Ethan Allen Opens New 24,000 Square Foot Store in San Diego Area

Business Wire, Sept 11, 1998

SAN MARCOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 1998--Today, Ethan Allen opens the doors of its latest 24,000 square foot store in San Marcos. This store is the culmination of a 4-year effort to reposition Ethan Allen in the San Diego market. Over the past few years, retailers Royce & Kitte Baker have strengthened their projection in the San Diego market by moving all three of their stores to prime locations. Ethan Allen retailers for 40 years, they currently own and operate two other stores in the San Diego Area - a 20,000 square foot store in San Diego and a 17,000 square foot store in La Mesa.

Floor Plan Presents Bold New Ideas

The 24,000 square foot San Marcos location adapts an easy-to-shop interior floor plan. The newest Ethan Allen stores feature a new floor plan that divides furniture collections into Casual and Classic styles, with Accents embellishing the room settings and special categories segmented out. This distinction clearly highlights Ethan Allen's position as a specialist in both formal and more relaxed styles while allowing consumers to quickly locate the furniture that best suits them.

Additionally, the store's new image is reflected by the airy skylight over the design center that functions as the nerve center of the store. Staff designers use this fully functioning meeting place to discuss upholstery fabric selections, wood finishes, room plans, custom bedcoverings, window treatments and budgeting with their clients.

Sections of the store also highlight Ethan Allen's specialty furniture. Focal points include the new Home & Garden collection of indoor/outdoor furniture and an extensive line of leather upholstery. An EA Cafe invites customers to stop for a complimentary coffee and cookie break.

Dedicated to Helping Consumers

Ethan Allen's staff of 15 designers will answer questions, offer well-informed opinions, create custom upholstery and help clients figure out a budget. Designers are available everyday, and are happy to make appointments to discuss decorating ideas. Along with such individualized attention, San Marcos plans to offer free design seminars and other special events. Both design service and local furniture delivery are free of charge.

Ethan Allen is an international home Furnishings Company with three saw mills and 21 manufacturing facilities in the United States. There are 311 Ethan Allen stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico and abroad. For locations nearest you, please call (800) 228-9229 or visit Ethan Allen's home page at http://www.ethanallen.com.

CONTACT: Royce Baker

Ethan Allen

(619) 560-4404

or

Michelle James

Ethan Allen

(203) 743-8644