Journal of the Western Home Furnishings Association

Transcription

whfa members
western retailer
www.WHFA.org
2009 Western Retailer of the Year
Naturwood Home Furnishings
Virginia and Lisa Keyes
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Western Home Furnishings Association
500 Giuseppe Court, #6
Roseville, CA 95678
est.1944
July/August 2009
western retailer
EDITORIAL STAFF
Managing Editor: Melissa Dressler................................ [email protected]
Publisher: Melissa Robinson............................................ [email protected]
table of contents
featured articles
Advertising Manager: Cindi [email protected]
2009 WHFA OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
2009 Retailer of the Year
WHFA PRESIDENT
Naturwood Home Furnishings. . . 10
Marty Cramer - Cramer’s Home Furnishings, Ellensburg, WA...........(509) 933-2172
PRESIDENT ELECT
Claudia LeClair - Fiesta Home Furnishings, Scottsdale, AZ...............(480) 951-3239
WHFA Thanks its Members . . . . 16
VICE PRESIDENT
Angel Lopez - Dearden’s, Los Angeles, CA........................................(213) 362-9600
Barbo Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
TREASURER
Chris Sanders - Everton Mattress Factory, Inc., Twin Falls, ID..........(208) 326-3407
SECRETARY
WHFA Conference Attendees
Confirm Networking and
Education Key to Success. . . . 24
Valerie Watters - Valerie’s Furniture and Accents, Cave Creek, AZ....(480) 483-3327
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Keith Koplan - Koplan’s Furniture, Vancouver, WA.............................(360) 695-3388
PAST PRESIDENTS
George Nader - Nader’s La Popular, Gardena, CA............................(310) 327-8585
Cherie Rose - The Rose Collection, Los Gatos, CA...........................(408) 395-7773
Mountain Woods Furniture . . . . 27
EXECUTIVE director
Sharron Bradley - WHFA, Roseville, CA.............................................(916) 784-7677
New WHFA Programs. . . . . . . . . 29
AT LARGE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBers
Gary Absalonson - Walker’s Furniture Inc., Spokane, WA.................(509) 533-5500
Howard Haimsohn - Lawrance Contemporary, San Diego, CA.......... (619) 291-1911
Marvin Kerby - Kerby’s Furniture, Mesa, AZ.......................................(480) 834-3888
Lael Thompson - Broyhill Home Collections, Aurora, CO...................(303) 360-9653
WHFA/NHFA Liaison
David Harkness - Harkness Furniture, Tacoma, WA...........................(253) 473-1234
WHFA Board Members
Gene DeMeerleer - Furniture West, LaGrande, OR...........................(541) 963-5440
Patti Evans - Consignment Plus, Walnut Creek, CA...........................(925) 927-6600
Greg Follett - Follett’s Furniture, Lewiston, ID....................................(208) 743-0177
Eric Foucrier - Linder’s Furniture Mart, Garden Grove, CA................(714) 210-4848
Giff Gates - Gates Furniture, Grants Pass, OR..................................(541) 476-4627
Eric Harms - Black’s Home Furnishings, Yreka, CA...........................(530) 842-3876
Ron Hoesterey - Royal Mattress Company, Inc., Orange, CA............(800) 987-6925
Jerome James - Hafer’s Home Furnishings, Manteca, CA.................(209) 823-2122
Julian Jeppe - Reeds Furniture, Agoura Hills, CA..............................(818) 597-7800
Doug Kays - Premiere Home Furnishings, Los Angeles, CA.............. (310) 268-0811
in every issue
Chuck Kill - Bedmart, Tucson, AZ.......................................................(520) 887-7039
Tim Koerner - Koerner Furniture, Coeur D’Alene, ID..........................(208) 666-1525
Industry Beat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Karen Kohlman - West Harvard Furniture, Roseburg. OR.................(541) 673-4221
Don Lemieux - Naturwood, Rancho Cordova, CA..............................(916) 638-2424
Board Member Q&A with Greg Follett. . . . . . . . 8
Jeff Lindsley - Lindsley’s Home Furnishings, Grangeville, ID.............(208) 983-1040
Sandy Lundgren - Ideal Home Furnishings, Olympia, WA.................(360) 790-3955
Robert Myers - Ashley Furniture HomeStore, Chico, CA....................(530) 345-2616
contact
Mark Navarra - Jerome’s, San Diego, CA..........................................(858) 753-1549
Michael Nermon - Ergo Customized Comfort, Irvine, CA...................(949) 833-0338
Scott Selden - Selden’s - Tacoma, WA...............................................(253) 922-5700
Sally Servidio - Silverado Home & Design, Napa, CA........................(707) 251-0888
Mike Shuel - Meredith Furniture, Yakima, WA....................................(509) 452-6221
Tom Slater - Slater’s Home Furnishings, Modesto, CA......................(209) 522-9097
est.1944
Phone: (800) 422-3778 (12 western states)
(916) 784-7677
Online: www.WHFA.org
Pam Wright - Davis Furniture, Wenatchee, WA.................................. (509) 662-4511
WESTERN HOME FURNISHINGS ASSOCIATION STAFF
Executive Director: Sharron Bradley................................................(916) 960-0345
Asst. Exec./Marketing Director: Kaprice Crawford..........................(916) 960-0346
Fax:
(916) 784-7697
Mail:
500 Giuseppe Court, Suite 6
Roseville, CA 95678
Business Manager: Janice Carlson..................................................(916) 960-0347
Western Home Furnishings Association is the western
affiliate of National Home Furnishings Association
Events Manager: Cindi Williams.......................................................(916) 960-0277
Operations/Warehouse Manager: Jef Spencer...............................(916) 960-0386
Communications Planning Manager: Melissa Robinson................(916) 960-0349
Managing Editor & Webmaster: Melissa Dressler...........................(916) 960-0385
Membership Manager: Michael Hill..................................................(916) 960-0263
Member Services Specialist: Margie Jacobs...................................(916) 960-0199
Member Services Rep: Adam Gardner............................................(916) 960-0291
est.1944
western retailer
WHFA
ACADEMY
RRC
RETAILER
RESOURCE CENTER
GBTUGPSXBSE
Your Industry. Your Future. Your Decision.
Accounting Assistant: Melody King.................................................(916) 960-2476
Contact WHFA at www.WHFA.org or (800) 422-3778.
western retailer
JUly/August 2009
3
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president’s message
All of us that found the time and the means to make the annual conference in Maui were blown away by
the sense of family that was present throughout the week. When times are tough all of us want to know that
we are not alone; that there are others in the same boat we are in. More than any other conference, we found
that in Maui. It was a conference filled with ideas, training and fellowship. There were a couple of things that
stood out above all the rest for me.
One was the dedication, loyalty and caring that the many sponsors displayed by being there. In a business
climate that had a built-in excuse for not sponsoring our association, these manufacturers and vendors stood
up and said we want to be a part of the solution. Many of them, knowing that this year would be a struggle for
us, stepped up the level of their sponsorship. In my many conversations with the sponsors during conference,
the one statement I heard time after time was how they felt a part of the WHFA and were so pleased they
could be there. I encourage those of you who were not able to attend to go to www.WHFA.org and look over
the list of companies that stepped up for us when we needed them most. Be sure to give these people a minute
of your time the next time you have the opportunity. I think most of us agree that business is more fun and
profitable when you choose to do it with companies that have our industry’s best interest at heart. I assure you
these people do, and they proved it in Maui.
Then there was the Retailer of the Year award. The folks from Naturwood in Sacramento were our honorees
this year. I have seen many companies win this award over the years, but I have never been so moved by the
honest and sincere manner in which the award was received. Being named Retailer of the Year in an industry
with as many high quality companies as ours is an honor, no doubt. To win in a year such as the one we have
just experienced is a special honor. To see this family of lifelong furniture retailers being so humble and sincere
in their acceptance of the award was emotional for all of us. I know there was not a dry eye in the place when
they were done. I will always consider that moment one of my most memorable from any conference.
This month’s issue is focused on you, our members. Some of you belong for the many excellent moneysaving programs that WHFA has to offer. That is a great reason for being a member. But if that is all you are
getting from your membership, you are cheating yourself. The true value is in the friendships and networking
you receive by becoming involved. I am certain there are many of us out there that want to be more active in
our great organization, but are not sure how to get started. I know this because for years I was on the outside
looking in. I hope you will take the time to send me an email or give me a call. I would like to personally help
each of you become a bigger part of the WHFA. I know that in the current business climate, it is tough to
find the time to get more involved, but I have never met or even heard of anyone that did who didn’t agree it
was one the best decisions they have ever made. I hope you will take a minute to contact me, there is a great
experience waiting for you!
Sincerely,
Marty Cramer
2009 WHFA president
Cramer’s Home Furnishings
Ellensburg, WA
(509) 933-2172
[email protected]
ON THE COVER
2009 Western Home Furnishings
Association’s Retailer of the Year, Naturwood
Home Furnishings, Rancho Cordova, CA.
For the complete story see page 10.
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JUly/August 2009
5
editor’s message
As I started writing this letter, I realized this is the 40th issue of Western Retailer magazine that
I have put together in my four years as managing editor. In these 40 issues, I have had the privilege
of interviewing and writing about talented retailers throughout the west. During all of these
interviews, one thing always stands out: the importance of family in this industry. Many of you are
a part of a family-owned business, while others think of their competition as a part of their local
family and can be seen sharing strategies and stories during industry events — I have never been a
part of such a warm and inviting industry. I think it is fitting then that my 40th issue focuses on the
family that has become such a large aspect of my life — WHFA members.
Featured in this issue are three different WHFA members that all have a focus on family:
• WHFA’s 2009 Retailer of the Year, Naturwood Home Furnishings, has been family-owned
and operated for over 60 years. John and Virginia Keyes built a furniture empire based on
great relationships with their customers, employees, manufacturers and family. Naturwood’s
family values and dedication to their customers has been passed down to the fourth
generation now entering the business.
• Barbo Furniture began in 1934 when a Russian emigrant taught two brothers how to build
and refinish furniture. Today, Chris Barbo has learned the craft that his father and uncle once
mastered, and with his wife, Holly, they have been furnishing the homes of Bellingham, WA,
with fine, sustainable furniture.
• Mike and Dee O’Connell, Mountain Woods Furniture, have been manufacturering
sustainable log furniture since 1991. Their old-fashioned, handmade log furniture has
given them an award-winning product and their close-knit group and service makes most
customers feel as though they are a part of their family.
Each of these members shows the importance of family within their businesses, and they are a
vital part to the entire WHFA family — and so are you. Without our members, there wouldn’t be
an association. August is WHFA’s first annual Member Appreciation month and in honor of it, this
issue is dedicated to all of you, our members.
Thank you for welcoming me into your family for the last 40 issues, and I hope you enjoy!
Melissa “Mel” Dressler
Western Retailer managing editor
[email protected]
looking forward
to September 2009
Look for a brand new format with articles
in these four sections:
• Operational Excellence
• It’s All About Sales & Marketing
• Showroom Style
Last month’s
feature articles are
available online at
www.WHFA.org.
6
JUly/August 2009
• The World Around Us
... Stay tuned!
western retailer
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Welcome to the World of NEW.
This September, step into a world of “new” at Las Vegas Market.
A world focused on new styles and trends to inspire you—and
tempt your customers. Where virtually every manufacturer will be
introducing new and exclusive products in all home furnishing and
accessory categories—before you see them anywhere else.
At a time when “new” is necessary and business-as-usual doesn’t
work––come to Las Vegas Market for new products, new promotions,
and new events that allow you to win. Enter the world of “new.”
New World. New Way.
www.lasvegasmarket.com
industry
beat
NHFA Offers HomeFurnishings.com Webinars
to Connect Retailers With Consumers
The National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) launched
a new national marketing program and consumer web portal,
HomeFurnishings.com, during the High Point Spring Market. For
retailers that could not attend the April Market, NHFA will offer
informative web seminars on Tuesdays and Thursdays to show how
HomeFurnishings.com can increase their retail traffic by using three key
elements: a national advertising and promotion program, a furniture
industry consumer web portal and a certified retailer program.
During the initial program introduction, retailers particularly
liked the promotional power of the national advertising program
combined with the personalized and informative web portal where
the consumer can go to get inspired and research their home
furnishings needs. From the main web portal, the consumer can
then click through to the closest participating retailer’s customized
micro site and learn more about their chosen certified retailer and
how he can help them meet their needs. The loop is closed when
the consumer clicks through to the retailer’s store website or visits
the store to make a purchase.
Dave Masin, vice president of sales and marketing for
Masins in Seattle, commented that, “For a small investment in
HomeFurnishings.com our exposure will be exponentially better than
any other medium including web banners and Google ad words. Plus
board
Robert A. McGraw Architect is changing the
face of von Hemert Interiors’ 55-year-old store in
Laguna Beach. The remodeled store will feature a
classic Tuscan style, echoing the design of many
homes along the Orange County coastline.
our industry?
A The furniture industry is constantly changing and I am inspired by new ideas,
innovations and of course the relationships I have made over the years within the
world of home furnishings. Also, the ability of most people to openly share what
is working or not working within their business is always like a breath of fresh air
— and many times I walk away with a great idea to utilize back at my store.
Q What are the rules you live by?
A I am pretty much like most people in our industry in this sense — I believe
in being honest and also in speaking my mind. This doesn’t always have
the best outcome but it almost always leads to my learning something or in
some rare instances, I teach something to someone else.
Q I earned my first paycheck:
A Picking up golf balls out of the lake at our local country club. I remember
that everyone thought a driving range with floating balls would be so cool.
Those same people should have had to wade around in that mucky lake and
experience what a leach really feels like when attached to you — anyway, I
thought is was great at 10 years old.
Q Why did you join WHFA?
A I was kind of a carry over from the dissolving of the Northwest NHFA
chapter. I was the president of Next Generation at the time (now known as
Fast Forward), and when the NW chapter was done I was automatically put
on the board of WHFA. I believe I have been their ever since… Today I
am a member almost exclusively because of the relationships and abundant
networking the group shares.
Q&A
with Greg
ne
onth tu
Every m rd Member
a
into Bo learn more
o
Q&A t ur WHFA
o
about y embers.
m
board
Greg Follett
Follett's Furniture
825 Main St
Lewiston, ID 83501-1837
(208) 743-0177
[email protected]
JUly/August 2009
Von Hermet Interiors’ Laguna
Beach Location Gets a Face Lift
Q What motivates, invigorates and inspires you about
member
8
it’s really easy to use.” He went on to say that he
thinks, “HomeFurnishings.com will increase the
visibility of not only their website but also their
store, and it will help to educate their clientele to
know exactly what they are searching for.”
The NHFA HomeFurnishings.com national
promotional program, consumer web portal and
Certified HomeFurnishngs.com Retailer program
will prelaunch in October 2009 with the national
promotional program kicking off in the first
quarter of 2010.
Webinars will be conducted on Tuesdays at 10
a.m. and Thursdays at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. To
attend a webinar please contact Dianne Therry
at [email protected] or call (800)
888-9590 ext 6126 to reserve a date and receive
login instructions.
western retailer
The store’s exterior will be composed
of natural stone, Stucco plaster and a
Mediterranean clay tile roof. Visitors
will enter the store through 8 x 10-foot
custom mahogany and frosted glass
doors adorned with decorative wrought
iron grill work and surrounded by
custom original tile from commissioned
artist Omar Torres. Two large display
windows on each side of the doors and
smaller windows in the faux second level
will be framed with matching wood. A
trellis over each of the outlying display
windows will provide symmetry around
the central grand entrance.
“The remodel of our Laguna Beach
store will create a more pleasant and
inspirational environment for our
customers, so we can continue to
provide exceptional customer service
and an exquisite selection of one of
a kind, hand crafted domestic and
European home furnishings and
accessories,” said Barry von Hemert.
The Kootenai Cancer Center has operated in Coeur d’Alene,
ID, since 1987 providing comprehensive cancer care for local
residents and conducting clinical research. The center was built
through the generous support of the community and relies
on community support for programs and services that make
a difference in the quality of life for cancer patients in the
community.
Koerner Furniture Donates
Five Percent of Sales to
Kootenai Cancer Center
Between Monday, May 4 and
Sunday, May 17, Koerner Furniture
donated 5 percent of their sales to
the Kootenai Health Foundation to
benefit the Kootenai Cancer Center,
totaling over $4,600. When past owner,
Richard Koerner, was diagnosed with
brain cancer in 2007, he and his family
became a part of the Kootenai Cancer
family. While Rich passed away in 2008,
his legacy lives on through his sons who
want to help others with cancer.
Today, Richard’s sons, Tim and
Mark, own the business and wanted to
give back to the community who has
supported them over the years. “When
Dad was sick, we spent a lot of time at
the Cancer Center and were surprised
by the number of families we knew
there. Our Dad knew the importance of
giving back, and we would like to follow
his lead by supporting the work of the
Kootenai Cancer Center. They help a
lot of families just like yours and ours,
through tough times,” Tim said.
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JUly/August 2009
9
2009 Western Retailer of the Year
Rancho Cordova, CA
T
o the people who drive Highway 50 in Northern California, Naturwood Home
Furnishings has become a landmark of the Sacramento area with their iconic clock
tower and waterwheel that can be seen from the freeway at their flagship location in
Rancho Cordova. When people think of Naturwood Home Furnishings, they know it is a place
synonymous with quality furniture, excellent service, and a warm and inviting family.
Named as the 2009 Western Retailer of the Year, Naturwood Home Furnishings has been
family-owned and operated for over 60 years and places a great emphasis on their relationships with
their customers, manufacturers and employees. Many employees have been a part of the Naturwood
family for over 20 years, and it is apparent that this close-knit group of people enjoys seeing each
other every day. Over the years this closely connected team has perfected retailing excellence.
In the beginning… 
Melissa Dressler
Western Retailer
managing editor
10
Naturwood Home Furnishings opened its doors in 1948 on 25th Street and Broadway in
Sacramento. Owner Walter A. Keyes, decided to name the store “Naturwood” in order to reflect
the quality of unfinished wood furniture that was for sale. Over the years, the business flourished
and eventually moved to a larger location on Stockton Boulevard, which was the thriving business
center of the day.
In 1957, Walter passed away, leaving his 19-year-old son John to assume the responsibility of
managing the business for his mother. John loved the furniture industry and it was a part of his
livelihood, so he took on the challenge and excelled. A few months later, John met his future wife
Virginia and married her two years later — beginning the legacy of a great partnership. Over the years,
JUly/August 2009
western retailer
Back row: Johnny, Virginia, Lisa Keyes; seated: John Keyes in 1984
Naturwood Home Furnishings staff
Stockton Blvd. Naturwood Home Furnishings location, Sacramento, CA, 1976
Naturwood Home Furnishings present day
John learned the value of offering customers
integrity and quality and made this a top priority.
John and Virginia were dedicated to the
business and the industry, often working late
into the night to get things ready for customers.
“I can remember my brother and I would be in
bunk beds in the Stockton Boulevard location,
and we would be watching TV until we fell
asleep. We could smell lacquer because my dad
and mom would be spraying it in the back,” Lisa
Keyes, president, remembered. “They were always
working on something. They would be in the
back until 2 to 3 a.m., and then we would leave
and on the way home we would stop for french
fries at Harvey’s.”
In the early 1970s, John recognized the
customers’ desire for antique oak reproduction
furniture, so he began to manufacture oak balland-claw tables. Having been very successful
in the business, John and Virginia decided to
make a giant leap and purchased Naturwood
from John’s mother. In 1975, they opened a
20,000 square foot retail outlet in nearby Rancho
Cordova, CA.
John eventually phased out of building
his own furniture when demand increased for
factory-finished items. Focusing all of his energies
into retail, the business continued to thrive. “In
1979, our current property along the highway
became available for $75,000. Dad wanted to
purchase it, and my mom didn’t,” Lisa said.
“I was in the hospital and here comes John
wanting me to sign off on his life insurance policy,” Virginia added.
By cashing in his life insurance policy, John was able to purchase
three acres of land off of the busy Highway 50. Virginia’s parents,
Bob and Rose Skamnes, helped John and Virginia design and build
the store of their dreams — which included the iconic waterwheel
and clock tower.
“My grandfather had built a paddlewheel in the backyard of my
parents’ house and said that they needed a landmark for the store,”
Lisa said. “So my grandfather and my dad cut out parts in his garage
and built the landmark with my father helping him.”
In 1984, the new two-story, 38,000 square foot store was opened.
Twelve years later, an additional 49,000 square feet was added to the
building, making it the largest retail furniture showroom in Northern
California. In 2000, Naturwood opened a second store location in
nearby Roseville and in 2005, the Roseville location was relocated to
a larger building of 58,000 square feet on Highway 80.
While on an
annual fishing
trip with business
associates and friends
Store Locations: Rancho Cordova and Roseville, CA
in June 2006, John
suffered a massive
Type of Store: Full-line
heart attack while
Year Founded: 1948
reeling in a large
Number of Employees: 90+
Tyee-King Salmon.
Today Virginia,
Number of Store Locations: 2 Showrooms & 1 Outlet
chairman, and Lisa
Website: www.naturwood.com
continue to run a
Top Manufacturers: Stuart David, Flexsteel, Stickley,
successful business
Broyhill & Lane Home Furnishings
by keeping John’s
original principles
WHFA Member Since: 1984
of integrity, quality
At a Glance
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JUly/August 2009
11
and services in mind. With over 90 employees and a diverse
product assortment, Naturwood Home Furnishings is still
the place to shop in the greater Sacramento area and has
been named “The Best Place to Buy Furniture” the last
three years in a row by Sacramento Magazine readers.
The Showroom
When customers first walk into the Naturwood
showroom, they only see a small portion of the store. The
large 87,000 square foot showroom is comprised of highquality, medium price point items and features galleries
from Broyhill, Rowe, Flexsteel and Stickley.
Naturwood offers customers many special order lines
that allows products to be customized to their liking.
“We offer products that have a lot of choices in finishes,
fabrics, woods, hardware, etc.,” said Lisa.
Giving the customer different options makes
Naturwood stand out from other stores in the area.
“There are very few competitors in our marketplace that
do special order to the extent that we do,” said Michelle
Howard-Jones, advertising director.
Customers will also notice green tags attached to
many of the products in the showroom that say “Made in
North America”. Trying to meet the needs of consumers
who wish to only purchase American made products,
Naturwood developed these tags which are attached to
all products that are manufactured in the U.S., Canada
or Mexico. The tag also informs eco-conscious customers
about the origins of where products were made.
Sustainable Retailing
Naturwood has always been conscious of the
environment around them and has provided customers
with a choice of high-quality, sustainable furniture. Over
the last few years, the green trend has made more options
available and Naturwood has taken advantage of them.
“Our focus on sustainability really goes back to John.
He was the buyer for the company for many years, and he
was very particular in what he would buy,” Don Lemieux,
COO, said. “When everyone was out buying other stuff,
he was buying good, solid wood products. We have been
carrying this type of product for a long time, but now
there is a term for it. We sell a lot of solid wood, which
eliminates the harmful glues that are used with MDF or
plywood furniture. And for every tree that is cut down in
the U.S., they are replaced by three more trees.”
12
JUly/August 2009
western retailer
Naturwood has many other products to offer
the eco-friendly customer and has changed many
of its business practices to also be friendlier to
the environment. Over the last few years, they
switched from using solvent-based lacquers to
only water-based lacquers in the warehouse. They
also switched their fabric protection plan to a dry
plan, so they no longer spray chemicals onto a
customer’s upholstery.
Five years ago Naturwood partnered with
the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and
had their entire store relamped for incandescent
fluorescent lights, and the warehouse is now set up
to have lights automatically turn off in aisles that
are not occupied. All of their cardboard is recycled
and they are currently looking into different
opportunities for recycling their Styrofoam.
Advertising
In order to reach Naturwood’s target
demographic of women ages 25-54 years of age,
they focus their attention on all of the traditional
media of newspaper, television and radio and
have begun to have an online focus. “There is
quite a shift in consumer habits and media, so
we are trying to shift with that right now. We
have a fairly extensive website, and we are doing
marketing with The Sacramento Bee newspaper
on their site,” Michelle said. “We also try to get
onto radio station websites, so we are getting
added value to our traditional advertising and
gain that exposure.”
Along with their traditional advertising,
Naturwood often holds in-store events to
commemorate special occasions and holidays.
One event that drew a huge crowd to the store
was a key promotion that they did in the late
1990s. “We did a direct mail piece with a key
inside of it, and customers were to come in and
check the lock to see if they had won a room
full of furniture,” Michelle said. “We had a huge
crowd show up and there was a line of people
wrapped around the store and out the door
wanting to see if they had the winning key!”
Over the past few years their events have
become a little more low-key, but they do always
Congratulations to the 2009 WHFA Retailer of the Year
and our retail partner,
These days, there are many resources available for buying furniture. But, how many can offer
great style, a product assortment for every room of the home and a strong mixable container
program, all with a financially sound company?
Wynwood Furniture offers timeless designs that are on trend with what is happening in
today’s marketplace. Our careful attention to craftsmanship ensures that we provide superior
quality every time. Together with retail-focused price points, we have the furniture that
will sell. That is our priority.
Wynwood…..Comfort and Style Defined
Las Vegas Showroom - World Market Center Building A, 5th Floor
High Point Showroom - Plaza Suites, 4th Floor
www.wynwoodfurniture.com
like to create a festive energy with themes. “We
try to incorporate some fun things when we do
our clearance type events like parking lot sales,”
Michelle added. “We have a theme to make it a
little more fun for the customers and employees. So
with a Hawaiian-themed event, we would all wear
Hawaiian shirts and give away a trip to Hawaii.”
The Perfect Delivery
Naturwood’s two warehouses are about a mile
from the main store location. “We outgrew the
first one, which is a fully-racked warehouse with
high-cubed storage,” said John Self, operations
manager. This warehouse has utilized RFID
technology for the last eight years and now has a
99 percent accuracy rating in locating furniture.
“The other warehouse is a bulk storage
warehouse where we store uncartoned goods.
Many of our products come in uncartoned, and
we don’t mix the two because it is dangerous for
the furniture. Also housed in the second facility is
the delivery area, pick-up area, transfer area and
a full shop,” John added. The last thing featured
in the second warehouse is a 16,000 square foot
outlet store featuring close out and discontinued
items, which John Keyes called, “The best kept
secret in Sacramento”.
The Naturwood delivery process is one of
the most comprehensive you will find. The day
before a delivery is to be made, goods are pulled
and staged. At this time, everything is fully
assembled to ensure there are no missing pieces
or damage.
The next component of Naturwood’s Perfect
Delivery Concept is the delivery. A year and a
half ago they converted from an outside delivery
service to doing it all in-house. “Outsourcing our
delivery didn’t prove to be effective for us,” said
John. “Bringing it in-house gave us more control.
Our delivery trucks leave here in the morning and
we track them throughout the day. The drivers are
responsible to call in at the conclusion of every
delivery at which time we survey the customer
to make sure their entire shopping experience
was exceptional.” If there are any issues with the
delivery, a service appointment is made so that the
14
JUly/August 2009
western retailer
problem can be fixed immediately. Since switching
to in-house delivery, their customers are more
satisfied with their purchases and returns have
dropped 95 percent.
“Ultimately we thought we would save money
on our workers’ compensation, truck leases and
manpower by outsourcing the delivery. It ended
up that you do save money on those items,
but you also sacrifice a lot of the control. Our
customers are much happier now that we are
making the deliveries,” Lisa said.
Giving Back to the Community
Having been a part of the greater Sacramento
community for the past 61 years, Naturwood feels
it is important to support their local community
as well as the furniture community. They are very
active in supporting numerous organizations
from Families First, Salvation Army, Shriners
Hospitals for Children, local schools, Sacramento
Children’s Receiving Home and many more. “We
have done so many things over the years, but one
of my favorites was when we did a fingerprinting
program for children,” Michelle said. “We
partnered with one of the local TV stations,
and we would go out and help them with the
fingerprinting at different family events.”
When Hurricane Katrina hit the Louisiana
area in 2005, many of the people were transferred
to temporary housing throughout the country
— including a local Air Force Base. Naturwood
worked with the Red Cross and Salvation Army
to furnish apartments at the base and donated
a large sum of money to help the victims. “We
furnished apartments for the victims at the
Air Force Base,” said Lisa. “We also held a big
fundraising event at our store, where we raised
money from the sales and sent a large check to
the Red Cross. That year, we also decided as a
staff to forfeit our Christmas party and donated
that money as well — in total we gave them
about $12,000.”
Shortly after John’s death in 2006, the
Naturwood team began an annual golf
tournament called Friends Remembering Friends,
which honors special furniture industry friends of
Waterwheel Fun Facts
Northern and Central California who
have passed away. All of the money
raised from the event is donated to local
charities. “It is an industry-wide event,
but Naturwood is very involved in the
planning of the tournament. Four of us
[from Naturwood] are involved on the
committee, and we offer our location
for meetings,” said Michelle. This year’s
tournament is scheduled to take place
on September 21 at the Dry Creek Golf
Club, with all of the proceeds going to
the, Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Honored by the Industry
When Naturwood Home
Furnishings first learned that they were
named the 2009 Western Retailer of
the Year there were a lot of tears and
tremendous pride felt throughout
the company. They were proud and
humbled by the honor but also
saddened that John was unable to see
his company receive such a prestigious
award. “I think my parents worked
really hard for years, and it is really too
bad that my father couldn’t be here.
It hurts that he wasn’t here to see it
happen,” Lisa said.
“I feel he knows what is going on,
I believe that,” Don added. “I don’t
think that any two people here could
deserve this award any more then
Virginia and Lisa.”
“We all are overjoyed and honored
to hear that we are awarded this honor
from Western Home Furnishings
Association and our peers,” said
Virginia. “This award is due to the hard
work and dedication of our entire staff.
Each employee is a very important
member of the entire team that makes
the company work so well.”
As for the future of this great
business, Lisa and Virginia are
focusing their energy on keeping
the business profitable and their
employees happy. There are no
immediate plans for expansion of
Naturwood, but Lisa says it depends
on where the business takes them.
With the fourth generation of
the Keyes family now entering the
business, they will continue the legacy
of being a great home furnishings
retailer for generations to come.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Built by Robert M. Skamnes and John Keyes in 1988.
Will turn with a pint of water
Turns 5 revolutions per minute
16’ diameter & 50.24’ in circumference
15,072 revolutions an hour
Revolves at 2.85 mph
68.5 miles per day
25,005 miles per year (Distance around the world is 25,000 miles)
Congratulations to Naturwood Home Furnishings
on receiving the 2009 WHFA Retailer of the Year award.
Your dedication to our studiorowe gallery
program is especially appreciated.
We toast to your ongoing success.
rowefurniture.com
western retailer
JUly/August 2009
15
WHFA Member Longevity
Thank You For Over
65 Years of Support,
Direction and Purpose
W
estern Home Furnishings
Association was formed in 1943
when a group of Southern California
retailers banded together for protection and
clarification of OPA rules and regulations. The
new Association pledged itself to maintain the
best possible selling prices and service under
war conditions, to improve the retail furniture
industry, and express their wish to work handin-hand with the policies of Better Business
Bureau of Los Angeles.
As WHFA celebrates 65 years of service to
retailers, our mission has remained unchanged:
banding retailers together for the betterment
of their business and the industry. Over
the years, WHFA has provided continuous
education, discounted programs and services
and fought detrimental legislation for its retailers.
Throughout the years, members have improved their businesses and gained best ideas through education
and networking. WHFA strives to keep members current on industry trends, money-saving ideas and
techniques and facilitates retailer-to-retailer best idea exchanges. Members can participate in regional lunchand-learn meetings, annual conferences, seminars at the Las Vegas Market and continuous education through
the association’s publication Western Retailer. The development of industry publications and manuals over the
years continues to help members streamline their business and keep them on the cutting-edge of retailing.
Now members have over 54+ money-saving programs available to help their
business in the categories of insurance, finance, advertising, human resource,
operations, logistics and management. With new programs being added every year,
WHFA has become a virtual one-stop shop for its members when looking for less
expensive solutions to business needs.
Western Home Furnishings Association would like to thank all its members,
sponsors and industry supporters for over 65 years of direction, support and
purpose. WHFA was formed by retailers for retailers and your involvement is the
key to our success and yours.
Thank You,
Your Western Home Furnishings Association Staff
16
JUly/August 2009
western retailer
Members for 30+ Years
Valley Furniture Co., MT
Wagner’s Home Furnishings, MT
Wenger Furniture, CA
Members for 20 – 29 Years
Blackledge Furniture Company, OR
C S Wo & Sons Ltd, HI
Copenhagen Furniture, CA
Davis Furniture, WA
Dearden’s, CA
Eastern – The Furniture Company, CA
Ennis Fine Furniture, ID
Fedde Furniture Co., CA
Flegel’s Home Furniture, CA
Gates Home Furnishings, OR
Globe Furniture Co., OR
Harkness Furniture, WA
Henry A Schroeder & Sons, OR
Kay Phillips La Popular Furniture, CA
Lawrance Furniture, CA
La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery, CA
Lompoc Furniture Mart, CA
M Jacobs Fine Furniture, OR
Mark Brown & Sons Ethan Allen, UT
Masins Furniture, WA
McCreery’s Furniture Company, CA
Pedersen’s Furniture Company, CA
Plains Furniture, WY
R.C. Willey Furniture, UT
Selden’s Interior Furnishings Inc., WA
Shleifer Furniture Co, OR
Al’s Furniture Inc., CA
Angeles Furniture Co Inc., WA
Baby News Stores, CA
Barr’s Furniture, CA
Beck’s Furniture, CA
Behar’s Furniture & Carpets Inc, WA
Cal-Mart Furniture, CA
Chapanian’s Furniture, CA
Conlin’s Furniture Co (corp office), MT
Connolly’s Furniture, CA
EMW Carpet & Furniture Co., CO
Engles Furniture, OR
Erickson Furniture Co, WA
Erik’s Furniture, CA
Flomer Furniture & Appliance, OR
Follett’s Furniture, ID
Frellen’s Inc., CA
Fretwell’s Ethan Allen Gallery, CA
Furniture Center Inc., ID
Furniture Classics, AK
Furniture Enterprises of Alaska, AK
Genghis Khan Furniture, CA
Hansen’s Furniture, WA
“
Henderson Furniture Inc., CA
House of Values, CA
Howard Lorton Galleries, CO
Jerome’s Furniture Warehouse, CA
Jon’s Home Furnishers, CA
Josh Underhill’s Family Furniture, WA
Joy’s Furniture Galleries, AZ
Kaufman Scroggs Home Furnishings, WA
Lindsley’s Home Furnishings Inc., ID
Low’s Furniture, CA
Meredith Furniture Inc., WA
Mitchell Litt Antiques, CA
Murray’s Furniture, OR
Naturwood Home Furnishings Inc., CA
Newell Hunt Furniture, WA
continued on page 18
I am a member of WHFA because of their great business
We save so much
money on these items, especially with the discount
rate on the bankcard program. Also, the networking at the
programs and services that we use.
conferences, not to mention the great locations, allows us to
meet and make friends
”
with some of the best people.
We look forward to meeting them year after year at conference.
Mike Shuel, Meredith Furniture, Yakima, WA
One Store Location, WHFA Member Since 1986
Simplify Your
Business Life
est.1944
800.422.3778 • www.WHFA.org
western retailer
JUly/August 2009
17
continued from page 17
Noriega Furniture, CA
Olsen’s Furniture, WA
PTS Home & Office Furniture, CA
Rapport Co. Inc., CA
Robbins House of Furniture & Carpet One, CA
Runge Furniture Company, ID
Shannon’s House, Inc., CA
Shaw’s Furniture & Appliance, WA
Shock’s The Home Comfort Store, CA
Siesta Sleep Center / JSS Inc., CA
Sit N’ Sleep, CA
Slater’s Home Furnishings, CA
Sterling Furniture, UT
TFT Interiors, CA
The Mattress Factory, OR
The Sleep Train, CA
Wada King Interiors, CA
Walker Furniture, NV
West Harvard Furniture, OR
Wilson’s of Redmond, OR
Wood & Things Inc, WA
Member for 15 – 19 Years
Advantage Rental / Purchase, CA
Allen Discount Furniture, CA
American Furniture Warehouse, CO
American Oak Wholesalers & Auction Co., CA
Banner Mattress, CA
Beds For Less, Inc., OR
Bitterroot Furniture, MT
Boulevard Home Furnishings, UT
Byers Guide Training & Consulting, CA
Carpets Plus, CA
Ciao Interiors, MT
City Design, CA
Colorado Style, CO
Continental Furniture, WA
Copenhagen Interiors, CA
Curry’s Furniture, CA
Design & Interiors, CA
Designer Furniture Gallery, UT
DJ Bettencourt Furniture Gallery, OR
Don Willis Furniture, WA
Dowd Interiors, CA
East-West Furnishings Inc, DBA Futon’s & Such, CA
Fashion Furniture, CA
Fenton Maclaren, CA
Fishel’s, OR
Flairmont Furniture Carpet One, CO
Frank’s Furniture, CA
Furniture Center, CA
18
JUly/August 2009
Furniture West, WA
Furniture West, Inc., OR
Great American Home Furnishings, OR
H.J. Garrett Furniture, CA
Hafer’s Home Furnishings, CA
Hampton Furniture Co, OR
Hank Coca’s Downtown Furniture, CA
HomeSpace / WorkSpace, CA
International Storage Systems, Inc, TX
It’s Bedtime, WA
J. Edgar Anderson Furniture, CA
Kerby’s Furniture, AZ
Koerner Furniture, ID
Krahn’s Home Furnishings, ID
L. Johnson Furniture Inc, OR
La Popular Furniture, CA
Lawrence Contract Furnishers, CA
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, CO
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, NV
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries / Las Vegas, NV
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries / MGM Galleries, CA
Lyon’s Furniture & Sleep Center Inc, WA
Marchant Home Furnishings, WA
Mattress Factory Outlet, WA
Mattress King, MT
Murphy’s Furniture, OR
Neuvie, CA
Patio & Dining Lifestyles, CO
Peninsula Floors & Furnishings, WA
Phillips Furniture & Appliance, NV
PJs Sleep Co., Inc., CA
Poppleton’s Interiors, CA
Randahl Ramos Studios, CA
Red Door Interiors, CA
Reeds Furniture, CA
Rock Bottom World of Furniture, CA
Rosso’s Furniture, CA
Salmon’s Furniture Galleries, CA
Sandpoint Furniture/Carpet One, ID
Sierra Timberline, CA
Sleep N Aire Mattress, CA
State Compensation Ins. Fund, CA
Sylvan Furniture, ID
The Dalles Furniture Co, OR
The Furniture Store, CA
The Mattress Stop, CA
The Oaktree & More, AZ
The Rose Collection, CA
Three Brothers Furniture, CA
Tobias Consultants Inc., CA
Tucker’s Valley Furniture, Inc., CA
Ulferts Furniture, Inc., CA
Weatherby’s Furniture, CA
Member for 10 – 14 years
A Bedder Bed & Furniture Co., CA
ACI - The Display People, OR
Al Davis Furniture, CA
American Furniture Galleries, CA
American General Finance, IN
Andrews Furniture Galleries, OR
Ashley Furniture HomeStore, CA
western retailer
Ashley Furniture Homestore, AZ
Associated Volume Buyers, CA
Babies A Lot, CA
Baker Brothers, CA
Barron’s Home Furnishings, OR
Bedfellows, CA
Bedroom Express, CA
Bel Red Furniture, WA
Benfatti’s, Inc., CO
Ben’s Furniture TV Appliances, CO
Bill DeGroot’s Floor Service, CA
Billiards & Barstools, CA
Billiards Depot, CA
Black’s Home Furnishings, CA
Brenner’s Furniture, OR
California Backyard, CA
California Design Center, AZ
Carls Furniture, CA
Carroll’s Paint & Floor Coverings, CA
Casual Dining & Bar Stools, CA
Century Lighting, CA
Charles Furniture Co., CA
Circa A.D., Inc., CA
Classic Antique, OR
Commercial Home Furnishings, ID
Connie’s Mattresses & More, CA
Consignment Plus Home Furnishings Inc, CA
Contents Interiors, AZ
Cramer’s Home Furnishings, WA
Daylight Home, Lighting & Patio, CA
Delivery Solutions Inc, CA
Del-Teet Furniture, WA
Design Center Associates, CA
Don’s Carpets, CA
Emmett Eiland Oriental Rugs, CA
Ethan Allen, CA
Evan’s Furniture Galleries, CA
Exclusive Furnishings, CA
Executive Furniture Leasing, FL
Flayanna Rogers, CA
Fort Bragg Furniture Mart Inc, CA
Furbelows Fabrics, CA
Furniture Innovation, CA
Furniture N Mattress City, CA
Furniture USA, CA
Genji Antiques, CA
Hall’s Furniture & Appliance, CA
Hannah’s Home Furnishings, CA
Holbrook’s Clearance Center, CA
Hollywood Bed & Spring Mfg. Co., CA
Hoot Judkins Furniture, CA
Inland Design Center, CA
Innovative Delivery Systems, Inc, CA
Irish Peddlers Furniture Emporium, Inc., NV
Italy 2000, CA
Joe Fenton, CA
Kelly’s Future, CA
Ken Schoenfeld Furniture, WA
Kids ‘N Cribs, CA
Kim’s Flooring & Construction, CA
Laid-Rite Floor Covering, CA
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, OR
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, OR
Leaders Centro Del Hogar, CA
Liberty Glenn, NV
Linder’s Furniture, CA
Living Styles Fine Furn. Galleries, CA
Ludeman’s Fireplace & Patio, OR
Mancini’s Sleep World, CA
Marti’s Interiors, OR
Mattress Land, CA
Michi’s Floor Co., CA
Miller & Sons Floor Covering, CA
Mountain Timber Furnishings, CO
Muebleria Guadalajara, CA
Mum’s Place, CA
Murphy Beds of CA, Inc., CA
Nader’s LaPopular Furniture Stores, CA
National Furniture Liquidators, CA
Nomadic Arts, CA
Nor-Tech Flooring, CA
North East Furniture, UT
North Valley Mattress & Oak, CA
Norwood Furniture Sales, Inc., AZ
Oak Warehouse, CA
Oceanic Arts, CA
Outwest Furniture, Inc., CA
Parmer’s Fine Furniture, CA
Pine Trader Antiques, CA
Premium Floor Covering, Inc., CA
Resource Associates, Inc., CA
Roby’s Furniture, OR
y
Monthl ecial
ts Sp
c
u
d
o
r
P
Rocker World of Arizona Inc., AZ
RooMax by March Enterprises, Inc, CA
Roxco Discount Furniture, CA
Royal Mattress Company, Inc., CA
Russell’s Fine Furniture, CA
Sam Clar Office Furniture, CA
Saundra’s Furniture & Design, WA
Scan Home Inc., AK
Sequoia Billiard Supply, CA
Sleep City, CA
STC Interiors Inc, CA
Sukman’s Inc., AZ
Sun Valley Decor Shoppe, CA
Sunrise Home, CA
Taylor Moore Design Group, CA
Teak Emporium, CA
The Caretakers dba: Joel Jones Furniture, CA
The Trading Post, CA
Thomasville Home Furnishings of Orange City, CA
TR Trading Company, CA
Tradeway Stores, CA
Valley Furniture, MT
Viking Trader, CA
Vintage Oak, UT
Water Street Antiques, CA
West Coast Carpet Installations, CA
West World Imports, CA
Willits Furniture Center, CA
Wilson’s Furniture, WA
Woods Furniture, Inc, CA
yourspace Home Furnishings, CA
Yuma Furniture Gallery, AZ
Member for 5 – 9 years
Accent Carpets, CA
Advanced Comfort Tech. DBA/ Intelli-Bed, UT
Aegean Designing Whims, CA
Against The Grain, CA
Ambience Furniture, CA
American Wholesale Furniture, CA
Appleton Furniture and Design Ltd., MT
Arizona Leather Company, CA
Ashley Furniture Home Store, CA
Ashley Furniture Homestore /
Furniture Homestores, CA
At Home, CA
Atmosphere Interiors, CA
Aven Furniture, CA
Banner Carpets & Drapery, CA
Bassett Furniture Direct, WA
Bassett Furniture Direct of California, CA
Bassham Furniture, NV
Beautiwood Furniture, CA
Bedrooms & More, WA
Bedrooms Direct, CA
Benjamin’s Home Furnishings, OR
Best Buy Furniture, CA
Better Beds & Furniture, CA
Bordona’s Oakdale Furniture, CA
continued on page 20
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revamp your showroom design by moving your vignettes and giving your store a new
look. Your showroom staff will appreciate the back-saving convenience and safety of
using the EZ Move system. Simply place your heavy products on the moves and push
them into position. No heavy lifting or tilting on dollies required. Available for both
carpet and hard surface applications. Call, fax or order online today.
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est.1944
Call Jef Spencer, warehouse manager, today to place an order.
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western retailer
*Save 30% off
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JUly/August 2009
19
Harbor Light Furniture & Flooring, MT
Hardings Furniture, CA
Harrington Home Furniture Outlet, CA
Haus & Home Interiors, CA
Hauser’s Patio, CA
Heritage Reflections, ID
Home & Garden, CA
Home Collections, OR
Homecrafters, MT
Homelegance, Inc, CA
House of Kustom, AK
Hutchinson’s Furniture of Lake Havasu, AZ
Ideal Home Furnishings, WA
Inhouse Design Studio, CA
Inner Living by Shannon Michelle, Inc, CA
Interiors, CO
Interiors, CA
Isaak’s Home Furnishings, WA
Jaben Holdings, Inc., CA
Jamestown Manor-Ethan Allen, CA
JBS Showroom, CA
JM Design Center, CA
JR Furniture USA, Inc., OR
Juniper Hill Furniture & Access., NV
Kantor’s Discount Office Furniture, CA
Larry Sleight Sales, CA
Larson’s Home Furnishings, OR
Las Vegas International Furniture Inc., NV
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, WA
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, CA
Lifestyle Furniture, CA
Martel Interiors & Home Furnishings Inc., CA
Matthews Mattress, CA
Mattress Showroom, CA
Meridith Baer & Associates, CA
Mesquite Furniture, NV
Metro Home / Metro Cooks!, AK
Michael Alan Distinctive Home Furn., AZ
Midway Appliance, CA
Minerva’s Furniture, CA
Mission Mattress, MT
Mogheli’s Furniture, CA
Mor Furniture, CA
Muebleria Del Sol, AZ
Nader’s Furniture, CA
National Bedrooms & Furniture, WA
North Coast Floor Store Inc, CA
Oasis Bedroom, AZ
O’Keefe & Lawler, Inc, WA
Old Town Furniture, CA
On The Web Marketing, NV
One Stop Home Furnishings, WA
Pomegranate Home, CA
Praetzel’s Fine Furniture, CA
Premiere Home Furnishings, CA
Prestige Furniture, CA
Professional Diversified Flooring, CA
Ramos Furniture, CA
Richard Kirishian Rugs & Home, WA
continued from page 19
Brett Interiors, AZ
Brownstone, Inc., CA
Burris Window Shades, CA
California Futons, CA
Canevari’s Carpet, CA
Cascade Furniture LLC, WA
Certified Flooring, CA
Complete Suite Furniture, WA
Concepts Furniture & Accessories, CO
Copenhagen Imports, AZ
CornerStone Interiors, ID
Corona Furniture Co., CA
Country Oak and Stoves, CA
Creson’s Mattress Gallery, CA
Crown Bedrooms, UT
David’s TV & Appliance, WA
Davidson’s Furniture & Interiors, CA
Design Galleria By Valentine, CA
Design House Furniture, CA
Design House Furniture Galleries Inc, CA
Design Source Furniture, AZ
Designs In Oak Furniture, CA
Dome Inc., CA
Double D Furniture, AZ
Dream World Design, UT
Drees, Inc., WA
Easy Life Furniture Inc, CA
Elbrus Furniture Company, OR
Eldredge Furniture, UT
Elizabeth Michaels Inc, CA
Ergo Customized Comfort, CA
Escalate Retail, CA
Eureka Floor Carpet One, CA
European Sleep Design, Inc., CA
Everton Mattress Factory, Inc., ID
Fendon’s Furniture & Reupholstery, CA
Fiesta Furnishings/ Brix Home, AZ
Foliage Furniture & Interiors LLC, CA
Fossil Creek Galleries dba LA-Z-Boy Furniture
Galleries, CO
Furniture 101, CA
Furniture Direct, NV
Furniture Factory Direct, WA
Furniture Plus & Decor, CA
Furniture Warehouse, OR
Furniture With Flair, OR
Gary O Furniture, CA
Gerber’s Furniture, AZ
Good Night Mattress, CA
Griffith Furniture, WA
20
JUly/August 2009
western retailer
Richland Bell Furniture, Inc., WA
Samuel’s Furniture, WA
Sandra Parbury Interiors, CA
Selmer’s Home Furnishings, Inc., WA
Shafer’s Fine Furniture, CA
Sierra Furniture Company, CA
Silverado Home Catalog & Design, CA
Slater Furniture Company, CA
Sleep America, AZ
Sofy’s Furniture, CA
Sonshine Furniture Today/ Broyhill Home
Collections, CO
Southeast Furniture Warehouse, Inc., AK
Sparks HomeStore, AZ
SPCI and Companies, CO
Stuart-David, Inc., CA
Sugar House Furniture, UT
The Furniture & Appliance Outlet, CA
The Furniture Connexion, OR
The Inkwell Home Store, OR
The Living Room, MT
The Mattress Store, CA
The Rug Warehouse, CA
The Sleep Shop, CO
The Sleep Shop Inc., CA
The Sleep Shoppe, CA
The Tin Roof, WA
The Total Home, MT
Thomasville of Portland, OR
Tongass Trading Co., Inc, AK
Tracy Furniture, CA
Twitchell’s Furniture, OR
United Furniture, CA
United Furniture Club, CA
Urner’s Inc., CA
Valerie’s Furniture & Accents, AZ
Valley Furniture, CA
Walker’s Furniture Inc, WA
Warisan Asian Antiques & Furn., CA
Wasatch Home Furnishings, UT
WE Bedding Corporation, CA
Webster Furniture, WA
Westside Design Furniture LLC, AZ
Westside Furniture, CA
Windmill Home Furnishings, CA
Woodland Furniture, CA
World Market Center, LLC, NV
Wurts Carpets and Interiors, CA
RRC
Retailer
Educate
Resource Center
The RRC is brought to you by:
est.1944
access
The RRC is here to help grow your
business as well as your bottom-line with:
connect
• Seminars
• Industry Information
• Business Solutions
World Market Center, Las Vegas
September 14 – 17, 2009
Building B, 16th Floor | Building C, 5th Floor
Complimentary
Hot Spot Cafe: Computers, coffee & cookies (available all day)
Breakfast for Buyers: (Mon - Thurs 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.)
Power Hour: Beer, wine & lite bites (Mon - Thurs. 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)
Building B, 16th Floor
Seminars: 19 business seminars throughout market.
www.WHFA.org: Visit for a full list of activities at the RRC.
western retailer
JUly/August 2009
21
RRC
Retailer
Resource Center
The RRC is brought to you by:
Make the most of Market with FREE Seminars
Time
8:30 -9:30am
est.1944
Building B, 16th Floor
Mon., September 14
Tues., September 15
Wed., September 16
Thurs., September 17
Success in Spite
of the Economy
Road Map to
Sales Success
Five Secrets to Better
Bedding Sales
Philip Gutsell
GutSELL & Associates
Mark Lacey
The Furniture Training
Company
Gerry Morris
Sleep Trust
Non-Negotiable Sales
and Customer Service
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FREE Business Education
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• FREE Business Education • FREE Business Education •
Brad Huisken
IAS Training
3:30 - 4:30pm
2:00 - 3:00pm
12:30pm - 1:30pm
10:00 - 11:30am
Academy Series ~ Social Media
22
Social Media 101:
Is It Really Worth All
the Hype?
E-Commerce & The
State of Media for
Retail Furniture
David Lively
The Lively Merchant
David Lively
The Lively Merchant
Internet Success Made
Easy (And Made for
Your Budget)
“How to get NEW
CUSTOMERS into your
store EVERY DAY!”
Great Employees Aren't
Sea-Monkeys
Andy Bernstein
FurnitureDealer.net
Daryl Oldenkamp
Color Ad, Inc.
Every Customer
Counts!
Email Marketing
— How to Get
Started RIGHT!
Wondering How to
Get Online Shoppers
to Visit Your Brick &
Mortar Store?
Hosted by: NHFA and
Sharon Gillis, JGSullivan
Interactive
Arnie Capitanelli
Experience Relationship
Programs
10 Proven Steps to
Increase Profits with a
Successful Promotion
Denise Scattergood
Sale-in-a-Box
Ken Mahar
Email Broadcast
GenerationSpeak!
Rich Kizer &
Georganne Bender
Kizer & Bender Speaking!
Phyllis Zaepfel
PROFITgroups
She's Just Not That into
Your Offer!
Horich Parks Lebow
Advertising
Successful Advertising
in the Digital Age —
Websites, Social Media
and E-Promotions
Doug Knorr
Knorr Marketing Group
It is Not Business As
Usual in Today's Real
Estate Market
Julius M. Feinblum
Julius M. Feinblum Real
Estate, Inc.
Fear is No Longer
a Factor
Software Conversions
— Not what they used
to be!
Mark VanWinkle
Storis, Inc.
Create Your Own
Stimulus Package
Brad Huisken
IAS Training
western retailer
full seminar descriptions at www.whfa.org
JUly/August 2009
Member Profile
Barbo Furniture
Brings Eco-friendly
Furniture to
Washington
by Melissa Dressler
I
n 1934, Barbo Furniture began as a refinishing and
furniture building company. A Russian immigrant
taught Chris Barbo’s father and uncle the skilled trade of
furniture building and eventually passed the tradition down
to Chris himself. Today, Chris and his wife Holly have
created a successful business that still focuses on furniture
making and selling well-made, sustainable products.
“We come at the furniture business from a different
point-of-view because we have personally torn apart,
repaired and custom-made furniture,” Holly said. “We are
very much furniture snobs. I tease people that I am on a 12step program, and I am not going to get off. There are two
parts of our business Barbo Furniture and Barbo Enterprises:
The Barbo Furniture side is the retail side and the Enterprises
side is the custom-building and restoration side.”
Since Holly has worked for many years in the building
and restoration side of the business, she now has a very
critical eye when she is working with her reps for new
product lines. “I always ask my reps a ton of questions
because I want to know the furniture is well made. I want
to know if it has mortise and tenon, does it have corner
blocks, does it have wood glue and screws, etc? I may
even get as technical as wanting to know the chain of
custody of the frame, but at the very least, I want to know
that a product is hardwood. If an item doesn’t meet my
standards, I don’t carry the line,” she said.
Holly and Chris’ strict standards on what they sell
has made them leaders in the industry on providing
sustainable furniture. When the term “green” became the
new trend in the industry, Holly and Chris often became
frustrated that the focus was only on the materials portion
of the eco-friendly revolution. “In 2007, Margaret Casey
wrote an article for Home Furnishings Business magazine
that frustrated me because it was good but didn’t go far
enough,” said Holly. “I wrote her an email, and we got
into a conversation about our viewpoints. Eventually
I began to write for the magazine, and I joined the
Sustainable Furniture Council. Within a month, I had my
tag system devised that explains each aspect that goes into
the green equation. The tag is separated into three equal
parts: materials, construction and carbon footprint.”
Today on Holly’s showroom floor, each product features this
tag. The three sections are given a grade of five, for very ecofriendly, to one, not eco-friendly. Barbo Furniture has several
pieces on the floor that are ranked as all fives, and the majority
of the floor is ranked at fours and fives. About 15 percent of the
floor contains a one, which is usually in the carbon footprint
category. “That means they are made offshore,” Holly said.
“Most of my floor is domestically made, but I am not against
purchasing products from China or Vietnam, as long as it meets
my standards. The consumer has the right to make that decision.”
Holly also created an in-store DVD for retailers to educate
the consumer on sustainable furniture. The DVD can be
played on a loop in the store and it explains each aspect of the
green pie: materials, construction and carbon footprint. “It is
my firm belief that we need to explain these concepts to the
customer first so they understand the importance of purchasing
eco-friendly products,” she said. “So I made the DVD. Stores
can purchase it to play in their store or in an area where they
have their green products*. I do often hear the argument that
it will invalidate the other products in your showroom and
make them look bad, but I see it as a way of informing the
customer and starting a conversation about the products with
the salesperson.”
The efforts that Holly and Chris have made over the
years has made them successful, even during a slow economy.
Thankfully, the
custom furniture side
of the business has
continued to grow.
With their focus on
Store Location: Bellingham, WA
sustainability and
Type of Store: Full-line
quality products,
Year Founded: 1999
the company is sure
to see continued
Number of Employees: 1
growth as consumer
Number of Store Locations: 1
awareness grows.
Website: www.barbofurniture.com
*Contact WHFA at
(800) 422-3778 to
At a Glance
purchase a DVD today.
western retailer
JUly/August 2009
23
es Furniture
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Whfa Conference
Attendees Confirm
Networking and
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Julie Haimsohn, Spiller Furniture Stores, St sohn,
Connie Spillertress Hawaii, Howard Haim
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Lawrance Con
Ron Hoestere
Fiesta Furnishy,inRoyal Mattress Co., Ralph
Customized Comgs, Elain and Michael NerFarrar,
mon, Ergo
fort, Chuck Kill
, Bedmart
s WHFA’s 2009 conference attendees stepped off the plane and
took in their first breath of the tropical Maui air, they knew they
were in paradise. Set at the beachside Westin Maui Resort and Spa,
May 17 – 19, the 2009 Conference & Expo promised attendees a chance
to expand their minds while escaping to paradise and it delivered. This
year’s conference delivered quality education, inspiration and new ideas to
everyone in attendance.
"The WHFA Conference was rich with innovative, motivational and
practical ideas and solutions... many of which I was able to implement
immediately in my store. It was time well spent, and just what I needed to
return feeling refreshed and re-energized,” said Patti Evans, Consignment
Plus Home Furnishings, Walnut Creek, CA.
The three-day conference started off with the energizing opening session,
How to Succeed, Stay Sane, and Have Fun at Work, presented by David
Rabiner, Rabiner Resources. Rabiner showed retailers how small shifts in
their attitude can influence the attitude of everyone around them.
Afterwards, attendees enjoyed a delicious opening night dinner oceanside and then attended the second annual Late Night Lounge. NHFA
President Mike Spiller, Spiller Furniture Stores, Tuscaloosa, AL, got the
crowd on their feet and dancing with his many turns at the karaoke
machine. Throughout the evening, retailers kept lining up for their turn
on the karaoke machine. One crowd favorite was the musical grouping
of Spiller, Howard Haimsohn, Lawrance Contemporary, San Diego, CA,
Ralph Farrar, Fiesta Furnishings, Scottsdale, AZ., and Doug Kays, Premiere
Home Furnishing, Pacific Palisades, CA., with their rendition of the Blues
Brothers’ Soul Man.
Monday and Tuesday mornings started off with the all new EXpresso
EXpo, which offered attendees 20-minute shots of education. This different
approach to education within an Expo environment gave attendees a large
amount of information within a short period of time. The EXpresso EXpo
proved to be a valuable addition to the conference line-up with retailers
staying the entire time to listen to the quick and informative educational
sessions. “I thought the EXpresso Expo was a fresh addition to conference,”
said Lael Thompson, Broyhill Home Collections, Denver, CO. “It gave
everyone concentrated shots of knowledge from some of the industry’s
brightest thinkers. I enjoyed getting quick bursts of insights into how I can
tune up my business and succeed in these tough times.”
The EXpresso EXpo sessions were followed by in-depth breakouts that
focused on social media, sales, advertising and marketing and the mind of
the mattress buyer. Leslie Carothers, The Kaleidoscope Partnership, explained
the value of search engine optimization and Twitter to a standing-room only
group of retailers and vendors while Craig McAndrews, The Retail Institute,
worked one-on-one with an intimate group of mattress retailers.
ary,
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“I thought this year’s conference was one of the best yet. The topics were
timely and the speakers were interesting, and I certainly received several
great ‘take-aways’ from each session I attended,” said Haimsohn.
Another highlight of the conference was the always popular Cabana
Roundtables where retailers sat shoulder-to-shoulder and share their moneysaving and profit-keeping ideas. Set under the warm Maui sky, the cabana
roundtables allowed attendees to share knowledge with each other in areas
such as: social networking, marketing, operations, bedding stores and sales.
The closing session, Extraordinary Visions, left attendees awed and
inspired. National Geographic photojournalist Dewitt Jones wove a
motivational story encouraging attendees to not settle for the status quo
but to always strive for extraordinary. Sharing beautiful photographs taken
during his adventures, Jones had every attendee at the end of the session
looking for the extraordinary in their lives and business.
The inspirational messages throughout the conference gave many
attendees a new feeling of strength and hope for the future. First time
conference attendee Dustyn Mattes, Furniture West, Moses Lake, WA, said
that he left feeling as though he could overcome anything in this current
economy. “As I was driving around Maui, I noticed rocks balancing on top
of each other. To many tourists, it is believed to mean something, like a
superstition, however these rocks are just placed on top of each other for no
apparent reason,” he said. “The rocks reminded me that a single rock out on
the ledge alone seems meaningless and weak, but if many rocks are placed
together and if built correctly, they can form something strong that can
stand up to and winds of change. By being a part of the WHFA conference,
I no longer feel like the wind of this economy will knock any of us off the
support structure that is the WHFA.”
The WHFA Conference ended Tuesday night with the Retailer of the
Year Gala, sponsored by Serta International. Emcee Ron Hoesterey, president
of Royal Mattress, presented a $500 and $1,000 gift card to the Expo game
winners Nancy Absalonson, Walker’s Furniture, and Jeff Weinstein, Mattress
Factory, respectively.
The evening closed with the presentation of the 2009 Western
Retailer of the Year Award to Virginia and Lisa Keyes, Naturwood Home
Furnishings, Rancho Cordova, CA. Naturwood was honored for their 61
years of business and dedication to providing customers with quality home
furnishings and immense service to the local community. Their heartfelt
acceptance speech honored the memory of Virginia’s husband and Lisa’s
father, John Keyes, who passed away in 2006. The celebration concluded
with music, dancing and the chance to enjoy conversation with new friends
and associates.
The 2010 WHFA Conference and Expo will be held next May 2-4
in Southern California. For more photos and information on the 2009
WHFA Conference and Expo, visit the WHFA Conference microsite at
www.WHFAconference.com.
ngs a
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Fred and George Nader, Nader’s La Popular, with
Ralph Farrar and Claudia LeClair, Fiesta Furnishings
Dawn Rowe, Phoenix AMD International and
Giff Gates, Gates Furniture
Patti Evans, Consignment Plu
s Home Furnishings, Andree
Dempsey, Valerie's Furniture
World Market Center Las Veg& Accents, Bob Maricich,
Furniture & Accents, and Da as, Valerie Watters, Valerie's
ve Heard, Aspenhome
MicroD has a basket full of them
to boost sales, reduce costs and
improve productivity.
ePreVue – to stand out on-line and sell more custom furniture
Easy Order – to streamline order entry and eliminate errors
EasyPlan – to create room plans that help close sales
EasySwatch – to simplify tracking and updating fabric samples
Exim – to communicate electronically and economically via EDI
What solutions do you need to improve your profits?
/NLINE-ARKETINGECOMMERCESOLUTIONS
FORTHE&URNITURE)NDUSTRY
www.microdinc.com.
3EEUSAT,AS6EGAS-ARKETs7ORLD-ARKET#ENTER"UILDING"
TH&LOOR2ETAIL2ESOURCE#ENTERs3EPTEMBERTHTH
Manufacturer Profile
Handcrafted Log
Furniture Makes
Mountain Woods
Furniture Stand Out
by Melissa Dressler
M
At a Glance
Location: Laramie, WY
Type of Business: Manufacturer
Year Founded: 1991
Number of Employees: 19
Website: www.mountainwoodsfurniture.com
anufacturing aspen and pine log furniture since 1991,
Mountain Woods Furniture is known for their award-winning,
rustic log furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom
and office. The company has since added a second aspen line and a new
reclaimed wood line, The Wyoming Collection to its rustic furniture
line-up. From humble beginnings of one person, Mountain Woods
Furniture now occupies a 22,000 square foot manufacturing plant
in Laramie, WY. Today, experienced and skilled craftspeople use oldfashioned building techniques to create their high-quality products. As
a founding member of the Sustainable Furniture Council, owners Mike
and Dee O’Connell value and incorporate sustainable practices into
every aspect of their manufacturing business.
While the manufacturing of products made by Mountain Woods
Furniture is very labor intensive, the results and client retention rate are
worth the efforts. All of the wood for the aspen and reclaimed lines is
purchased from local suppliers, which helps keep the company’s carbon
footprint low. Once the wood is in-house, the aspen logs are peeled by
hand with a draw blade. “We don’t have automatic peelers because it
takes off too much of the character that lies just under the bark,” Dee
said. “We have individuals whose jobs are to peel using the draw blade.”
From there, the wood is finely sanded and utilized for the
appropriate project. “If we are doing a custom piece, or a piece that
requires extra gnarly wood, the builder will choose which wood he wants
for that project,” Dee added. The wood is then run through milling
equipment or saws and assembled to create the specific product.
“Our product quality and shipping capabilities are what makes
our company unique,” Dee said. “Being an American manufacturer of
renewable wood products feels great. We take the environment into
account in all of our decisions, and our retail partners enjoy the added
benefits of marketing a sustainable, made in the USA brand.” In order to
reduce waste from the manufacturing process, Mountain Woods Furniture
invested in piping laid throughout their flooring and uses 85 percent of
their wood byproducts to heat the facility. “We are always looking for ways
to operate efficiently — which affects all of our bottom lines,” Dee added.
Attention to detail is another important aspect of the service and
products that Mountain Woods Furniture provides. “Our customers say
it is our service that makes us unique,” Dee said. “Our clients are always
pleasantly surprised by our attention to detail as well as to the attention the
product gets on their showroom floor. It seems to be a product that is very
comforting to people — and they truly enjoy having it in their home.”
Mountain Woods Furniture supplies rustic furnishings for retailers
throughout the U.S. and Canada. They also do a great deal of custom
work and have created many unique items for various celebrities over the
last 18 years. For more information on Mountain Woods Furniture, visit
their website at www.mountainwoodsfurniture.com.
Melissa Dressler, Western Retailer managing editor.
western retailer
JUly/August 2009
27
Submit Your
Nominations for the
2010 WHFA Board of
Directors
The Board of Directors is vital
part of the progress and growth of
your association. WHFA depends
on strong, quality leadership and
needs your recommendations
for members you feel would
represent WHFA and the furniture
industry in a professional manner.
Remember that members are free
to nominate themselves. A full
description of Board Member
Benefits and Obligations is
available at www.WHFA.org.
To nominate a WHFA member
for the Board of Directors, log
on to www.WHFA.org and fill
out the form before August 14,
2009. If you have any questions
regarding the criteria for the Board
of Directors, please call or email
Sharron Bradley, WHFA executive
director at (916) 784-7677 or
(800) 422-3778,
[email protected].
Thank you for participating in
the growth and prosperity of our
industry and your 100 percent
member-owned association.
WHFA Board of Directors
Meet in Maui for Spring
Board Meeting
B
efore the WHFA Conference and Expo in Maui, your all-volunteer Board
of Directors met for two days of meetings, providing future direction for
the association.
This dedicated group of professionals worked diligently on approving new
association programs, reviewing finances, membership and the future of the
association. Three new programs were approved during the meeting: gift registry,
online catalogs and self-service credit kiosk (for more information, read the New
Programs Announcement on the next page). The board was also given an informative
presentation on the NHFA Consumer Awareness program, HomeFurnishings.com.
The culmination of the board meeting was a cocktail reception for board
members and VIPs held in the Presidential Suite. The suite had sweeping views of
the beach and many enjoyed watching the beautiful sunset while networking with
each other. Board member Valerie Watters, Valerie’s Furniture and Accents, Cave
Creek, AZ, ended the evening by showing everyone her hidden talent of creating
music with spoons.
The Western Home Furnishings Association Board is dedicated to carrying
through the mission of its members and committed to enhancing the value of the
Association. The Board will next meet October 1 – 3 in Portland, OR.
FREE ACCESS
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ADVERTISING
28
JUly/August 2009
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western retailer
New Programs Announcement
WHFA Board of Directors
Approve Three New Programs
A
t the recent WHFA Board Meeting, the directors approved the following programs as the
newest programs for WHFA members. Members now have access to a Gift Registry, Online
Catalog Library and In-Store Financing Kiosk all at member discounts.
Gift Registry
WHFA is excited to offer members a new marketing solution with Marcole, a leading provider
of interactive shopping and gift registry solutions for retailers since 1991. This independent retailer
edition does not require additional software or a long-term contract.
Create additional sales by offering customers the opportunity to create their own gift registries.
Today, gift registries are used for more than just weddings. They can be created for baby showers,
housewarmings, birthdays, anniversaries, charities, home improvements and much more.
Online Catalog Library
Kaprice Crawford
WHFA
marketing director
The Online Catalog Library, through Marcole, allows you to quickly and easily add
product information and images to your website.
• Enable your customers to view an unlimited product assortment online
• Intuitive multi-path navigation makes it fast and easy to find the right product
• Item information can be extracted from POS and managed by non-technical personnel.
• Use as a product information system only or add optional e-commerce functionality
and accept orders online
• User interface customized to reflect your branding
• Use as a stand alone system — or tightly integrate with Gift Registry program
SELF SERVICE CREDIT KIOSK
WHFA and Versatile have partnered to bring you an affordable self service credit kiosk.
Now you can make applying for credit convenient and private for your customers without
tying up valuable staff time.
Benefits of having a kiosk at the front of your store include:
• An increase in your average ticket sale (studies show a 30 percent
increase). Consumers spend more when they know how much
credit they have available.
• Higher close ratios because approved consumers will stay and buy.
• More consumers apply for credit when the process is private.
• Consumers are more likely to come back and purchase again with
a private label card.
Rent, lease or purchase kiosks all at member pricing.
western retailer
Call to get
started on
any of these
programs today
(800) 422-3778
JUly/August 2009
29
Tour the WHFA website at www.WHFA.org > This month’s stop . . . WHFAvoice.com
Western
Home
Furnishings
Association
About WHFA
Membership
Home
Education & Events
Community
Store
Member Login
Resources
Dealer Locator
Advocacy
Site Search
Get Involved
To view the
W
visit www.W HFA Voice,
HFAvoice.c
om.
WHFAVOICE.com
WHFAvoice.com is your legislative information and grassroots action website for the home furnishings industry.
This advocacy link will provide you with up-to-date information regarding legislation under consideration at the
state and federal level. You can use the powerful tools here to voice your opinion directly to your elected officials
on issues that are important to your business and to our industry.
Please visit this website regularly to learn about and evaluate the many issues that impact us every day and to
facilitate communication to your respective elected officials.
Western Home Furnishings Association • www.WHFA.org • (800) 422-3778
advertisers
index
advertising inquiries & rates
Furniture Wizard..............................................9...................... (619) 869-7200
Contact: Cindi Williams, WHFA Events Manager, 500 Giuseppe
Court, Ste. 6, Roseville, CA 95678. (916) 960-0277
E-mail: [email protected]. Subscriptions: $35.00/year, USA.
Published by Western Home Furnishings Association, a National
Home Furnishings Association affiliate, in the interests of retail home
furnishings dealers, manufacturers, distributors and sales people.
Distributed to retail merchants handling furniture, accessories, bedding, floor coverings, and specialty home furnishings in Alaska, Arizona,
California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah,
Washington and Wyoming. Mailing list compiled by WHFA.
Official publication of Western Home Furnishings Association,
which is responsible for editorial content and advertising policy. The
views expressed in articles appearing in Western Retailer are not
necessarily those of Western Home Furnishings Association. Western
Retailer magazine is copyrighted by Western Home Furnishings Association. July/August 2009, all rights reserved.
Las Vegas Market............................................7...................... (888) 416-8600
Western Retailer:
Please support the advertisers that support your magazine.
Advertiser
Page
Phone/Website
Argo Select............................................. Back Cover.............. (800) 422-3778
B&B Banker & Brisebois Advertising............28..................... (800) 456-0210
Emerald Home Furnishings............................2...................... (800) 685-6646
Micro D, Inc....................................................26..................... (800) 964-3876
Read by furniture retailers in the West
PROFITsystems, Inc................................... 4 & 31.................. (866) 453-5010
distribution:
Retailer Resource Center..............................21..................... (800) 422-3778
Rowe Furniture...............................................15.............. rowefurniture.com
WHFA Membership.......................................17..................... (800) 422-3778
WHFA Warehouse Products.........................19..................... (800) 422-3778
WHFA Website...............................................30........................... WHFA.org
Wynwood Furniture.......................................13...... wynwoodfurniture.com
30
JUly/August 2009
western retailer
Western Retailer is read by more than 10,000 home furnishing retail
store personnel handling furniture, accessories, bedding, floorcovering and specialty home furnishings in Alaska, Arizona, California,
Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
marketing philosophy:
Western Retailer focuses on western market trends in the furniture,
bedding, flooring and accessories industry. It highlights industry finance, state legislation, retail store layout and design, transportation,
retail advertising trends, retail store computerization, insurance, succession planning and industry social events.
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Property
Liability
Commercial Auto
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Employment Practices Liability
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WHFA and Argo Select
Specialized insurance services
for the furniture store industry
As a furniture retailer who appreciates well designed, quality products,
consider the advantages of partnering with an insurer who shares those
values. Argo Select is a specialist in retail insurance. We offer unique
coverage such as our Retail Furniture Advantage endorsement, and safety
resources customized for the furniture store industry. Call to learn how Argo
Select can help protect your store through an insurance program designed
to fit the distinctive needs of your business.
Argo Select is pleased to be endorsed by the Western Home Furnishings Association
as the preferred provider of insurance and loss control services to its member stores.
For additional information, please contact: Jerry Landers
800 777 3602  [email protected]
WHFA  800 422 3778  [email protected]
est.1944
www.argoselect.com

Journal of the Western Home Furnishings Association

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