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Pillar Awards

2026 NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN!

Honoring Excellence in the Home Furnishings Industry

The Home Furnishings Association Pillar Awards honor the individuals and companies who exemplify innovation, leadership, and service within our industry. Formerly known as the Retailer of the Year Awards, the Pillar Awards shine a spotlight on outstanding achievement across multiple categories—recognizing those who inspire excellence and help drive the home furnishings industry forward. 

Nominated by peers and evaluated by an expert panel, the awards celebrate excellence in four distinct categories: Retailer of the Year, Trailblazer of the Year, Emerging Star of the Year, and Partner of the Year.

Nominated by the industry

Here’s your chance to nominate a retailer for our industry’s most prestigious awards. Whether you’re a manufacturer, industry rep, or employee – we want to hear from you. Retailers are judged by a panel of industry leaders, industry media, retired professionals, and past winners.

Customer Experience
Rated 5 out of 5
Company Culture
Rated 5 out of 5
Social Responsibility
Rated 5 out of 5
Innovation
Rated 5 out of 5
Adaptability
Rated 5 out of 5
Industry Contribution
Rated 5 out of 5
Marketing
Rated 5 out of 5
Achievements
Rated 5 out of 5

2026 Categories

Retailer of the Year

50 Employees & Above

Retailer of the Year

Below 50 Employees

Emerging Star

Rising industry professional (3-5 years of experience)

Trailblazer

20+ Years Exemplary Business

Partner of the Year

HFA Solution Partner with outstanding service to members
Nominations are open until October 31, 2025

2026 Award Winners

Retailer of the Year - Room & Board

Over 50 Employees
As a 100% employee-owned company, Room & Board continues to set the standard for people-first culture, sustainability, and customer experience. From its commitment to American manufacturing to its industry-leading service model and innovative product development, Room & Board demonstrates how scale and values can work hand in hand. This award recognizes the company’s continued leadership, innovation, and impact across the home furnishings industry.

Retailer of the Year - Good's Furniture & Mattress

Under 50 Employees
With more than 130 years of history, Good’s Furniture & Mattress proves that tradition and innovation can thrive together. A fourth-generation, family-owned business, Good’s delivers a one-of-a-kind customer experience that draws shoppers from across the Midwest. From its expansive showroom and signature hospitality to its deep community roots, Good’s exemplifies excellence in independent retail.

HFA Trailblazer Award - Bob Barton, Bob's Discount Furniture

The HFA Trailblazer Award honors an individual whose career has left a lasting mark on the industry. With more than 20 years of leadership across home furnishings and technology, Bill Barton has driven meaningful transformation through innovation, omnichannel strategy, and people-centered leadership. His impact extends beyond business results—shaping teams, mentoring future leaders, and strengthening communities nationwide.

HFA Emerging Star - Stacie Bedford, Evan's Heritage Home

The HFA Emerging Star Award recognizes rising talent who are redefining what success looks like in home furnishings. Stacie Bedford exemplifies creativity, resilience, and innovation. Through a design-forward approach and deep community engagement, Stacie has helped build Evans’ Heritage Home into a distinctive retail destination that blends curated design, experiential retail, and meaningful customer relationships. Her leadership represents the future of independent home furnishings retail.
Howard and Julie Haimsohn
Trailblazer cake photo
Lawrance Furniture_Haimsohn Family photo
Lawrance Furniture Team photo

HFA Partner of the Year - Package.ai

The Partner of the Year Award recognizes a company that exemplifies collaboration and commitment to retailer success. Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Ziv Fass, Package.ai has become a trusted partner to home furnishings retailers by transforming last-mile delivery and post-purchase communication. Through industry-focused innovation and deep collaboration with HFA members, Package.ai continues to help retailers operate more efficiently while delivering exceptional customer experiences.

HFA Manufacturer of the Year - SURYA, Inc.

Surya Inc. has redefined industry standards with its cutting-edge designs and exceptional product quality. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction has made them a leader in the manufacturing sector. Surya’s ability to anticipate and adapt to market trends ensures that their offerings resonate with consumers and retailers alike, making them a deserving recipient of this year’s Manufacturer of the Year award.

PAST WINNERS

2025

Retailer of the Year - Lacks Furniture

Retailer of the Year - Sandra's Furniture and Design

Emerging Star - Elizabeth Ann Howell, Miskelly Furniture

Trailbazer - Todd Wanek, Ashley Furniture Industries

Partner of the Year - Synchrony

Manufacturer of the Year - Surya

2024

Retailer of the Year - Raymour & Flanigan

Retailer of the Year - Mueller Furniture and Mattress

Emerging Star - Shane Pohlman, NFM

Trailbazer - Jeff Child, RC Willey

Partner of the Year - JB Hunt

Manufacturer of the Year - Ashley Furniture Industries

2023

Retailer of the Year - Old Brick Furniture

Retailer of the Year - BILTRITE Furniture

Emerging Star - Matt Pridemore, Badcock Home Furniture & More

Trailbazer - Howard Haimsohn, Lawrance Contemporary Furniture

Partner of the Year - Esquire Advertising

2022

Retailer of the Year - CITY Furniture

Retailer of the Year - Room to Room Furniture

Emerging Star - Eric Beiter, Beiter's Furniture

Trailbazer - Irv Blumkin, Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM)

Partner of the Year - Podium

2020

Retailer of the Year - Interiors Home

Retailer of the Year - PerLora

Emerging Star - Sydney Harris, Furnitureland South

Trailbazer - Dave Koehler, Johnny Janosik

Partner of the Year - Synchrony

2019

Retailer of the Year - Brakenridge Furniture Co.

Retailer of the Year - Howell Furniture

Emerging Star - Joe Bright, Dunk & Bright Furniture

Trailbazer - Greg Crowley, Crowley Furniture & Mattress