The Ever-Changing Landscape of Furniture Importing Home furniture businesses involved in container imports and related activities are complex and dynamic. Disruptions can significantly impede the flow of containerized goods arriving in the US, throwing your meticulously crafted plans into disarray. Adding to the complexity, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (OSRA)
The home furnishings industry is known for its diverse product range, intricate supply chains, and fluctuating consumer demands. Due to these unique challenges, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions have emerged as useful technological tools and strategic enablers that can optimize the flow of goods,
In the competitive landscape of home furnishings retail, every advantage counts. From staying on top of trends to managing inventory effectively, retailers constantly seek ways to optimize their operations and boost profitability. One often-overlooked but highly effective strategy is joining a buying group, also known as a group purchasing organization
Often when we talk about our government relations action team (GRAT) and our advocacy efforts, it is always about works in progress. We focus on those issues that are at hand, and that need a resolution of some sort. Finally, we have the chance to discuss something we worked on
In a speech many years ago, Robert Kennedy proclaimed, “There is a Chinese curse which says, ‘May he live in interesting times.’ ” As current events continue to unfold, it seems we are living in increasingly interesting times. Recent announcements by many auto manufacturers that production lines have been halted
Build Back Better Congressional Democrats and the White House spent the last several months of 2021 working to enact President Biden’s signature legislative priority, the Build Back Better Act. This proposed legislative piece is key to advancing the Administration’s economic recovery agenda. The House passed its version before Thanksgiving in
When I look at 2021 through the lens of advocacy, I must tell you that it was a game-changer for our industry and the home furnishings association. That’s something I say on many different levels. First, the sheer volume of issues we weighed in on, the positions we presented, and
The supply chain crisis is nothing new for furniture retailers – it’s been an unfortunate reality for our industry over the last several years, with many inefficiencies exacerbated by the effects of COVID-19. In several instances this year, President Biden has focused on the supply chain, either by Executive Order
I’ve noticed an interesting shift in meetings we’ve had with key staff in Cabinet departments like Commerce and Transportation or with members of Congress. Before I get to that shift, you need to know that we have increased the frequency of the meetings with influencers intentionally. We have got to
Throughout the supply chain crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, HFA’s Government Relations Action Team has been working diligently with our lobbyist in Washington to put forward all the concerns affecting every furniture retailer’s livelihood. The broken supply chain, with its systemic cost increases, is slowing the recovery of our
In 2023, the home, garden, and furniture industry encountered its fair share of headwinds. Despite soaring inflation rates, a tough
The world is consumer-driven and constantly changing. Enticing customers to your furniture store with traditional marketing methods (or even online)
Innovative technologies are paramount for helping businesses stand out and boost sales in today’s customer journey. With the rapid advancement
STAND OUT BY WINNING: Innovation, Personalization, and Trustworthiness. In today’s fast-paced furniture market, where retailers continuously evolve to engage with
As eCommerce grows, online merchandising has become a key element in driving both customer engagement and sales. Far more than
eCommerce Inventory Strategies for Furniture Retailers As eCommerce advances continue in the furniture retail industry, managing inventory and fulfillment has become increasingly complex. From supply
Protect Your Business Against Cyber Threats No business is immune to the growing threat of cyberattacks in today’s retail environment. From ransomware to data breaches,
MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: eCommerce Connect with other HFA member retailers to share the eCommerce challenges and successes you are experiencing for your
Delve into cybercrime’s real and present dangers with Rob Petrosino from Peak Activity, who will share actionable strategies to fortify
