Former flagship Robb & Stucky unit reopens
Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, January 9, 2012
Lush
FORT MYERS, Fla. - The new owners of the Robb & Stucky brand name had a soft opening for the chain's former flagship store here last week, promising a unique experience for consumers shopping high-end and luxury home furnishings.
However, they remain mum on expansion plans.
The 60,000-square-foot Robb & Stucky International showroom and design studio "is a new beginning for a great retail brand," said Steve Lush, RSI president. The store will grand open Jan. 12, the same night the retailer hosts a VIP party for designers, community leaders and business partners.
Suppliers to the upscale store include American Leather, Burton James, Century, E.J. Victor, French Heritage, Hancock & Moore, Henredon, Hickory Chair, HFI Brands, Marge Carson, Massoud, Miles Talbott, Ralph Lauren, Thomas & Gray, Vanguard, W. Schillig and Royall & Borden in bedding. Outdoor furniture suppliers include Cast Classics, Patio Renaissance and Winston.
Samson Holding CEO Samuel Kuo and his family acquired the rights to the Robb & Stucky name and other intellectual assets for $470,000 last year following the Top 100 company's bankruptcy filing and subsequent closing of all stores in Florida, Texas, Arizona and Nevada.
The new Robb & Stucky International then acquired the 77,000-square-foot Fort Myers location on Cleveland Avenue for $6.3 million, according to a local report. It houses the new store as well as RSI's home office.
The owners have said they plan on reestablishing the brand in the United States before eventually expanding overseas, but have not elaborated on that plan.
In a press release, Lush said the focus since the March acquisition of the intellectual property has been on "restoring the brand equities inherent in the Robb & Stucky name."
"There's no doubt that the bankruptcy of the previous company had a negative impact on the brand," he said. "However, because the brand has built a strong reputation over the past 96 years, we are confident that with strong financial support, a clear strategic vision and strong management to execute that vision, we can restore the brand to its full potential."
He would not disclose sales projections.
Lush said the company has hired former Robb & Stucky employees and has brought in key executives from outside the former retailer for a "fresh perspective."
Lush said "historic economic events" have changed the way people shop for and buy furniture. As the recovery continues, he added, "consumers will expect more value, more style, more selection and more authenticity in the shopping experience."
He said the new store will be friendly and easy to shop with "the very best products from America, Canada, Europe and around the world" displayed in lifestyle shops.
Lush said the design service the store offers will be "right-sized for the customer," offering help with small purchases and well as full makeovers.
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