A concerning reality persists in furniture and mattress retail: between 60-80% of furniture shoppers and 30-50% of mattress shoppers walk out without purchasing. This “walk-away rate” translates to approximately $150 million in lost furniture and $30 million in lost mattress sales across the United States daily. According to a 2023 Consumer
Retail furniture today presents challenges. The rise of online shopping, a sluggish housing market, and reduced foot traffic due to low consumer confidence all put pressure on traditional furniture retailers. But even when traffic is down, opportunities exist. The most successful brick-and-mortar retailers understand that growth doesn’t only come from
Closing a sale isn’t always a single interaction. Even with a thorough qualification, matching needs, masterful objection handling, and creating a sense of urgency with a customer, we often still hear, “I need to think about it.” What you do after hearing that dreaded phrase is what makes or breaks
Effective sales management is the driving force behind a high-performing sales team and a profitable business. It’s not just about setting targets—it’s about creating a structured, strategic approach that involves ownership, sales managers, salespeople, and support teams working in sync. From establishing clear goals and refining sales strategies to implementing
Closing a sale isn’t always a single interaction. Even with a thorough qualification, matching needs, masterful objection handling, and creating a sense of urgency with a customer, we often still hear, “I need to think about it.” What you do after hearing that dreaded phrase is what makes or breaks
Sales success in business and life is not a matter of chance—it’s built on a foundation of strong guiding principles. Certain fundamental sales principles apply universally, whether you’re a sales professional striving to close more deals, a leader shaping a high-performance team, or an individual looking to improve personal discipline.
Selling furniture isn’t just about having great products on the showroom floor—it’s about having a game plan. A solid sales strategy ensures every customer interaction moves toward closing a deal. At HFA Sales Academy, we believe that sales professionals in the furniture industry need a structured approach to maximize their
The home furnishings industry has been on a wild roller coaster ride over the last five years, with little sign of slowing down. From navigating the disruptions of a global pandemic to now facing potential import tariffs early in the year, retailers continue to adapt to a shifting landscape. Since
Customer expectations are higher than ever. Equipping a sales team with tools to elevate customer satisfaction is not only a good idea – it’s essential. Leveraging technology like a sales support app is a simple and powerful way to enhance efficiency and accuracy while improving the overall customer experience, which
We’ve worked with many top 100 furniture retailers, and while each has its own approach, they all share a common goal: creating a memorable customer experience that drives sales. Balancing this with cost control can be challenging, and introducing new tech—especially 3D—can feel daunting. However, when creating a winning game
For small and mid-sized furniture retailers in the U.S., the old rule “buy deep to get a better price” has
For many independent furniture retailers, succession planning is more complex than expected. The next generation often chooses different careers; employees
In home furnishings retail today, it’s no longer enough just to advertise the products you carry. If you’re a furniture
Recognizing Excellence and Innovation in the Home Furnishings Industry [Carmichael, CA] – [10/1/25] – The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) is
In Shakespeare’s King Lear, an aging king divides his kingdom among his daughters based on flattery. The daughter who speaks
Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today The long-term success of every retail business depends on one thing: its people. Preparing the next generation of leaders isn’t
Navigating Leadership in a Family Business Stepping into greater responsibility within a family business comes with unique opportunities—and its own set of challenges. From
The long-term success of every retail business depends on one thing: its people. Preparing the next generation of leaders isn’t
MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Family Business Dynamics Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in navigating family
