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.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at the Department of Labor recently released its long-anticipated Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on ‘Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace.’ Labor Secretary Marty Walsh led this effort while President Biden’s nominee for OSHA Administrator, Doug Parker, is still working
Crumbling infrastructure is a common problem across the United States, impacting our global competitiveness and directly impacting furniture retailers trying to receive, process, and deliver in-demand goods to consumers. For the last several years, the running joke in Washington, DC, has been the never-ending ‘Infrastructure Week.’ Previous administrations and congresses
The furniture industry is no stranger to regulation – we have adapted to comply with hundreds of state and federal regulations. But despite political gridlock at the federal level often slowing down legislative and regulatory efforts, more chemical regulations for furniture manufacturing are on the way. Aggressive regulatory efforts have
The first 100 days is an important milestone for any President, and Joe Biden recently completed his 100th day in office. This period within a four-year term can set the tone for the remainder of the presidency, and President Biden can point to key successes and see some areas for
The first quarter of 2021 has been extremely active on many policy, economic, and industry fronts. In many ways, the HFA Government Relations Action Team (GRAT) had a front-row ‘virtual’ seat to the discussions on Capitol Hill and across the country as policymakers and local leaders continued efforts in the
On February 24th, President Biden signed an Executive Order (EO), creating a broad, government-wide supply chain review. One of the order’s main drivers is the semiconductor chip shortage, impacting the technology and automobile sectors. While that was an area of focus, the EO directs many federal agencies to review various
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it’s almost impossible to talk about any significant subject these days without the discussion ending up in a partisan conversation. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen it quite like this where there is such a high level of divisiveness that springs up
At the end of January 2021, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released its annual ‘Product Instability or Tip-Over Injuries and Fatalities Associated with Televisions, Furniture, and Appliances: 2020 Report.’ The furniture tip-over report takes an in-depth look at the injuries and fatalities related to tip-overs, which can involve appliances,
More than one million additional American workers would become eligible for overtime pay if the U.S. Department of Labor adopts a proposed new rule. Employees earning up to $679 per week would qualify for overtime pay for working more than 40 hours in a week, according to the proposal announced
Friday, October 24 – Monday, October 27, 2025 HFA Retailer Resource Center, 1st Floor, Plaza Suites The Home Furnishings Association
Decision-making is a daily responsibility when you are an owner or manager in a home furnishings business. However, not all
Retail marketing in 2025 and beyond will be defined by a simple truth: brands that fail to align with evolving
At 8 a.m., Sarah opens Instagram, coffee in hand. Two hours later, she has ten screenshots saved and a plan
Retailers are (rightly) investing in immersive 3D experiences to inspire and convert today’s mobile-first shoppers. Whether a beautifully rendered kitchen
Navigating Leadership in a Family Business Stepping into greater responsibility within a family business comes with unique opportunities—and its own set of challenges. From
Stop the Loss: Proven Strategies to Cut Damage and Returns Furniture damage and customer returns don’t just cut into profits, they can also weaken
Stepping into greater responsibility within a family business comes with unique opportunities—and its own set of challenges. From managing generational
Furniture damage and customer returns don’t just cut into profits, they can also weaken customer satisfaction and long-term loyalty. In
