In a business where visual storytelling is everything, furniture retailers and manufacturers are increasingly turning to AI image generation to improve how they work and sell. While AI has made headlines for writing content or automating customer support, its most transformative impact in the home furnishings space may be in
Returns in the furniture industry can be complex, costly, and a major source of customer frustration. Whether it’s a damaged table on delivery or a customer claiming a sofa was never received, furniture retailers are caught between maintaining margins and meeting rising service expectations. Fortunately, smart technology now offers a
Differentiation is key in today’s competitive home furnishings market. Furniture retailers increasingly turn to private labeling and exclusive product partnerships with manufacturers as strategic tools to stand out, build brand equity, and improve margins. For store owners, general managers, and buyers alike, the opportunity to offer something your competitors can’t
In furniture retail, success hinges on a balance of time-tested strategies and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing market. Effectively closing sales requires a deep understanding of customer behavior, strategic follow-up, and the right mix of technology and training. Rob Ball, owner of over 26 furniture store locations and
The NEW Buyer Journey: Digital and On-Demand The days of quick, impulse-driven furniture purchases are long gone. Today’s consumer expects instant clarity, confidence, and even control from the products and companies they choose to invest their hard-earned money with. If your website doesn’t deliver—especially on the product page—the sale stalls.
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
Gross Margin Return on Inventory (GMROI) is one of the most important metrics for furniture retailers. Here’s what it means,
On September 1, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM), requesting input
Customer expectations in the furniture industry continue to evolve. These days, they compare every brand to big players like Amazon,
The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) will welcome retailers to its Retailer Resource Center during Las Vegas Market, offering a dedicated
In an industry defined by change, competition, and evolving consumer expectations, few retailers manage to honor their history while boldly
Turn social media engagement into in-store visits. In this webinar, discover how to create content that motivates customers to move from scrolling to shopping. Join
Succession planning is critical to protecting the future of a home furnishings retail business, yet many owners wait too long to start. Whether the transition
MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Human Resources Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in using technology and
