Kessler closes

Staff -- Casual Living, 5/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

El Paso, Texas-based Kessler Industries locked up its High Point showroom and plans to close, company officials told its sales staff just before the High Point Market opened.

Founded by Cal and Gerry Kessler 47 years ago as a dining, occasional, metal bed and case goods vendor, Kessler closed after it shipped orders through mid-April, according to Jon Lamb, the company sales and marketing coordinator. Although the company saw growth in the outdoor category it entered three years ago, that was not enough to counter retail softness and declining sales in its interiors division, Lamb said.

"The erosion of the overall retail market, we think, will continue to be a pattern," he said. Kessler may sell some of its non-manufacturing assets.