RH: That’s where our reputation that we developed over the years comes in. Gi Gi Industries is a very strong, established business and people know us. Ashley is recognized worldwide so it attracts people. Some people may just come to look around, window shop; and that’s when the perception changes, it is high quality but not all the pieces are priced as high-end. There’s something for everyone. Whatever product slows down in sales, Ashley stops carrying it so that the inventory is always fresh and people like that. What keeps people coming back is what we call “The Ashley Experience”.
BF: How did you decide which sort of charity initiative upon which to embark? RH: For Ashley headquarters, that’s the project they’ve always chose for October to always give back and that’s because a majority of our clientele are women and it’s good to find something out of all we do, to give back to them. We’re doing a big promotion where the store goes pink and we’re donating a percentage of our sales to Breast Friends,
a local cancer awareness association. Also, we are holding a draw to give away 10 mammograms from Belmont Clniic. We want to bring awareness to this disease because not enough people pay attention to it. With breast cancer, once you diagnose it early, you can get it treated. So, we are encouraging people to get screened and not take it for granted. We’ve done other donations to other charities, but this year we are all doing the full scale PinkTober throughout all the Ashley Furniture Homestores.
For some, a sofa may be just a sofa and a lamp may be just a lamp. But at Ashley Furniture Homestore, we know that these things are so much more. They are a personal choice, a reflection of who our customers are and how they bring their style to life in their homes. We want our customers to feel comfortable and confident to find their style and express it, to be surprised by the small choices that make a big impact, and to wake up each day feeling like there is no place they’d rather be than home…and that’s what we give to them.
BF: What are your opening hours? RH: We open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm and on Saturday it’s 8:30 am to 1 pm. We looked at extending the hours on Saturday but for the staff, they work hard during the week, they need their time off, and they have off Sundays also. Giving back to the community is important to the Hadeed family. For the month of October, Cancer Awareness Month worldwide, Russell said 10 customers were the beneficiaries of the community service venture that focused on healthy living practices.
Staff promoting Cancer Awareness
BF: We’re mere weeks away from Christmas, what’s in store for your customers?
colours, and choose sizes and styles which again, are unique to the Ahsley Furniture Homestore.
RH: We have new products coming in, and already have unique products in stock. Customers can also go through our catalogues and add their own touch to furniture they like. They always have the opportunity to order their specific
Not everyone has huge homes/living spaces. And Ashley Furniture has tips to suit the needs of all. The focus of their bedroom design blog however, highlights ways to maximize small spaces while still keeping things stylish.
BusinessFocus Nov / Jan | 29