Vaughan to introduce more upscale case goods line

Jeff Linville — Furniture Today,
GALAX, Va. — Former Durham CEO John Scarsella and his

son are heading a new domestic case goods division for Vaughan Furniture.
Virginia Sterling: American Home Furnishings Refined will be produced at Vaughan’s facility here. The division will debut at next month’s High Point Market with four solid-wood bedroom collections, shown in 5,000 square feet in Market Square.
The initial groups will be in 19th century English, cottage, Louis Philippe and transitional styles. While the themes aren’t a complete deviation from the Vaughan line, the pieces are a step up in construction (including the use of solid wood), look and price point. Target retail prices will range from $2,999 to $3,999, about double the typical Vaughan group’s $1,500 to $2,000.
John Scarsella spent 15 years in retail before joining Durham in 1993. After Durham co-owner Orville Mead’s death in 2002, John became CEO until resigning in 2016. He honored his 18-month non-compete clause and now is ready to get back to work.
Michael Scarsella was Durham’s director of marketing and product development before leaving to start an import business last year called Cardinal Furniture, which has since been dissolved.
Vaughan Furniture has retained the Scarsellas’ company, Scarsella and Associates, to manage Virginia Sterling, said Michael Scarsella. The division will be based in Canfield, Ohio.
Vaughan President Taylor C. Vaughan said the new division will allow the company to use its manufacturing resources “to their fullest potential. Our people couldn’t be more excited about providing high-quality, great-looking furniture that is manufactured right here in Galax.”
John Scarsella said Vaughan’s commitment to capital improvement and technology over the years has given the company a state-of-the-art machining and finishing operation.
He said Virginia Sterling will provide a limited number of retailers with exclusive services and products, which will begin shipping from here by June.
“We are committed to the independent retailer and we understand what they need from vendors – style, quality, value, service and, most important, a truly protective distribution philosophy,” he said.
Michael Scarsella said he and his father were chatting with industry analyst Jerry Epperson and mentioned the desire to get back into manufacturing. Epperson thought there could be synergy with Vaughan, and the Scarsellas contacted the company.