Casual Classics buying group adds members

Furniture Group now boasts 26 owner/members who operate 126 stores in North America

-- Casual Living, 5/28/2008 7:20:00 AM

The Casual Classics Furniture Group has added two retailers, Firehouse Casual Living and Offenbacher’s Patio Fireplace Recreation, to its member-owned, geographically controlled international buying/design group.
      
Based in Rancho Cordova, Calif., the Casual Classics Furniture Group now has 26 owner/members who operate 126 stores collectively in North America.
      
Firehouse Casual Living operates two stores in Charlotte, N.C., one in Raleigh, N.C. and one store in Greenville, S.C. Founded in 1985, the retailer has grown to be the largest casual furniture dealer in the Carolinas, according to Firehouse Casual Living President Debs Pedigo, who expressed pride in having joined the Casual Classics Group.
      
“Their presence in the wholesale market allows us greater buying power and the ability to bring innovative products to our customers,” Pedigo said. “I really enjoy the exchange between fellow owners that gives me great retail insight that I could never learn anywhere else."
      
Offenbacher’s, owned and operated by Karl and Alpana Offenbacher, was founded in 1975 and now operates eight stores in Maryland and Virginia. Offenbacher’s specializes in outdoor furniture, pool tables, fireplace equipment and Christmas merchandise. The newest 20,000-sq.-ft. Offenbacher’s store opened in April in Fredericksburg, Va. 
     
“Karl, Mark and I are extremely excited to join Casual Classics Group,” Alpana Offenbacher said. “We have seen them hard at work at the shows. We have talked to some of the members and have been encouraged to join the group. Our industry is poised for a challenging future. With the expertise and talent of a group of exceptional retailers, collectively we will be able to overcome new challenges. We are very proud of our accomplishments, and we are looking forward to embarking upon new opportunities with Casual Classics Group."