Norwalk Furniture Announces Hiring Of Two "Retail" Team Members

Furniture World Magazine

Norwalk Furniture Corp. announced several additions to its retail team in Norwalk, Ohio—Stephanie Voss and Abby Hawke. Voss will assume the role of director of retail advertising and marketing, while Hawke will serve as buyer. “We’re looking to strengthen and grow the retail business,” says Joan Ferman, president of retail. According to Ferman, both new hires play a strategic role in achieving this goal—charged with building the retail brand and bringing a compelling merchandise assortment to stores, both franchisees and corporate owned. Currently, there are 59 franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada with the most recent store opening in Pembroke Pines, Florida; separately, Norwalk owns and operates two stores in the U.S. As director of retail advertising and marketing, Voss will be responsible for franchise marketing materials, advertising programs, and marketing strategies both conventional and Internet. “Stephanie has a solid academic background, and proven track record of success,” says Ferman. For the past six years, Voss has been employed with Arhaus Furniture in several capacities. She initially joined the retailer as a visual merchandiser and then moved into the role of director of advertising and marketing. Prior to Arhaus, Voss served as a visual designer for Saks Fifth Avenue. On the buying side, Hawke will be responsible for sourcing Norwalk’s non-upholstered products, both domestically and internationally. Developing core vendor relations will also be one of her primary duties. Like Voss, Hawke came to Norwalk from Arhaus Furniture. She worked there as a buyer and product developer, and most recently as merchandise manager of accessories. Preceding Arhaus, Hawke was employed as an assistant merchandise manager of home and apparel fabric products at Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. “Both women bring incredible retail driven resumes to Norwalk,” says Ferman. “We’re looking forward to their many, many contributions,” she finishes.