Shanghai,China:Ashley Furniture opened its first store in China on May 18,2012.At the grand opening ceremony of the new 35,000 sq ft(3,251 sq m)store,Ashley's CEO,Todd Wanek,hinted that more stores are to follow,not only within the nation but also on a global scale.
A representative of Ashley Furniture claimed that not only is Ashley Furniture prepared to establish around 1,000 stores in China over the next 10 years,but it is seeking to venture into the markets of Asia,America,Africa and the Middle East region as well.
Mr Wanek said that Shanghai was the location chosen to open the first Ashley Furniture store in China because of the international nature of the city.He added that after conducting extensive consumer research in China,which involved interviewing over 15,000 targeted consumers,along with the company's 30 years experience doing business in Asia,Ashley Furniture is now ready to pursue a global retail strategy.
Mr Wanek also said that the main selling point of the newly opened home furnishing store in China is its appeal to the local market,as the products on offer are tailored to match the living standard of the locals.
