People On The Move

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, February 11, 2011

Executives
Aaron's
ATLANTA — Rent-to-own retailer Aaron's has promoted John Trainor to vice president, chief information officer.

An 11-year company employee, he was most recently vice president, information technology, of the Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership Division. Trainor joined Aaron's in 1999 in software development and the design and management of enterprise systems.

"He has proven his leadership ability and has been the driving force in the development and management of Aaron's information systems," said Robert Loudermilk Jr., president and CEO.

Washington Design Center
WASHINGTON — Jim Gooding, vice president of sales for Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. in High Point since 2009, has been named vice president and general manager of the Washington Design Center, which also is owned by MMPI.

In his new post, Gooding will oversee operations and leasing for the 60 high-end showrooms and offices in the design center.

Before joining MMPI's High Point properties, Gooding spent more than 25 years in the home furnishings and textiles industries.

"Jim brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the home furnishings industry to the Washington Design Center," said John Brennen III, executive vice president of MMPI. "Jim understands our business, the challenges that our showrooms face, and the importance of strong relationships with our clients and customers."

MMPI has not named a replacement for Gooding in High Point.

Whitaker	Phillips
Glick	Dupley

Managers
Martin Home Furnishings
SAN DIEGO — Laura Whitaker has joined case goods source Martin Home Furnishings as e-commerce account manager, a new position at the company.

Martin said it created the post to better serve its current online shoppers and to expand its e-commerce channel. Whitaker will be responsible for overseeing online sales and marketing and growing sales with current and new ecommerce customers.

"Laura brings a strong background in e-commerce," said Karl Eulberg, Martin's vice president of sales and marketing. "Her extensive understanding of this rapidly growing channel will help us stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing climate of online sales. We are thrilled to have her join the Martin Home Furnishings team."

Whitaker has experience in online product presentation, customer relations and account management. Before joining Martin, she was the Web content editor at Phoenix Footwear, where she wrote copy and contributed to online marketing strategy, account management and email campaigns.

Weekends Only
ST. LOUIS — Weekends Only Furniture has hired Karen Phillips as its corporate visual display manager, a new position for the retailer. She will oversee showroom display efforts at Weekends Only's six stores in the St. Louis metro area.

Before joining the company, Phillips worked at Bassett Furniture for more than 13 years.

"I am excited to be adding an individual with Karen's strengths and abilities to the Weekends Only team," said Lane Hamm, chief financial officer and director of stores.

Palliser
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Palliser Furniture has named Brad Glick as regional sales manager for the eastern United States. Glick, who most recently was regional vice president of sales at Schnadig, is replacing Derek Dupley, who has been named Palliser's national accounts sales manger for Canada.

"Brad's knowledge and experience with North American manufacturing at Schnadig makes him a perfect fit for the Palliser business model," said Cary Benson, president of Palliser sales and marketing.

In his new role, Dupley is responsible for developing business with Sears Canada, The Brick and other national accounts. He reports to Nicole Morin, Canadian sales manager.

"Derek has done an incredible job over the past four years in the eastern U.S.," Morin said. "I'm looking forward to working with him to strengthen our relationships in Canada."