Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Mecox Owner, Founder to Receive ARTS Honor
August 14,
2014 by in Furniture Retailing, Industry 
Mac Hoak, the owner and founder of home furnishings retailer Mecox will receive the Academy of Achievement honor at the 26th annual International ARTS Awards in January during the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market.
“Under the guidance and vision of Mac, Mecox energized the home industry with its style and quality,” said Bill Winsor, president and CEO, Dallas Market Center. “Mecox has been instrumental in setting precedent for retail excellence for the past 18 years, and we look forward to honoring Mac.”
The ARTS Awards, presented each January, recognizes top manufacturers, retailers, product designers, interior designers and sales representatives from across the world in 25 different categories. The winners will be revealed during a gala event on Friday, Jan. 16 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. The Academy of Achievement honor is awarded each year to recognize companies or individuals that have made significant contributions to the industry.
Mecox boasts a unique selection of home and garden furnishings unmatched in quality, texture and form, and is dedicated to providing the tools necessary to achieving an overall balance between the indoor and outdoor living environment.
Hoak and his team of buyers make multiple trips each year to venues around the world from which they source antiques, home furnishings, art and other products. In addition to these one-of-a-kind items, Mecox has a private label of furniture known for its usage of indoor-outdoor materials such as stone, zinc, concrete and teak. Mecox partners with local craftsman to allow customers to create their own designs or redesign any Mecox product.
Hoak received an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of North Carolina and an MBA from the University of Virginia. In 1984, Hoak moved to New York City and worked in finance for 10 years. In 1995, he moved to Southampton to follow his passion for antiques, design and furniture and in 1996, the flagship Mecox Gardens opened in Southampton, N.Y.
Mecox Gardens grew a loyal following of home owners, collectors and designers quickly. At the request of many, Hoak began expansion to additional locations. Hoak opened his second store on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and his third store in West Palm Beach, Fla. Today, Mecox can be found in eight locations: Chicago, Dallas, East Hampton, Houston, Los Angeles New York City, Palm Beach and Southampton.