Dormia Taps Veteran Merchant To Lead Retail Store Operations

Furniture World Magazine

Dormia announced that Beth Marconi, with 20 years of retailing experience with such major brands as Harry and David, Sears, Pier 1 Imports and Scandinavian Design, has been named vice president of retail operations and strategy. In her new role, Marconi will be responsible for the day-to-day management and expansion strategy of Dormia’s 20 company-owned retail stores in the United States. Marconi joins Dormia from Harry and David, the $500 million retailer and direct marketer of gourmet food/flowers, where she was responsible for the continued growth of a $70 million sales region that included 82 stores. During her tenure at the company, she recruited and trained sales teams, drove corporate initiatives to strengthen financial performance, brand identity and business partnerships, and led a sales turnaround to achieve significant sales increases. Prior to that post, Marconi was at Homelife Furniture, the $650 million furniture retailer, previously a division of Sears, where she was first hired as a regional business director responsible for the management and expansion of the South Florida region, and was later promoted to director of strategic development. Marconi helped design and spearhead a successful regional approach to the company’s marketing and merchandising strategy by focusing on merchandise selection, store design, inventory replenishment and customer service. Earlier in her career, Marconi held senior management positions at Scandinavian Design and Pier 1 Imports. “Beth’s track record of significant retail operation experience with some of the nation’s leading retail brands is a very exciting addition to our senior management team,” said Dormia President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Zippelli. “Her experience in recruiting, developing and training in-store sales associates, merchandising and sales growth will be key to the profitable expansion of our retail stores division for the future.” “Dormia has built a wonderful brand in what I believe has become one of the most dynamic retail segments today,” said Marconi. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to bring the retail stores division to its next level of growth and success.” Marconi is a graduate of Babson College, where she received her bachelor’s of science degree in marketing and economics. Dormia’s sleep systems are designed to help customers receive the maximum benefit out of each and every night’s sleep. Its mattresses are constructed with the finest components from around the world including: all natural covers, New Zealand lambs wool, visco-elastic memory foam, Talalay Latex and a unique multi-zone latex core. The company offers enhanced features such as a quilted mattress top and deluxe combination models that are comprised of memory and latex foam, as well as adjustable beds that allow each person to maximize their own sleep comfort. All Dormia bedding products are manufactured in the United States using hand-made craftsmanship and custom embroidery.