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Bassett taps Swanston for retail post

By Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, October 14, 2001

BASSETT, Va. — Bassett Furniture has named Tom Swanston executive vice president of sales and marketing, responsible for the full-line manufacturer's retail initiatives.

With more than 30 years of retail experience, he has been a consultant to Bassett for the past year and half, helping develop its current retail models. From 1992 to 1999, he was vice president and general manager of business development at Ethan Allen Interiors, and later served as advisor to the chairman.

The appointment is part of Bassett's strategy to grow its three main retail channels — the Bassett Furniture Direct dedicated store network of licensed dealers, At Home with Bassett in-store galleries, and the Five Star dealer network, primarily smaller stores which get 14-day delivery on exclusive goods.

"His experience in all aspects of sales and marketing will be instrumental as Bassett continues to become a more retail-driven company," said Rob Spilman, president and chief executive officer.

Swanston reports to Spilman. Vice President of Sales Tom Prato and Vice President of Marketing Jack Johnson report to Swanston.

Bassett and it dealers have worked over the past several years to strengthen relationships, Swanston said. "This hard work is now starting to show results for both existing and new stores," he said

Sales overall have been soft for most of the year, although BFD stores experienced strong sales in August and September, the company said.

So far this year, dealer licensees have opened nine BFD stores and closed three. Seven more are expected to open this year, for a total of about 70.

The company plans to open about 15 BFD stores a year, primarily targeting such metro markets as Wilmington, Del.; San Diego; New York and Long Island; Paramus, N.J.; Beaverton, Ore.; Seattle; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; Houston; St. Louis; San Antonio and Tucson, Ariz.

About 30 in-store galleries should open next year for a total of about 214. And Bassett is adding more exclusive product for Five Star dealers at the October market.

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