Havertys
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Furniture retail |
| Founded | 1 January 1885 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Founder | J. J. Haverty, Michael Haverty |
| Headquarters | Atlanta , United States |
Area served | Southern and Central United States |
Key people | Clarence H. Smith (President and CEO), L. Phillip Humann (Chairman 2010–2012) |
| Products | Furniture (including proprietary brand) |
| Website | www |
Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. ("Havertys") is a prominent American furniture retailer established in 1885 by J. J. Haverty in Atlanta, Georgia. Beginning with a single location, Havertys has expanded to become a major furniture seller throughout the Southern and Central regions of the United States.
History
The enterprise was founded by James Joseph (J.J.) Haverty alongside his brother Michael, launching their inaugural store in Atlanta in 1885. In 1889, they joined forces with Amos G. Rhodes to create the Rhodes-Haverty Furniture Company. By 1908, the business had grown to 17 outlets, after which the partners amicably separated, allowing Havertys to return to its original name and concentrate on its core operations under J.J. Haverty’s guidance.
Havertys broadened its footprint across the Southern states and moved its headquarters to a larger facility in Atlanta by 1924. During this era, J.J. Haverty and Amos Rhodes also were responsible for developing the Rhodes-Haverty Building, which remained Atlanta’s tallest edifice until 1954. The company went public in October 1929, shortly before the stock market collapse, yet it sustained solid financial health throughout the Great Depression.
In 1938, Clarence Haverty took over as president from his father, steering the company through the difficulties of World War II and subsequent expansion. By 1955, Havertys operated 38 stores spanning ten states. Leadership passed to Rawson Haverty in the late 1950s; he managed the firm through shifts toward suburban retailing and growth until 1984. Following him, Frank McGaughey, Jr., a family member with extensive experience, assumed the presidency.
During the late 1980s, Havertys initiated a store modernization program aimed at updating locations and improving customer service. Frank McGaughey also took on CEO responsibilities before retiring in 1994, when John E. Slater was appointed president and CEO.
In 1998, Havertys transitioned its stock listing from NASDAQ to the New York Stock Exchange. Moving into the new millennium, the company introduced its own furniture brand, which now accounts for the majority of its sales.
By 2001, Havertys had expanded to 100 stores. Clarence (Clancy) H. Ridley became chairman as Rawson Haverty retired. The following year, J.J.’s great-grandson Clarence H. Smith was named president and CEO, continuing family leadership traditions. The company also enlarged its southeastern distribution center located in Braselton, Georgia to more than 800,000 square feet to support increasing operations.
The growth of online commerce led to a website redesign in 2007, enabling customers to browse and purchase products online starting in 2008. Leadership evolved further with L. Phillip Humann becoming chairman in 2010; Clarence H. Smith succeeded him as chairman in 2012 while maintaining his role as CEO.
Currently, Havertys runs over 100 showroom locations across 16 states supported by three distribution centers. Its business model emphasizes proprietary product offerings and aims for regional leadership within the furniture market.
Key dates
1885: J.J. Haverty and brother Michael open first store
1889: Partnership formed with Amos G. Rhodes creating Rhodes-Haverty Furniture
1908: J.J. Haverty and son Clarence re-establish Haverty Furniture Co
1929: Company goes public as Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc
1938: Clarence Haverty appointed President
1955: Rawson Haverty named President
1984: Frank McGaughey, Jr., grandson of J.J., assumes Presidency
1994: Jay E. Slater becomes President
1998: Stock moved to New York Stock Exchange
1999: Opening of 100th store
2000: Launch of proprietary furniture brand
2001: Clarence H. Smith named President
2008: Online sales launched
Community involvement
Havertys has contributed to prominent national organizations such as United Way, the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Foundation, and the American Heart Association. In 2010, the company became a national partner for The American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event.
The firm provided furniture donations to families featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, with active participation from employees volunteering locally. In the Atlanta area, Havertys supported institutions including the High Museum of Art, MARTA, Saint Joseph's Hospital, and various charities affiliated with the Catholic Archdiocese.
Environmental initiatives
Havertys allocated $750,000 toward recycling machinery capable of processing approximately 4,000 tons of corrugated cardboard and 120 tons of Styrofoam each year. In 2009, the company launched a sustainable furniture collection aimed at minimizing its ecological impact.