Nearly 40% of U.S. consumers are non-prime, and their needs shape how they research and shop with furniture merchants.1 New findings from Koalafi’s State of the Lease-to-Own Consumer Report show that when lease-to-own financing is available, visible, straightforward, and easy to understand, shoppers feel more confident in continuing their journey
How Furniture Retailers Win Online in 2026 Walk into any furniture store today, and you can sense how dramatically the buyer journey has changed. Customers no longer arrive to browse. They arrive informed. They have compared brands, saved inspiration boards, tested products in AR, read reviews, and asked AI for
Visual merchandising has evolved significantly from traditional window displays and static store layouts. What used to rely solely on creativity and aesthetics has now evolved into a seamless blend of art, science, and technology. In today’s retail landscape, technology doesn’t just support visual merchandising — it defines it. From immersive
Personalization has moved from a nice addition to a core expectation in modern retail. Customers want brands to understand their preferences, respect their time, and offer experiences that feel relevant and helpful. At the same time, shoppers are more protective of their privacy than ever. They are quick to sense
Furniture is deeply personal. Every day, we meet customers who are excited about finding the right piece, yet also understandably nervous. A shopper discovers a sectional they love, tests the comfort, scrolls through images online, and then pauses with the same questions we hear again and again: Will this really
Today, customers are not just comparing prices, they are comparing experiences. Especially in furniture and mattress retail, where purchases are emotional, personal, and often long-term, shoppers remember how you made them feel far more than what they paid. Independent merchants have a major advantage. You can deliver a buying experience
Many retail buying journeys begin online through research, browsing, comparison, or early product discovery. Shoppers expect digital guidance before they ever enter a store. They look for clarity, inspiration, and confidence in every interaction. A website often influences a purchase more than any single conversation on the sales floor. A
The retail landscape is more competitive and dynamic than ever, especially in the furniture space. Retailers invest significant resources to attract customers, whether that’s through marketing, showrooms, or their digital platforms. However, driving foot traffic or website clicks is only the first step. Today, sustained success hinges not just on
The retail customer experience is the shopper’s overall impression of your store and is not just about selling products. It’s also about creating brand experience and positive feelings in your customers. When it comes to merchandising, retailers mainly focus on in-stock positions and sales floor layouts in regard to decision-making.
Retail marketing in 2025 and beyond will be defined by a simple truth: brands that fail to align with evolving technology and customer expectations will fall behind. To thrive, retail marketers must proactively adopt strategies that blend personalization, immersive experiences, and ethical practices. Below are the top trends shaping the
Opening a second, third, or tenth location is a milestone worth celebrating, and also a marketing challenge that catches many
She stopped in front of the living room vignette the way shoppers do when something feels right. Hand on the
The home furnishings industry faces significant challenges rooted in the global trade landscape. As American retailers and importers honor stringent
Retailer-focused education will explore AI, marketing, operations, customer experience, tariffs, and business growth The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) will present
How to structure rewards that align with measurable outcomes — from sales to delivery accuracy to customer satisfaction. When you’re
New research from Elevate puts the Gen X woman at the center of the furniture story. Surveying 1,210 Gen X shoppers at every stage of
Men and women often bring different priorities to their jobs, and the companies that understand those differences build stronger teams, deeper loyalty, and better business
MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Merchandising Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in merchandising. Share ideas for
