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
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
In last week’s HFA Live webinar, furniture retailers heard a sobering report about the industry’s new (read: sluggish) supply chain. A pair of supply and logistics experts told viewers the current delays won’t improve for another seven to eight months. But in the same breath, Riaz Husein and Garrett Bowman offered strategies retailers can enact
The pandemic has flattened many retailers, but not furniture retailers. Like many furniture retailers across the country, Home Furnishings Association member Howard Gerchikov of European Furniture Imports in Tampa is doing a booming business these days. Like many furniture retailers, he could be doing even better if he had product
Furniture retailers are enjoying a spike in sales since they reopened stores last summer. But there’s a price for that success: Those record sales are exposing weaknesses on many businesses’ supply chain and logistics operations. Specifically, retailers are seeing room for improvement with their inventory management, distribution and warehousing, and
A shortage of truck drivers is one of the long-term supply-chain problems impacting the furniture industry. And it’s why the Home Furnishings Association supports a proposed pilot program aimed at bringing younger drivers into the profession. The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration recently announced plans to study the feasibility of
Walk into most bars and restaurants and the maskless patrons and workers make it appear our pandemic worries are over. Three furniture retailer delivery experts advised an HFA live Covid-19 Webinar audience last week not to believe that. Carl Nyberg, COO of Home Furnishings Association member HOM Furniture in Minnesota,
New rules published this month will help truck drivers use their work hours productively. In turn, that can make the transport of furniture and other goods more efficient. The changes to Hours of Service regulations approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration were sought by the Home Furnishings Association.
President Donald Trump’s executive order April 19 to allow deferred payment of some import duties for 90 days doesn’t apply to furniture shipped from China. Americans for Free Trade, a large business coalition including the Home Furnishings Association, has called for broader relief. “The administration’s announcement to defer the collection
Home appliance retailers are essential businesses in Massachusetts. A strong argument advanced by Simon’s Furniture, Mattresses & Appliances in Franklin, Mass., may have helped make sure of that. Today, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker ordered non-essential businesses to close at noon Tuesday. Simon’s didn’t wait for the order. To help slow
HFA Monitoring Impact and Gathering Intel Details are beginning to be released of the recent White House announcements of planned
Stop Letting Warehouse Profits Slip Away Ignoring critical warehouse KPIs means leaving profit scattered across the warehouse floor. It’s not
Recognizing Excellence and Innovation in the Home Furnishings Industry [Carmichael, CA] – [10/1/25] – The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) is
A 50-day study on furniture imports that could reshape the competitive landscape for U.S. retailers. While details remain limited, the
For small and mid-sized furniture retailers in the U.S., the old rule “buy deep to get a better price” has
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
Stop the Loss: Proven Strategies to Cut Damage and Returns Furniture damage and customer returns don’t just cut into profits, they can also weaken
Stepping into greater responsibility within a family business comes with unique opportunities—and its own set of challenges. From managing generational
Furniture damage and customer returns don’t just cut into profits, they can also weaken customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty. In
