Ore. retailers win Gold Pass recognition
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, July 26, 2004
San Francisco — Retailers Wes and Paula Holt of Home Collections in Salem, Ore., will receive the San Francisco Mart's Gold Pass award for Summer Market 2004.
The Holts opened their 5,000-square-foot Oak Unlimited franchise in 1996 with no previous experience in the furniture industry.
After five years, they became independent operators, expanding the store with 10,000 square feet dedicated to dining. In 2003, they added leather to their lines and another 10,000 square feet for upholstery.
"We're becoming known for having the nicest displays and best accessories," said Paula Holt.
The Holts say they prefer to do their buying at the San Francisco Market.
"Buying from West Coast vendors alleviates many shipping problems and ensures a timely delivery of our customer's custom orders," said Paula Holt. "Since we didn't grow up in the industry, the educational seminars and networking are invaluable."
She added that the company plans its buying carefully. "With all the competition, we have to really plan ahead and choose what we buy more carefully," she said. "We focus on what we think would look beautiful in a home, buying things outside of our comfort zones and tastes, not just what we like."
The Gold Pass is awarded to Western retailers who have set themselves apart with their industry participation, the quality of their retail stores and their ongoing support of the San Francisco Mart.
The Holts will be honored at a ceremony at 6:15 p.m. on July 17 at the San Francisco Concourse during an event marking the Western Home Furnishings Assn.'s 60th anniversary.
