Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture has appointed Diana Sikes as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations of Michigan's largest furniture retailer. In her new position, Sikes will oversee and direct all aspects of advertising, internet, community relations and public relations activities.
"Ms. Sikes has extensive knowledge of the retail industry and is a leader in Internet marketing, an area we plan on growing. She is an exciting addition to Art Van Furniture" said Art Van Elslander. For the past year Ms. Sikes has been the primary representative to Art Van from the advertising agency Sussman/Sikes, where she was a partner. During that time Art Van Furniture achieved noticeable sales increases with highly successful advertising campaigns including "We've Got the Look" and "Simply Irresistible".
"Diana has been a major contributor to Art Van's marketing and public relations efforts even as an external resource", said Kim Yost, CEO, "We are pleased she has decided to join the company and we know she will be a great addition to our leadership team."
Sikes is a veteran strategic marketing and advertising leader with a 28-year retail marketing career. "For those of us who love retail, there is no better organization than Art Van Furniture. Their dedication to exceeding customer expectations and to innovation is legendary. It is an honor to be invited to join a team of this talent and depth." Sikes commented. Her retail marketing experience includes work with D.O.C, Weight Watchers, Hansons and numerous healthcare clients. Sikes begins her new position November 1, 2010.
Sussman/Sikes continues as Agency of Record for Art Van Furniture. Alan Sussman commented "We have always worked very closely with our clients, and this move strengthens our relationship with the Art Van team."
About Art Van Furniture: Celebrating its 51st anniversary, Art Van Furniture is Michigan's largest furniture retailer and America's largest independent furniture retailer, operating 34 stores in 31 communities throughout Michigan, a full service e-commerce website plus two new freestanding bedding stores in Canton and Rochester Hills Michigan, Art Van Pure Sleep. The company is family-owned and headquartered in Warren, Mich.