[This story first appeared in the September 2019 Government Update from the association.] As Kevin Matthews sees it, California’s mattress recycling program adds a little more to the cost of doing business in a high-cost state. It increases the workload, according to Dan Pedersen. Yet, both try to manage the
The furniture industry will focus on product safety at a conference in Colfax, N.C., Oct. 2-3. The event will include a retail panel with strong participation by Home Furnishings Association members. The American Home Furnishings Alliance 2019 Regulatory Summit will also feature Commissioner Peter Feldman of the Consumer Products Safety
HFA members turn recycling obligation into opportunity As Kevin Matthews sees it, California’s mattress recycling program adds a little more to the cost of doing business in a high-cost state. It increases the workload, according to Dan Pedersen. Yet, both try to manage the program effectively or even turn it
Furniture retailers can submit comments on another proposed increase in tariffs set to take effect Oct. 1. Meanwhile, Americans for Free Trade, a coalition of more than 160 business groups including the Home Furnishings Association, has asked President Trump to delay new tariffs and increases scheduled for the rest of the
Two chests of drawers sold by Kirkland’s have been recalled because of safety concerns. “The recalled chests are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing serious tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in death or injuries to children,” the Consumer Products Safety Commission said it a
Some home furnishings products made in China have been spared from additional tariffs, at least for now. The Office of U.S. Trade Representative announced Aug. 16 it will not add a 10 percent import tax to wooden- and metal-framed chairs, plastic chairs and furniture items for infants, including toddler beds, bassinets,
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed Harper’s Law Tuesday. The measure bars retailers in that state from selling new clothing storage units that don’t meet standards for furniture stability unless they also offer tip-restraint kits. The law is named for Harper Ayva Fried of Monroe, N.Y., who died at age 3 in
Kansas is one of a few states that still doesn’t require remote online retailers to collect sales tax on purchases made by its residents. Not that it doesn’t want to. The state legislature this year approved a measure to do just that. But it was included in a larger tax
A surprising court ruling in Massachusetts has forced some furniture retailers to change how they pay their sales staff. The Commonwealth’s Supreme Judicial Court decision in Sullivan v. Sleepy’s reversed a long-held understanding about overtime pay for sales employees who are paid by commission. Advisory letters issued by the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards in
A deadline is approaching in California. The state’s furniture retailers should clear their inventories of products covered by Assembly Bill 2998 before the law takes effect Jan. 1, 2020. The law prohibits the sale and distribution of juvenile products, upholstered furniture, replacement components of reupholstered furniture and many mattresses if those products
Two federal agencies are offering webinars to explain new requirements for imported composite wood products and component parts and finished
Proposed revisions to ASTM furniture safety standards drew substantial support in April balloting but also many objections that must be
SOFFA returned this week, with bipartisan bills introduced in both the U.S. Senate and House. Reps. Doris Matsui (D-Ca.) and
Millennials – Americans 22 to 37 years old – are increasing their share of consumer spending. They aren’t neglecting furniture
The words “no credit needed” generate a powerful attraction in the retail industry, according to Dan White, national account manager
Could you increase sales through psychology? The scientists at Neurofied think so. At their Brain and Behavior Academy in Amsterdam they are working to help
In this episode we talk with the merchandising master Stephen Riley, formerly of Nebraska Furniture Mart and May Companies. He talks about his experiences in
