by HIGH POINT – Ashley Furniture Industries LLC, the world’s largest manufacturer of home furnishings, has partnered with Vento Furniture of Nigeria, Africa, marking a significant entry into the rapidly growing West African market. The partnership was formally unveiled during a signing ceremony on Oct. 23 at the High Point Market.
The collaboration will bring high-quality, aspirational and affordable home furnishings to Nigerian consumers. Nigeria’s population in 2025 is estimated at 233 million people. The company plans to roll out five Ashley stores starting in February 2026 with an average size of about 12,000 square feet.
The signing ceremony was attended by key leadership from both organizations, including Todd Wanek, president and chief executive officer, and Ron Wanek, founder and chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries. Also present at the ceremony were Kurt Haines, Ashley’s executive vice president of international sales; Mark Marais, Ashley’s vice president for Africa; and Yusra Reja, Ashley Furniture licensee in Ethiopia, underscoring the brand’s commitment to the African continent.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Vento Furniture. Opening in Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, is a monumental step for our international growth,” Todd Wanek said. “We are proud to be associated with Vento Furniture and look forward to opening many stores in Nigeria and seeing Vento Furniture prosper as our anchor partner.”
Cemal Yigit, executive director and CBO, Vento Furniture, echoed the enthusiasm for the collaboration.
“We are very excited about this alliance,” Yigit said. “In this big, amazing country of Nigeria, I believe Ashley is going to ascend rapidly, and this partnership is going to be truly great for the Nigerian home furnishings market.”
