PMD Furniture Direct launches consumer Web site

Provides information on store locations, product offerings

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 18, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio — PMD Furniture Direct has launched a consumer Web site to help explain the evolution of the company's low-overhead, low-cost, and appointment-only approach to retailing.

That approach stemmed from founder and CEO Jeff Hosking's unpleasant shopping experience years earlier, spurring him to create a new retail model.

The site at www.pmdfurniture.com also will assist customers looking for franchise locations and information on PMD's product offerings, including new items by private-label brand Royal Heritage Home Furnishings. It also includes company news, a store locator and a blog. In addition, visitors will be able to sign up to receive an e-newsletter for design tips and trends.

PMD held its annual national sales conference Nov. 2-4 in Minneapolis, where it welcomed new franchisees.

"The future of the furniture industry is now," said Hosking. "This means PMD has to be positioned to serve its customers and franchisees online as well as in-store, which we already do well. We are committed to providing affordable options to help customers beautifully furnish homes, and to providing support and tools needed by franchisees to operate successful businesses."

PMD also operates a site for the Royal Heritage brand at www.royalheritagefurniture.com, and a new franchise development site at www.pmdfranchise.com.