Furniture Classics Limited To Open 12,000 Sq. Ft. High Point Showroom

Furniture World Magazine

Furniture Classics Limited has announced the grand opening of their expanded High Point showroom in Showplace. The 12,000 square foot space is located on the second floor, space number 2401. “We have been a Showplace tenant since the building’s debut.” explains Michael Ricks, President of Furniture Classics, “Last October we occupied two permanent spaces as well as a temporary booth. Our new space allows us to consolidate our showrooms and expand our presence allowing us to exhibit the entire product line of both our brands; Furniture Classics and Two Palms Casual.” The grand opening celebration is planned for Sunday, April 6 from 5:00-8:00 pm. Live music, heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be provided. The company invites all current and prospective dealers, as well as industry and press representatives to attend. The Furniture Classics product line will feature 40-50 new introductions, while Two Palms Casual will highlight around 30 new offerings. “We are confident in the placement of new product,” comments Doug Ricks, Founder and CEO, “Already, our January introductions of Atlanta and Las Vegas have received placements exceeding what we normally see in High Point.” He noted that the January markets were strong producers followed by a robust showing at the New York Gift Fair. “We have been pleasantly surprised at the volume of recent incoming business. A lot of work has gone into product development, market exhibitions, advertising, inventory, and customer service and delivery improvements over the past 18 months.”, explains Ricks, “Our customers have recognized our value, the quick turns and strong margins at retail, combined with our improved service story. It has bolstered our business in what is generally viewed as a soft environment.” Part of the company’s business plan is to service all customers from its 250,000 square foot distribution center in Norfolk, VA. Previously, the company maintained a warehouse in San Diego, CA but has found it difficult to service its Western customers on the entire product line. “As our business and product line expands, it is necessary for us to better manage our supply chain and distribution,” notes Michael Ricks, “By centralizing our warehousing we will be able to service all customers more quickly and completely.” The company currently delivers the majority of its freight on company owned trucks but has recently contracted with furniture carriers to expand their reach. A guaranteed freight rate program has been established for all customers and a new “Designer Delivery Program” for drop shipping and consumer in-home deliveries is being forged with Home Direct. In addition to other growth strategies, the company has created a three tier pricing program. This addresses non-stocking, stocking and container direct purchases. Qualified, non-stocking dealers can purchase from wholesale showrooms while stocking dealers purchase at a discounted wholesale price. Stocking dealers may also take advantage of various promotional opportunities throughout the year. Container Direct dealers are afforded aggressive pricing, FOB factory. The company’s container program is very flexible for dealers; requiring extremely low minimums and allowing customized finishes on the majority of the product line. Michael Ricks states “This is why the growth of container direct business has outpaced domestic warehouse shipments over the past several years.” Furniture Classics Limited is a Norfolk, Virginia based import marketing company supplying solid wood antique reproductions at middle to upper middle price points. The Two Palms Casual division supplies natural material casual furniture. Both brands broadly distribute through lifestyle specialty stores, full service furniture stores, the interior design trade, mass merchants and casual furniture specialists. The entire product line and contact information is available at www.furnitureclassicsltd.com and www.twopalmscasual.com