Thomasville to Post Prices on Web

August 30, 2006  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Display on August 2006 Thomasville Furniture Inds. will publish prices on its Web site for the first time as part of a strategic marketing initiative and pricing policy set to take effect Jan. 11.

In an effort to provide consumers with a better and more consistent shopping experience through the company’s varied sales channels, the Internet pricing is a recognition of the importance of the Web to consumers researching their furniture purchase before shopping.

In addition to the Internet published prices, Thomasville will also provide an MRP price list to its retail stores for both wood and upholstery products, allowing the retailers to remain competitive with the prices published on the company Web site.

“We see this published price initiative as a positive step in supplementing and driving the retail and store experience by providing a thorough and fulfilling Internet experience,” said Nancy Webster, president and chief executive officer of Thomasville. “This is an exciting and historic event for Thomasville. We recognize the importance that the Internet and our Web site play in our future, and the steps that we are taking will ensure our competitive advantage later.”

Concurrently with the published price strategy and a new West Coast Distribution Center, Thomasville is instituting a landed freight program for all domestic retailers, around 160 stores at this time. Dealer-cost price lists as of January 11, will include all freight costs. The overall Thomasville brand strategy for 2007 also supports promotional efforts that are transitioning away from such industry standards as price-off initiatives and are moving more toward marketing programs that include gift cards, gift with purchase and competitive financing offers.

“Ultimately, the greatest example of our brand exists in our stores,” Webster said. “The Thomasville stores are where consumers can enjoy the beauty and quality of our finishes, our fabrics, textures, colors, product displays, and where they can work closely with the Design Consultants who make their dreams a reality. This design, craftsmanship, and quality execution truly differentiates our Thomasville brand from the competition. “As we move into 2007, we believe that all of these strategic enhancements will greatly benefit our consumers by providing more relevant information and thus honoring her time and better fulfilling her needs, wants and expectations,” she said.