https://www.facebook.com/retailernow/videos/447619532311426/ The plan was hatched not under cover of darkness, but in a back office during lunch. HFA member Riley Griffiths wanted to reward his employees at Riley’s Furniture & Mattress in Monroe, Ohio, for a successful year, but he also wanted to celebrate in a way that would help
Doug Stephens can tell you all about the decline of brick-and-mortar retail. He can tell you all about the projected 8,642 retail stores—many of them furniture retail stores—that are expected to shutter this year. Or how 58 percent of all online product searches begin on (where else?) Amazon. In fact,
Industry analyst Jerry Epperson predicted a favorable trade agreement between White House and Chinese leaders is in the works and will be announced before the Nov. 6 midterm elections. “(President Trump) is a smart businessman and I have to believe this is not going to happen,” said Epperson, of Mann,
Training, talking and technology can help your bottom line Many furniture retailers—like the rest of the retail industry—are enjoying strong sales as we head into the last quarter of 2018. Retailers are benefiting from a continually improving employment picture, growing disposable consumer income and an easy credit environment. “The United
…and boost sales The average family spends $125 per month—that’s $1,500 a year—on home furnishings. With that kind of dough going toward making their homes beautiful, you’d think consumers would rush to protect these purchases. But despite what seems to be an obvious need for protection, many customers still forego
HFA Trailblazer Award Winner: Karen Arakelian, White House Design At 17, Karen Arakelian had life all figured out. She was going to attend Rutgers University and pursue a biology degree before heading off to medical school. Life had other plans, of course. When it came time to leave, Arakelian just
For Rick and Pat Howard, life after retirement seems a lot like work. They wouldn’t have it any other way. Rick Howard enjoyed a rewarding career in the furniture manufacturing and packaging industries. Twenty-two years of deals and friendships, accomplishments and innovations. So when he sold his business and had
Joe Bright has been named president of HFA member Dunk and Bright Furniture, the fourth generation of Brights to run the Syracuse, N.Y., store. “It’s an incredible opportunity,” said Bright. “I’m thrilled to be working with my dad every day in this business.” Bright’s father, Jim, has been the sole
The home furnishings industry is grieving over the loss of Furniture Wizard founder and president Martin Fischbein, who died last month following complications from surgery. He was 62. Fischbein was a fixture in the HFA’s Retailer Resource Center over the years and enjoyed talking about how he started his company.
A 50-day study on furniture imports that could reshape the competitive landscape for U.S. retailers. While details remain limited, the
Home furnishings retailers must leverage multiple online platforms to effectively reach and engage their target audience. With consumers turning to
At a time when economic uncertainty holds consumers back from spending, it’s crucial to offer a shopping experience that drives
Why Generative AI Is Becoming a Must on the Sales Floor Retailers today are surrounded by data, but getting clear
In home furnishings retail today, it’s no longer enough just to advertise the products you carry. If you’re a furniture
Smarter Media Strategies for Furniture Retailers In today’s crowded advertising landscape, every dollar counts—and standing out has never been harder. Are your media channels truly
Winning in the Age of AI for Retail SEO Retail SEO is evolving fast. With AI-driven search and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) reshaping how consumers
Retailer-to-Retailer Roundtable: Back-End Operations Exclusive for HFA Members Looking for a place to connect with like-minded retailers, share challenges, and
In today’s crowded advertising landscape, every dollar counts—and standing out has never been harder. Are your media channels truly delivering
