October 2014

October 2014 Articles

Perspective:
Nicer Up North

One would think that a warm climate would be conducive to warm dispositions and friendly demeanors (think Jamaica, reggae music, dancing, breaking waves and smiling people), and that the opposite would be true – a cold climate must of necessity create a land of introverts with scowling faces and rude behavior.

Canada: An Introduction

By Richard Wright

Mediocre. Flat. Stable. You could add safe and predictable to that list describing the present economy in Canada.

One-Stop-Shop

By Tom Lassiter

You can get anything you want (remember that song?*) at Capital Iron, in Victoria, on the island of Vancouver, in Canada.

Service with a Smile

By Lisa Readie Mayer

In 10 years, Topfire has created a successful two-store business with only two employees – both of whom smile a lot.

Down to the Basics

By Bill Sendelback

Old World values are key to Forest Glade Fireplaces’ success.

It's About Growth

By Richard Wright

With its acquisition of Tropitone Furniture Co., Brown Jordan International picks up its sixth company; CEO Gene Moriarty has his sights set on a seventh.

Gas: Heart of the Hearth — Part II

By James E. Houck

This is the second of a three-part series on gas-fueled appliances in the residential hearths of North America. It focuses on socio-demographics, regionalism and consumer attitudes.

Diversify to Survive

By Bill Sendelback

One thing all retailers should have learned from the downturn is that there’s weakness inherent in selling one product category.

The Potential of Accessories

By Lisa Readie Mayer

To rev up sales, take the Accessory Challenge; it just might turbocharge your barbecue business. Want a surefire way to amp up barbecue sales? Sell accessories.

Bonding with Barbecue

By Lisa Readie Mayer

Prior to every concert, the Zac Brown Band shows a great deal of southern hospitality by treating 150 lucky fans to a gourmet barbecue and quality time with the group.

2014 Barbecue Mid-year Snapshot

By Richard Wright

Pellet grills and smokers/kamados were the stars of the barbecue world this year.

2014 August Business Climate

In early September, Hearth & Home faxed a survey to 2,134 specialty retailers of hearth, barbecue and patio products, asking them to compare August 2014 sales to August 2013. The accompanying charts and selected comments are from the 212 useable returns.

Who Reads Hearth & Home?
Anastasia Marcakis, for one!

Montreal, Quebec

Parting Shot: A Calgary View

The fire pit area is actually sunken 18-in. down from the surrounding grade; the stone retaining walls and built-in wood benches help to shelter the occupants and the fire from the wind.