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◊ News Article
| AICO® Re-deploys Appointment Book |
| 08/27/2009 |
| Fine home furnishings supplier AICO®/Amini Innovations Corp has once again made their "showroom appointment maker" available.
On the web portal, located at www.amini.com, this feature allows attendees of the Las Vegas Market to schedule their visit to the AICO® showroom. This allows them to choose a specific day and time to meet with their rep, who will be ready and waiting for them at the designated time, to reduce wait times. States Chuck Reilly, AICO® Vice President of Sales, "this tool allows us to utilize the power of the Internet to help manage our time more effectively. We want our dealers to benefit from their experiences at Markets, and to realize that as a company, AICO® is always developing new ways to make sure they get to see our products as quickly, and efficiently as possible." To schedule an appointment, a dealer simply has to visit "Online Appointment Book", where they will be asked to fill out an information card. This card will inquire as to the time and date most convenient for an appointment, as well as name and contact information. Once complete, the information is sent to the company. Once AICO® receives the information, they will record the appointments, and make sure that the appropriate sales rep is ready and waiting in the lobby for their customers. The new feature once again displays the innovation for which AICO® is known, easily combining tradition and technology, while making information easily accessible to all. |
| AOS Releases Newly Designed Web Portal |
| 07/07/2009 |
| High quality office furnishings supplier AOS/AICO® Office Systems, launched their completely re-designed web portal this week.
The web portal, located at www.aosaico.com, highlights several new features that empower the consumer, including a complete breakdown of every modular component that is used in each piece of office furniture. In addition, dealers now have instant access to high-resolution images of collections they floor, creating a simple, and effective way to find images for advertising. States Joe Mathieu, AOS's National Sales Manager, "we here at AOS have always worked to create the most innovative, and fully functional products, and wanted to make sure that our website was as user friendly as our collections. This new site will immediately answer a lot of questions we find people have about our products, thus making the buying process quick and easy for anyone using the site." One of the most unique features of the new web portal is the online Space Planner, from which both dealers and consumers will benefit. The Space Planner gives users the ability to customize their offices with AOS products that they have placed on their online wish list. The end result allows the user to "see" what their office will look like with their chosen products. Dealers can use this tool to pre-plan the AOS section of their showroom, without ever having to worry about moving furniture. The new web portal once again displays the innovation for which AOS is known, easily combining tradition and technology, while making information easily accessible to all. |
| AICO® Releases New Online Appointment Book |
| 03/30/2009 |
| Fine home furnishings supplier AICO®/Amini Innovations Corp has recently launched a new feature on their ever expanding website.
Now available on the web portal, located at www.amini.com, is a feature that allows attendees of the High Point and Las Vegas Markets to schedule their visit to the AICO® showroom. This allows them to choose a specific day and time to meet with their rep, who will be ready and waiting for them at the designated time, to reduce wait times. States Larry Rinaldi, AICO® President, "we as a company are always looking for ways to improve our relations with our dealers by finding ways to improve efficiency. We want to make sure that our dealers get the most out of their experiences at Markets, and the best way to do that is make sure they get to see our products as quickly, and efficiently as possible." To schedule an appointment, a dealer simply has to visit "Online Appointment Book", where they will be asked to fill out an information card. This card will inquire as to the time and date most convenient for an appointment, as well as name and contact information. Once complete, the information is sent to the company. Once AICO® receives the information, they will record the appointments, and make sure that the appropriate sales rep is ready and waiting in the lobby for their customers. The new feature once again displays the innovation for which AICO® is known, easily combining tradition and technology, while making information easily accessible to all. |
| AICO® Releases Newly Designed Web Portal |
| 08/29/2008 |
| Fine home furnishings supplier AICO®/Amini Innovations Corp launched their completely re-designed web portal this week.
The web portal, located at www.amini.com, highlights several new features that empower the consumer, including an enhanced dealer locator that not only displays locations, but also AICO® products available. In addition, dealers now have instant access to high-resolution images of collections they floor, as well as price lists. States Larry Rinaldi, AICO® President, "with the launch of our two new divisions, 'Michael Amini® Casual Impressions,' featuring contemporary/transitional style collections, and 'Michael Amini®...etcetera,' including designer accent pieces, this was the perfect opportunity to unveil this portal that will provide the ultimate in information for both our dealers, as well as our consumers." One of the most unique features of the new web portal is the online Room Planner, from which both dealers and consumers will benefit. The Room Planner gives users the ability to customize their rooms with AICO® products that they have placed on their online wish list. The end result allows the user to "see" what their room will look like with their chosen products. Dealers can use this tool to pre-plan the AICO® section of their showroom, without ever having to worry about moving furniture. The new web portal once again displays the innovation for which AICO® is known, easily combining tradition and technology, while making information easily accessible to all. |
| AICO® Creates New Furniture, Accessories Divisions |
| 06/30/2008 |
| Importer AICO®/Amini Innovations Corp is celebrating its 20th anniversary by adding two new divisions to their family, a furniture division, and a designer accent pieces division.
"Casual Impressions," the new furniture division, will feature a whole new look for AICO®. The pieces in this division will have a more contemporary/transitional style, and will fit into any home, including ones with limited space. Already planned for "Casual Impressions" are five new collections, all of which will include bedroom suites, dining sets, occasional tables, and upholstery. "Michael Amini®...etcetera" is a division for designer accent pieces. This division will include furniture pieces that can easily integrate with any of AICO® previously established collections, as well as include the Decorative Accent Rug collection, the Top-of-Bed collection, and the brand new introduction of decorative accent pieces including wall art, decorative accessories, and lighting pieces. "We have always created a style for living, and these two new divisions will empower our customers by giving them even more options for creating their own unique style. We want to keep expanding the AICO® name, and these divisions will enhance our existing lines," states Michael Amini, AICO® founder, and CEO. "Casual Impressions," and "Michael Amini®...etcetera" will both be unveiled during this summer's Las Vegas Market in the company's brand new showroom that is located in the newly finished C building in space 1601 on the top floor. |
| China Welcomes Their First AICO® Retail Store |
| 05/28/2008 |
| China welcomed their first AICO® store last week in the Meten Living Design complex in the city of Hangzhou. The vibrant area of Hangzhou was selected for the first store due to its demographic profile, as well as its beauty and growth potential. The opening was a historical event for AICO® and founder/CEO Michael Amini, who was in the Zhejiang province for the celebration, which was attended by over 150 people, including dignitaries, designers, and industry friends, as well as TV reporters, and local and national media. States Amini, "this was a natural progression for AICO®. We wanted to bring my designs to China for everyone so they can enjoy the fine craftsmanship that the area has provided us for so many years." AICO® is well known for their traditional style, both opulent and casual elegant, which provides for that designer touch, as well as their coordinated collections that take the guesswork out of home decorating.
AICO® currently sells their products worldwide, and their products include bedroom, dining room, entertainment, living room, and family room, as well as decorative accent rugs, top of bed, and select accessories. With the encouragement of a confident, determined and supportive Chinese businessman, Michael agreed to the opening of the very first franchise. However, their products have been difficult to obtain in China until now, but Amini wanted to make sure this would not be a problem in the future. "I plan for this store to be the first of as many as 40 additional stores as we are always looking to expand, and I am considering several regions and provinces throughout China, as well as other international Asian destinations for this expansion." The new 7000 square foot store features exclusive Michael Amini® designs, and will continually be changing these products as new collections are developed. |
| AICO® Unveils New Showroom at Las Vegas Market |
| 05/26/2008 |
| Importer AICO®/Amini Innovations Corp is celebrating its 20th anniversary by unveiling its brand new 56,000 square-foot showroom on the top floor, showroom C1601, in Building C at Las Vegas Market in July. The new showroom is 3 times larger than their previous location in Building A, and will provide more than enough room for the new collections the company is planning on unveiling this summer.
The new showroom will feature unique water features, extraordinary multi-media presentations, a newly designed bistro, and a few other surprises, all of which will combine to create a unique experience for all attendees, and will set the standard for AICO® presence at future Markets. Because of the magnitude of the new space, AICO® founder, and CEO, Michael Amini has promised an exciting event. "With the unveiling of this new space, I knew we had to go big for this Market, so I can promise that there will be things here never before seen in any of our previous shows." Already guaranteed to be at the show will be the new product lines that AICO® has been working on for the past year. These new lines have been designed to meet new price points, and are scaled and proportioned to fit into any home, including those with space constraints. Additionally, market attendees will be able to view previously established case good collections, as well as the Decorative Accent Rugs collection, and the Top-of-Bed collection. |
| AICO® Featured on Upcoming Episode of "Clean House" |
| 05/01/2008 |
| Fine home furnishings supplier AICO®/Amini Innovations Corp will be featured on an upcoming episode of The Style Network's popular home makeover series, "Clean House." The episode features the transformation of the family room and Master bedroom for a very close-knit family of six. "Michael Amini® Original Furniture Designs" by AICO® will be donating its Moulin Rouge collection for the Master Bedroom of the house. States Martin Ploy, AICO® Executive VP, "this was a wonderful opportunity to help a family change their life, and to further expose the AICO® brand. We're very excited to be a part of such a wonderful show."
On each one-hour episode of "Clean House," Niecy Nash and her no-holds-barred team of experts (Mark Brunetz, Trish Suhr and Matt Iseman) perform miracles by transforming homes "possessed by possessions" into pristine palaces where organization reigns supreme. After a preliminary assessment of the offending home, the "Clean House" crew confronts the root causes of its clutter and helps the homeowners --- with humor and a touch of tough love --- let go of the unnecessary items choking their living space. The episode is currently scheduled to air Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 10:00 pm et/pt on The Style Network, and will rerun for the life of "Clean House." |
| AICO® Unveils New Collection at Las Vegas Market |
| 01/25//2008 |
| Importer AICO®/Amini Innovations Corp is celebrating its 20th anniversary by unveiling numerous items at Las Vegas Market in January including an entire new collection, thus enabling attendees to "Discover a Very Unique Place" in AICO® Las Vegas showroom. "The Vizcaya Collection" will include a full dining room set including 9 pieces, as well as a full bedroom set which includes 7 pieces, and correlating upholstery on 5 pieces featuring rich fabrics and hand-rubbed leather. In addition to Vizcaya, the "Toledo" sectional, created to complement AICO® other case good collections will be available for preview.
Also to be showcased is an expanded collection of area rugs and new top-of-bed designs designed to complement established furniture sets. "Ultimately, the retail dealer will benefit from this add-on sale created by the dramatic room vignette presentations now enhanced by our decorative rugs and top-of-bed products," states Michael Amini, AICO® Founder and CEO. As well, market attendees will be able to view the following established collections: Windsor Court, Chateau Beauvais, Romanza, Palais Royale, Essex Manor, Acasa, and Villa Valencia. Finally, attendees can visit the theater room for "entertaining ideas" for their homes and offices. |
| AICO® Presents Top-of-Bed at High Point |
| 10/20/2007 |
| Case goods and upholstery importer AICO® (Amini Innovation, Corp.) showcased top-of-bed fashions at the October High Point Market. This latest addition to their expanding product line-up was greatly successful in the orders it generated at Market. Richly patterned ensembles with intricate detailing and plush accents adorned each bed in the showroom. "Our goal in developing the Michael Amini® Signature Bedding Collections is to add a sense of glamour and elegance to the bedroom. Our lush fabrics and vibrant colors serve to enhance the intricate detailing of our bedroom collections," states Jacqueline Moss, AICO® Director of Fabric Merchandising.
Sold in complete sets for ease of merchandising, each bedding ensemble is fully accessorized with euro shams and 6 feather-filled decorative pillows to create a custom-designed look. "With fabrics carefully selected to correlate with our expansive line of upholstery and decorative accent rugs, we've given the retail dealer the opportunity to create whole room environments, "adds Mike Genrich, AICO® VP of Sales. "Ultimately, the retail dealer will benefit from the add-on sale generated by the dramatic room presentations these bedding ensembles create." |
| AICO® Prevails in Infringement Lawsuit |
| 07/18/2007 |
| Casegoods and upholstery importer AICO® has prevailed in their pursuit of justice against Anthony California, Inc. and its principal, James Chang, for infringement of AICO® copyrights and design patent. The federal court presiding over the case by jury trial entered a judgment and permanent injunction with a significant settlement being paid to AICO® by the defendants for willful infringement. Furthermore, the judgment bars the defendants and its employees from having any further dealings with the infringing products.
AICO® vows as part of its business strategy to aggressively protect its rights relative to design patents and copyrights, and will persist in this commitment. Michael Amini states, "we spend an exorbitant amount of time and money in creating our original designs, and will fiercely protect both the investment and the originality our customers have come to expect of us. It is our hope that this case will not only set a precedent for the industry, but will send a very strong message to would-be infringers that AICO® will vehemently pursue its legal rights at any cost." |
| Henson Promoted to VP of AICO® Office Systems |
| 05/29/2007 |
| Office furnishings veteran Richard Henson has been promoted to Vice President of AICO® Office Systems (AOS), a division of full-line furniture importer AICO®. "This well-deserved promotion was a natural progression for Richard and for the AICO® Office Systems division. We are confident that through Richard's leadership, we will further enhance our position in the office furnishings market, in both the residential and the contract market," says Michael Amini, AICO® Chairman and CEO,
Henson joined AICO® one year ago as Director of AICO® Office Systems. He reports to Martin Ploy, Executive Vice President. Says Ploy, "Richard's vast knowledge and extensive experience in the contract office furnishings industry have been a guiding force for this growing division." Prior to joining AICO®, Henson held a variety of executive positions with companies such as EST-West, a division of Leggett Platt, and Warvel.
Henson says, "we have extensively researched innovative technology to accommodate utmost functionality for the most challenging office environment, while implementing AICO® trademark style and distinctive elegance for the discerning taste of today's executives. I am confident our current line-up will demonstrate this dual commitment." AICO® Office Systems will be showing their complete line, including a variety of new additions, in their expanded showroom at NeoCon World's Trade Fair in Chicago June 11 through 13; space # 8-9106. |
| Herrera to Lead Customer Service for AICO® |
| 05/17/2007 |
| Case goods and upholstery importer AICO® has announced the promotion of Nelly Herrera to Customer Service Manager. She reports directly to Mike Orth, Vice President of Operations. Nelly has been with AICO® for 4 years in various customer service positions. Prior to AICO®, she was an Assistant Store Manager for Ethan Allen.
"We consider Customer Service to be at the heart of our company, and Nelly has demonstrated keen insight in handling customer needs, while translating her standard of excellent service to the staff under her supervision," says AICO® President, Larry Rinaldi. Nelly's responsibilities include overseeing the daily shipping of orders from AICO® California warehouse, training and supervision of the customer service staff, and all administrative duties relative to the department. "Nelly's talents, enthusiasm, and understanding of customers' needs are a perfect match for this vital position. We are confident that her new assignment will bring out the best in AICO® customer service," said Mike Orth. |
| Promotes Phillips to VP of Soft Line |
| 05/14/2007 |
| Upholstery and case goods leader AICO® has announced the promotion of Laurie Phillips to the newly created position of Vice President of Soft Line Merchandising.
"Laurie has demonstrated executive-level leadership in heading AICO® upholstery division", said founder and CEO Michael Amini. "This promotion is well-deserved for the significant contributions she has made, and reflects the broadening of her role at AICO®." In addition to her expanded assignments in upholstered product development, Phillips' responsibilities include team leadership in AICO® recently debuted decorative accent rug program, the top-of-bed program currently in development, as well as future soft line home furnishing projects.
Phillips joined AICO® two years ago as Director of Upholstery Merchandising to help launch AICO® new upholstery division. Her responsibilities as Director included all phases of development and merchandising of the upholstered furniture collections for the Michael Amini® Signature Series, to which she brought her extensive experience in retail, buying and manufacturing of fashion apparel and home furnishings. She reports to Martin Ploy, Executive Vice President. Said Ploy, "as our company grows, so does the strength of our management team. Laurie has been a very valuable asset to our growth, and we congratulate her for this achievement." |
| AICO® to Unveil Rug Fashions at Las Vegas Market |
| 01/08/2007 |
| Case goods importer AICO® (Amini Innovation, Corp.) has announced plans to introduce an exciting new addition to its repertoire: a Decorative Rug Program. Several of these hand-tufted, silk and wool, masterpiece rugs will debut in AICO® Las Vegas showroom. The exclusive styles, designs, colors and sizes, representing significant value, have been developed to coordinate with the various collections offered in the Michael Amini® Signature Series and will correlate with Bedroom, Dining Room, Living Room, Home Office, and AICO® Office Systems. "Ultimately, the retail dealer will benefit from this add-on sale created by the dramatic room vignette presentations now enhanced by decorative rugs," states Michael Amini, AICO® Founder and CEO.
This program is one of the specialized elements that complements AICO® Gallery Concept, which will be called "Michael Amini® Homescapes". This program will be forthcoming by the end of this first quarter. |
| AICO® Marketing Vision Expands for 2007 |
| 01/04/2007 |
| AICO® has announced the appointment of Darla Lester to the new Director of Marketing Services position, crystallizing AICO® commitment to dealer support. As Director of Sales/Customer Service for the past 1-½ years, Darla brings a unique insight of both the dealer's and consumer's needs to this new position. Coupled with her passion and commitment to expand AICO® marketing vision, Darla will oversee all administrative responsibilities for the department, reporting directly to Martin Ploy, Executive Vice President. "With our expansion into upholstery and contract office via AICO® Office Systems, our marketing needs have grown tremendously", says Martin Ploy. "Darla brings her proven administrative capabilities, and enthusiasm to this vital assignment."
Working together with Mark Reyes, Director of Creative Arts, this formidable team will take AICO® image to new heights as they explore and utilize advertising media, e-commerce and web development to capture the consumer. "Michael Amini's vision is always clear and far-reaching," states Ms. Lester. "The landscape of commerce is ever changing and this vision will forge new marketing strategies to broaden the success of our dealers. 2007 will be a very exciting year as AICO® prepares to launch its first consumer-based advertising campaign." |