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From Home Furnishing Business

Alala Joins A.R.T. as VP for Upholstery, Visual Merchandising

October 21, 2013  by in Executive Changes, Industry   

She reports to Jeffrey Behmer, vice president of merchandising, who manages merchandising and product development for the whole home resource. Alala is responsible for the development and execution of the merchandising of upholstery design, textiles, and visual presentation. She also will interact with key accounts and independent dealers.

“As one of the most talented professionals in the industry, Denise brings 19 years of merchandising experience developing salable correlated groups of case goods and upholstery,” Behmer said. “She is wonderfully poised to interpret the fashion trends for our whole-home, holistic approach to our product design.”

Alala previously served as vice president of creative design for Drexel Home Furnishings; and similar roles at Vanguard Furniture and Hickory Chair Furniture.

“Our upholstery division has grown significantly since it was launched as an initiative led by our V.P. of Sales Jeremy Hoff one year ago. Now the program calls for someone dedicated to upholstery who also is gifted in translating fashion trends in the home environment upstream to product ideas and concepts,” said Jeffrey L. Cook, A.R.T. CEO. “Denise’s track record with high-end, fashion-forward companies will be invaluable as we expand the program and increase our offerings of fabrics across multiple style categories, price points, and distribution channels.”