Retailer of the Year Awards

Recognizing Achievement in the Home Furnishings Industry

Presented by the Home Furnishings Association, Retailer of the Year Awards are an annual recognition of the home furnishings industry’s highest achievers. Nominated by the industry, and judged by a panel, these awards honor industry professionals in several distinct categories: Retailer of the Year, Trailblazer, Emerging Star, Partner of the Year, and Manufacturer 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

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Company Culture

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Social Responsibility

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Innovation

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Adaptability

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Industry Contribution

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Marketing

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Achievements

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2025 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

Manufacturer of the Year

Furniture manufacturer with outstanding service to retailers

Nominations are open until October 31, 2024

2024 Award Winners

Retailer of the Year - Raymour & Flanigan

Over 50 Employees

“On behalf of the entire Raymour & Flanigan team, we are honored to be recognized as the 2024 Retailer of the Year by the Home Furnishings Association,” expressed Goldberg. “Since our founding in 1947, we have remained committed to providing exceptional shopping experiences for our guests through our knowledgeable, dedicated, and caring team of associates. Our company’s success has been a result of the hard work of our team, who strive to “raise the bar” every day. The Raymour & Flanigan culture is built on the principles of trust, professionalism, and high expectations, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.”

“In our pursuit of further growth, we continue to evolve and increasingly leverage technology to best serve our customers,” Goldberg added. “We remain committed to offering a personalized, omnichannel shopping experience combined with quick, white-glove delivery. In addition, at Raymour & Flanigan, we have always been passionate about supporting local communities and employing sustainability practices that have long-term impacts on the environment. We are proud to be a member of the home furnishings industry and express our appreciation to the Home Furnishings Association for this esteemed recognition!”

Retailer of the Year - Mueller Furniture and Mattress

Under 50 Employees

“We feel great joy in accepting this award, and it will inspire us to raise the bar even higher,” said Mark Mueller. “I think about the generations before me and the hurdles we’ve had to climb. Our sacrifices have been rewarded. We take factory tours, attend development seminars, read, practice, and deliver value on the sales floor and in every other business area. It’s a culture of learning, coaching, and love. I love my team and my customers. We really do put the family in furniture.”

HFA Partner of the Year - JB Hunt

“Our goal is to support customers in every mile of the product journey and being recognized with this award is tremendously encouraging for all of our teams working to provide the best end-to-end solutions,” said Brian Webb, executive vice president of Final Mile Services at J.B. Hunt. “We are so grateful for our relationship with the Home Furnishings Association, which has no doubt strengthened our efforts to create value for retailer supply chains and our growth as one of the leading logistics providers in the dynamic furniture industry.” — Brian Webb, EVP Final M

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. is on a mission to create the most efficient transportation network in North America. The company’s industry-leading solutions and mode-neutral approach generate value for customers by eliminating waste, reducing costs and enhancing supply chain visibility. Powered by one of the largest company-owned fleets in the country with more than 163,000 pieces of trailing equipment and nearly one million accessible trucks through its J.B. Hunt 360°® digital freight marketplace, J.B. Hunt can meet the unique shipping needs of any business, from first mile to final delivery, and every shipment in-between. Through disciplined investments in its people, technology and capacity, J.B. Hunt is delivering exceptional value and service that enable long-term growth for the company and its stakeholders.

HFA Manufacturer of the Year - Ashley Furniture Industries

“I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the HFA Manufacturer of the Year award on behalf of Ashley Furniture Industries. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence demonstrated by our incredible team. We strive to deliver exceptional products and experiences to our customers, and this award is a validation of our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Home Furnishings Association and its members for this tremendous honor. It truly inspires us to continue to push boundaries and to be the most competitive and innovative furniture company on the planet.” — Todd Wanek, President & CEO, Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC

Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC (Ashley) feels that every person deserves more value for their money. Established in 1945, Ashley is the largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world and was named one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek in 2023. From design through fulfillment, Ashley is committed to delivering the world’s best home furnishing values, selection, and service, and earning the loyalty and trust of its customers every day.

HFA Trailblazer Award - Jeff Child

“It’s a great honor to receive the HFA Trailblazer award. I am humbled when I look at those who have received this award. I have been so fortunate to work for a company like RC Willey for many years. That along with involvement in the NHFA, HFA, Furniture Hall of Fame and Furniture Marketing Group has given me an opportunity to learn from many great retailers while making some lifelong friends. I have had great support from my family and the associates of RC Willey. They are the real heroes. I’m proud to accept this award from all of them and thank the HFA for this honor.”

In 2001, Jeff assumed the role of President at RC Willey, leading the company’s management alongside his brother and brother-in-law. Overseeing merchandising, marketing, and stores, he played a pivotal role in the expansion of the business, adding five stores in Las Vegas, Reno, and Sacramento. Under his leadership, the company’s sales volume surged from almost $200 million to over $1 billion dollars.

Lawrance Furniture_Haimsohn Family photo

HFA Emerging Star - Shane Pohlman

“This award is far more than just a personal achievement – it represents the collective effort of an incredible team, supportive mentors, and my own journey of growth. I extend my gratitude to the HFA, NFM, and our valued vendor community for being integral parts of this remarkable chapter in my life. Together, we celebrate not just an award but the power of collaboration, mentorship, and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead for both myself and our industry.”

Since July 2018, Shane Pohlman has been the Director of Furniture, immersing himself in the world of home furnishings. His role involves guiding buying teams to craft strategic merchandising plans for a diverse range of furniture categories, overcoming challenges like supply chain disruptions and COVID-19-related cost fluctuations to meet financial goals. <br><br> Emphasizing teamwork, leadership, and relationship building throughout his career, Shane has fostered a collaborative environment. Whether guiding key item strategies or transforming customer advertising, his approach consistently contributes to increased revenue and enhanced profitability.

Retailer of the Year Awards

Recognizing Achievement in the Home Furnishings Industry

Nominated by the industry

2025 Categories

Retailer of the Year

Retailer of the Year

Emerging Star

Trailblazer

Partner of the Year

Manufacturer of the Year

2024 Award Winners

Retailer of the Year - Raymour & Flanigan

Retailer of the Year - Mueller Furniture and Mattress

HFA Partner of the Year - JB Hunt

HFA Manufacturer of the Year - Ashley Furniture Industries

HFA Trailblazer Award - Jeff Child

HFA Emerging Star - Shane Pohlman

Past Winners

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

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