Great American Oak shuts down
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, October 28, 2001
CHINO, Calif. — Home entertainment manufacturer Great American Oak has closed and is selling its equipment.
Owner Earl Payton will focus on other business ventures, according to Duane Utt, former vice president of sales.
As recently as the April market, the company was expanding its line, introducing adult bedroom furniture for the first time. But Great American didn't show at the just-concluded fall market. Its space on the seventh floor of the National Furniture Mart was occupied by Martin Furniture.
Patrick Hayes, marketing director for Martin, said his company was approached about buying Great American Oak, but declined. He said Great American didn't close because of financial woes, but simply because of Payton's decision to exit the furniture industry.
One company in a position to profit from its competitor's demise is Arbek, which has contacted former Great American Oak customers and will endeavor to service them.
Arbek, also based in Chino, cut home entertainment from its line five years ago to focus on its expanding master bedroom program. The old entertainment line focused on small consoles and armoires, said Michelle McPherson, national marketing director.
Now, Arbek plans to offer more than 35 SKUs of wall units similar to those offered by Great American. They will be made of oak and alder in styles ranging from traditional to contemporary.
"We are making a few changes designed to make the product even better," said Carlos Morales, Arbek president.
"We know oak real well," said McPherson. "The designs are simple yet functional."
Utt has been named to the new post of sales manager for the Arbek Home Entertainment division. Some former Great American Oak sales representatives also are joining Arbek.
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