As a result of in-depth analysis and strategic planning, last summer FAN aggressively evolved into “sales and leasing.” Vail restructured his offer by reducing cash prices, extending same-as-cash terms from 90 to 120 days, and by offering categories such as recliners and dinettes on 6 Month terms.

photos courtesy FAN FAN owner Geron Vail presents Susan Williams Furniture and Appliances Now Manager of the Year. See photos courtesy of FAN.

Arkansas based Furniture & Appliances Now (FAN Sales & Leasing, LLC) celebrated its 10th Anniversary this week. FAN celebrated it's first decade during its Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet. The event featured a celebrity Hollywood theme, in which employees and guests made a ‘red carpet’ entrance complete with strobe lights with incognito attire, fedora hats and sunglasses. The anniversary and recognition gala was attended by more than 130 employees, guests, and vendors (see photos courtesy of FAN).

FAN operates 19 showrooms in Arkansas, and is owned by Geron Vail. Vail serves as president of Furniture & Appliances Now and is a former president of the Arkansas Rental Dealers Association.

Pearson-Vail, LLC, originated in April, 1996, as a partnership between Vail and long-time friend, investment partner and rental purchase dealer, Fred Pearson. Vail acquired Pearson’s interest in the company in October, 2005 (see story).

The first FAN showroom was in Trumann, Arkansas, a small town of just over 7,000 population. Other Northeast Arkansas locations followed, and in 2000, seven First Choice Lease or Own locations were acquired from well-known industry operator, Charles Cloud. Other showrooms were opened as FAN further expanded into the Little Rock metro and the prosperous Northwest Arkansas trade area.

Today, FAN is Arkansas’ largest independent lease-purchase dealer, with locations across the state. A 20th location is on the drawing board and will be announced during the 3rd Quarter.

As a result of in-depth analysis and strategic planning, last summer FAN aggressively evolved into “sales and leasing.” Vail restructured his offer by reducing cash prices, extending same-as-cash terms from 90 to 120 days, and by offering categories such as recliners and dinettes on 6 Month terms. The company has also conducted storewide 6 Months SAC promotions for limited promotional periods.

During the 4th Quarter of ’06, FAN stepped-up its marketing program by producing and direct mailing a full-color 16 page Winter catalog. It is now promoting an online catalog for Spring on its website. An aggressive remodeling and relocation plan is underway, as the company significantly increases the size of its showrooms and improves signage, graphics and overall visibility.

At its Awards Banquet, a new advertising slogan and jingle was unveiled with the theme “Get it Today…Own it Your Way.” The Company also recognized high performance stores, managers and employees. Among the many recognized was Ed Martin, manager of the Batesville, Arkansas, FAN, who was recently honored as one of two ‘ARDA Managers of the Year’ at the Spring conference of the Arkansas Rental Dealers Association in Hot Springs (see story) (see photo gallery).

FAN honored G-E as its ‘Vendor of the Year,’ and also gave special recognition to ASHLEY Home Furnishings and Woodson-Bozeman Distributing for exceptional service during the previous year.

Geron Vail (left) with former Co-owner Fred Pearson at the annual FAN banquet. Pearson was keynote speaker at the event.

The keynote speaker for the evening was former co-owner Fred Pearson, who spoke on “Creating Memorable Customer Experiences."