Patio.com takes specialty retail national.(Brief article)

By Cinde W. Ingram

Patio.com , in association with Citigroup, has committed to a first round of financing of up to $47 million for the nationwide expansion of specialty patio retail stores integrated with online sales. This is the largest infusion of cash ever into the industry's specialty retail sector.

The concept combines the best existing patio furniture retailers in each market across the country into the first nationwide retail and online store combination.

'I think it will solidify specialty retailing and take it to a new level,' said David Ross, co-owner of Patio.com. 'All integrated, it's a nationwide market for our products online and in …