Two High-End Retailers Closing Doors

June 20, 2007  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Furniture Retailing on June 2007 Planned Furniture Promotions Inc., Enfield, Conn., will organize and run the store closings of two high-end independent retailers, Mecklenburg Furniture in Charlotte, N.C.; and Boll Furniture Co. in Charleston, W.Va.

Both stores said they were in no financial distress, but demographic change, a difficult business climate, and succession issues played roles in their decision.

Mecklenburg Furniture had been Charlotte’s oldest and, at one point, its largest furniture retailer for over 60 years. Its upscale brands include Baker, Century, Hooker, Hancock & Moore, Pennsylvania House, and others. The store has been a widely recognized landmark since 1940.

Brands at Boll Furniture, in business since the late 1930’s, include Henredon, Drexel Heritage, Lexington, Bradington Young, Henkel Harris, and others. The Boll Furniture building, a century-old landmark in downtown Charleston, has been sold and will become an office building.

“There have been a number of key factors leading to our decision to close,” aid Charles Boll, the current owner. “The premium furniture business has been affected by overseas manufacturers who have experienced diminished brand power. Locally, the center of shopping has moved from the downtown out to suburbs, dramatically reducing consumer traffic.”

In addition, a key member of Bolls’ management team retired last year.