Norwalk Announces 2008 Profit

Furniture World Magazine

Norwalk Customer Order Furniture announced that it has shown a profit for its first three months, has inked a five-year lease at the High Point Market, and is continuing its licensing agreement with Candice Olson. “We offer something other companies don’t offer that the consumer and interior designers want,” says Dan White, an investor serving as Norwalk president. “Norwalk still stands for great designs with a choice of one-of-a-kind customization delivered in 35 days. Our model is working and we are investing in the future.” In September, 12 extraordinary families in Norwalk stepped forward to revive a community cornerstone and set it on a new, solid foundation as Norwalk Custom Order Furniture. The new owners purchased certain assets in Norwalk and full rights to the Norwalk Furniture brand name. Then they moved swiftly to re-establish the proud traditions of a 106-year-old company based on quality craftsmanship and prompt delivery at a very competitive price. “In fact, in just 90 days of manufacturing operations, the new company has posted a modest profit with a strong balance sheet, timely deliveries and the some of the best quality upholstery in the industry,” White says. “All of this is enviable in the current business climate and is only possible because of a team highly motivated to achieve three goals: We reconnected with former independent and franchise retail dealers, focused on taking orders and shipping product, and we’ve worked on operating at a profit. The proof is in our commitment to a five-year lease in space D1011 of the Design Center in IHFC.” The new 7,800-sq.-ft. showroom is being designed by industry veterans, Caroline Hipple and Dixon Bartlett, of HB2 Resources. It will be presented in three distinct galleries: Candice Olson – The gallery will feature the furniture of her licensed partners with a focus on several new upholstery designs. Norwalk Custom Options – Five basic styles with a choice of dozens of details including 800 fabrics and leathers to create one-of-a-kind furniture. The Best of Norwalk – Top selling and fresh new designs will be displayed, all available in a choice of 800 fabrics and leathers. “During the past few months we’ve learned from our customers that our core strengths as a company center on our breadth of customization with quick, reliable delivery,” White says. “We make it simple for our customers. It’s an easy formula: great design, customizable options, high quality, competitive pricing and quick delivery. It’s pure Norwalk.”