories were still running this week.
They said factories operating deep into March as the pandemic spread were making office furniture in Florida and stamping and shipping license plates in Maryland, which some prisoners and relatives criticized as non-essential functions.
Some textile factories remain open still, though they have turned to making face masks, according to workers and their relatives. But some of the prisoners at those jobs said they did not get their first paper face masks until this week, as did the correctional officers who supervise them.
A inmate works at the Edgefield Federal Correctional Institution Monday, July 8, 2019, in Edgefiled, S.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) (Photo: AP)
Running the factories left many prisoners unable to keep social distance, and risked spreading the virus around a prison or infecting people from outside the prison who do business with the factories. The practice also appears to go against special guidelines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued March 23 to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 behind bars.
Bureau of Prison officials did not respond to detailed questions about the assertions the prisoners and their families made, which Unicor facilities were still running and what kind of safety precautions were being taken for workers.
Jeff Ormsby, a union leader for state prison employees in Texas who spent 25 years working for the Bureau of Prisons, including as a Unicor supervisor, said letting some factories run as long as they did seemed irresponsible.
"I'm real big on Unicor, but they need to shut it down during this," he said, calling for a complete lockdown of the factories, except those making masks.
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"It's a factory, social distancing is almost impossible in there as well—it's no different (than) inmates working on the rec yard or the dining hall," he said.
To be sure, a number of Unicor prison factories have been shut down. Plants stopped running last week in federal facilities in Michigan, Texas and New Jersey, according to family members of the prisoners who work there. And producing masks to help protect others from COVID-19 is an admirable use of the textile factory workers' skills, their families said. But they worry that their relatives are not being properly protected while making them.
Unicor, historically called Federal Prison Industries, is a nearly 90-year-old program to employ the incarcerated in more than 50 factories that made $531 million in sales last year, according to its annual report. The program's goal is "to reduce undesirable inmate idleness" and provide prisoners jobs skills. Unicor pays for its operations from sales of its products and services, not using taxpayer dollars.
Federal Corrections Institute in Three Rivers. (Photo: Alexandria Rodriguez/Caller-Times)
It's a big business, employing more than 17,000 prisoners who earn between 23 cents and $1.15 per hour for their work, making it one of the better paying gigs behind bars.
When bureau officials announced the two-week lockdown, starting April 1, they said group gatherings would be limited "to the extent practical to facilitate commissary, laundry, showers, telephone" and access to some computers.
Several factories across the country were operating in late March, and some even past the lockdown announcement, said the prisoners, families and guards.
At the Cumberland federal prison in western Maryland, dozens of men who make license plates in a Unicor factory worked until last week, according to a prisoner who asked to remain anonymous, and Naomi Mekeel, whose fiance, Nicholas Gaworski, works at the factory. They said workers were told April 6 that someone at the factory had tested positive for COVID-19, so many of the workers are now in quarantine. But they said other workers were still going to the factory this week, apparently to ship orders.
"What is the urgency in shipping license plates and putting the entire camp at risk? Who's even worrying about their license plates right now?" asked one of the prisoners in an email to The Marshall Project.
Several relatives of prisoners who work at Unicor's factory in the Coleman women's facility in central Florida, said their family members were still working earlier this week. The factory normally makes furniture, according to Unicor's promotional materials, though it was unclear if that remained the case or if the factory was still running Thursday.
Some relatives said prisoners feared that if they did not report for work they risked losing sought-after work assignments. Families said they are concerned that the work made quarantine or social distancing impossible. On Thursday, officials reported the first COVID-19 case there: a staff member at the low-security unit.
Several prisoners and relatives said work is still going this week at textile factories in Terre Haute, Indiana; Jesup, Georgia; and Waseca, Minnesota. They said the factory in Waseca, which normally makes Navy and Air Force uniforms, and the plant at Jesup are now making face masks and protective gowns. At Terre Haute and Jesup, officials have also reduced the number of prisoners working at any given time—from about 200 to about 35 at Terre Haute, the prisoners and families said.
It was not clear if Terre Haute has also switched to making masks, or whether the Unicor-made masks will be used for prisoners and officers across the nation, or shipped to shield workers at other federal agencies.
At Oakdale, the Louisiana prison where Jones and four other men have died from the virus, several prisoners and their families said the Unicor workers are now housed in a separate facility that is under quarantine. There are so many cases inside the prison that officials have stopped testing. Those interviewed there did not know if the Unicor factory was still running.
Prison labor expert Heather Ann Thompson said prison factories are unsafe in the best of times, with incarcerated people getting no workman's compensation if they are injured. Thompson, who wrote a Pulitzer Prize-winning book about the 1971 Attica prison riots, said prisoners typically can't miss work for illness without facing discipline, and they cannot elect to skip work for fear of exposure to the virus.
"Working conditions (in prisons) are always terrible and super-oppressive," she said. "You add onto that the possibility of disease and you realize that those things that are already bad become worse."
Not all prisoners feel that way. Paula Pates said her 31-year-old son, Jonathan Pates, works at the Unicor furniture factory on the men's side of the Coleman federal prison and is upset that his unit went on lockdown last week, preventing him from continuing to work building office cubicles. He's worked his way up to $1.02 per hour, a good wage in prison, and is worried about losing his position and salary if he can't show up.
She said he told her on the phone: "We have to spend the day together inside anyway. Why can't we spend the day working?"
Prisoners and their families told The Marshall Project that most people at federal prisons did not start to receive masks until about April 2, and some were not getting them until earlier this week, even as COVID-19 cases in federal prisons have spread so far that the government started using a nationwide map to document them.
Mekeel, the fiance of the Unicor worker at the Maryland prison, said that as the threat of the virus grew, workers at her fiance's license plate factory got so desperate they tried to forge face shields made out of materials in the plant.
They didn't get paper face masks until this Monday, she and several others said.
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Watch Full Coronavirus Coverage - April 6 | NBC News Now (Live Stream)
NATICK, MA — Runners across the area are being invited to participate in a charity 5K, but you might not even have to leave your neighborhood to partake.
Every year, Medfield-based New Life Furniture Bank hosts a 5K trail run to raise money. And it's a big one, accounting for about 20 percent of the nonprofit's annual budget. With coronavirus, a regular 5K isn't possible, so New Life is letting runners participate on their own time.
Here's how it will work: Runners and walkers can register online for the event and join a team of other participants. Then, participants can pick a route, whether that's at home on the treadmill or along your favorite local streets. The race can be completed any time between April 13 and May 10.
There will still be a competitive element. Runners can post their race times on Racewire, and the winners of the New Life 5K will be posted on May 11.
"The economic impact of COVID-19 is hitting our clients hard," New Life Executive Director Rich Purnell said in a news release. "In the coming months, we anticipate a surge in requests as many families will be displaced from their homes."
The organizers are encouraging participants to get creative with running teams, and the 5K course.
"We are thrilled that the race committee has come up with a way for the race to go on," said Wayland resident Kristin Chisum, who is running the race this year with her son, Luke. "We live near the woods near Walden Pond so that's where we'll be."
This furniture will hide your cat's litter box from sight
Cat owners know that having a furry friend can be rewarding. Pets can offer support and comfor during the good times and during the bad times, too. But for as much as we love our felines, they're also messy little things. The worst of their mess is always around their litter box.
If you own a litter box, you know how unsightly it is. But nowadays, there's actually a good market for litter box furniture—pieces that hide the fact that your cat poops and pees in your house. Clearly, not everyone wants a purple box that their cat poops in just sitting on display in the middle of their room.
Price: $68.96 You can hide away your pet's litter box in the Internet's Best Decorative Cat House & Side Table. The decorative pet furniture could fit in any room in your home. It can function as a night stand, storage in the bathroom or an end table in the living room. It's fixed with a fun and decorative cat hole that will allow your pet entry to the washroom at any time. You can get this budget-friendly washroom in espresso or white. Price: $89.99 Looking for something to add to your entryway or at the foot of your bed? This Grinnell Litter Box Enclosure will fit perfectly in either space. It gives your pet easy access in and out of the box, while having a separate opening for you to get in to clean the box. You can get this in five colors: white, espresso, natural, gray and black. Each color has a fun navy and white-striped cushion that is probably meant for you to sit on, but will be primarily used by your pet. Price: $98.99 If you're on the hunt for the perfect cat box furniture for your bathroom, look no further. The Ginny Litter Box Enclosure looks like it was designed specifically for the bathroom. The enclosure will store away your pet's litter pan, but can also act as storage in your bathroom. It's a great place to tuck away extra cleaning supplies and towels. Price: $135.24 This litter box bench lets you set up a full-service storage space for your pet. Meaning it can hold their litter box, as well as extra litter and cleaning supplies. This Merry Pet Cat Washroom Bench perfectly fits the bill and can double as a bench in your entryway. It's available in white, walnut and black, starting out at $135.24. Price: $139.99 The Sweet Barks Designer Cat Washroom Storage Bench is an impressively sized cat box enclosure. It looks like a normal piece of furniture, so your guests won't immediately notice you have a cat box in the living room. The smell might give it away, so you'll probably want to stick a candle or two on top. Ths box was designed to act as either an end table or coffee table, and along with storing your cat's litter pan, you can also hide litter and cleaning supplies. Price: $147.99 And finally, the Cathey Wooden Litter Box Cabinet is probably the most convincing enclosure that looks like your average end table. It has a drawer for regular, everyday storage, but also the space to fit your cat's litter box.
If you're looking for a new litter box to stick in that brand new piece of furniture, you can go with a traditional litter pan. You can also go a little fancier with a top-entry litter box or a self-cleaning litter pan. And you can fill those pans up with a big ol' bag of Dr. Elsey's litter.
Hearst Newspapers participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.
Ana Suarez is the senior commerce editor for Hearst Newspapers. Email her at ana.suarez@hearst.com.
Earlier this year, I moved into a roommate-less apartment for the first time and I couldn't wait to finally buy the furniture I always wanted. Over time, I bought one piece at a time to save money, and surprisingly, I found some of my favorite picks online. Thanks to the internet, it's easier than ever to find exactly what you need for an amazing price, delivered right to your door. One retailer I found myself frequently shopping online: Wayfair. The site has thousands of impressive options at seriously good prices.
If you're looking to spruce up your home this spring, then you've come to the right place. I could get stuck browsing Wayfair's website for hours, so I went on a mission to uncover its best and most popular finds. Ahead, you can shop my 34 favorite picks. From velvet sofas to space-saving desks, no doubt these prices will blow you away. Keep reading to shop them all.
Breathtaking makeover for your favorite Barbie doll
Ashley Homestores of Fort Wayne and Mishawaka and Homerooms Furniture & Mattress issued this news release today:
A group of local businesses are partnering up, to take the National Coronavirus Crisis head on to help their local communities, with the production of PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) Hoods for our frontline caregivers.
The Owners of the local retail Ashley Homestores of Ft. Wayne and Mishawaka & Homerooms Furniture & Mattress have partnered up with Brace Weiland the Founder of Transformations Furniture, a local manufacturer, to produce the high demand masks by sourcing and trucking over 10,000 yards of the needed fabric and materials from Pennsylvania back to Fort Wayne, where they will be able to manufacture an additional 30,000 protective hoods for those in our area.
The PAPR hoods are used to safeguard workers in contaminated environments and are specifically designed to provide healthcare professionals with superior respiratory protection against a range of infectious diseases.
Loren Klopfenstein, Owner of the Ft. Wayne Ashley Homestores and Homerooms Furniture & Mattress, commented, "When the opportunity to partner, presented itself we knew we had to do this for our Community. Our business is centered around people and families being comfortable and loving their homes. Safety of our community will help us all feel a little more comfortable in these uncertain times."
The Ashley Homestore/HomeRooms Truck picked up the material and made the long haul back to Fort Wayne on April 2nd to deliver the material for production to begin immediately of the PAPR Masks. Both Companies are going above and beyond their normal operations at this time and are helping to support staying home and staying safe, during the state imposed Stay-at-Home order started on March 23rd, 2020.
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Shares of Wayfair surged 41% Monday after the company said that business is going well amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Wayfair's gross revenue growth was about 20% at the beginning of March, similar to January and February, according to a statement. But by the end of March, the rate had more than doubled, the company said. Wayfair said the trend has continued in April.
"We are encouraged by our increasing sales momentum, yet remain highly focused on our plan to rapidly reach profitability and positive free cash flow," said Niraj Shah, Wayfair CEO. "The additional capital we are raising, though not strictly necessary, should only enhance our ability to successfully navigate through any market backdrop."
Now, the company expects to meet or exceed its previous guidance of 15% to 17% revenue growth in the fiscal first quarter of 2020. The company added that it's "making solid early progress" against initiatives to lead it to profitability. It reports earnings on May 5.
The company also addressed its actions to curb the spread of COVID-19 and keep employees and customers safe.
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"We are closely monitoring the current market as we all respond to the threat of COVID-19. Wayfair's e-commerce model is uniquely suited to serving customers' very real needs at this challenging time," Shah said.
Wayfair's employee base is working from home while "fulfilment, logistics and transportation facilities are fully operational," according to the statement. The company has implemented no-contact delivery, encourages drivers to wash hands, and has instituted temperature checks at several locations, it said. It also rolled out emergency paid time off for workers who are not feeling well, it said.
The company also announced today $535 million in convertible notes as a step to "further strengthen its balance sheet and optimize its liquidity position to allow it to continue to serve customers from a position of operational and financial strength."
Even with today's gains, Wayfair is down roughly 21% year-to-date.
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DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa-based furniture manufacturer has laid off 40 workers at its Dubuque corporate location.
A letter recently sent to Dubuque city officials from Flexsteel Industries says the temporary layoff was effective March 23 and is expected to last three months, the Telegraph Herald reported. The affected positions are primarily are in sales, customer service or other corporate functions.
"Such temporary reduction in workforce is a direct result of, and in direct response to, the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on Flexsteel Industries Inc.'s business," the letter read.
On March 24, the company announced it was shutting down its Dubuque manufacturing plant for two weeks. The company has about 150 production workers at that Dubuque plant.
In late February, the company said it was considering moving some production of it blue steel spring — a signature product — to Mexico and Asia.
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