Note: the following was a not-particularly well-thought-out April Fools’ joke, and is totally untrue. I apologize to those of you who thought it was real news, and hereby retract it as requested by Stickley-Audi. I also apologize for the reference to Mr. Audi. I had no idea he had passed away, as I saw his picture and his name still listed as President on the Stickley-Audi website. Again, please accept my apologies. (I’ve now deleted the short article, which documented a supposed merger between Ikea and Stickley-Audi, as per Mr. Danial’s request.)
Is this an April
fool’s joke?
Dear Hewn,
We like April Fools jokes as much as the next person.
However, a joke about corporate mergers is not funny. And more importantly, the death or Mr Audi in September is still very difficult for us, especially those of us who have worked here for over 30 years with him.
Please delete this as soon as possible and print a retraction…as I have already received inquires.
Mike Danial
Stickley Corporate Historian
Mr. Danial. I understand your reaction to the use of Mr Audi’s name given his recent passing. I am sure H&H was unaware of that news and regrets using him for their little prank.
However, I take issue with your assertion that “corporate mergers aren’t funny”. April 1 is widely considered a day for fake news and those that didn’t get the joke will certainly accept it once they’re reminded of the date.
My best to you and Stickley.
Actually both death and mergers, from a purely technical standpoint are hilarious. Especially death. Look it up.
Ray Larabie
Don’t beat yourself up. Corporations are sensitive about this kind of stuff–they have a brand to protect. You did the right thing in responding the way you did, and no one can ask anything more. Live and learn…and keep up the good work on this blog! Cheers.
I’m a pretty big Stickley collector and I take offense that no plans have been made to offer a 50 percent off sale in honor of Mr. Audi’s passing. Further, as an investor in Stickley furniture, I have to seriously question why no plans were made to incorporate Mr. Audi into a tastefully designed quarter sawn oak coffin with appropriate through tenon construction. If this WAS done and said casket was not offered as a special order through the annual catalogue I take even more offense. Am I expected to head into the beyond in some slapped together piece of walnut or pine with a bad stain job? Will Christ accept me if I climb out of a little iKea number? I don’t think so.
I’m sitting here shaking my head in offense.
Don’t beat yourself up, it sounds like a joke…