Drexel Heritage, Toshiba Team For Home Theater

WAYNE, N.J.— Toshiba and Drexel Heritage have decided to work together to create one-stop home theaters starting this summer in the furniture makers 35 stores nationwide.

The goal of this combined effort is to provide a positive experience for women, who are involved in 89 percent of all consumer electronics purchase decisions, according to research done by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

Recognizing this potentially explosive trend and the hurdles for retailers trying to market to women, Toshiba and Drexel Heritage decided to work together to sell their products in a place where "women feel at home — in a Drexel Heritage store." A spokesperson for Toshiba added that the companies are planning to expand this to independent furniture retailers who carry Drexel Heritage products.

With CEA figures clearly indicating that the interest of women in purchasing consumer technology products is on a steady rise, Toshiba also shares Drexel Heritage's view of the market opportunity and prospect of attracting more female consumers.

Toshiba will offer a variety of televisions and digital home theater systems with cosmetics that complement the Drexel Heritage furniture designs.

Drexel Heritage will unveil seating this market in both the dh and Drexel lines. Seating for dh includes reclining leather seating as well as an Entertainment Sofa. A custom ottoman slides in front of the sofa, so people seated in the center have a comfortable place to prop their legs, the furniture maker said.