Musical showrooms for Collezione, two other exhibitors
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, May 22, 2006
High Point — Case goods importer Collezione Europa will move for the October market here to a 34,000-square-foot showroom at 206 E. Green Drive, a two-story building now leased by Hickory White.
Hickory White is moving to a similar-size space at 309 N. Hamilton St. now occupied by Classic Leather, which will look for new showroom space, said President Tommy Shores Jr.
Collezione Europa has been showing in two spaces, the 14,000-square-foot building it owns at 131 W. Commerce Ave. and in about 12,000 square feet of space in the C&D Building.
Paul Frankel, vice president and chief operating officer, said the move will allow Collezione to show its case goods, accents and upholstery under one roof in a more home-like setting.
He said the company had hoped to find an even larger space, but this was the best available. "We think it's a very good location."
He said the West Commerce building is for sale, and has drawn one offer and some other interest from potential buyers.
Hickory White CEO Jim Adams said the company has been in its current location for about 20 years, but he looks forward to its move to the heart of the Hamilton-Wrenn district. This will put it will be closer to sister companies in the Sherrill group, including Theodore Alexander.
"We are delighted to be able to occupy a space in the Hamilton-Wrenn district and look forward to having a lot of increased traffic as a result," Adams said. He said the three-story building will allow the company to show its line in a more open format.
Classic Leather has been showing at 309 N. Hamilton for 15 years. The company sold the building to Paul Broyhill in 1999, but has continued to lease the space.
Grande Arredo has leased the top floor for the past three years, said Shores.
He said he would like 4,000 to 8,000 square feet of showroom space, but "a prime location" is most important. He hopes to remain in the upscale Hamilton-Wrenn district.
"The market is not as important to us as a company as it was 15 years ago when we built this showroom, and we don't need as much space to do an effective job," Shores said
Classic Leather has participated in only one High Point market annually, in April, since 2004.
| Acknowledgements | ||
| Leather Editor Joan Gunin contributed to this story. | ||
