For business owners, change isn’t a seasonal disruption, it’s the daily reality. Customer traffic fluctuates, employee availability shifts, and unexpected challenges can turn even the most carefully crafted schedule upside down. In today’s fast-moving environment, staying competitive means staying flexible. That’s why more organizations are rethinking traditional scheduling models and
Joining an established furniture retail sales team can feel daunting for a new associate. Walking into a showroom with seasoned professionals, well-defined processes, and performance expectations already in motion can be overwhelming. Without the right support, even talented hires may struggle to find their footing. A well-structured mentorship program bridges
The G.R.O.W. Sales Coaching Model Part 1 In speaking with hundreds of furniture retailers over the last two years, I have heard that everyone is experiencing economic challenges and feeling the same pain at different levels and in different parts of the business. Challenging times increase the need to look
What Smart Retailers Are Doing About It Consumers across the country are suing retailers over ADA website accessibility. Avoid becoming the next target. Here’s a practical overview: why ADA compliance matters, how the law is being used against retailers, and immediate steps you can take to stay compliant and reduce
More important, what should they do? At a peer group meeting of eight successful construction industry CEOs years ago, the members began discussing how to get the most out of an industry standard software package. One CEO asked another a question about how to key in data to produce a
For many independent furniture retailers, succession planning is more complex than expected. The next generation often chooses different careers; employees rarely have the vendor credit support to carry on, and outside buyers may not value the business the way the owner does. Understanding the realities of exit strategies — and
In Shakespeare’s King Lear, an aging king divides his kingdom among his daughters based on flattery. The daughter who speaks honestly is disowned, and Lear ultimately loses everything. This story is a cautionary tale for family furniture business owners: poor succession can erode not only the business you’ve built but
You don’t need another research firm telling you what happened last quarter. You need a heads-up on what’s coming so you can buy smarter, staff smarter, and market smarter. That’s where Zelman, a Walker & Dunlop company, comes in. Now an HFA Solution Partner, Zelman is bringing its industry-leading housing
“We need to talk.” Those four words can be intimidating in any relationship. In family-run furniture businesses, they can feel even heavier—especially when what you need to say is: “Mom, Dad, I’m ready to lead.” For decades, your parents have poured their energy into building the store, the brand, and
Longevity is one of the most defining shifts of our time. Americans are living longer, healthier lives than ever before, and that reality is reshaping how family-owned and closely held businesses must approach succession planning, leadership, and financial planning for home furnishings retailers, in particular, where family involvement runs deep
Many retail buying journeys begin online through research, browsing, comparison, or early product discovery. Shoppers expect digital guidance before they
Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled (6–3) that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the
As 2025 winds down, the home furnishings retail industry continues to monitor significant developments around the IEEPA (International Emergency Economic
Ever wonder why so many shoppers visit your website, browse sofas or mattresses, and then leave without making a purchase?
Search engine optimization remains one of the most influential parts of digital marketing today. Organic search continues to drive a
Coaching That Closes: How to Develop High-Performing Sales Associates Great sales teams aren’t built by chance, they’re coached with intention. In today’s furniture retail
Selling Like a “Million-Dollar Writer” What separates a good sales associate from a true million-dollar writer? It’s not luck, and it’s not just traffic.
MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Sales Management Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in navigating family business
Great sales teams aren’t built by chance, they’re coached with intention. In today’s furniture retail environment, sales leaders must strike
