Report: Brandon owner moves to China
Warehouse retailer has closed some stores
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, November 13, 2007
PALM BEACH, Fla. — Jim Brandon, the owner of troubled warehouse furniture retailer Brandon here, has moved with his family to China to establish “a new sales network,” after the company was sued by at least two suppliers for falling behind on payments, according to a report by the Palm Beach Post.
The company, which sells promotional to upscale furniture and home accents in a mix of company-owned and licensed stores, had 30 locations a few years ago, according to the story. It’s now down to 14 locations in eight states, according to its Web site.
La-Z-Boy’s was one of the suppliers that sued Brandon in December 2006, when about $386,000 was owed to its Lea, American Drew, Bauhaus, Sam Moore and Kincaid divisions. Dave Carpenter, director of credit for La-Z-Boy Financial Service in High Point told Furniture/Today the company has since recovered nearly all of that.
Brandon told the Post that his company owes about $11 million. He said he didn’t “flee” to China, but had to make the move “to stay in the furniture business.” To read the Post story, click here.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/search/content/local_news/epaper/2007/11/11/a2a_josecol_1111.html
