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
For many independent furniture retailers, succession planning is more complex than expected. The next generation often chooses different careers; employees rarely have the vendor credit support to carry on, and outside buyers may not value the business the way the owner does. Understanding the realities of exit strategies — and
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
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.
As a retailer, you’ve dedicated years, if not decades, to building a business you can be proud of. You’ve curated products, fostered customer relationships, and navigated the ever-changing tides of the market. But what happens to your legacy when you’re ready to retire or, heaven forbid, something unexpected happens? If
Simple, powerful leadership principles that drive performance and engagement on the sales floor and beyond. Whether you’re managing a large retail floor, a regional chain of home furnishings stores, or a small family-owned business, the demands on today’s retail leaders have never been greater. Between staffing challenges, customer expectations, and
In a retail furniture store, layouts are constantly refreshed, delivery deadlines are tight, and customer expectations are always evolving—it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations. As a retail leader, you might focus on schedules, solving customer issues, and keeping inventory on track. All of that is essential,
The success of your business often hinges on the people working the floor, managing deliveries, handling customers, and selling products. And the glue that holds it all together? Communication. Whether you’re the owner of a family-run store, a sales manager overseeing a large showroom, or a warehouse lead managing operations, your
In today’s retail landscape, where demands are constantly increasing and productivity is key, the role of a manager has become more crucial than ever. Often seen as the backbone of an organization, managers bear the responsibility of driving their teams toward success and ensuring that the business thrives in an
I’ve been in the furniture business for over 20 years, and I’ve witnessed every marketing trend, from loud holiday ads
Many retail buying journeys begin online through research, browsing, comparison, or early product discovery. Shoppers expect digital guidance before they
As eCommerce grows, online merchandising has become a key element in driving both customer engagement and sales. Far more than
Winning the hearts and loyalty of customers takes more than just offering attractive products or competitive pricing. It demands a
What Home Furnishings Retailers and Importers Need to Know The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is moving forward with
Selling Like a Million-Dollar Writer What separates a good sales associate from a true million-dollar writer? It’s not luck, and it’s not just traffic.
The Right Way to Use AI in Retail Marketing (and What to Avoid) Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping marketing and its impact on retail
