James+James Owner to Launch New, High-End Furniture Line

Springdale entrepreneur James Smith is branching out in the furniture business.

Smith, founder and co-owner of furniture retailer James+James, told Whispers he is ramping up to launch a new company called Franklin & Timber, which he will run alongside James+James.

The company will debut in October at the renowned High Point Market in North Carolina, which is promoted as the largest furniture trade show in the world, with 11.9 million SF of showroom space for more than 2,000 exhibitors. It draws roughly 75,000 attendees each market.

Smith said the new wholesale line will draw on some of the same elements that helped make James+James a success, but it will have unique characteristics.

The line will also be higher priced than James+James at retail, and be sold to furniture stores across the country. All Franklin & Timber products will be manufactured locally, Smith said.

“Franklin & Timber will allow us to tap into the expansive showroom and distribution networks of existing furniture stores across the country,” Smith said.

We understand why Smith sees an opportunity for growth in the furniture industry. James+James, already a million-dollar company, is still growing. Smith told us YTD sales are up 25 percent from last year.