Ethan Allen Makes International Push

May 27, 2013  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Business Strategy on May 28, 2013

Ethan Allen Interiors (NYSE: ETH) continues its international expansion with the opening of its new location in Antwerp, Belgium, the company's second European location.

The opening celebration of the new space on was held May 16. Ethan Allen established its presence in new international markets late last year with the opening of locations in Montreal and Brussels and has plans for additional international openings this summer and fall.

"All over the world, the same things are important to our clients," said Farooq Kathwari, Ethan Allen chairman, president and CEO. "Customization is key, as is the ability to shop in a 'total home resource' environment. We will reveal some exciting new developments in these areas in the months to come".

Located in the heart of Antwerp's fashion district, Ethan Allen's newest international location showcases a boutique-style layout complete with the company's newest furniture and accessories plus the latest user-friendly technology. In addition, clients can use room-planning software on large touchscreens to see layout options and preview their purchases. With more custom options than ever, the company offers clients countless ways to make any look their own.

"Antwerp has long been considered a fashion center in Northern Europe," said Arne Borrey, vice president of international. "Located in Flanders and with its proximity to Holland, and Germany, we believe that the style-seekers from all of these locales will relate well to our luxury made affordable approach to interior design."

Like in Brussels, the location in Antwerp will support further expansion in Europe. In a move to continue to build interest within the European design community and draw potential partners, the company also showed at January's prestigious Maison & Objet in Paris. To further establish its presence in Europe, Ethan Allen will launch a European Web site later this year.

The new location in Antwerp brings the number of international Ethan Allen locations to nearly 100. The company also plans to open new international locations this year in: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Amman, Jordan; Seoul, Korea; Bucharest, Romania; and several cities in China.