Ashley again is biggest U.S. furniture retailer

Ashley Furniture HomeStores was the top furniture retailer in the United States last year, with an estimated $2.69 billion in sales, according to industry trade journal Furniture Today.

The chain of 434 stores, which is connected to Wisconsin-based manufacturer Ashley Furniture Industries Inc., has led the Furniture Today list of the largest retailers for six straight years. Placing second was Ikea, the Sweden-based specialist in ready-to-assemble furniture.

Ashley's retail sales rose 12% last year, from an estimated $2.39 billion in 2010. The chain added 12 stores during 2011. The Ashley network is made up of licensed and company-owned stores.
Ashley Furniture Industries headquarters are in Arcadia, in western Wisconsin.

Milwaukee-area retailer Steinhafels was No. 52 on the Furniture Today list, with an estimated $109 million in sales last year, up 10% from 2010.