Modern Furniture Store Posts 41% Growth During Industry Downturn

Furniture World Magazine

Contemporary furniture retailer MOTIF Modern Living (www.MotifFurniture.com) announced that its same-store sales had increased 41% from 2006 to 2007. This comes at the end of a year that was a financial struggle for major lifestyle retailers like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and Pier One. MOTIF’s president, Steven Lora, attributes the company’s success to three major factors: Superior merchandising – “Our business is finding the products that people want, displaying them in an attractive way and managing inventory flow to ensure those products are available to buy.” Lora credits his business partner, John Pérez, with the company’s success in these core areas. “John is an exceptional buyer, with a crystal-clear merchandising vision,” says Lora. MOTIF Modern Living is one of five stores in the US nominated as a “Rising Star Retailer” in the 19th Annual ARTS Awards, a prestigious national merchandising award. Great people – “MOTIF isn’t a collection of furniture, it’s a collection of people,” says Lora, who personally interviews every individual hired. “We handpick intelligent, honest, friendly people and then focus on keeping them happy. Happy employees create a comfortable environment for customers, and sales follow naturally.” Business fundamentals – “Managing cash flow is one of the most challenging parts of my job because the highs and lows are not necessarily predictable,” says Lora. “Our business supports many families, and every day I think about my responsibility to them to maintain and improve the financial health of MOTIF.” Perpetually positive, MOTIF’s owners know that maintaining a good attitude is half the battle. “Even in the toughest times, our glass is at least half full – but most times it’s overflowing!” chuckles Lora, who is looking forward to another spectacular year in 2008. With the opening of two new stores in San Antonio and the continued expansion of Internet sales, MOTIF is expecting a 114% sales increase next year. For more information about MOTIF Modern Living, visit www.MotifFurniture.com.