San Francisco Show Milestone in Kimball Home's Growth Plan:

Furniture World Magazine

Kimball Home, the residential arm of furniture giant Kimball International, exhibited solo at the January 1998 San Francisco Winter Market. It was a milestone for the midwest manufacturer. The casual, updated traditional Kimball Home collections had previously shared showroom space with furniture from other divisions of its parent company (most notably the Victorian designs of Kimball Reproductions). By occupying its own space in San Francisco Kimball Home took its first major step toward national distribution, according to sales and marketing director Robert Cribbs. "Kimball Home is shaping up to be a dynamic force in the residential market," Cribbs declared. "We've been a significant regional presence for some time with our bedroom line Traditions-but introducing the Home collections last year gave us a jolt of new energy. Now, we're using that momentum to go nationwide." Though Traditions got some play in San Francisco, most of the 4800 square foot showroom was devoted to Kimball Home's three solid wood dining room, bedroom and occasional groups: Cherry Falls, Oak Meadow and Pine Mountain. Retailers also got a preview of Maple Creek, Kimball Home's new solid maple collection. The furniture is inspired by European country styling and features a burnished, antiqued and distressed maple finish. "Actually, Maple Creek was a huge hit," Cribbs remarked. "We got some pre-orders and he termed the outcome of the San Francisco Market "awesome." "it was a fantastic show," he said. "We had plenty of traffic and good dealer commitment. The casual, livable feel of these collections comes from our extensive consumer research, and we're already seeing tremendous market response. I feel very optimistic about its success on both coasts." For more information contact Kimball at rcribbs@kimball.com