Over the last 18 months, HFA has engaged with industry, congressional, consumer safety, parents, and regulatory stakeholders to advocate for a consensus-driven mandatory stability standard for clothing storage units (CSU). Clothing storage unit compliance efforts culminated in the passage of the STURDY Act (Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on
On the surface, HFA DC Fly-In, our in-person advocacy visit scheduled in late May, would be simply going through the motions. Our primary issue of the last year, the tip-over controversy, is over, except for compliance. Then we unknowingly timed our visit to coincide with the debt ceiling crisis, which
Nothing drives congressional activity like a deadline – in this case, the August recess and November midterm elections have created a unique environment spurring action on priority issues for both parties. Democrats have controlled the White House, House, and Senate since January 2021 but cannot advance large parts of their
For the first time since 2019, many of our HFA members came together in Washington for what we affectionately refer to as our DC Fly-In. Each attendee is a member of our Government Relations Action Team (GRAT). This has always been an annual chance to get in front of key
Recently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) denied an industry request, co-signed by HFA, to extend the comment period for their clothing storage unit tip-over safety standard. Public comments are due to the CPSC by April 19, 2022. It is critical that the furniture retail voice is represented as they
When I look at 2021 through the lens of advocacy, I must tell you that it was a game-changer for our industry and the home furnishings association. That’s something I say on many different levels. First, the sheer volume of issues we weighed in on, the positions we presented, and
We saw something that we haven’t seen in quite some time, a compromise on Capitol Hill. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, supported by the Biden Administration, was debated in the Senate, passed with a strong bipartisan vote, and sent to the House. For years, there’s been talk about the
I’ve noticed an interesting shift in meetings we’ve had with key staff in Cabinet departments like Commerce and Transportation or with members of Congress. Before I get to that shift, you need to know that we have increased the frequency of the meetings with influencers intentionally. We have got to
Accomplishing the goal of adequate U.S. infrastructure funding has been a critical talking point in recent months on Capitol Hill. One of President Biden’s major legislative accomplishments was the American Rescue Plan. It was a $2.2 trillion bill that extended federal unemployment bonuses through early September, provided $300+ billion to
The Home Furnishings Association invited High Point Representatives Kathy Manning (D) and Ted Budd (R) to visit High Point Market. HFA CEO Mark Schumacher discussed with them the furniture industry and the issues that retailers face such as supply chain, tariffs, and more.
As the political and economic landscape shifts in 2025, the newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) draws close
In retail today, delivery operations are not just a logistical necessity — they are a front-line component of customer satisfaction,
Ever-mounting expectations of instant gratification have shaped our consumer landscape. The boss needs a project ASAP, and you need coffee
Tired of chasing influencers who ghost you or charge more than your showroom sofa? Good news: you don’t need one.
Friday, October 24 – Monday, October 27, 2025 HFA Retailer Resource Center, 1st Floor, Plaza Suites The Home Furnishings Association
Smart Buying Strategies for Better Inventory Decisions Making the right inventory decisions can be the difference between record sales and costly overstocks. This session
Smarter Media Strategies for Furniture Retailers In today’s crowded advertising landscape, every dollar counts—and standing out has never been harder. Are your media channels truly
What are the Pillar Awards? Presented by the Home Furnishings Association, the Pillar Awards celebrate the home furnishings industry’s highest
Retail SEO is evolving fast. With AI-driven search and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) reshaping how consumers discover products, retailers must
