Davis launching import firm
Joan Gunin -- Furniture Today, August 22, 2005
San Diego — Luana Davis has resigned as vice president of merchandising and product development at manufacturer Douglas Furniture to launch a design and marketing firm, Luana Living.
Luana Living will sell products manufactured in Asia and sent container-direct to retailers, targeting mid-major chains. "I have always wanted to operate a company on my own and this is my opportunity," Davis said.
She joined Douglas in May 2004. Previously, she held posts in product development, merchandising, marketing and sales at Bauhaus USA, LeatherTrend and Natuzzi.
"Luana was a terrific member of our management team and we wish her well with her new endeavors," said Robert MacDonald, CEO of Douglas Furniture. "She made significant contributions as we built our manufacturing and merchandising capabilities and we will all miss her."
In her new venture, Davis will be involved in the design and development of upholstery and coordinated casual dining and occasional pieces. The product will be made in China, with leather and fabric from China applied to U.S.-designed frames.
"Over the years, I have developed relationships with many factories there," Davis said.
At Douglas, the company's merchandising committee of MacDonald; Ken Salm, senior vice president of sales; Tom Gates, vice president, Western region; John Lucas, vice president, Eastern region; and Lee Sheets, vice president of manufacturing, will focus on executing Douglas' business and product strategy.
MacDonald said he would pursue filling the merchandising vacancy either internally or externally.
