The Ever-Changing Landscape of Furniture Importing Home furniture businesses involved in container imports and related activities are complex and dynamic. Disruptions can significantly impede the flow of containerized goods arriving in the US, throwing your meticulously crafted plans into disarray. Adding to the complexity, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA)
One of the keys to improving the furniture industry’s carbon footprint is the issue of mattress recycling in the United States. This is arguably one of the home furnishings industry’s most important, misunderstood, and overlooked environmental issues. It is estimated that, in 2025, approximately 20 million mattresses will be disposed of,
In the competitive landscape of home furnishings retail, every advantage counts. From staying on top of trends to managing inventory effectively, retailers constantly seek ways to optimize their operations and boost profitability. One often-overlooked but highly effective strategy is joining a buying group, also known as a group purchasing organization
There is no rest for the mattress industry when it comes to recycling. Through the work of the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC), which was created by the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) to administer statewide mattress recycling programs in California, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, over 12 million mattresses and box
The Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) market has grown 75% over the last two years, surpassing $200B. DTC provides excellent flexibility to offer more affordable and effective choices with improved profit margins and reduced costs. In this article, we will review the growth of Direct-to-Consumer product options and how they will increase profitability
Prepare for Shipping Disruptions In today’s interconnected business landscape, small businesses heavily rely on efficient and reliable shipping services to maintain their supply chains and meet customer demands. With the potential 2023 UPS strike looming, you must understand the implications and take proactive measures to safeguard your operations. In this
Consistency in advocacy engagement has been the main pillar of HFA’s Government Relations Action Team (GRAT) throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In October 2020, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced a Section 301 investigation into alleged misconduct in Vietnam related to currency manipulation and illegal logging. The announcement jolted the furniture
I’ve noticed an interesting shift in meetings we’ve had with key staff in Cabinet departments like Commerce and Transportation or with members of Congress. Before I get to that shift, you need to know that we have increased the frequency of the meetings with influencers intentionally. We have got to
The HFA Government Relations Action Team (GRAT) recently hosted Federal Maritime Commissioner Rebecca Dye during its regular meeting. Commissioner Dye is currently serving her fourth term and has been a Commissioner since 2002. She is leading the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) effort, Fact-Finding 29, as they examine the supply chain
More Sales = More Returns Do you have a solid returns process? As retailers gear up for peak sales seasons, it’s important not to lose sight of what happens next. Unfortunately, some of the merchandise you sell is going to come back! And increased sales mean increased returns. With more
At the recent International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference in Las Vegas, approximately 25,000 retail experts converged to share
The G.R.O.W. Sales Coaching Model Part 2 There is nothing more valuable to ANY business than its people. And yet,
In retail furniture, standing out from the competition is essential. While quality and design have always been critical, today’s consumers
What is the Main Function of Sales Management?
Running a successful furniture or mattress store isn’t just about having quality products—it’s also about having a team that can
State of the Industry: Navigating Economic Trends and Market Shifts Join us for a thought-provoking webinar that will delve into the pressing issues shaping the
Sales Boot Camp for Top Performers Discover innovative techniques to boost your sales, engage customers more effectively, and close deals like never before. Whether aiming
