Universal Furniture International Announces New Upholstery Division

Furniture World Magazine

Universal Furniture International, Inc., a leader in bedroom, dining room, occasional furniture and entertainment systems announced the establishment of a new upholstered furniture division. Slated for introduction at the April 2004 International Home Furnishings Market, products will include 10-12 groups featuring both fabric and leather selections in exposed wood and fully covered designs. About this new development, Universal President Harvey Dondero comments, “With Universal’s strength and business model, moving into upholstery makes sense. We are able to bring high end styles and features to a more attractively priced product, offering significant value for our dealers and consumers.” The initial offerings will include sofas, loveseats, fully upholstered chairs, carved accent chairs, ottomans and chaises. Each frame will be available in a variety of fabrics and leathers, coupled with an array of decorative trims and accents. Styles will range from opulent to casual, and will coordinate with Universal’s best-selling casegood collections and new introductions. Blend down cushioning and 8-way hand tying are just two of the many construction features Universal intends to incorporate in their upholstery. The products are expected to retail from approximately $699 to $999 for fabric. As an added incentive, Universal’s dealers will eventually be able to custom mix their upholstery and casegoods orders in the same direct container shipments, maximizing profitability and ensuring rapid delivery of product. Dondero expects to announce the head of the upholstery division within a few weeks, with subsequent appointments to follow. “We expect this division to become a significant part of our overall growth,” says Dondero, “Just as we have done in casegoods, we intend to be a substantial and dynamic resource for value-filled upholstered furniture for our retailers and for the buying public.” About Universal Furniture International Universal Furniture International, Inc., prizes its position as a highly regarded source for beautiful home furnishings at attractive prices. Universal offers design excellence and exceptional manufacturing processes from its dedicated facilities in China. Universal offers its collections through fine home furnishings retailers throughout North America and in numerous other countries.