It has been a week for acquisitions — as previously reported, bespoke lighting company Ciana Lighting acquired Varaluz, while Lutron acquired U.K. lighting brand Orluna. Both deals expand market opportunities for all involved; in the case of Varaluz and Ciana, it gives Ciana entrée to the residential market and Varaluz more opportunities in the hospitality sector, while the Lutron acquisition strengthens Lutron’s reach in Europe and the Middle East.
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Buster + Punch, the fashion-forward British brand that makes hardware and lighting, has joined Be Original Americas, the nonprofit organization that advocates for authentic design and combatting counterfeit products within the design industry.
Buster + Punch fuses London’s subversive street culture with craftsmanship, using solid metals, precision detailing, and unexpected finishes and knurled textures. “This partnership with Be Original Americas extends the brand’s mission to preserve the value of creativity and original design in an era where mass replication has become increasingly widespread,” the company said in a release.
“Design isn’t just about how things look — it’s about pushing boundaries and staying true to original ideas,” said founder Massimo Buster Minale. “Joining Be Original Americas is our way of standing with the designers and makers who innovate, create and take risks. We’re proud to support a movement that protects the value of authentic design and celebrates the hard work behind every original concept. In today’s market, where counterfeits are everywhere, protecting creativity is more important than ever.”
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ArchLIGHT, the DMC trade event for architects, interior designers and specifiers, has lined up a slate of educational events for the show, which takes place in September. You can read more about that here.
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Kalco has given a sneak peek of its summer product intros. “This season, our designers draw inspiration from organic softness, abstract forms and the vintage charm of bygone eras, resulting in 11 new decorative designs from Kalco and six elegant fixtures from our luxury crystal lighting line, Allegri,” said Riki Lent, senior vice president. “Natural materials— fine linen, crackle glass and wood beads—take center stage, elevating every space with texture and a luxurious feel.”
Kalco Lighting debuts include the Coaxial Collection (handcrafted from various-sized wood beads, steel and abaca rope); Onyx (steel and frosted crackle glass); and the Duet chandelier designed by Vanessa DeLeon (internal parts are the main design element).
Allegri Crystal by Kalco will feature the Bella Collection (glass flowers with Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences); Bianca (all-white cased glass chandelier) and Dama (suspended on aircraft cables for the sensation of flying).
Kalco will exhibit at Lightovation this month and at Las Vegas Market in July.
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Dallas Market Center has announced a new endowed scholarship at Texas A&M University honoring the former president, CEO and chairman emeritus of Dallas Market Center, Bill Winsor.
The Bill Winsor Retailing Scholarship will support upperclassmen in the Mays School of Business and the Center for Retailing Studies who plan to pursue careers in retail or wholesale.
The scholarship is being established by colleagues and friends who were inspired by Winsor’s leadership, entrepreneurial vision and belief in the power of commerce. A steering committee of industry leaders is lending their support to help raise funds. George Kacic, CEO of Margins USA; Chuck Fraelich, president of Tag; and Alison Dodson, owner of retailer A. Dodson’s, first approached Dallas Market Center to help create a scholarship. They have been joined by committee members Troy Lee, president of Savoy House; Maria Mullen, CEO of Hubbardton Forge; Rick Seidman, CEO of Quoizel; and Roxie Orms with Clint Orms Engravers and Silversmiths.
Winsor joined DMC in 1993 and during his 22-year tenure oversaw thousands of trade events and helped to launch tens of thousands of businesses across home décor, lighting, apparel and gift. Winsor passed away in December 2024 after a brief illness.
The scholarship is planned to be endowed at $100,000 or more, ensuring perpetual support for students exploring the business of retail.
