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
Every retail furniture store has that one sales associate—charismatic, confident, and consistently at the top of the leaderboard. Their closing ratio is impressive, their product knowledge is unmatched, and customers often ask for them by name. Naturally, this top performer seems the perfect choice when it’s time to fill a
For many furniture retailers, slow weekday traffic is a familiar hurdle. However, what if the solution was not another discount,
Last-mile delivery has become one of the most critical aspects of retail success. Customers expect fast, reliable, and professional delivery
You don’t need another research firm telling you what happened last quarter. You need a heads-up on what’s coming so
The trade relationship between the US and China has been marked by a history of escalation and negotiation on several
In home furnishings retail today, it’s no longer enough just to advertise the products you carry. If you’re a furniture
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
