Analyst sees bright future for 3 Va. furniture makers

MARTINSVILLE, Va. An industry analyst is optimistic about the future for three


companies that have used different strategies to survive in the Southside region’s struggling furniture industry.
Bassett, Stanley and Hooker have tried different tactics in response to the increased popularity of imported furniture — which has replaced domestic lines at many companies.
Jerry Epperson of Mann, Armistead and Epperson in Richmond was complimentary of all three in an interview with the Martinsville Bulletin.
He says Hooker’s managers are “among the smartest people in the business.”
And he says Stanley also has good quality control.
Epperson says he’s looking forward to the new Bassett Furniture Direct store prototype.
He says that with 134 stores, the company can get “good leverage in the marketplace.”
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