Ethan Allen returns to Chattanooga with store next year in Hamilton Corner

photo Site of new Ethan Allan store in Chattanooga.

Ethan Allen, the international furniture chain, will set up house again in Chattanooga.

This time, though, the store will be corporate owned.

The Hamilton Corner location, scheduled to open March 1, will be Ethan Allen's fourth in Tennessee, behind Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville.

"It's just an opportunity for us to complete the coverage of the East Tennessee marketplace," said David Rose, managing director of Ethan Allen's Tennessee district. "We're interested in being part of the community again."

An independently owned store had been located on Commons Boulevard near Hamilton Place mall, but it closed more than seven years ago.

Ethan Allen Design Center's new 3,931-square-foot showroom will be in the former Coldwater Creek store space, next to Bonefish Grill. Hamilton Corner is located at Gunbarrel Road and Hamilton Place Boulevard.

The retail space is smaller than typical Ethan Allen showrooms but fits the market it's serving, Rose said. The store will be more technologically driven, he said. Sales staff will use tablets to design and sketch with customers, for example. Tablets also will allow for order placement. The store will offer complimentary design services with in-store and in-home consultations.

Clients will be able to shop independently as well, planning and previewing purchases at large touchscreen stations. They can customize designs or select from an array that are in stock and ready for immediate shipping.

The store's inventory will be tailored to the "styles of the Chattanooga area," Rose said. That means transitional and traditional looks. In addition to furniture, the store will sell accessories and artwork.

All Ethan Allen sales staff are interior designers. The Chattanooga location will be no exception. The Connecticut-based company, which is publicly held, plans to initially hire three design professionals and one design-support employee. Information regarding the positions should soon be on the company website, Rose said.

In addition to its Tennessee locations, Ethan Allen has four stores in the Atlanta area. CBL & Associates Properties, Inc., of Chattanooga owns and manages Hamilton Corner, which is part of Hamilton Place.

Contact staff writer Mitra Malek at mmalek@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6406.

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