FROM THE SHOWROOM FLOOR
Boca by Hudson Valley Lighting®
Arrow Lighting How Arrow Lighting is leading the way
Lighting is in Craig Barre’s blood. He’s been helping architects, designers, builders and homeowners solve their lighting needs since he purchased Arrow Lighting in 1980. Located in Larchmont, New York, a small village in a suburb of Manhattan, Arrow Lighting has a rich history, starting when Charlie Ackerman founded the showroom in 1946. When he was only 14 years old, Barre asked Ackerman for a job sweeping the floors and cleaning chandeliers. “Charlie mentored me, and when he wanted to retire, he encouraged me to purchase the business,” says Barre. “I left New York University, borrowed money and bought Arrow Lighting in 1980.” Barre hit the ground running, navigating through the financial uncertainty of the 1980s. “The early ’80s brought a recession, followed by a boom, followed by the stock crash of 1987,” says Barre. “I knew I needed to differentiate my business to survive, so I learned to design and manufacture my own product line.” Apprenticing at the Ricroza foundry in Milan and utilizing Spanish and French glass and alabaster, Barre launched Arrow Designs and began making new products in-house. These lighting fixtures, along with Arrow’s repairs, restorations and shade replacement services sustained the company for many years. When the housing crash of 2008 hit, Barre knew he had to reinvent Arrow Lighting yet again, both the showroom and how he did business – and quickly. With help from his wife, children and one loyal employee, they painted, laid down a new floor, updated their products and evaluated every square inch of showroom space. He also invested in new business technology and began using social media more purposefully. All of these improvements have allowed Arrow Lighting to keep pace with the changes in the lighting industry and adapt to new technology. “The lighting business has changed more in the last few years than in the previous 40 years,” says Barre. “The advent of LED has been a milestone like no other in the lighting industry. The designs that have come forth, the positive environmental results and the demand for new, updated trends and products have all played a part in helping us grow.” Today, the state-of-the-art showroom is ready for anything. “We have redesigned every square foot of space, and we are constantly updating with new displays. Styles, designs, finishes and trends are changing at a fast pace, and we do our best to keep up.” For example, Barre has noticed that softer aged brass is making a comeback, as well as clear glass and open, airier designs. “We partner with our key manufacturers to establish displays that make the most of our floor space. Hudson Valley was the first brand to come in and do this. It was so successful that it opened my eyes to recognize the value of using space in the showroom.” Barre believes success in the lighting industry as a retailer also depends on the relationships with manufacturers and their sales reps. “We want to do business with companies that want to do business with us. We want only great products and great people involved in our business.” He reflects upon his relationship with Littman Brands and their rep John Ingles: “From the beginning, John recognized our untapped potential and pushed me to change my showroom. We have expanded to sell all Littman Brands, and each has its own niche. The change they brought to our showroom was fabulous. Now with time, I have continued to build on the foundation we set with all Littman brands. We are both growing together.” For more information visit www.arrowlighting.com
CRAIG’S LIGHTING PICKS “My favorite line is Hudson Valley. I love the new Boca. The Massena and Travis are also my favorites.” From left to right: Travis, Massena, Boca by Hudson Valley Lighting® 30
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