Powell Co. Expands Las Vegas Showroom - Announces Market Laptop Giveaway

Furniture World Magazine

Powell Co. announced that it will open 4,000 square feet of incremental exhibition space at this month’s Las Vegas Market, . The case goods, accent and occasional furniture importer’s showroom in World Market Center, space A-753, now totals 17,000 square feet. The bonus floor space will feature an expanded offering of casual dining furniture, youth furnishings and Masterpiece, a limited edition collection of accent pieces and hand painted items, according to Dedra Owen, director of showroom and administration for Powell, who is additionally responsible for the company’s showrooms in High Point and Tupelo. “Customer demand for new products has prompted the expansion,” said Sean Slack, executive vice president of merchandising for Powell. “We are seeing a lot of interest in casual dining options, unique accents and other style statement pieces.” Powell Co. has experienced a steady rise in customer attendance during the Western market dates, according to Bill Benton, president and chief executive officer. “Frankly, we are excited to have extra space to handle the flow of visitors,” added Benton, “Las Vegas is a very important market for us.” LAS VEGAS LAP TOP GIVE-AWAY PROMOTION Promoting the benefits of its powerful Web-based tool for retailers, Powell Co. will award free laptops to customers placing qualified orders during the Las Vegas Market, July 30 – August 3. Buyers will take home a complimentary laptop and custom embroidered carrying case with a $5,000 order made in Powell’s World Market Center showroom, space A-753, to ship from one of the company’s two distribution centers. Customers should see their sales representatives for promotion details. The portable computer features an 80 GB hard drive, 15-inch wide screen monitor, Windows Vista software and wireless connection. A notebook-style PC, it boasts the highest rating for dependability, according to one popular consumer publication. “Powell Retailers Online is one of the most exciting tools our customers can use to grow their business,” said Tom Liddell, senior vice president of national sales for Powell. “This laptop promotion is a great way for us to convey how easy it is for store staff to sit down anywhere with their shoppers and sell them products that they might not see on the retail floor. Dealers can power up the laptop and start selling as soon they return from Vegas.” PowellPRO and PowellSELLS are the wholesale and retail branches of the proprietary software program. Users can access the full line of catalogs with product photos, pricing and availability; order capabilities and status; specials and closeout information; and customized retail price lists. Crouch Furniture in Denison, Texas is an early adopter and has a computer dedicated to the PowellSELLS Web site on the sales floor. “The results have been wonderful. Our sales team and our customers have found PowellSELLS to be easy and efficient,” says Ronnie Coles, third-generation owner of the family run business. “Our sales people show the consumers how to navigate the site, and the consumer not only finds what they are looking for, but also another Powell piece that would go perfectly in their home.” “We’re using 21st century technology to increase sell-through and profitability for our business and our customers’ business,” said Bill Benton, president and CEO of Powell. “Powell Retailers Online gives everyone that needed edge in a challenging retail environment.” “PowellPRO has saved me time and I no longer have to consult my price book for the correct price, call to check stock, watch and see if the fax goes through, or call to check on my orders,” said David Cox, president of Woodstock Furniture Outlet in Atlanta, Georgia. “I like to order online because it’s quick and easy, and I can order my Powell lineup without leaving my desk or picking up the phone.” The case goods, accent and occasional furniture importer introduced PowellPRO.net to its dealers in 2006 and has made subsequent upgrades to the system. The site is readily accessible at www.powellpro.net with any Internet connection. Additionally, PowellSELLS can be seamlessly integrated into retailer Web sites. ABOUT POWELL COMPANY Founded in 1968, Powell Company has been a leading importer of design-driven, high-quality furnishings. Powell has long been regarded for its service-oriented culture, broad product offerings, multiple sourcing and delivery options and enjoys a reputation for reliability, integrity and honesty among its customers and peers in the home furnishings industry. Powell was acquired by Sun Capital Partners, Inc. in 2007.