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
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.
The home furnishings industry is experiencing a digital revolution, and operations optimization is leading the way. Advanced technologies are pivotal in tackling challenges like supply chain disruptions, order backlogs, and other operational hurdles facing manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations. These cutting-edge solutions enhance visibility and detailed reporting for home furnishings
As the international trade landscape continues to evolve, furniture retailers must stay informed and proactive about regulatory changes that could impact their businesses. Recent developments surrounding the de minimis exemption—allowing goods valued under $800 to bypass standard Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspections—present both challenges and opportunities that retailers cannot
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
The home furnishings industry has been on a wild roller coaster ride over the last five years, with little sign
A Key Resource for Furniture Retailers Managing human resources can be a daunting challenge for small businesses and independent furniture
Shopping for furniture is a universal experience, yet the way different generations approach this process varies significantly. From Gen Z
In the retail furniture industry, providing accurate and real-time information to customers is essential for standing out. One of the
Online shopping is far from perfect. Customers frequently encounter frustrations that can lead to abandoned carts, negative experiences, and lost
Building High-Performing Sales Teams Behind every great home furnishings store is a powerhouse sales team—and behind every great sales team is a smart, strategic manager.
The Future of Home Furnishings Retail with Todd Wanek Join Todd Wanek, President and CEO of Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC, for a webinar on the
