OK, I know most of you were boating, picnicking and having a heck of a lot of fun doing Labor Day weekend. Not me. Call it dedication. I was at Baer's in Boca Raton learning about the new collection from Better Homes & Gardens and Universal Furniture. (Read about it Sept. 15 in the Home & Garden section.)

Anyhow, while I was there, I chatted with Ira Baer about the ads that seem to be emphasizing lower prices. As we all know, the downturn in home sales has also slowed furniture buying. Baer told me that manufacturers are giving stores incentives on price so they can pass some savings on to the consumer. This is similar to what the auto manufacturers do to help move cars in a slow market. Stores are also trying to move out old product to make room for the new styles shown at the March High Point Market.

My advice: Now is a good time to go shopping for furniture bargains.

C.V.S.

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