Powell Company To Feature "The Michael Payne Collection" At Las Vegas Show

Furniture World Magazine

The Powell Company introduced an extensive new collection of furniture and coordinated accent pieces designed by Michael Payne at the High Point furniture market. The collection will be featured at Las Vegas in July. Known nationwide for his role as host and interior designer of the HGTV’s “Designing for the Sexes”, Payne is also an author, a teacher of Interior Design, and the head of his own design studio. Not only a celebrity, Payne brings front line experience to this new collection; primarily developed to meet the needs of a younger demographic (18-35). Powell, Vice President and Marketing Director Sean Slack explains, “Powell identified a marketing opportunity with the part of the population that is purchasing or renting their first apartment or home. This demographic often owns little other than “early attic style” furnishings. They are sophisticated shoppers looking for value and quality materials but are limited by budget”. “Michael Payne was brought on board not only for his design skills but because of his proven rapport with both men and women” says Powell President, Bill Benton. “We believe that the Michael Payne Collection satisfies the need for elegant, well styled pieces made with good materials and designer details which are priced for value.” Last but not least, we believe that Michael has established a relationship of trust with many consumers and his association with the collection that bears his name will give those consumers a sense of confidence in their purchasing decisions.” There are four groups in the collection – three were introduced at the April High Point market and will be featured in Las Vegas. The last group will debut at High Point in October. Mr. Payne will be at the Powell Company showroom, space #753, World Market Center, Las Vegas on July 25th, 26th, and 27th. PROFILE MICHAEL PAYNE Michael Payne, host and interior designer of HGTV’s Designing for the Sexes, obtained a bachelors degree in physics and mathematics from Southampton University in England. After ten years in the computer industry, during which he was transferred from England to the United States, he pursued a career in interior design and graduated from the UCLA interior design program in 1980. While attending UCLA Michael gained design experience working with a Los Angeles-based design firm that specialized in high-end, international clients. He founded Michael Payne Design in 1980, offering interior design services to clients on a national and international basis. Incorporated in 2002, his firm is now involved primarily with projects featured on Designing for the Sexes, while also offering design consultation services to private clients. In addition, Michael teaches an interior design seminar at UCLA. Michael entered into a furniture design partnership with the Powell Company in 2004 and the initial Michael Payne Collection by Powell was introduced at the High Point Furniture Market in April 2005. The furniture will be available in furniture stores nationwide. Michael is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and is a Certified Interior Designer in the State of California. In addition to Designing for the Sexes, Michael has been on numerous network television programs and on radio stations throughout the country, and has been the featured speaker at various national home shows, design events, museums, conferences, corporate events, and charity functions. He has also been the subject of newspaper and magazine articles across the United States and has authored "Let's Ask Michael", published in the spring of 2003. Michael and his wife live in Los Angeles. Their son, a 2002 graduate of Colgate University, also resides in Los Angeles. An avid runner, Michael has completed six marathons and numerous 10K races. His interests include gardening, automobiles, and antique toys. ABOUT THE POWELL COMPANY Culver City, California-based Powell Company designs, imports and distributes medium priced youth, occasional, dining, and accent furniture across all style categories for retailers around the world. The company has more than 36 years of experience in offshore sourcing focused on quality control, craftsmanship, finishing, and timely delivery. Established in 1968, the company has grown to become the most recognized name in the furniture industry for home accent furniture. From there Powell expanded its capabilities as a full-service home furnishings provider through its four divisions: Powell Kids, Powell Limited, Powell Beds and Powell (accents); and a commitment to broadening its product offering and positioning itself for future growth. As part of that growth, Powell has recently launched a new licensing program in partnership with Pfaltzgraff, America’s premier dinnerware manufacturer, called “The Pfaltzgraff Home Collection by Powell”. Powell continues to pursue their overseas operations ensuring that they source, service, quality inspect, and ship top quality furniture products on time. To this end, the company’s multi-million dollar inventory assures quick shipping from a sizable warehouse facility based in Greensboro, North Carolina and maintains offices in Southern California, North Carolina, Southern China, Cebu and Brazil, and a new office in Ho Chi Minh City, VN, opening in June of 05. Powell currently sells to 90% of the top 100 furniture retailers and department stores in the United States as well as thousands of independent dealers across the country; maintaining its strong dealer network by consistently developing new and innovative high quality products and providing excellent service. “We remain committed to the quality and service that the industry has grown to expect from Powell,” says the company’s CEO & President, Bill Benton, “dedicated to bringing a broad selection of innovative products to the marketplace that are well suited to the ever-changing lifestyles of your customers.”