Smithe Furniture owners/brothers Walter, Tim and Mark Smithe - known for their original and timely self-produced television ads - began promoting the campaign Aug. 1 via commercials on Chicago television stations.

Modeled after the Car Allowance Rebate Program System, Smithe's Cash for Clunkers program offers a $100 trade-in credit for a used recliner, a $250 credit for a used sofa or armoire, and a $500 credit for a used bedroom or dining room set. Participants also may choose either a 6% cash discount or no-interest payments for six months.

"While not everyone has a clunker car, almost everyone has at least one piece of clunker furniture they'd like to replace with something nicer. This is a great opportunity for consumers to trade their old furniture for new furniture," said President Walter E. Smithe III.

No clunker? No problem. Smithe Furniture is offering those without trade-ins a 12% cash discount or no-interest payments for 12 months.

"We'll even haul the traded-in furniture away for free," added Mark Smithe.

While the future of the government's "clunkers" program is currently uncertain, the Smithes say they're committed to continuing theirs through Aug. 16. "This is a rare opportunity where your old furniture is worth real money," said Tim Smithe.
The Walter E. Smithe Furniture Cash for Clunkers television ad can be viewed at http://www.smithe.com/videos.htm, along with the company's other commercials and videos.

About Walter E. Smithe: Walter E. Smithe is a four-generation, family owned and operated furniture retailer that originated in 1945 on Chicago's northwest side. Today, from its Itasca, Ill., headquarters, it operates 13 showrooms throughout Chicagoland and northwest Indiana. The company's "you dream it, we build it" approach allows consumers to customize their furniture purchases with thousands of different upholstery fabrics and leathers, and a variety of special treatments. Design services from more than 225 company designers are included with every purchase.