Ireland, Standard split
Three other partnerships extended
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, February 23, 2009
Bay Minette, Ala. — Bay Minette, Ala.— Kathy Ireland Worldwide and case goods manufacturer and importer Standard Furniture have ended a partnership that dates back to 2001.
Separately, KIWW announced that it has extended three other home furnishings industry licenses to 2014 with Martin Home Furnishings, Shaw Inds. and Pacific Coast Lighting.
At Standard, the companies said the relationship had ended effective immediately.
"Our partnership has been very rewarding," Standard Chairman Billy Hodgson said in a statement. "Together, we sold a lot of great furniture. Kathy is a great person."
Todd Evans, Standard's vice president of sales and marketing, said the company and Kathy Ireland Worldwide had been discussing exiting the partnership for more than a year.
"Standard Furniture regrets, but understands KIWW's desire to reach a different place at this moment of their growth,” Evans added. “It is a sad but powerful day for both companies. Kathy and her team are wonderful people. We are grateful that they agreed to wait until after the Las Vegas Market to announce the decision.”
He said the agreement covered imported and domestic case goods with four-piece bedrooms on average retailing from $1,399 to $1,499 and five-piece casual dining sets retailing at $999.
Standard doesn't plan to get into another licensing agreement for at least 12-18 months, Evans said, adding that the company is focusing on efficiency and cost reduction efforts to reduce its overhead.
In a statement, Kathy Ireland, chair, CEO and chief designer of Kathy Ireland Worldwide, said Standard Furniture “will always have a special place in our hearts. They contributed mightily to the success of KI Home.”
The two companies said they will work with customers to ensure a smooth transition until a replacement furniture partner is lined up. Kathy Ireland officials said they will make that announcement soon.
The partnership with Martin, which started in April 2003, covers home office and home entertainment. The partnership with Shaw covers flooring products, and the one with Pacific Coast covers lighting in a variety of styles.
“The continuity of these strategic relationships is a foundation for Kathy Ireland Home and our retailers and consumers,” Ireland said in her statement.
“Shaw Inds., Pacific Coast Lighting and Kathy Ireland Home by Martin are powerful companies which will fulfill our mission of finding solutions for families, especially busy moms.”
Martin Home Furnishings President Gil Martin said he was pleased to continue the partnership.
“Kathy's great design and business sense helps guide us through these challenging times,” said Martin.
“Since the inception of our partnership, I have watched my company flourish. Kathy's team and our team work well together because we share the same set of values and work ethic, and most importantly, we put the customers' needs first.”
Kathy Ireland Worldwide also said it has promoted Stephen Roseberry to president and chief operating officer. A 20-year veteran of the company, he had been executive vice president of marketing. He reports to Ireland.
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