Fireplace & Patio Center leaving furniture category

Staff -- Casual Living, 10/1/2005 12:00:00 AM

Fireplace & Patio Center plans to sell off its outdoor furniture collections and turn its attention completely toward upscale fireplaces. The Chicago area retailer now operates three stores after closing another three within the past year.

As a result, Craig Chapello of Fireplace & Patio Center ended his term as president of the Casual Furniture Retailers Association last month. "It's certainly been one of the most enjoyable things I've done, but I'm going to move on," he said. "It's time."

Petey Fleischut of Casual Marketplace will serve both president and vice president offices of CFR, effective this month.