COVID-19

Image shows the U.S. Treasury building
Robert Bell
Small business loans: What can HFA members expect?

Hundreds of lenders — from national institutions to small-town banks — are preparing for a deluge from small businesses this month seeking financial help from the coronavirus economic fallout. The $2 trillion CARES Act signed into law last month by President Trump includes $349 billion for a federal small business

image shows the president's hands and a signed bill
Doug Clark
Paid sick leave, family leave law takes effect

Many furniture retailers and other businesses must provide their employees with paid sick leave and family leave under some circumstances, according to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The new law, which takes effect April 1, covers businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees can

image shows the U.S. Capitol
Robert Bell
HFA lobbyist answers members’ relief package questions

On Friday, Home Furnishings Association Executive Vice President Mark Schumacher, HFA government relations liaison Doug Clark and Washington lobbyist Chris Andresen held a webinar with more than 400 HFA members to discuss the $2 trillion bipartisan financial-rescue package signed by President Trump. Members were particularly interested in the $350 billion-plus

Image shows the Capitol dome
Doug Clark
What the relief bill provides for HFA members

“The Home Furnishings Association and its 1,400 retail members across the country welcome the $2 trillion relief package from Washington,” President Jesús Capó and CEO Sharron Bradley said in a statement. “The small and larger businesses in our association want to protect their employees, serve their customers and support their

a hand building a stack of blocks with people on the front.
Robert Bell
HR experts answer members’ HR questions

HFA executive vice president Mark Schumacher spoke with HR experts Erick Becker of Cummins & White, LLP, and Eric Martin of ACG Consulting Services, Inc. on March 27 about pressing HR-related concerns HFA members are facing during the coronavirus pandemic. Retailers were invited to ask questions related to their businesses.

Image shows a man and woman in a furniture store
Doug Clark
HFA members seek guidance from local governments

When California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered most businesses in the state to close, Kevin and Jennifer Large didn’t take that as the last word. After all, Beautiwood Unfinished Furniture in Fresno had customers waiting. “We are still working for you!” Jennifer wrote on the business Facebook page. “We are lucky

Heather Hanley Tin roof
Robert Bell
With stores shuttering, retailers pick up their web game

Locked doors. Silent phones. Near-empty streets. With every passing day, HFA members are shuttering their showrooms as states increasingly are ordering all non-essential businesses to close in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. But this is not a story of HFA members throwing up their hands and surrendering.

Weatherby's Furniture in Bakersfield, Calif., is closing its doors after 98 years in business. Owners Robert and Trish Weathersby are having a retirement sale.
Robert Bell
Retailers have options for upcoming rent or lease payments

HFA member Tony Vera closed his doors last week, let go of all his employees but family and is relying on website sales to keep Mega Furniture his store in North Miami Beach, Fla., open. But for how long? As store traffic — and sales — dwindle, retailers like Vera

Image shows two men in the appliances section of their store
Doug Clark
Appliances meet critical needs during crisis

Home appliance retailers are essential businesses in Massachusetts. A strong argument advanced by Simon’s Furniture, Mattresses & Appliances in Franklin, Mass., may have helped make sure of that. Today, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker ordered non-essential businesses to close at noon Tuesday. Simon’s didn’t wait for the order. To help slow

Photo shows a group of people walking with the U.S. Capitol in the background
Doug Clark
What is Washington doing to help?

Home Furnishings Association members are wrestling with difficult questions as the coronavirus crisis continues to threaten their livelihoods. Stay open or temporarily shut down? What happens if retailers simply stop paying their suppliers? To whom do we tell our stories to be heard? And what is our government doing to

You might also like

Business Plan Demand and Supply Marketing Concept
Demand Planning Trends for 2024

“We need robust demand planning” is a phrase I hear from almost every client. Demand planning accurately forecasts customer purchases,

See the latest

More From The HFA

Data stylized graphic

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

Register To Attend
Evaluating the Cost of Delivery - HFA Webinar

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

Register To Attend