FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Information Contact: Amber Langston

Director of Marketing I.O. Metro

(501) 920-2636 amber@io-metro.com

Lou Spagna named C.E.O. of I.O. Metro Founder Jay Howard will remain shareholder, accepts management position with Sam’s Club

ROGERS, ARK. (Dec. 14, 2012) – Lou Spagna, President and Chief Operating Officer of I.O. Metro will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer effective December 17, 2012. Spagna joined I.O. Metro as C.O.O. in early 2012 after overseeing the company’s delivery logistics restructure as a consultant. Since joining I.O. Metro, Spagna has overseen and helped drive sales growth and profit for the company. "I am so proud of everything the I.O. Metro team and I have achieved in eight short years. I do not want that momentum to slow. This was the most difficult decision of my life, but I have observed too many founding entrepreneurs ignore the fact that they need the help of experienced leadership. Lou is the right executive for the next phase of I.O. Metro’s growth,” says I.O. Metro Founder Jay Howard. “His 30-plus years of retail experience has greatly impacted the company over the past 12 months." Spagna brings invaluable retail operations experience to I.O. Metro. He spent 12 years in various merchandising positions for May Department Stores. He has served as President for apparel and fashion industry giants, Bugle Boy Retail and Haggar Direct. In addition, he served as President of The Vangard Group, a consulting group specializing in operational restructuring, strategic planning and organizational development. “I am thrilled for this opportunity,” says Spagna. “Jay has really shaped I.O. Metro into a company capable of tremendous growth and I’m excited at the opportunity to influence the brand’s next steps in achieving that growth.” Christine Howard, co-Founder and Creative Director of I.O. Metro, will accept new responsibilities with the transition. She will assist with product development and merchandising oversight, as well as assist with marketing vision to ensure that the transition remains seamless for the brand.

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“I’m really excited for the opportunity to continue working with our talented team to develop and expand the I.O. Metro look,” says Christine Howard. “I'm proud of the company and culture Jay has built, and I look forward to managing the creative vision as we grow." Jay Howard, founder of I.O. Metro, will remain a shareholder and has accepted a management position with Sam’s Club in Bentonville, Arkansas. “I just know the timing is right for both I.O. METRO and me,” says Jay Howard. “I am leaving the company in more than capable hands. Lou and Christine will make an amazing team. We are stronger than we have ever been and I know big things are yet to come for I.O. Metro!” About I.O. Metro Headquartered in Northwest Arkansas, I.O. Metro is a specialty lifestyle furniture retailer that sells modern, one-of-a-kind and eclectic furniture, art and accessories in 17 locations across the South and Midwest and online at www.iometro.com. Each I.O. Metro store also offers a wide range of custom options with free design service. For more information, visit www.iometro.com.

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