Furniture retailer Fantastic Holdings is preparing for a positive outlook after posting a strong increase in second half and fourth quarter sales, as well as matching previous year's earnings for the full fiscal year.

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Furniture retailer Nick Scali has announced a net profit before tax of $6.9 million for the year ended June 30 2009. Managing director Anthony Scali said the result, ahead of market expectations, was buoyed by a "materially stronger second half."

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Furniture company Laidir is polishing off the designs on an innovative range of outdoor furniture targeting the commercial retail sector. Designer Sean Dunthy confirmed the line would feature new materials and aesthetics at comparatively attainable price points.

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South Australian company Ritossa Furnishers is set to show at the Australian International Furniture Fair from February 3 to 5 2010, with a view to promoting its contract division's expertise in commercial fit outs for the hospitality and corporate sector.

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Retail turnover figures for June released by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) hint at a comparatively strong recovery for furniture retailers as consumers adjust their spending patterns. The data, released last week, showed furniture retail as one of the few categories in a position to benefit from the current trading climate.

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Clifton Fine Furniture has expanded its offer after it took out top prize in the Australian Grown Timbers category of the Furnitex 2009 Product Excellence Awards. The Tasmanian timber specialist, which received the award for its Wellington buffet, is to add new items including an audio cabinet and dining set to the Wellington range.

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Sydney based artisanal framing and mirror studio Marinarto has launched a sub-brand specialising in high end product made from recycled components.  Founder Mark Marinato said the range, dubbed 'ReFinery', was born of his interest in environmentally friendly product.

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The Natural Bedding Company has launched a Shaker inspired range of bedding and complementary furnishing items. Company co-director Sam McCaig confirmed the collection - ranging in price from $350 to $1150 for timber items and $1120 to $2060 for latex mattresses - would comprise seven to eight pieces, with all wooden components made from sustainable Australian hardwood timber.

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The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has come out in support of an investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) into restrictive lease arrangements.

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Newly anointed Vivid award winner Corey Baker is fielding interest from the US following his recent market launch.

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