Norwalk Furniture Adds The Furniture Idea Franchises In VA, CO and BC

Furniture World Magazine

Norwalk Furniture, a leading manufacturer and retailer of custom upholstery, announced that it continues to expand its network of franchised home furnishings destinations with a new store location in Williamsburg, Virginia, and new franchise owners in Englewood, Colorado and Vancouver, BC. The recent franchise activity brings Norwalk’s store count to 64. The company also separately owns and operates six Norwalk stores in the U.S. “We’re constantly looking for opportunities to expand our existing franchise network in the U.S. and Canada,” says Joan Ferman, president of the company’s retail operations. “The Norwalk brand is increasingly desirable as a retail opportunity by offering a broader and more exciting selection of custom upholstery by designers such as Joe Ruggiero and Candice Olson, as well as a creative lifestyle presentation for today’s consumers.” In Williamsburg, shoppers will find a lifestyle store designed for a sophisticated design consumer featuring a selection including chic upholstery vignettes by Olson and Ruggiero. With Norwalk’s 105-year reputation for quality upholstery, it is no surprise that Williamsburg consumers are taking advantage of the company’s quick custom delivery. But the bonus owner and general manager Regina Leigh has found since the store’s recent soft opening is that “We’re selling a lot of accessories.” Those accessory sales are no surprise to Ferman. “We have made a concerted effort to bring our customers a fun shopping experience. And we know that it doesn’t stop with custom upholstery. Our buyers have scoured the marketplace worldwide to bring fresh, unique accessories to our customers. And those customers are responding with purchases.” The Williamsburg store is located in a dynamic retail setting at 5140 Main Street in New Town. According to Leigh, “Shoppers say Norwalk is exactly what Williamsburg needed…a store that gives an updated, more modern look to the traditionally-offered home fashions generally available.” In Englewood, Colorado, shoppers are finding a similar home furnishings retail experience; Norwalk-The Furniture Idea is located at 9575 East County Line Road. Previously a corporate-owned and operated store, the franchise now owned by Jodi Zippo has been gently transformed with a makeover to suit the franchise footprint. “Moving forward with franchise locations, our operative words are ‘style and comfort’,” says Ferman. “Our upgraded styling is evident throughout the showroom. And our customers will also find new levels of comfort in the furniture they select and in the experience they have in the store.” In addition to the new U.S. franchisees, in Canada, Andrew Rao joins the network with a new operation in Vancouver, British Columbia, recently purchased from an existing Norwalk-The Furniture Idea owner. For information on franchise opportunities with Norwalk, contact Mike Turbeville at 601-829-3434 or 419-668-4461, extension 6749. Email him at mturbeville@nfcorp.com. For more information on Norwalk Furniture, the leader in custom upholstered seating, go to www.norwalkfurniture.com.