Hammary (re)makes history
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, July 19, 2004
Lenoir, N.C. — La-Z-Boy division Hammary has signed a deal to create a licensed furniture collection with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The National Trust, a private nonprofit organization, was founded in 1949 to protect historic places and buildings. In addition to preserving such natural sites as Nine Mile Canyon in Utah, it manages several historic homes and buildings.
Hammary said it is in the early stages of development and doesn't know yet what categories the collection will cover when it is launched at the April 2005 High Point market, with the name National Trust — Design in America.
Hammary specializes in accent and occasional furniture and upholstery, but also carries casual dining and adult bedroom.
The company has a wide variety of inspiration from which to choose. Among the 25 historic sites in the National Trust are Frank Lloyd Wright's home in Illinois, James Madison's Montpelier Station, Va., home, Woodrow Wilson's house in Washington, and the Filoli mansion in California.
"Hammary looks forward to the opportunity to be able to develop furniture for today's lifestyles inspired by these great American homes and historic places," said John Labarowski, Hammary president.
Miriam Lenett, director of business development for the trust, said she was excited to be working with Hammary because its "vision for a National Trust furniture collection truly celebrates America's diverse design heritage."
This is the National Trust's second venture into the furniture industry. It introduced a licensed collection with Century in 1997.
Licensing company MODA International Marketing helped connect the organization with Hammary. While much of the company's goods are imported, MODA noted that Hammary has a legacy of furniture with American designs.
"We are confident that Hammary will become 'the source for American-designed furniture'," said Michelle Alfandari, MODA president.
