Walter E. Smithe expands unit
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, April 30, 2007
Chicago — Walter E. Smithe Furniture launched a replacement store in the Vernon Hills area here with a grand opening that included an appearance by designer Candice Olson.
The 40,000-square-foot store at 280 S. Milwaukee Ave. replaces a 5,000-square-foot Townline Mall unit.
Interior designer Olson, host of HGTV's "Divine Design," spoke about decorating, presented her upholstery line from Norwalk and signed copies of her new book, "Candice Olson on Design: Inspiration & Ideas for Your Home."
Walter E. Smithe, a 13-store Top 100 company, had estimated sales of $100.3 million in 2006.
The third-generation, 62-year-old retailer said the opening of the larger store is part of its strategy to capture more market share.
The chain features custom-order upholstery. Resources include Henredon, Marge Carson and Copeland Furniture's Frank Lloyd Wright collection.
The Vernon Hills store is among the first in the United States and Canada to feature Norwalk's Candice Olson Collection.
