Wampler leaves Natale; strategy remains in place
By Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, March 21, 2004
High Point — High Point— John Wampler has resigned as president after six months at Italian leather and case goods producer Natale.
Wampler, who joined Natale after a 30-year-stint with case goods maker Pulaski, said he intends to remain in the furniture industry.
He joined Natale as vice president in October 2003. He was elevated to president following the departure earlier this year of James Riddle, who joined Asian importer Lifestyle Enterprise. Les Herman was hired as vice president.
Now led by Herman, under the aegis of owner and CEO Gabriele Natale, the company is broadening offerings and speeding deliveries as it moves to become a global resource.
Expressing his high regard for Wampler, Natale said, "John's leaving doesn't change Natale's focus, which is mainly on leather upholstery. As far as hiring someone new, we are in no rush. We'll look around and if the right person comes along, we'll take advantage of the opportunity. The most important thing for Natale is to follow through with the plan we set out in January, and Les and I will be able to carry it out."
Herman, formerly affiliated with Natuzzi and Elite Leather, also worked in case goods at Lane in the 1980s.
Natale plans to add Asian case goods and alter its wood finishes. Leather will be backed by in-stock domestic warehousing, and an Asian cut-and-sew program is being considered.
Natale, which shipped $64 million worth of leather upholstery in 2003, will introduce 15 custom frames at High Point next month and will add some high-end leathers, including a protected aniline that resembles a waxy pull-up.
The midpriced leather collection will add traditional looks to its $799 to $1,299 contemporary and transitional styles. Natale won't abandon its signature three-piece promotional packages and microfiber also will gain renewed attention.
Natale, founded in 1962 as a case goods resource specializing in glossy Italian-made lacquer bedroom sets, entered the U.S. market in the late 1980s. The leather upholstery component, a trickle when launched five years ago, has grown to represent 80% of volume.
Following the lead of other importers, Natale opened its first leather warehouse outside Dallas in early March. The warehouse will ship within 24 hours of receipt of order.
Production of case pieces will shift from Italy to China. "We don't want to lose the lower-to-medium price points," Herman said. Natale bedrooms, ranging from $999 to $1,999, are sold to chains and independents.
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