Founded in 1945 by Carlyle Weinberger, Ashley Furniture or Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. today is the world’s largest manufacturer, distributor, and furniture retailer. Home furniture pieces and accessories are available to consumers via independent dealers as well as around 1000 stores, called the Ashley Homestores, currently operating. By the mid-80s, Ashley Furniture shifted its target consumer to middle-income buyers, which ultimately steered the design and manufacturing process away from heirloom quality furnishings. A large selection of varying styles of furniture are available for purchase through Ashley Furniture which include: modern farmhouse, mid-century, modern, traditional, urban, and french country.