Company and Competitor Profile: Hickory Chair Co.
Company Overview
Hickory Chair Co is a distinguished furniture manufacturer based in Hickory, North Carolina, renowned for its custom wood and upholstered furnishings. With over 113 years in the industry, it offers a vast range of products from 18th-century mahogany reproductions to modern casual furniture and collaborates with designers for exclusive collections. The company employs approximately 66 people and boasts an annual revenue of $6.4 million.
Key Products and Offerings
Hickory Chair stands out for its extensive product line, including chairs, sofas, dining tables, beds, and dressers. Known for high customizability, it offers tailor-made options through bespoke textures, trims, fabrics, and finishes. Their popular product lines include Made To Measure Tables and Textures Credenzas, exhibiting a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Recent introductions such as the Jules Swivel Chair, Laurent Counter Stool, and Laurent Dining Chair demonstrate their innovation in design.
Recent Developments and Innovations
Staying relevant through continuous innovation, Hickory Chair takes part in important industry events, like the High Point Fall Market Showroom Tour, showcasing their latest collections and maintaining visibility. The company is committed to sustainable practices, aligning with its historical craftsmanship legacy.
Leadership and Management Team
The leadership at Hickory Chair is led by Federico Contigiani, the President, who has demonstrated success in the luxury furniture market. Parker Goss, previously the President, remains influential from his role as Vice President of Merchandising. The team includes Ward OQuinn, Vice President of Sales; Laura Holland, Vice President of Marketing with over 30 years of luxury brand marketing experience; and Atkins Tim, Vice President of Manufacturing, known for his expertise in high-end custom home furnishings.
Strategic Focus and Market Position
Hickory Chair is positioned as a provider of fine, custom-crafted luxury home furnishings. Their strategy emphasizes brand identity through distinctive product lines and maintaining a high artistry standard. The company aims to lead the upscale furniture sector through strategic leadership and focused market offerings.
Contact Information
- Website: [Hickory Chair](http://www.hickorychair.com/)
- Location: 37 9th Street Place SE, Hickory, North Carolina, USA
- LinkedIn: [HICKORY CHAIR CO - LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hickory-chair-co)
Competitor Profiling
Main Competitors
Hickory Chair competes with several key furniture industry players:
1. French Heritage: Known for high-quality, custom-designed furniture targeting residential and hospitality sectors. Based in High Point, NC, it employs 11-50 people.
2. Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (MG+BW): A significant competitor in wholesale furniture and home furnishings, MG+BW is noted for extensive customization and eco-friendly production practices. Founded in 1989, they are part of Surya Inc. and employ 51-200 people.
3. Baker Furniture: Specializes in luxury home furnishings under the Baker-McGuire umbrella, focusing on merging traditional and contemporary design.
4. Crate and Barrel: A global retail brand with over 100 stores and 7,500 employees, known for modern and functional designs.
5. Arhaus: Like Crate and Barrel, Arhaus offers a wide range of home furnishings and decor, emphasizing sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship.
Specific Competitor Insights
- French Heritage captures luxury markets with French fashion and architectural accents.
- MG+BW stands out with full digital customization capabilities, enhancing personalized customer experiences.
- Baker Furniture leverages high-quality materials and sophisticated design for the premium market.
- Crate and Barrel's broad reach capitalizes on versatile, modern product offerings in retail and digital markets.
- Arhaus commits to artisanal practices and environmentally friendly materials, appealing to sustainability-focused consumers.
Strategic Considerations
To maintain and expand its market presence, Hickory Chair may consider:
- Enhancing digital capabilities and customization offerings, following trends set by competitors like MG+BW.
- Promoting its heritage and craftsmanship in marketing strategies.
- Collaborating with designers for exclusive high-end collections, similar to Baker Furniture's approach.
- Increasing investments in sustainable practices to meet industry shifts towards environmental responsibility, following the lead of companies like Arhaus.
With these strategic initiatives, Hickory Chair could strengthen its competitive edge and increase market penetration in the luxury home furnishings sector.
