The CEO of a high-end office furniture company is sparking a backlash over a video in which she exhorts employees to “leave Pity City” after some asked about staying motivated if employees don’t receive bonuses this year.

Andi Owen, whose company MillerKnoll sells the iconic Herman Miller Aeron chair, along with other upscale furniture, responded in a 1 minute, 21-second video clip that some social media users blasted as “unhinged,” “nasty” and “toxic.”

Owen made the remarks as part of a 75-minute online meeting with workers, the company said in an email to CBS MoneyWatch. It added that the clip “loses the context of the broader discussion.”

Full Article

ZEELAND, Mich. – Contract furniture giant MillerKnoll reported third quarter sales of $984.7 million, a decline of 4.4% over last year and a nearly 8% dip from last quarter.

Orders in the quarter hit $885.4 million, down 19.2% over same period last year. Consolidated operating expenses for the quarter were $314.4 million, compared with $310.3 million in the prior year.

Full Article

ZEELAND — MillerKnoll is teaming up with customer data platform Amperity to boost its data strategy.

The Zeeland-based office furniture manufacturer has selected Amperity to help maximize its omnichannel data and reach more customers through personalized experiences.

Amperity offers a unified view for companies to understand data across all touchpoints. The platform has been used by brands such as Kroger, Planet Fitness, Under Armour, Lucky Brand, Alaska Airlines and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Full Article