Home Source Readies Supply Chain For Next Step

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/16/2006 12:00:00 AM

New York —

Home Source International has brought aboard industry vet John Fraley as chief operating officer — a new position in the company, and one meant to propel the next phase of strategic growth.

“There is so much going on, it is absolutely critical for me to have someone of John's caliber to take it to the next level,” said Home Source president Keith Sorgeloos.

One of Fraley's first tasks will be to set up a supply chain in the United States “to the highest degree of efficiency we can possibly achieve,” said Sorgeloos. As a hybrid company — one that develops volume programs for large retailers and luxury programs for 800 independent boutiques — Home Source is looking to leverage both its direct sourcing capabilities and its pick-and-pack distribution.

“We are convinced short-term buys are going to be the wave of the future — even for the big guys,” said Sorgeloos, adding that the company recently doubled its warehouse and distribution space. “Our supply chain will give retailers the opportunity to continuously turn their business.”

Fraley has spent the past 4 years consulting with off-shore manufacturers and domestic investment groups. He previously spent 4 years at Ex-Cell Home Fashions as evp. Prior to that, Fraley held various senior management positions at WestPoint Stevens, where he spent 7 years climbing the ranks from merchandising to senior vp of bed and bath. He also spent 18 years at Fieldcrest Cannon working in various capacities.

Of Home Source, Fraley said, “It's all about product and customers, as opposed to all the politics and BS that goes on. You just go out and get it done.”

Home Source also added Matt Dalton as vp of business development and sales. Dalton most recently worked at Karsten and previously at WestPoint.