More important, what should they do? At a peer group meeting of eight successful construction industry CEOs years ago, the members began discussing how to get the most out of an industry standard software package. One CEO asked another a question about how to key in data to produce a
In Shakespeare’s King Lear, an aging king divides his kingdom among his daughters based on flattery. The daughter who speaks honestly is disowned, and Lear ultimately loses everything. This story is a cautionary tale for family furniture business owners: poor succession can erode not only the business you’ve built but
“We need to talk.” Those four words can be intimidating in any relationship. In family-run furniture businesses, they can feel even heavier—especially when what you need to say is: “Mom, Dad, I’m ready to lead.” For decades, your parents have poured their energy into building the store, the brand, and
Longevity is one of the most defining shifts of our time. Americans are living longer, healthier lives than ever before, and that reality is reshaping how family-owned and closely held businesses must approach succession planning, leadership, and financial planning for home furnishings retailers, in particular, where family involvement runs deep
Strengthen Your Business While Preserving Family Harmony Compensation planning in a retail furniture business often feels more like an art than a science. You’re balancing the need to motivate and retain top talent—family and non-family—while ensuring the business remains profitable. For family-owned furniture retailers, the conversation becomes even more layered.
Defining Roles, Purpose, and a Path to Leadership Bringing a son, daughter, or younger family member into your retail furniture business can be rewarding and challenging. There’s pride in continuing the family legacy and hope in watching a new generation step forward. But without the right structure, what starts with
Sometimes those extra years play havoc with your retail succession planning Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention produced a paper called “Death in the United States.” While this might seem to be a morbidly unusual article for the Home Furnishings Association, please bear with me because the data
When Furniture Stops Moving, It’s Time to Rethink Your Floor Tariffs are driving costs up. The pandemic redecorating rush is
I’ve been in the furniture business for over 20 years, and I’ve witnessed every marketing trend, from loud holiday ads
As eCommerce grows, online merchandising has become a key element in driving both customer engagement and sales. Far more than
The trade and tariff landscape remains fluid, with several developments—and non-developments worth monitoring. While there haven’t been many substantial changes
As the 2025 holiday season approaches, consumer optimism is tempered by financial caution. Katapult’s new report, Holiday Spending in 2025:
The Right Way to Use AI in Retail Marketing (and What to Avoid) Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping marketing and its impact on retail
Building a Brand Shoppers Believe In: Authentic Storytelling Today’s furniture shoppers buy from brands they trust. In this live event and Q&A, industry leaders
