Hughes launches Kiss Upholstery
By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, February 25, 2002
ASHEBORO, N.C. — Furniture manufacturing veteran Pamela L. Hughes has launched Kiss Upholstery here to make promotional stationary upholstery.
Kiss, which Hughes said stands for "Keep It Super Simple," will concentrate on the $399 to $499 retail price points for a sofa.
"But we'll be doing promotional furniture with a little style and class," she said. "We plan to use top covers, not stuff that's three to five years old. The same thing with styling: It won't be the 'same old, same old'."
Hughes is the daughter of Wilbur Hughes, founder of promotional manufacturer Hughes Furniture in Randleman, N.C. She was a vice president there for 10 years, responsible for sales and marketing. In addition, she was involved in everything from receptionist to inspector at Caraway Furniture, also founded by her father. In all, Hughes has 20 years experience in the industry.
Opened Jan. 14, Kiss has four transitional and contemporary frames in production, with two more planned by the April market. The company's showroom will be at 333 South Main St.
The 40,000-square-foot factory, formerly owned by her brother, Bruce Hughes, of N.C. Lumber, employs 60 people. Hughes said samples have been sent to major dealers, and the reception "has been excellent."
Key members of Kiss's management team are Jerry Hunsucker, secretary/treasurer; Tina Hussey, plant manager; Sue Farmers, Hughes' assistant; and Rita Spencer, purchasing manager. Hughes is sole owner of the company.
"I just saw a need for it," she said of the new company. "I think furniture is boring. Furniture people are aging out, and their needs to be some female input. We have a different-looking product. We're not competing with anybody. We're in a niche by ourselves."
Hughes expects Kiss to reach $25 million in annual sales in about three years.
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| Kiss Upholstery founder Pamela L. Hughes says she's making "promotional furniture with a little style and class." |
