If you’ve ever watched a great candidate slow down at the finish line, or walk away from what felt like a perfect offer, it’s rarely about one number on the page. Top candidates are asking themselves a very different set of questions than, “Is this salary high enough?” They’re quietly
Running a successful home furnishings business takes more than offering great products and excellent customer service. Retailers must also recruit talented employees, manage workplace documentation, navigate changing employment regulations, and provide competitive benefits. HFA members have access to practical HR resources and specialized partners that can make these responsibilities easier.
How to spot consultative salespeople who listen, build trust, and follow through — before they ever set foot on your floor The Most Expensive Hire on Your Payroll Is the Wrong One Few positions cost a furniture retailer more when filled badly than the sales role. A wrong hire on
In the home furnishings industry, retailers and manufacturers are navigating a landscape defined by tightening margins, shifting consumer expectations, and a fiercely competitive labor market. While many leaders pursue growth through assortment strategy, supply‑chain efficiency, or digital investment, one of the most powerful—and often underestimated—drivers of profitability is closer to
As we turn the page toward 2026, California employers, including home furnishings retailers, are once again preparing for a fresh round of compliance updates. While this year’s changes are not as sweeping as some in the past, they still require timely attention. If your store has kept up with handbook
In today’s retail landscape, where demands are constantly increasing and productivity is key, the role of a manager has become more crucial than ever. Often seen as the backbone of an organization, managers bear the responsibility of driving their teams toward success and ensuring that the business thrives in an
A recent California jury verdict has sent a clear message to employers: when it comes to workplace concerns and adverse employment actions, thorough HR documentation isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. In Valla v. Dignity Health Et Al. (Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, June 2025), A single-plaintiff retaliation
As the home furnishings industry braces for renewed economic pressure due to evolving U.S. tariff policy, small and mid-sized business owners—especially those importing goods from China and Vietnam—are watching their margins tighten. The impact is widespread, with increasing shipping, manufacturing, and wholesale prices. According to a recent article in The
Managing remote employees has become a reality for many businesses, including home furnishings retailers. What started as a temporary measure during the pandemic has evolved into standard practice, with some employees working fully remote, others in a hybrid model, and some still on-site. For retailers balancing in-person sales teams with
Hiring managers, human resources professionals, or retail owners will all tell you that retaining employees is difficult. Managing people in the current labor market is challenging in ways we haven’t encountered before. Nearly 85% of workers planned to leave their jobs in 2024. Baby boomers are retiring faster than they
In an industry defined by change, competition, and evolving consumer expectations, few retailers manage to honor their history while boldly
National Furniture Safety Week is coming up October 5–10, 2026, and HFA members are invited to participate. HFA has joined
The home furnishings shopper no longer follows a simple path to purchase. Consumers often spend weeks researching before ever setting
Geo-fencing is one of the most talked-about tools in local advertising, and one of the most misunderstood. For furniture retailers,
Retailer-focused education will explore AI, marketing, operations, customer experience, tariffs, and business growth The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) will present
The competition for talent, from sales floor to delivery to leadership, keeps intensifying, and the retailers winning it are thinking beyond compensation. Join the Home
Turn social media engagement into in-store visits. In this webinar, discover how to create content that motivates customers to move from scrolling to shopping. Join
MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Human Resources Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in using technology and
