Elements launches quick-ship, mixed container program

Initially includes 15 bedrooms shipped from Vietnam

Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, January 5, 2011

The Raven bedroom by Elements International Group is one of 15 that the company will include in its quick ship, mixed container program from Vietnam. The contemporary set has a solid rubberwood frame, a lacquer finish and brushed nickel hardware.

ROCKWALL, Texas — Case goods importer Elements International Group has begun a quick-ship, mixed container program out of Vietnam to help large and small retailers flow goods more efficiently from Asia.

The goods will ship from a 40,000-square-foot, humidity-controlled warehouse in Vietnam that stocks goods from Vietnam and Malaysia. Goods are expected to ship from the facility in as little as a week from the time of order.

The program initially will include 15 of Elements' bestselling bedrooms. Once it gets off the ground, the company will likely add youth bedroom and entertainment to the mix, said Mike Wurster, president.

To participate, retailers need to order one mixed container of product. This mix can include any of the 15 bedrooms, which represent just over half of the company's bedroom mix.

Jack Wurster, company CEO and majority owner, said inventory is ready to ship and that the company has already begun receiving orders.

"Elements is very excited to offer this service to customers who are unable to buy a full container of one item," he said in a statement. "The bottom line is better cash flow and inventory turnover without sacrificing service levels."

The company also will continue to operate its domestic warehouse in Rockwall, Texas. However, the new program will address demand from customers who want more flexibility in ordering goods from Asia.