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
The HFA Government Relations Action Team (GRAT) recently hosted Federal Maritime Commissioner Rebecca Dye during its regular meeting. Commissioner Dye is currently serving her fourth term and has been a Commissioner since 2002. She is leading the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) effort, Fact-Finding 29, as they examine the supply chain
More Sales = More Returns Do you have a solid returns process? As retailers gear up for peak sales seasons, it’s important not to lose sight of what happens next. Unfortunately, some of the merchandise you sell is going to come back! And increased sales mean increased returns. With more
In the past few years, the terms Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma have been tossed around as companies look for proven methodologies in improving operations and reducing expense. Both approaches have been widely adopted in many industries with impressive results. There are two challenges for a small business owner: first,
How independent furniture retailers can turn their website into a real part of how they sell — not just a
Understanding Your True Landed Cost: How Tariff Layers Are Reshaping Your Home Furnishings Business The trade environment for home furnishings
There is an important update for home furnishings retailers and other importers affected by IEEPA tariffs: the refund process is
The Home Furnishings Association’s Government Relations Action Team recently convened in Washington, DC, for its 2026 DC Fly-In, bringing the
When the Home Furnishings Association named Stacie Bedford, Chief Creative Officer of Evans’ Heritage Home, the recipient of the 2026
How Visible Is Your Store in AI? What are AI search tools saying about your store, and are they saying anything at all? In
AI & Retail Transformation: Your Roadmap to Smart Adoption The technology landscape for home furnishings retailers is evolving fast. For furniture retailers, simply adopting
MEMBER-ONLY DISCUSSION: Technology Connect with fellow HFA member retailers to exchange insights, challenges, and successes in using technology and AI
