At the end of January 2021, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released its annual ‘Product Instability or Tip-Over Injuries and Fatalities Associated with Televisions, Furniture, and Appliances: 2020 Report.’ The furniture tip-over report takes an in-depth look at the injuries and fatalities related to tip-overs, which can involve appliances,
Updated OSHA Guidance on Mitigating COVID-19 Spread in the Workplace On January 21, 2021, President Biden signed an Executive Order directing the Department of Labor, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to release updated guidance for employers on COVID-19 safety in the workplace. On January 29, these updated
Home furnishings products are one of the largest imports to the US. It is no surprise that when the United States imposed tariffs on exports from China, manufacturers got creative on ways to keep prices low for their customers. Many manufacturers responded by relocating their operations from China to Vietnam
Early Agenda for President Biden Following his inauguration on January 20th, President Biden has signed several dozen executive orders to bolster the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic response and accelerate economic recovery. Many of these actions are supported by broad stakeholder groups that share the urgency of confronting and ending the spread
One of the more consequential impacts of the Trump Administration had been its focus on reducing federal regulation. The administration accomplished this through agency rulemaking and Executive Order; the Republican House and Senate participated via the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which allows for a simple majority vote in the Senate
Learn if you qualify for a PPP loan, how to apply for one, and how to increase your existing loan. HFA’s Lobbyist Chris Andresen spoke with HFA CEO Mark Schumacher in a webinar on Jan 14th where retailers learned more about the elements of additional COVID-19 relief and how it
The events from the week of January 4th, 2021, will significantly impact the political priorities for 2021. By winning two Senate runoffs in Georgia, Democrats are preparing to control a 50-50 Senate now that President Joe Biden has been sworn into office with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tie-breaking
Congress ends 2020 with a COVID-19 relief package, a ruling on furniture flammability, and an update on the Section 301 Vietnam investigation. The end of the calendar year is always a busy time in Congress as leaders work to enact priorities before breaking for the holidays. The recent end of
When the United States Trade Representative announced a section 301 investigation involving Vietnam and allegations of the exportation of some wood products containing illegally harvested timber, the Home Furnishings Association has been on the record advocating a measured approach to the investigation. Our primary concern is simple. If the administration
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, HFA, through direct member engagement, has strongly advocated for additional fiscal relief for businesses struggling to survive. After months of negotiations, Congress and the Administration have agreed to include additional COVID-19 stimulus to the annual federal government funding legislation, creating a massive $2.3 trillion spending package.
Bernie and Phyllis Rubin opened the Convertible Castle in Quincy, Mass., 37 years ago. They sold sleeper sofas in a
Home Furnishings Association members are wrestling with difficult questions as the coronavirus crisis continues to threaten their livelihoods. Stay open
Home Furnishings Association members sell many products that are essential to customers’ daily lives and needs. That has never been
The Home Furnishings Association’s Resource Center opened for business today. The fall High Point Market began with overcast skies this
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said he was more hopeful about an economic recovery after visiting City Furniture in Tamarac,
Congress and the Trump administration are preparing another Covid-19 relief package. The Home Furnishings Association’s Washington representative, Chris Andresen, and government relations liaison Doug Clark
Everyone is trying to figure out what the “new normal” will look like when your stores reopen. What will recovery look like to you and
