McCollum is Progressive senior merchandising VP
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, May 21, 2007
Claremont, N.C. — Industry veteran Mike McCollum has joined Progressive Furniture as senior vice president of merchandising for the imported Woodlands division.
McCollum most recently was senior vice president of merchandising for case goods at Broyhill.
Earlier, he was vice president and general manager of the Signature division of SLF.
"Our goal is to be the leading supplier to retailers offering innovative designs and quality while offering the best values in the marketplace," said Progressive President Dennis Ammons. "The addition of Mike will ensure we achieve that goal."
While this is a new position, McCollum's responsibilities will include merchandising for occasional, entertainment and casual dining once handled by Tamara Evans, a vice president who has left the company.
Progressive and parent company Sauder long have been active in the promotional niche, and in 2005 acquired Royal Patina, adding goods in the upper-medium price range. Ammons said he wants McCollum to create new product that fills the void between the two price point ranges, in the lower medium to medium range.
Progressive also has a strong foundation of Top 100 retail customers, said Ammons, but he wants more variety in pricing and style to expand its client base to more midsized companies. He believes McCollum's experience will help.
McCollum said he will emphasize both styling and execution, to make sure imported goods have the best value. He added that he may add more casual dining selections.
