Ashley Furniture HomeStore announced it had increased the number of stores in its network by 21 in 2010, for a total of 422.

NORTH PALM BEACH, FL -- Carls Furniture, a Florida-based home furniture retailer, announced it will close stores in North Palm Beach and Stuart.

HIGH POINT, NC -- Accounting and Consulting firm Smith Leonard reported that new orders of furniture for October were down 5% from the same period a year ago, as gaged by its monthly survey of furniture manufacturers and distributors.

STANLEYTOWN, VA -- Stanley Furniture, a manufacturer and importer of wood casegoods, has sold two of its U.S. manufacturing plants for $4.9 million.

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Wood Tech Summit, the newest educational component of next month's Closets & Home Organization Conference & Expo, will feature a pair of free interactive panel discussions.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Stiles Machinery Inc. announced the formation of a new finishing program through which it will offer technology manufactured by four European companies to its U.S. customers.

The 2011 Red Book Guide is soliciting articles on best practice tips and techniques in the areas of: Solid Wood Machining, Panel Processing, Cutting & Grinding, Gluing & Pressing, Sanding & Finishing, Components/Hardware & Assembly, Software and Plant Production. Submissions must be received before Jan. 28.

MONTREAL -- Primo International, a furniture and mattress manufacturer and importer, has signed a licensing partnership with kathy ireland Worldwide.

Arrow Fastener has a new lines of R.E.D. staple and nail guns for wood interiors and building professionals.

Ethan Allen has partnered with HGTV as the primary furnisher of the 15th annual HGTV Dream Home. Located in Spruce Peak at Vermont’s Stowe Mountain Resort, the HGTV Dream Home 2011 blends modern architecture and rustic mountain appeal to create a luxurious four-season retreat.