Hughes launches Kiss Upholstery
By Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, February 24, 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.
%5CImages-Art%5CNEW%20SCANS-FT%5CKiss.jpg)
|
| Kiss Upholstery founder Pamela L. Hughes says she's making "promotional furniture with a little style and class." |
-
Blain Wrench joins Stickley as VP of sales
Oct 18, 2011 -
Superstyle Hires Medland as GM
Feb 21, 2011 -
Z-Line Designs zips into leather
Apr 18, 2012 -
Z-Line Designs adds leather upholstery line
Apr 11, 2012 -
American Furniture sales tumble 23.1% in 2011
Mar 8, 2012
Featured Company
-
Wright Labels
Bill and Tom Wright founded Wright of Thomasville in 1961 on the idea that printing was a creative medium and the belief that "a promise made is a promise kept." The Wright brothers focused their attention on providing exceptional printing for the... more
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
