https://www.facebook.com/retailernow/videos/447619532311426/ The plan was hatched not under cover of darkness, but in a back office during lunch. HFA member Riley Griffiths wanted to reward his employees at Riley’s Furniture & Mattress in Monroe, Ohio, for a successful year, but he also wanted to celebrate in a way that would help
Doug Stephens can tell you all about the decline of brick-and-mortar retail. He can tell you all about the projected 8,642 retail stores—many of them furniture retail stores—that are expected to shutter this year. Or how 58 percent of all online product searches begin on (where else?) Amazon. In fact,
Industry analyst Jerry Epperson predicted a favorable trade agreement between White House and Chinese leaders is in the works and will be announced before the Nov. 6 midterm elections. “(President Trump) is a smart businessman and I have to believe this is not going to happen,” said Epperson, of Mann,
Training, talking and technology can help your bottom line Many furniture retailers—like the rest of the retail industry—are enjoying strong sales as we head into the last quarter of 2018. Retailers are benefiting from a continually improving employment picture, growing disposable consumer income and an easy credit environment. “The United
…and boost sales The average family spends $125 per month—that’s $1,500 a year—on home furnishings. With that kind of dough going toward making their homes beautiful, you’d think consumers would rush to protect these purchases. But despite what seems to be an obvious need for protection, many customers still forego
HFA Trailblazer Award Winner: Karen Arakelian, White House Design At 17, Karen Arakelian had life all figured out. She was going to attend Rutgers University and pursue a biology degree before heading off to medical school. Life had other plans, of course. When it came time to leave, Arakelian just
For Rick and Pat Howard, life after retirement seems a lot like work. They wouldn’t have it any other way. Rick Howard enjoyed a rewarding career in the furniture manufacturing and packaging industries. Twenty-two years of deals and friendships, accomplishments and innovations. So when he sold his business and had
Joe Bright has been named president of HFA member Dunk and Bright Furniture, the fourth generation of Brights to run the Syracuse, N.Y., store. “It’s an incredible opportunity,” said Bright. “I’m thrilled to be working with my dad every day in this business.” Bright’s father, Jim, has been the sole
The home furnishings industry is grieving over the loss of Furniture Wizard founder and president Martin Fischbein, who died last month following complications from surgery. He was 62. Fischbein was a fixture in the HFA’s Retailer Resource Center over the years and enjoyed talking about how he started his company.
In modern commerce, where convenience and customer satisfaction reign supreme, the concept of delivery has evolved beyond getting your purchase
Effective employee management is essential for any business, as managing employees effectively can lead to better productivity, higher job satisfaction,
Companies of all sizes typically think of hiring and training as two separate things – but it’s especially common in
Times are changing, and retail is no exception. In a world where innovation is becoming not just a desire but
What is Digital Advertising? Digital advertising refers to marketing completed through online channels (e.g., websites, streaming platforms, email, etc.). It
Drive Traffic with Data Insights There is untapped potential for driving traffic to your store by using the data you collect. Industry experts will share
Evaluating the Cost of Delivery Join leading industry experts who will share insights on key cost drivers, efficiency measures, technology usage, and outsourcing options for
