Jeff Linville
La. — Case goods importer Vineyard Furniture signed up

10 accounts for its new gallery program in High Point, thanks in part to the addition of veteran designer Sue Brawdy as gallery director.

She joined the company in late August and will develop and manage the gallery program, including assisting with layouts and accessorizing.

The aim is to offer dealers galleries specifically designed to meet their needs, said President Ron Ashley. Vineyard introduced the program at the August Tupelo market and set up a model gallery in its High Point showroom in October.

“We received about 10 dealer commitments during market, with many more dealers considering participation,” said Doug Franklin, vice president of sales. “Vineyard will be opening these galleries on a priority basis under the leadership of Sue Brawdy.”

Brawdy had been running her own company, Interior Concepts, in Winter Springs, Fla., working with furniture suppliers and retailers on store design and display.

She served as gallery design/accessory coordinator for Lane from 1999 to 2012, helping implement its dedicated distribution program, then overseeing a global network of gallery presentations with coordinated accessories and point-of-purchase materials.

Before that, she served as merchandise manager for Furniture Enterprises in Orlando, Fla., overseeing four Lane Home Furnishings stores and Leather Gallery stores.

Vineyard said Brawdy is experienced in all aspects of gallery projects, from planning, designing and construction to final set-up.