Walker set to satisfy buyers’ requests

Those at Walker Furniture remain optimistic about the future of their industry and are busily making plans to transform their Las Vegas campus into a comprehensive stop for all home-furnishing needs.

Larry Alterwitz, chief executive officer, said the company plans to unveil four new concepts in September, one of which will occupy the current site of Walker Discount Desks, which is moving into the main store, located at 301 S. Martin Luther King Blvd.

"The way we use computers today and our home office environments has evolved. We now use our laptops on dinette tables and recliners," he said. "It's more advantageous for us to show desks in Walker Furniture with our home entertainment centers."

Alterwitz said the change will enhance the company's position in the marketplace, ensuring it can meet any furnishings needs a person might have. Between the new concepts and the existing store, outlet center and tent with one-of-a-kind clearance items, he said they will continue to do what they do best: help area residents furnish and decorate their homes.

Although he said they did not meet their sales figures from the previous year, 2007 still showed a gain in overall customers and customer satisfaction.

"We're staying strong and running more efficiently," he said. "The environment is tougher now. We're offering extremely good values for our customers, and we're working harder to do it.

"The good thing is that we're getting better at what we're doing and we're still having fun."