What Home Furnishings Retailers and Importers Need to Know The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is moving forward with its mandatory e-filing requirement for Certificates of Compliance, and it’s critical that home furnishings importers take proactive steps now. Beginning July 2026, importers of most consumer products will be required
As 2025 winds down, the home furnishings retail industry continues to monitor significant developments around the IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) tariffs. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments several weeks ago regarding the legality of the so-called reciprocal and “fentanyl” tariffs imposed under IEEPA authority. While no decision has
On December 10, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) submitted a key response in the Court of International Trade (CIT) regarding ongoing lawsuits related to potential refunds of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In its filing, the DOJ acknowledged that U.S. Customs and Border Protection
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
The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) is aware that many retailers have been following the recent news regarding Costco’s tariff lawsuit, which challenges newly imposed federal tariffs, and may be wondering about the implications this situation could have for their own importing practices. To ensure members remain informed, HFA is sharing
The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) is closely following the latest developments surrounding the ongoing Supreme Court hearings on the legality of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), specifically, the “reciprocal” and “fentanyl” tariffs enacted during the Trump Administration. Where Things Stand Hearings began this past week,
The trade relationship between the US and China has been marked by a history of escalation and negotiation on several key issues over the past few years. Recently, China announced that it would impose strict export controls on rare earth minerals, which are critical to global supply chains. In response,
In recent weeks, the United States and China have exchanged escalating rhetoric and statements about trade and rare earth minerals. As each side has worked to address lingering concerns over those issues, President Trump has continued working with other Southeast Asian countries to improve access to markets and rare earth
On October 10, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued CSMS # 66492057 to implement guidance around Proclamation 10976, which establishes new Section 232 tariffs on timber, lumber, and derivative wood products. The duties come into effect October 14, 2025 (for goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or
You haven’t missed anything — and we’re still watching closely for you. While there have been no new developments since our last update, the Home Furnishings Association continues to monitor trade policy negotiations and regulatory changes that could significantly impact your business. We remain fully engaged in tracking the implementation
Nearly 40% of U.S. consumers are non-prime, and their needs shape how they research and shop with furniture merchants.1 New
The Customer Journey is No Longer Linear Picture this scenario: A customer sees your sectional sofa on Instagram. She clicks
For business owners, change isn’t a seasonal disruption, it’s the daily reality. Customer traffic fluctuates, employee availability shifts, and unexpected
Many retail buying journeys begin online through research, browsing, comparison, or early product discovery. Shoppers expect digital guidance before they
Today, customers are not just comparing prices, they are comparing experiences. Especially in furniture and mattress retail, where purchases are
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
