The Home Furnishings Association’s Resource Center is located in showroom B1050. Visit exhibitors who are retail experts ready to help grow your business with advice and market specials on products and services. Network with peers over coffee and food, and enjoy a variety of seminars that cover the most important aspects of being a competitive retailer in today’s market.

What is Retailer of the Year?
Presented by the Home Furnishings Association, Retailer of the Year is an annual recognition award for the home furnishings industry’s highest achievers. Nominated by the industry and judged by a panel of industry leaders, industry media, retired professionals, and past winners, Retailer of the Year honors winners in several distinct categories: Retailer of the Year, Trailblazer, Emerging Star, Partner, and Manufacturer of the Year.

What are the Pillar Awards?
Presented by the Home Furnishings Association, the Pillar Awards celebrate the home furnishings industry’s highest achievers each year. Nominees are submitted by peers across the industry and evaluated by a panel of respected leaders, media representatives, retired professionals, and past winners. The awards honor excellence in four distinct categories: Retailer of the Year, Trailblazer of the Year, Emerging Star of the Year, and Partner of the Year.

MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Technology

Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in using technology and AI across the retail business.

Topics of discussion can include:

• • Where is low-risk AI delivering real ROI in your business today?
  • How are you using technology and AI to improve operations, save time, and enhance the customer experience?
  • How are you helping your team navigate the learning curve and build confidence with new tools?
  • What roadblocks have you encountered when adopting AI or digital solutions, and how are you addressing them?
  • What technologies or AI applications seem most worth exploring next for home furnishings retailers?

MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Back-End Operations

Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in using technology and AI across the retail business.

Topics of discussion can include:

• Inventory Control: How you are forecasting demand without overstocking your floors.
• Warehouse Efficiency: Tips for streamlining receiving and reducing item damage.
• The Delivery Experience: Best practices for managing the final mile and keeping crews motivated.
• Market Prep: Adjusting buying habits to match current supply chain realities.

MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Sales Management

Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in navigating family business dynamics.

Topics of discussion can include:

• How are you attracting and recruiting top sales talent in a competitive labor market?

• What compensation models are working — straight commission, base plus commission, salary, or hybrid?

• What KPIs are you holding your sales team accountable to beyond just revenue?

• How has the customer’s path to purchase changed, and how have you adapted your floor selling approach?

• What separates a good sales manager from a great one in your experience?

MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: eCommerce

Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in navigating family business dynamics.

Topics of discussion can include:

• In a competitive labor market, what is your most effective “hook” for attracting and recruiting top-tier sales talent to your team?
• From straight commission to hybrid salaries, which compensation models are actually driving results and long-term retention in today’s environment?
• Beyond the top-line revenue, what specific KPIs or behavioral metrics are you using to hold your sales team accountable for the customer experience?
• As the digital and physical worlds blur, how have you specifically adapted your floor selling approach to meet the modern customer’s path to purchase?
• We all know what a good sales manager looks like, but in your experience, what is the one defining trait that separates a “good” manager from a “great” leader?

MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Digital Marketing

Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in navigating family business dynamics.

Topics of discussion can include:

• Identifying which digital marketing channels generate the highest-quality traffic and conversions

• Balancing proven digital tactics (email, search, social) with emerging platforms, tools, and trends

• Developing clear strategies for content, messaging, and brand storytelling across digital channels

• Knowing when and how to refresh websites, campaigns, and creative to maintain performance and relevance

• Aligning digital marketing efforts across teams—marketing, sales, e-commerce, and customer service

MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Merchandising

Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in navigating family business dynamics.

Topics of discussion can include:

• How to design showroom layouts that guide shoppers and increase conversion
• Balancing proven merchandising practices with emerging trends and technologies
• Setting clear strategies for product placement, display standards, and brand storytelling
• Knowing when and how to refresh your sales floor for maximum impact
• Managing merchandising alignment across teams—buyers, sales staff, and visual merchandisers

MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Customer Experience

Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in navigating family business dynamics.

Topics of discussion can include:

• What truly differentiates a memorable showroom experience
• How customer expectations have changed post-pandemic
• Store layout, merchandising, lighting, and sensory elements that impact CX
• Training approaches that improve customer trust and confidence
• How delivery experience impacts overall brand perception
• Follow-up practices that feel helpful, not intrusive