Stein World merges with lighting co. Emess Design
Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, July 19, 2004
Memphis, Tenn. — Occasional furniture importer Stein World has merged with lighting company Emess Design Group to broaden its offerings and customer base.
The two companies will operate as separate divisions of privately held EDG/SW Holdings. Chairman George McLaughlin said the former companies' owners are part of the holdings corporation and that no management changes will be made to either.
Stein World designs and imports such occasional pieces as tables, chests, desks and mirrors. The connection with lighting seemed natural since most of the furniture ends up with a lamp on it, said President Andy Stein.
Emess President Michael Smith said the deal will allow the merged companies to offer Stein World's goods to specialty stores and mass merchants, channels Stein World hasn't focused on.
Stein World has posted double-digit sales increases in each of the past six years, according to Andy Stein.
"We look forward to offering lighting products and enhanced direct-import opportunities," he said. The company has more than 100 new items planned for the October High Point market and will accessorize the furniture with Emess lighting.
Pennsylvania-based Emess designs and makes lighting under its own brands and holds licenses for Coca-Cola, Norman Rockwell, NASCAR and Trading Spaces.
The companies also announced that they had purchased lampshade manufacturer Nicole Corp. for an undisclosed amount. Nicole markets primarily under the brand J. Alexander and a variety of private labels for retailers.
