Over the past few years, the emergence of the digital economy had already begun to change consumers’ expectations and buying habits. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the pace of change – placing more power and choice in consumers’ hands. Consumers are demanding – and smart retailers are providing –
Making a typical final mile home delivery in the COVID-19 era has changed for the foreseeable future. Many retailers have risen to the challenge and innovated quickly to provide options – driven by consumer preferences. Prior to the pandemic, the majority of deliveries made by full-line furniture retailers were a
Before we list the five important reasons why you should use a freight broker, let’s define what they do. A freight broker arranges freight shipping between a carrier and a shipper. In exchange, the broker receives a small commission for facilitating the transaction. Freight brokers add value and flexibility to your
When the coronavirus pandemic subsides, the furniture industry is going to look markedly different. The supply shock that started in China in February and the demand that followed when stores reopened after closing for months exposed vulnerabilities from Asian manufacturers to U.S. ports and railways that are only now being
The Home Furnishings Association and other industry groups have asked the Federal Maritime Commission to suspend unreasonable detention and demurrage charges on containers and chassis at the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. Worsening delays and inefficiencies at the Southern California ports are knotting an already constricted supply chain and
More Sales = More Returns As retailers gear up for peak holiday season sales, it is 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 online shopping, the rate of
Furniture in stock? Shout it out, because Americans want it now. That’s a powerful message that some furniture retailers are broadcasting loud and clear. One is American Furniture Warehouse in Greensboro, N.C. It recently began airing a TV ad titled “In Stock.” “With trucks arriving daily at American Furniture Warehouse,
It’s not much, but furniture retailers can find a sliver of solace knowing they are not alone in the disruption of their supply chains. Main Street mom-and-pop stores to some of the largest global manufacturers have had their worlds upended by the pandemic. The impact of that disruption can be measured in a new study
Retailers are facing a good news/bad news situation as we head further into the fourth quarter. Let’s get into the good news first – and there is a lot of it! Consumer demand for furniture is high. According to Smith Leonard, new orders continued to soar in August, increasing 51
For the furniture industry, fall is traditionally the “peak” quarter with higher than average sales volume driven by consumers refocusing on their homes after spending time outdoors in the summer months. Further driven by Thanksgiving, Christmas and year-end bonuses, furniture retailers usually experience their highest furniture sales for the year.
There wasn’t the usual long line of shoppers waiting outside whenever Jordan’s Furniture opens a new store. But given the
Like most furniture retailers, Home Furnishings Association member Riley’s Furniture and Mattress has endured a difficult 2020. The coronavirus pandemic forced the
Not all lease-to-own programs are alike. American First Finance, a Home Furnishings Association Solution Partner, proves this every day to
Home Furnishings Association member Bo Coconis has had a busy month at home and at work. First he and his
The ripples from the coronavirus pandemic will change consumer shopping habits for years — perhaps even permanently — as more
Congress and the Trump administration are preparing another Covid-19 relief package. The Home Furnishings Association’s Washington representative, Chris Andresen, and government relations liaison Doug Clark
Everyone is trying to figure out what the “new normal” will look like when your stores reopen. What will recovery look like to you and
