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Watters Honored as Retailer of the Year by AHRFA
January 24,
2012 by in UnCategorized 
By Home Furnishings Business in on January 25, 2012
Valerie Watters, owner of
Valeries Furniture & Accents, was awarded the 2011 Retailer of the Year Award by the Arizona Home Furnishings Representatives Association (AHFRA), in a ceremony in Scottsdale, Ariz.
According to AHFRA president Scott Donk, Watters was nominated and chosen from retailers throughout markets that member representatives serve including Arizona, New Mexico, parts of Nevada and beyond.
Everyone wants to sell to Valerie because of the quality of individual that she is," Donk said. "She was the overwhelming winner."
Watters is actively involved in the industry locally, regionally and nationally. She is an executive board member of
Western Home Furnishings Association.
I am extremely honored," she said. "I have known many of the reps for more than 25 years. I know how hard they work. They are an essential part of our industry. I am proud to be associated with them and recognized by them.
According to Donk, the recognition is often awarded to a store with multiple locations. While Watters has only one location, she is certainly doing something right to be selected from among the five nominees this year, he said.
Watters established the 6,500-squar-foot home furnishings store in 1989. She built and grew her brand, market share and reputation by dedicating herself to providing clients with one-of-a-kind western furniture and accessories, nearly all of which are American made.
Watters clientele is not limited to Arizona. A large number of her customers live throughout the country. Watters is known for her clever advertisements which run throughout Arizona and in national publications featuring playful tie-ins with classic old western themes.
Watters hand-selects each item in the store from artisans throughout the United States. She personally works with all the suppliers of accessories, rugs, fabrics, leather and case goods, Donk said.
In addition, Watters has established relationships with talented artists and scours the country for unique, sometimes antique, but always interesting western-influenced pieces.
Other recognitions Watters has received include Top 50 Retail Stars Award by Home Accents Today magazine and Best Cowboy/Cool Furniture from Phoenix Magazine. She has been a featured speaker at industry and media events throughout her career.
Watters is also known for her work for non-profit organizations, and animal rescue organizations are especially dear to her heart. Watters lives on a ranch in Cave Creek, Ariz., and currently has more than 15 adopted rescue animals on her property including five dogs, a donkey, a mule, a sheep, a llama, a cat, two pygmy goats, many hens and one ornery rooster.