Hooker launches web site for international retailers

MARTINSVIILLE, Virginia – Hooker Furnishings, a manufacturer and distributor of both case goods and upholstery based here, has launched an international web site to cater to the information needs of its retail and interior design partners outside the United States.

The new web site features the publicly held company’s first international catalogue, which it believes to be curated with products reflective of global design trends that best resonate with its international audience. The catalogue is available in four languages (including French) and the web site features a simplified business-to-business (B2B) ordering process that allows both retail buyers and design professionals to add items directly to their carts.

It also features product from several of Hooker Furnishings’ wide array of brands, including Hooker Furniture, MARQ, Sam Moore and Bradington-Young. The site has also taken a more prominent spot on the company’s corporate page, making it easy to find. The web site is mobile enabled, making the format user-friendly on cellphones and tablets.

"Our goal was to create a truly engaging, best-in-class experience for our international customers with an exclusive catalog designed for our international customers that is both highly visual and emotive with room scene photography,” Brad Miller, vice president of international sales at Hooker Furnishings, said in a statement.

“We believe our online catalogue is unique among others in the industry in that those browsing can interact and learn about our products through a variety of multi-media content, including an interactive digital catalogue, product videos and more. Curating the product focus also makes it much easier for our international customers to shop our broad product line,” he added.

Hooker’s product assortment covers all the major categories including bedroom, dining room, occasional, upholstery and more. To browse, visit hookerfurniture.com/international.inc.

Miller told Home Goods Online the company currently markets all its brands in the Canadian market including, Hooker Case Goods, Hooker Upholstery, Sam Moore, Bradington-Young and MARQ. They are carried by over 100 retailers from coast-to-coast but do not have supply agreements with the buying groups.

The company has four sales representatives working in the Canadian market at this time and its currently looking to expand its retail network in this country – both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce.

Based here, the company – which had sales of US$540 million at the end of its last fiscal year – has corporate offices and upholstery manufacturing facilities in Virginia and North Carolina, and distribution centres in the United States, Vietnam and the People’s Republic of China. It also has a permanent showroom in High Point, North Carolina.