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
The furniture industry is entering a new digital era. One where a dining table can be explored in 10 finishes,
How Strong Leadership Drives Performance, Culture, and Consistency Traffic patterns fluctuate, customer expectations continue to evolve, and competition remains strong
Joining an established furniture retail sales team can feel daunting for a new associate. Walking into a showroom with seasoned
There is an important update for home furnishings retailers and other importers affected by IEEPA tariffs: the refund process is
If you thought of the title of this article as a question, your first answer might be “Products that sold
AI is no longer just powering search bars and chatbots. New agentic AI experiences are changing how shoppers discover, evaluate, and buy products online. For
Join Peter Theran and Steve Fodor, LCB, MCS, Founder and CEO of Customs Services & Solutions, for a practical discussion on IEEPA tariffs, refund developments,
MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: eCommerce Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in navigating family business dynamics.
