Member Stories

HFA Partner of the Year logo and the Package.AI logo
Home Furnishings Association
Transforming the Last Mile: Package.ai Named HFA’s 2026 Partner of the Year

In home furnishings, the customer experience doesn’t end at the point of sale; it often begins there. Delivery, communication, scheduling, and service interactions all shape how customers feel about the brands they buy from. Recognizing a company that has helped retailers transform this critical stage of the journey, the Home

Home Furnishings Association
A Career of Leadership and Innovation: Bill Barton HFA’s 2026 Trailblazer

The Home Furnishings Association’s Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals whose careers have shaped the home furnishings industry through innovation, leadership, and long-standing commitment. The honor is reserved for professionals with industry impact—leaders who continually adapt, inspire others, and leave the industry stronger than they found it. In 2026, that distinction goes

Room & Board Boston, MA location
Home Furnishings Association
Purpose, People, and Product: Room & Board’s Award-Winning Approach

When the Home Furnishings Association named Room & Board the 2026 HFA Retailer of the Year (50+ Employees), it recognized more than a successful retailer. It honored a company that has spent more than four decades proving that great furniture retail is built on something deeper: strong values, thoughtful design,

Home Furnishings Association
Designing with Purpose: Why Stacie Bedford Is HFA’s 2026 Emerging Star

When the Home Furnishings Association named Stacie Bedford, Chief Creative Officer of Evans’ Heritage Home, the recipient of the 2026 HFA Emerging Star Award, it wasn’t just recognizing talent. It was honoring vision, resilience, and a reimagined approach to what independent home furnishings retail can be. Presented annually, the Emerging

Todd Wanek in the Ashley Furniture Showroom at the High Point Market
Home Furnishings Association
Todd Wanek A Home Furnishings Trailblazer

Winner of the 2025 HFA Trailblazer of the Year The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) is honored to recognize Todd Wanek, President & CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries, as the 2025 Trailblazer of the Year. This prestigious award celebrates individuals who have dedicated over two decades to the home furnishings industry,

Seth Aaronson, CEO and Lee Aaronson, Chairman of the Board for Lack's Valley Stores.
Home Furnishings Association
Celebrating 90 Years: Lacks Furniture Has G.G.R.I.T

Lacks Furniture Named Home Furnishings Association’s 2025 Retailer of the Year (Over 50 Employees) The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) is proud to celebrate Lacks Valley Stores, LTD dba Lacks Furniture, as the 2025 Retailer of the Year in the Over 50 Employees category. Celebrating its 90th year in business, Lacks

Genevieve Wilma Young and Saundra Wilma HFA Retailer of the Year holding award.
Home Furnishings Association
A Small Store with a Big Impact: Why Saundra’s Furniture Stands Out

Saundra’s Furniture Wins the Home Furnishings Association’s Retailer of the Year (Under 50 Employees) For over 30 years, Saundra’s Furniture in Colville, WA, has been more than just a furniture store—it has been a cornerstone of the community. From offering top-quality furnishings to embracing the local culture with their beloved

Shannon Williams presents Elizabeth Ann Howell the HFA Emerging Star Award
Home Furnishings Association
HFA’s 2025 Emerging Star: Elizabeth Ann Miskelly Howell

The Home Furnishings Association is proud to recognize Elizabeth Ann Howell as the recipient of the 2025 Emerging Star Award. Elizabeth Ann’s passion for furniture and design, combined with her innovative leadership and dedication to community engagement, has made her a standout leader in the home furnishings industry. Her journey

Unity and diversity are at the heart of a diverse group of people connected together as a supportive symbol that represents a sense of and togetherness. Symbol and shape created from hands.
Home Furnishings Association
The Benefits of a CSR Program: How 3 Retailers Are Making a Positive Impact

In an era where businesses are no longer solely judged by their bottom line, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a critical aspect of modern commerce. For home furnishings businesses, having a CSR program is an ethical imperative and a strategic choice that can engage employees, attract customers, and benefit

Shane Pohlman and Irv Blumkin of Nebraska Furniture Mart
Home Furnishings Association
NFM’s Shane Pohlman: From Emerging Star to Future Innovator

NFM’s Shane Pohlman is not just a leader in the home furnishings industry; he’s a game-changer who brings a vibrant mix of creativity, innovation, and passion to every project he undertakes and has been awarded the 2024 Home Furnishings Emerging Star Award.  His journey began as Director of Furniture for

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