Furniture First Adds 2 Members; Sets Symposium Sponsorship Time

October 30, 2017  by Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, Industry, Special Events   

The newest independent retail members boost the group’s total membership to 483 retail storefronts representing more than $2 billion in retail sales.

J. Allan’s two locations in southern Mississippi are owned by Christopher Robinson. He acquired the stores from his previous employer and Furniture First member Lott Furniture in McComb, Miss.

J. Allan’s product mix is expected to take advantage of the group’s mid-to-higher end merchandise and business services for back end functions such as consumer financing and credit card processing.

FX Marcotte came to Furniture First after owner Michael Bonneau hired staff who had worked for a now-retired furniture retailer in his area. These staff members, employed at Crockett Furniture until the owner retired, had experience working with Furniture First programs and systems.

“We’re thrilled to add these two companies to the Furniture First family,” said Andrew Kauffman, CEO of Furniture First. “The familiarity of their staff will make it easy for them to maximize their returns quickly.”

Separately, Furniture First said it will open its sponsorship portal on Nov. 1 at noon ET for vendors interested in sponsorships at its next symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Only approved vendors will receive a link via email that will allow them to select their sponsorship, and officials said sponsorships are expected to sell out quickly.

“Our members and vendors really value the information and networking that they get at our Symposiums,” said Darby Hawkins, Furniture First’s event planner. “That’s why, since 2015, our sponsorships have sold out in quicker and quicker timeframes. Last year we ran out of table and booth spaces within four days. Even after adding additional tables, we had to turn vendors away.”

The symposium takes place May 14-16.