Springdale furniture company James+James enters 10th anniversary year with momentum
by February 9, 2021 9:47 am 1,596 views
In its 10th anniversary year, Springdale furniture company James+James is still growing.
James Smith, the company’s owner, said the business moved its primary production facility in late January from West Randall Wobbe Lane to 1609 N. Old Missouri Road. Smith said the company is leasing about 50,000 square feet in a multi-tenant building that’s roughly 254,000 square feet. The relocation increases the company’s production capacity considerably from 15,000 square feet.
“We’ve been hiring like crazy,” Smith said in a recent interview. “We’re hiring 15 people [in January] alone.” James+James has more than 40 employees.
Smith said noted entrepreneur John James is a crucial addition to the company. James joined the James+James board in August. He is one of the most successful venture capitalists in the state’s history, having raised more than $100 million for various enterprises. He is perhaps best known as founder and CEO of Country Outfitter/Acumen Brands, which made its name as one of the nation’s largest online retailers of cowboy boots.
“He [John James] has really helped us scale our ads and their effectiveness,” Smith said. “So much so that we’re tripling last January’s [sales] numbers.”
James+James is primarily an online business — about 70%, Smith said. The company sells through other e-commerce websites like Etsy and Houzz in addition to its website.
Founded in 2011 out of a garage, James+James sells its handmade products to customers throughout the country.
“I’ve known James [Smith] since the very early days of James+James,” James said. “I’ve always been impressed with his business and with him as an individual. We have a seven-year history of discussing business over breakfast, and when he asked me to help him capitalize on a massive growth spurt, I said yes before he even finished asking.”
Smith reported a year-over-year revenue jump of 60% in 2020. The company opened a flagship retail store and demonstration woodshop last year inside the former Watson Furniture building at 111 S. Main St. in downtown Springdale.
“We’re confident James+James can and will become a major [direct to consumer] brand in the next five years,” Smith said.