Furniture First buying group adds two New Hampshire retailers

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 5, 2012

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Two New Hampshire retailers have joined the Furniture First buying group, Brown Furniture of West Lebanon and Parson's Furniture of Wolfeboro.

Brown, in business for 72 years, is owned by Phil Desmond and Ron Gobeil, and Parsons, in business for 58 years, is owned by Patrick Cullinan.

The additions, which were approved by the Furniture First board, bring the membership to 192 companies with 410 stores in 47 states with combined annual sales of $1.4 billion, the group said.

In a release, Furniture First President Bill Hartman said the group "offers a competitive advantage to independents in a difficult economy," building their bottom line through programs that include rebates, discounts and operational efficiencies. The group also has exclusive and private label goods to help members improve their margins and differentiate themselves from the competition.

During the October High Point Market, Furniture First will present a new private label Mattress 1st promotional lineup made by Serta in its showroom on the second floor of the Radio Building on South Main Street.

It's also planning a series of group shops to introduce new lines and highlight its exclusive private labels.