Industry Updates - Part 3
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Joe Tatulli |
Zad Designs adds New Oak Futon Collection
Zad Designs has added an oak collection to its existing line of pine and alder futon furniture. “Our new oak futon frames come in bi-fold and tri-fold styles with five different arm designs, and they also feature two standard stains; natural and light walnut,” said Akim Azad, company president. The two new lines of futon frames will be shown at the Winter San Francisco Design and Furnishing Show as well as Futon Expo ’99 in Las Vegas this coming March.
Zad Design & Mfg. will also feature its custom order softgood cover swatch program at the winter market as well. “The fabrics we have chosen emphasize a soft, rich texture which complements our wooden furniture,” said Azad. The softgoods can be ordered for futon furniture as well as bedding and ready made curtain panels.
“Zad Design & Mfg. has recognized the importance of well-made products for the futon industry, and has been working to one, produce well-made products with better raw materials and superior mechanisms; and two, to control the consistency of quality by producing everything at one site in Oxnard, California,” he said. By doing so, the company’s dealers can gain the support and benefits of on-time delivery, and consistency of product quality.
Also, Zad Design offers POP material to its dealers, emphasizing the real value of futon furniture, and offers effective sales training for sales associates. The training includes sections on: how to sell futon furniture as a fine piece of furniture instead of a promotional piece; and how to communicate with the customer about the real value of futon furniture. For more information stop by at booth #172 at the Winter San Francisco Design & Furnishing show.
August Lotz Adds to Sales Team
Boyd, Wisconsin — The August Lotz Company, manufacturer of solid wood futon frames, futon mattresses, and solid wood bedroom furniture has appointed representatives for three key territories.
Representing Lotz in the states of CO, UT, WY, MT is Roy Irwin. Bill Robertson will represent the company in FL (except the panhandle) and Teresa Whatley will represent the company in WA, OR, CA, ID, NV.
“All three have very good reputations for service. We are glad to have them on board. They are a great addition to our sales team,” said Chris Kulwicki, National Sales Manager.
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Collegiate announces expansion
Collegiate Furnishings Inc. is proud to announce the expansion of their State College, PA facility to 20,000 square feet. President Tom Meade says, “With the addition of our Mountain Series bi-fold futon frames in 1997, followed by this years introduction of matching Ozark tables, knockdown bookshelves, and wall units, we can now offer complete vignettes. These new additions have made it necessary to add more machinery and expand our space. All of which will expand our ability to serve our customers.”
The new high production facility should be fully operational by April 1st, just in time for the busy season. The company is also proud to announce thier new Customer Service Manager, Jamie Salvanish, who recently returned to her native Pennsylvania after working in California for seven years. Jamie will be handling all orders and inquiries, and has a proven track record for success. Improvements have been made in many other areas as well with one common thread — to continually improve customer service. “Our number one focus is to service our customers and we are committed to investing in them.” said Meade. Collegiate Furnishings specializes in knockdown, southern yellow pine furniture.