Italian furniture maker Natuzzi Italia, known officially as Natuzzi S.p.A.., plans to make its San Diego retail debut in late April or early May, with a 1,500-square-foot gallery set to open at the existing Hold It Contemporary Home in Mission Valley.
A statement from San Diego-based Hold It, which operates a store at 1570 Camino de la Reina, said the gallery will be the Italian brand’s only location in the San Diego market.
Started in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, its current chairman and CEO, the furniture maker is based in the southern Italian city of Bari. It is the largest furniture house in Italy and among the largest in Europe, with eight manufacturing plants, 11 commercial offices and an extensive retail network.
The company, listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1993, touts its upscale products based on elements including environmental sustainability and social responsibility. It employs more than 5,000 workers worldwide and has recently been building up its retail network.
“Retail expansion in the U.S. is definitely a key pillar of our plan, both through our direct-owned stores and our regional partners,” said Nazzario Pozzi, who goes by the title of chief officer, adding the furniture maker has built a “new retail organization” spanning all U.S. states.
Natuzzi Italia is the latest in a string of local debuts by upscale furnishings retailers, following recent openings and announced new stores by companies including Restoration Hardware, Room & Board, and West Elm.
In addition to the Mission Valley store, retailer Hold It Contemporary Home has a warehouse in Kearny Mesa, according to its website. The company is led by Managing Partner Mike McAllister.
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