What is Brief History of La-Z-Boy Company?

What is the history of La-Z-Boy?

La-Z-Boy, a name synonymous with comfort, started in 1927 in Monroe, Michigan. Cousins Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker aimed to create furniture for 'nature's way of relaxing.' Their initial concept was a chair that could easily recline, a novel idea for the time.

This innovation led to the first folding wood-slat porch recliner in 1928, which soon became an upholstered indoor version. From a small garage, La-Z-Boy evolved into a major furniture manufacturer and retailer, offering recliners, sofas, and more.

In fiscal year 2025, the company achieved consolidated delivered sales of $2.1 billion. This impressive figure highlights its strong market position and enduring appeal. The company's nearly century-long history is a story of innovation, expansion, and adapting to consumer desires, making its La-Z-Boy BCG Matrix analysis particularly interesting.

The genesis of La-Z-Boy can be traced to 1927, when cousins Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker, both from Monroe, Michigan, decided to pursue their passion for carpentry. They initially operated out of Knabusch's father's garage before establishing Floral City Furniture Company in a converted cornfield plant.

The Founding Story of La-Z-Boy

The history of La-Z-Boy began with a simple desire for comfort. Cousins Edward Knabusch and Edwin Shoemaker, driven by their carpentry skills, sought to create a more relaxing seating option.

• The company's origin dates back to 1927 in Monroe, Michigan.
• The initial problem identified was the lack of chairs designed for true relaxation.
• Their first invention was a folding wood-slat porch chair in 1928.
• The company was officially incorporated as The La-Z-Boy Chair Company in May 1941.

Their initial problem identified was the lack of a chair designed for truly comfortable relaxation. This led to their invention in 1928: a folding wood-slat porch chair that mimicked the natural shape of the body, allowing users to recline. The initial business model involved manufacturing and selling this innovative reclining chair. An interesting anecdote about the company name selection involves a public contest held among their factory workers. Suggestions like 'Sit N Snooze' and 'Comfort Carrier' were considered, but 'La-Z-Boy' was ultimately chosen and trademarked in November 1930. The patent for their new mechanism was issued in January 1931. Initial funding was secured through friends and family, raising $10,000 to obtain necessary patents and commence production.

A pivotal moment occurred when an Ohio store refused to purchase the wooden chair, deeming it a seasonal item. This led Knabusch and Shoemaker to upholster their creation, transforming it into a year-round indoor piece and significantly broadening its appeal. Despite flourishing during the Great Depression, the company took a calculated risk to open a retail store, which proved so successful that by 1930, the company had tripled in size. This strategic move was a key part of their early Marketing Strategy of La-Z-Boy.

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The early days of La-Z-Boy furniture saw rapid growth and innovation following its founding. The company's unique recliner design garnered significant attention at its first furniture show in May 1929, leading to an influx of orders. This initial success laid the groundwork for substantial expansion, even during challenging economic times.

Market Reception and Early Expansion

The company's innovative recliner design was met with strong market reception. By 1930, after opening a retail store, the business had tripled in size, demonstrating its resilience and appeal during the Great Depression. This period highlighted the foundational strength of the La-Z-Boy company origin.

Innovation and Manufacturing Consolidation

Further advancements in the reclining mechanism led to new patents in June 1938. By 1939, all manufacturing operations were brought in-house to Floral City Furniture, consolidating production and control. The formal incorporation as The La-Z-Boy Chair Company in May 1941 marked a strategic move to separate manufacturing and retail functions.

Wartime Challenges and Post-War Resumption

The onset of World War II presented a significant hurdle, as the newly completed factory in October 1941 was repurposed for military supply production, halting recliner manufacturing until 1947. Following the war, recliner production resumed, and matching ottomans were introduced, enhancing the product line.

Product Evolution and National Growth

A pivotal moment in the history of La-Z-Boy furniture occurred in 1952 with the introduction of the first recliner featuring a built-in footrest. The 1960s saw rapid expansion, including the launch of the highly successful Rocker Recliner. To meet growing demand, the company opened its first factory outside Michigan in Newton, Mississippi, in 1961. This expansion, coupled with intensified marketing, propelled sales from $1.1 million in 1960 to $52.7 million by 1970, illustrating the Growth Strategy of La-Z-Boy.

Diversification and Public Offering

In 1969, the company began expanding its product designs beyond recliners to include reclining sofas, sleep sofas, and modular furniture groups. The company went public in March 1972, with over 320,000 shares purchased by 600 individuals in the first year of over-the-counter trading. By the late 1970s, the company further diversified into stationary and motion modular furniture, broadening its market appeal and solidifying its position in the furniture industry.

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The history of the La-Z-Boy company is a narrative of continuous innovation and adaptation to market dynamics. From its early days, the company has consistently introduced new features and product lines, solidifying its position in the furniture industry. This journey reflects a commitment to enhancing comfort and functionality for consumers, while navigating economic shifts and evolving consumer preferences.

The company's innovative spirit is evident in its continuous product development, from early mechanical advancements to the integration of technology. This commitment to enhancing user experience has been a driving force throughout its history.

Space-Saving Recliners

In 1975, a significant innovation was the introduction of recliners designed to move away from walls, addressing space constraints in homes.

Power and Assist Features

The 1980s saw the introduction of power recliners and power-assisted lift features, enhancing accessibility and ease of use.

Technological Integration

By the late 1980s, the company embraced computer-aided design (CAD) to streamline product development, reducing delivery times by 60%.

Enhanced Comfort Features

In 1993, recliners were enhanced with massage and heat functions, further elevating the comfort experience for consumers.

Digital Customer Engagement

The implementation of the La-Z-Boy Screen Test video catalog system in 1993 allowed for a more interactive and digital exploration of products.

Modern Marketing Initiatives

Recent campaigns like 'Decliner' in 2023 drove a 50% increase in sales and a 200% surge in web traffic, showcasing successful engagement with contemporary marketing strategies.

The company has faced economic headwinds, including an industry-wide downturn in 1999 and the bankruptcy of major retail partners, which led to its first sales decline in two decades.

Economic Downturn Impact

An economic downturn in 1999, combined with retail bankruptcies, resulted in a sales drop for the company, marking a significant challenge.

Shifting Consumer Demographics

Recognizing the need to appeal to younger generations and women, who drive a significant portion of furniture purchases, the company initiated a brand refresh in 2025.

Brand Perception Evolution

Recent campaigns, including 'Long Live the Lazy' (2023) and 'Ban Reclining' (2024), aim to redefine the brand's image and connect with a broader audience, as detailed in the Mission, Vision & Core Values of La-Z-Boy article.

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The history of La-Z-Boy is a journey of innovation and growth, starting from humble beginnings in Michigan to becoming a globally recognized furniture brand. The company's evolution is marked by significant milestones in product development and market expansion, laying the groundwork for its future endeavors.

Strategic Retail Expansion

The company is actively expanding its retail footprint, aiming for 400 company-owned stores by 2026. This strategy enhances vertical integration and brand control.

Financial Strength and Stability

As of April 2025, the company reported $328 million in cash and no external debt. This strong financial position supports ongoing investments and strategic initiatives.

Brand Vision and Consumer Focus

The 'Century Vision' strategy emphasizes a consumer-first approach, leveraging the iconic brand to achieve growth disproportionate to the industry. This aligns with the founding vision of providing comfort and relaxation.

Adapting to Market Dynamics

Despite anticipated economic volatility and a challenging housing market, the company is positioned to outperform the industry. Investments in supply chain and technology ensure agility and responsiveness, building on the Brief History of La-Z-Boy.

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