Retailer displays Ekornes seating in local airport
By Larry Thomas -- Furniture Today, January 1, 2006
Knoxville, Tenn. — Retailer Jim Arnwine, who has generated hundreds of sales leads in recent years from reclining chair displays at local shopping malls, has expanded his off-premises sales effort to the local airport.
Arnwine, whose store, Arnwine Home Furnishings, is one of the largest Ekornes dealers in the eastern United States, recently created a rest area at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport that is filled with Ekornes' signature Stressless recliners.
Early feedback from travelers has been overwhelmingly positive — at least from those alert enough to offer their opinions.
"The last time I went out there to check on it ... there were five people asleep in Stressless chairs," Arnwine quipped.
The display, which includes five Stressless chairs and a Stressless sofa, is the first thing most travelers see after they complete a security inspection. There's also a small sign with the store's phone number and a table with Ekornes literature.
Just like the shopping mall displays, which Arnwine's has maintained for two years, the store routinely gets calls from people while they are relaxing in the chairs. Many say they are ready to buy one right away, despite the typical $1,000 to $1,500 retail price for a Stressless chair.
For callers who don't live in the Knoxville area, Arnwine said he's happy to refer them to an Ekornes dealer near their home.
Arnwine said he will replace the furniture at the airport every 60 days, selling the display units in a "sample sale."
He said such events always have been successful when he changes his mall displays, and he believes he will be able to sell the used chairs in a matter of days.
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