Armen Living acquires outdoor furniture company
Contemporary home furnishings company Armen Living has acquired family-owned Uwharrie Chair Company, an American made-to-order outdoor furnishings company, for an undisclosed sum.
The deal will expand Armen’s reach and brand awareness with luxury designers, the vacation rental community and other hospitality providers, the company said.
Uwharrie will operate as a separate brand from Armen Living, positioned as a premium, American-made custom outdoor furniture, Armen Living said. The company (pronounced you-WAH-ree), is named after the Uwharrie National Forest and river in North Carolina and is known for its Adirondack-style chairs and other customizable styles.
“This change in ownership will unlock limitless possibilities in design and add significant fuel to the future growth of their company, providing new resources to their business and expanding their customer base, which will preserve the company’s legacy of manufacturing beautifully made outdoor furniture that resonates with trade buyers and designers all across the country,”said Armen President and CEO Kevin Kevonian in a release.
Discussion between the two companies about a potential acquisition began during High Point Market, according to Kevonian, and were finalized on Friday, Dec. 19.
“Uwharrie Chair Company has always been about craftsmanship, durability and doing right by our customers,” said owner Erica Lloyd. “I’m proud of what we’ve built, and I’m confident Armen Living is the right partner to carry that legacy forward — with the resources to help Uwharrie grow while staying true to what makes it special. With the scale, operational support and a shared commitment to product integrity that Armen Living brings to the table, I believe this transition positions the brand for meaningful growth without losing the authenticity that defines Uwharrie.”
Lloyd will stay on to oversee the transition, and Uwharrie’s existing staff, which consists of “a small and dedicated team,” according to Armen Living, will remain with the company. Armen Living will bolster its existing customer service center at its corporate headquarters in Valencia, Calif., with a team dedicated to servicing and managing Uwharrie’s existing clientele and setting up new trade accounts for new customers.
Armen Living will showcase Uwharrie’s product line at Atlanta and Vas Vegas markets in January. It will host social events in both the mornings and afternoons of Jan. 13 and 14 in Atlanta.
