Korson to sell Stein World in Canada
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, November 5, 2001
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Stein World, an importer specializing in hand-painted occasional and accent furniture, expects to see benefits from its new link with Ontario-based Korson Furniture Imports, which will distribute Stein World products in Canada.
"With its strong reputation among furniture retailers across Canada, Korson will open a lot of doors for Stein World," said President Andy Stein.
The companies made the move just before the High Point market. The partnership comes about as Korson comes under the control of a new president and chief executive officer, Joseph Roboz, who has acquired a stake in Korson. Company founder Bert Korson remains chairman.
New to the furniture industry, Roboz has worked for General Motors, Canadian Tire and Xerox Canada. He said his first priority is to grow the company, building on its established line of accent chairs, distributed products and a 300-member retail network.
"I believe we can expand the Korson chair line not only to retailers who don't currently carry our product, but to other markets as well," said Roboz.
Mat Marsh, Stein World's vice president of sales, said the company hasn't done much business in Canada, but expects Korson to generate easily $750,000 to $1 million (U.S.) in the first 12 to 18 months.
Stein World has a line of more than 400 pieces, with 90% in stock and available to ship within a week from its Memphis warehouse. Korson has a warehouse in Toronto.
Korson sales representatives also distribute products for U.S. manufacturers Regency House and Philip Reinisch, said Marsh.
