Channell new Spring Air Canada president
Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, September 15, 2003
Toronto — Furniture retailing veteran Les Channell has been named president of bedding producer Spring Air Canada and its Quebec-based subsidiary, Sommex International.
He succeeds Normand Ricard, who recently sold the company for an undisclosed sum to Spring Air Partners. A former president of the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Assn., Ricard has retired but retains a stake in Spring Air Partners.
In addition to the Spring Air and Sommex brands, the company makes Restwell bedding and the Body Contour line for Sleep Country Canada.
Channell has spent 30 years in retailing, most of it at Sears Canada and most recently as general merchandise manager for furniture, bedding and appliances at The Bay, the department store banner of Hudson's Bay Co. In his new post, he reports to Les Ayres, chairman and chief executive officer of Spring Air Partners, based in New York.
"For me, this is a great opportunity to move this company forward," Channell said. "I know what retailers want and how they work. My job here is to grow the company. We'll be launching a new line of beds later this year."
Spring Air Canada is strong with independent retailers, and Channell intends to gain a foothold with major national accounts. He also plans to create a new senior management team.
The company has moved out of its permanent space in Toronto's International Center and will exhibit this January in a new showroom at its nearby factory, Channell said.
