Ethan Allen Sets Sights on Europe

Danbury, Conn. Ethan Allen Interiors said Monday that it plans to expand its global presence by establishing roots in Europe.

Like many retailers, Ethan Allen has been struggling domestically amid a slumping housing marketing and tightening credit crunch. The company hopes that by taking its store-within-a-store concept to Europe, it will open up new growth opportunities.

“The timing is right,” Farooq Kathwari, chairman and CEO of Ethan Allen said.

The retailer is tapping the expertise of Gregor Noelle, a veteran of European retail management, to spearhead the effort. Noelle most recently served as a partner at consulting firm Neuhaus & Partners.