La-Z-Boy Announces Changes To Merchandising Department

Furniture World Magazine

Recently, the nation's leading manufacturer of upholstered furniture announced changes to its merchandising department in order to meet its goals for product development and overall growth. "These changes are designed to help us manage our business as we continue to grow," explained Greg White, vice president of merchandising for La-Z-Boy Incorporated. "The experience of our team presents an exciting opportunity for us to maintain and strengthen our position as a full-line source for living room and family room furniture." Joining the La-Z-Boy merchandising team is Coleman Cody, who previously served the company as Midwest regional sales manager. Cody has been named product manager - motion upholstery and oversees product design and development of all La-Z-Boy motion products. With more than 30 years of experience in the furniture industry, Cody possesses a strong knowledge of the upholstery business, as well as extensive management experience. Before joining La-Z-Boy he was vice president of merchandising at Franklin Corporation in Houston, Miss. Prior to that, he held the same position at Action Industries, Inc. in Tupelo, Miss. Cody began his career at Rich's in Atlanta, Ga., as a case goods and upholstery buyer. In addition, La-Z-Boy has created a new position in its merchandising department - galleries merchandise manager. Taking on this role is Paul Sivwright, formerly La-Z-Boy product manager -stationary upholstery. "With the number of new La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries projects planned for the next few years, as well as the many in-store galleries we see on the horizon, we found it necessary to create this new full-time position," explained White. "Paul's knowledge and history with the company made him the perfect candidate." Also, stepping up is Stephanie DiMarzio, who was recently promoted to assistant product manager - stationary upholstery. She has been with La-Z-Boy for more than three years and has worked in all facets of the merchandising area. DiMarzio, Cody and Sivwright all report directly to White. Headquartered in Monroe, Mich., La-Z-Boy is the nation's largest manufacturer of upholstered furniture and the world's leading producer of reclining chairs.