DirectSource Global Purchasing Launches Furniture Category; Opens Furniture Showroom in High Point, North Carolina

Business Wire, Oct 18, 2000

Business Editors

BELLEVUE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 18, 2000

DirectSource Global Purchasing, Inc. (www.directsource.com) will launch its furniture category with the opening of its new showroom during the High Point International Home Furnishings Market October 19 through 24 (High Point, North Carolina).

Buyers will be able to see firsthand the quality merchandise offered at direct import prices through DirectSource. The selection has been expanded and encompasses a wide range of commercial, residential, and furnishing accessories.

"DirectSource Global Purchasing revolutionizes global trade by making it simple for businesses of all sizes to make international purchases and save dramatically on the cost of goods," said Joe Giordano, president and CEO, DirectSource Global Purchasing. "In the furniture industry in particular, part of the purchasing process involves seeing a product's finish and quality first hand before making a purchasing decision. Our new showroom, sampling capability, and our extensive network of regional sales representatives demonstrates how our solution extends both products and services across the virtual and the real worlds."

The DirectSource showroom is located one block north of the International Home Furnishings Center at 110 North Wrenn Street in High Point. Buyers can view products, talk to DirectSource representatives, and learn how the platform works. The showroom will be open daily during the Furniture Market and can be viewed year round by appointment. The DirectSource online purchasing solution is available 24/7, 365 days per year.

About DirectSource Global Purchasing

DirectSource Global Purchasing utilizes the power of the Internet to create a complete global purchasing solution. The system enables buyers worldwide, with or without import expertise, to buy online from leading Asian suppliers in one seamless step. Founded by a team from Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, and Wal-Mart, DirectSource simplifies the complex process of importing, including product selection, quality control, financing, insurance, ocean and domestic shipping, customs, tariffs, invoicing, and delivery. DirectSource calculates full landed-costs before the purchase and provides complete information tracking in the supply chain, providing the buyer with critical information throughout the purchase and delivery process.