Conversation with Todd Wanek, Ashley Furniture Industries- PART 2 In Part 1 of our conversation with Ashley Furniture Industries CEO Todd Wanek, we tackled big-picture topics like tariffs, supply chains, and U.S. manufacturing. In Part 2, Wanek speaks directly to home furnishings retailers, offering top strategies for retailers to stay
Few leaders are as pivotal or outspoken in a transformative era for home furnishings as Todd Wanek, President and CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries. As the 2025 Trailblazer Award recipient from the Home Furnishings Association (HFA), Wanek recently joined HFA to share his perspective on the furniture industry’s current state
As home furnishings retailers and manufacturers plan for the year ahead, there’s cautious optimism on the horizon. According to the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) latest 2025 Retail Outlook forecast, retail sales in 2025 are expected to grow between 2.7% and 3.7% over 2024, totaling between $5.42 trillion and $5.48 trillion.
This tax season, lawmakers and economic leaders are reminding the American public that tariffs are taxes. From constitutional concerns about executive overreach to warnings about rising consumer prices, an increasing number of Republican lawmakers worry that tariffs will weigh American families down with burdensome costs despite the recent 90-day pause
Trade policy again took center stage this week as the Trump Administration announced a dramatic shift in its approach to reciprocal tariffs. While the headlines may seem distant from day-to-day operations, these decisions are poised to significantly impact the home furnishings industry, from sourcing and pricing to inventory and logistics.
Tariffs and trade are front and center of President Trump’s domestic economic agenda. On Day 1 of his Administration, the President signed the America First Trade Policy Executive Order, which laid out a broad trade agenda, including an aggressive push for across-the-board tariffs and reciprocal tariffs. As the early April
The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) is closely monitoring the recent tariff updates affecting exports, which have had significant impacts across multiple regions: 46% from Vietnam, 34% from China, 32% from Taiwan, and 20% from the EU. Recently, manufacturers have responded in diverse ways to mitigate the effects of these tariff
Retail furniture retailers work hard to offer their customers a diverse selection of stylish and affordable home furnishings. Many of these products are sourced through international supply chains, ensuring a range of high-quality options at competitive price points. As policymakers weigh various trade policy proposals, it’s crucial for furniture retailers
The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) remains committed to advocating for policies that support furniture retailers and the broader home furnishings industry. In a recent effort, HFA joined over 115 industry associations in opposing the U.S. Trade Representative’s proposed shipping tariffs, which could significantly increase costs for businesses and consumers. While
Several significant governmental actions have emerged this week, directly influencing home furnishings retailers and manufacturers. Understanding these policy changes is crucial for industry stakeholders to navigate the evolving landscape effectively and mitigate potential financial impacts. From rising shipping fees on Chinese-built ships to shifting trade regulations to sustainability mandates, staying
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