Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Furniture Veteran Bill Hairston honored, Kincaid Named Supplier of the Year
June 17,
2016 by in Industry, Special Events 
Bill Hairston, a fixture in the furniture industry for many decades, was honored by Decorating Den Interiors North America’s largest interior design and home furnishings franchise company, at its 47th annual international conference and supplier market held recently in San Antonio, Texas.
“Bill was instrumental in guiding our company into the furniture segment, which was our largest product sales category last year,” said Jim Bugg, Jr., President and CEO. “He has been one of our most enthusiastic cheerleaders and a mentor to our owners, teaching them how to sell furniture without having showroom. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Kincaid Furniture, which Hairston has long represented to Decorating Den Interiors, was named Supplier of the Year. The award is given for exceptional service as well as innovation of products and incentives.
“Kincaid was honored for outstanding sales and service out of more than 100 suppliers involved in our Preferred Supplier program,” said David Haseley, Vice President of merchandising and marketing. “The selection of Kincaid reflects the growing role of furniture sales in our business,” he said. “It is the second consecutive year a furniture supplier was so honored. That category grew from a third of our retail sales in 2014 to number one last year.”
Hunter Douglas, Uttermost, and Horizon Window Fashions were presented with sales achievement awards for having the highest sales with franchisees. Surya was recognized for outstanding growth over the previous year.
“Our Preferred Supplier program covers a wide range of home furnishings products and is the cornerstone of our business model. These five were particularly outstanding in 2015,” said Haseley. “Our partnerships with suppliers across the U.S. and Canada distinguish us in the design business.” Haseley also noted the company’s supplier partnerships are key to its continued growth.
“2015 was another year of increased sales. Playing a major role in that growth is the increasing number of our franchise partners who are moving from home-based businesses to studio locations from which a team of decorators and support staff can work,” he said. “Consumers are looking for convenience, and our preferred supplier network is the foundation of our full-service home furnishings model with no-fee in-home design consultations that enables our designers to pull it all together for clients,” he added.