City Furniture Pioneers Affordable, Accessible Interior Design With IBM

City Furniture Pioneers Affordable, Accessible Interior Design With IBM

Home furnishings retailer City Furniture has picked IBM to provide services and technology for its new “Academy of Design,” which will allow customers to select interior design plans online or in the store. IBM’s Center for e-business Innovation in Atlanta helped City Furniture develop the custom business model and innovative applications for its interior design services for shoppers. IBM is providing services and technology for design kiosks in City Furniture stores throughout South Florida, as well as a Web site that will allow customers to add and view details about their design plans and budgets from the Internet.

“Our technology investment and work with IBM allows us to make great interior design affordable and accessible to our shoppers,” said Keith Koenig, City Furniture president. “This multi-channel retail solution is the first of its kind in the home furnishings industry.”

A custom-built IBM kiosk system is the centerpiece of the in-store Academy of Design center. The kiosk will match customers to local designers, based upon budget, style and color preferences, and timeframe requirements. City Furniture also selected IBM to design and build an interactive new Web site (www.theacademyofdesign.com). By visiting the Academy of Design in local stores or online, consumers can buy three levels of interior design services — ranging from $295 to $695 — to receive a complete design package including in-home consultations, design plans, furniture and accessory selection and placement, a design budget and shopping assistance.

Read the complete Press Release