NEW YORK CITY PLANS TO LICENSE FURNITURE STORES

Furniture World Magazine

With New York City forging ahead in its effort to license all retail furniture stores, the Greater New York Home Furnishing Association has continued in its role as spokesperson, negotiator and protagonist...all in one. The ad hoc committee is headed by Jeff Kate of Fulton Stores and includes the principals of such New York landmarks as Maurice Villency, The Workbench, Seaman's and ABC Carpet. Andy Gans and Gary Zuckerman are representing the Association. There have been a series of meetings and hearings with both the Consumer Affairs Commissioner, his key personnel and the City Council. In addition to the ongoing issue of the reasons for creating this license at all, there have been some agreements as to language changes. Special order merchandise will be redefined and hopefully, not be subject to post delivery cancellation on partial deliveries (as it is now written). Other changes should exclude business to business transactions (designer buildings, etc.) and possibly independent designer transactions. There are definitely several major issues still on the table, such as the proposed exclusion of certain store types (Department Stores and others) Some of these questions loom very large and we intend to continue to fight for equality in our industry. Amongst the stipulations of the proposed legislation are bi-annual licensing fees AND contributions to a "slush-fund" which will be used to reimburse consumers left "helpless". Additionally, all retailers should be aware that this proposal would add new power to the Department of Consumer Affairs and their ability to levy fines and bring administrative actions against retailers. This is an extremely hot issue and the GNYHF hopes everyone becomes aware of it, takes it seriously and recognizes that "forewarned is forearmed." E-mail: russ@furninfo.com