Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM OCTOBER 2017 24 Additional features on the dryer include: • Anti-Creasing: This function automatically follows the drying cycle. The gentle drum action separates clothes and ensures they remain wrinkle-free, providing ready-to-go laundry. • Gentle Care: This program extends the life of delicates and whites by drying at a lower temperature. • Quick Drying: An 8 lb. half-load will dry in less than one hour when paired with the matching washer. The compact washer and dryer are available now for $999 and $1,199 respectively. The washer measures 32½" x 23½" x 24½" inches (not including handles) and plugs directly into the dryer, which measures 32½" x 23½" x 22" (not including handles). Both units are white with chrome door rim and cycle knob, and can be stacked. Visit www.beko.us for more information. Visit www.beko.us/where-to-buy/ for a list of authorized dealers. FABER OPENS NEW TRAINING LAB IN HUDSON, MA, CORPORATE OFFICE In a year full of new product launches, upgrades to their flagship products, and a brand-new showroom, Faber introduced a new training lab in early summer to kick off their 360 training of kitchen ventilation. Already several distributor/dealer teams have taken advantage of this opportunity to enrich their ventilation know-how. Matthew Avery head of marketing and communications for Faber U.S. & Canada teamed up with the Faber sales team and their distributors in North America to offer retailers an intensive class on the mechanics of kitchen ventilation for a variety of installation challenges. "It is important that retailers have a deeper understanding of how kitchen ventilation works in order to help consumers determine which is right for their application," said Avery. The training also included hands-on instruction on the basics of in-home ducting. "Empowering our dealers with knowledge will save homeowners money, protect their kitchen, and improve the air they breathe daily," Avery added. The new Faber lab and separate showroom is a unique opportunity for distributors and dealers to understand the full line of range hoods, as well as the nuts and bolts of installation. In August, Maple Distributing with a team of dealers joined Faber in the new training lab. Maple experienced New England hospitality with overnight accommodations at the historic Colonial Inn, Concord, MA. On the final night of training they were treated to a night in Boston with an arranged private tour of Fenway Park. Faber — the global leader in kitchen ventilation — a part of the Franke Group, Kitchen Systems division, has been producing high-end kitchen range hoods since 1955 in Fabriano, Italy. For 60 years Faber has continued to manufacture with attention to detail, engineering excellence and fine European design. From inserts to wall, island and value/designer canopies, there is a style to fit almost every kitchen design. Visit www.faberonline.com for more information. DU VERRE HARDWARE AND TOP KNOBS ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT TO JOIN FORCES Du Verre Hardware and Top Knobs jointly announce the acquisition by Top Knobs of the Du Verre Hardware brand. Together, Top Knobs, Du Verre Hardware, Atlas Homewares, Vesta Fine Hardware, and their sister company Hardware Resources' brands, Jeffrey Alexander and Elements, represent the most compelling product selection in the industry for cabinet hardware. As an award-winning company, Du Verre Hardware has a strong history of raising the bar on innovative designs through progressive manufacturing techniques. Each piece of the brand's hardware is crafted of postconsumer, eco-friendly recycled aluminum fully compatible with LEED objectives. Du Verre Hardware stands for luxury, quality, originality and environmentally friendly decorative hardware. Under the creative direction of founding partners Gina Lubin and Gavin McLean, the Du Verre brand has gained recognition throughout the design world for original hardware designs. The team has sought out the talents of an outstanding roster of award-winning designers, craftspeople and artists to create one-of-a-kind collections. Lubin has guided the creative direction of the hardware company since its inception and has created some of the most intriguing Du Verre designs to date. "This acquisition is a significant accomplishment and marks the beginning of a new era, filled with opportunities to add to our original high design collections," said Gina Lubin founder, CEO and creative director of Du Verre Hardware. "We are proud to celebrate the joining of two iconic companies while continuing to grow the Du Verre brand and help create beautiful, sustainable environments." Warren Ramsland, president of Top Knobs commented, "Gina and Gavin founded Du Verre Hardware 18 years ago, and through their leadership and sense of style created a beautiful, green-friendly brand that I've admired for many years. We highly value Gina in her new role as we develop future innovative designs utilizing her relationships within the design community." Please visit www.topknobs.com and www.duverre.com for more information. I N D U S T R Y [ N E W S ]

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