Staying Informed and Getting Involved: What Home Furnishings Retailers Need to Know
Today, home furnishings retailers face growing challenges from legislative shifts, executive orders, and trade policies. The Home Furnishings Association (HFA) serves as the industry’s trusted source for timely and actionable legislative advocacy insights, ensuring furniture retailers are prepared for what’s ahead. Recent updates on tariffs, manufacturing strategies, workforce development, and economic policies signal significant transformations in the industry—changes that retailers cannot afford to overlook.
Tariffs, Trade, and the Impact on Manufacturing
Trade policies have always had a profound impact on home furnishings retail, and recent developments under the current administration suggest continued volatility. While the administration determines new tariff rates on America’s trading partners, which the President claims would “correct longstanding imbalances in international trade,” this strategy also aims to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States but comes with significant implications for the industry.
This could increase costs within the industry, and retailers must assess how these potential cost increases could affect supply chains, pricing, and margins. HFA’s Government Relations Action Team (GRAT), alongside HFA lobbyists in Washington Chris Andresen and Bill Simmons, are actively tracking these developments, ensuring members have access to real-time information and strategies to mitigate risks. For example, the administration’s intent to drive manufacturing back to the U.S. While this goal is ambitious, it presents substantial challenges, including workforce capacity and readiness. The industry must consider whether the focus will be on automated manufacturing as a long-term solution or if efforts will be made to upskill the current workforce to meet new demands.
While bringing manufacturing stateside could offer long-term stability, retailers need to anticipate potential supply chain disruptions and labor shortages in the transition. HFA continues to engage policymakers and industry leaders to advocate for pragmatic approaches that balance economic growth with retail viability.
Inflation and Consumer Spending: Preparing for Market Shifts
The correlation between tariffs and inflation remains a pressing concern, especially in the home furnishings sector. Some economists and analysts warn that continued upward inflationary pressures in the economy that exclude the impacts of potential tariffs combined with ongoing policy uncertainty mean that the Fed could pause rate reductions this year.
Chris Andresen notes that furniture retail faces higher inflation rates than reported averages. Higher costs of goods lead to price adjustments that impact consumer purchasing power, potentially slowing demand. Retailers must prepare for potential fluctuations in costs and find strategies to maintain profitability while keeping products affordable for consumers.
Retailers must be proactive in developing pricing and marketing strategies that maintain competitiveness without eroding profitability. HFA provides regular economic updates to help members make informed financial decisions in response to market fluctuations.
Legislative Advocacy: Your Voice Matters
With tax reform, trade policies, and industry regulations in flux, advocacy has never been more critical. A slim majority in Congress means every vote has the potential to shape policies that impact retailers’ bottom lines. Engaging with lawmakers is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity.
The HFA Government Relations Action Team (GRAT) meets bi-weekly with the HFA Lobbyists to discuss legislative changes and formulate strategies for retailer engagement. Additionally, HFA is organizing a fly-in event to Washington, D.C., from May 14-16, 2025, providing retailers with a platform to educate legislators on the industry’s challenges and priorities.
How Retailers Can Take Action
Attend the HFA Fly-In Event: This is a direct opportunity to meet with policymakers and advocate for policies that support home furnishings retail. Retailers interested in attending can contact Shannon Williams, HFA CEO, at swilliams@hfa.org.
Join GRAT Calls: These bi-weekly strategy sessions provide a pulse on legislative advocacy developments and offer ways for retailers to stay engaged. Email Shannon Williams to get involved.
Why Your Engagement is Crucial
“This isn’t about politics—it’s about ensuring your voice is heard,” says Shannon Williams, CEO of HFA. “Legislation directly affects your business, and our industry needs to be at the table when decisions are made.”
The home furnishings industry cannot afford to be reactive to policy changes. By staying informed, engaging in legislative advocacy, and leveraging HFA’s resources, retailers can influence decisions that shape their future. HFA is committed to being the go-to resource for industry updates, ensuring that retailers have the tools, knowledge, and connections to navigate this shifting landscape successfully. Visit the HFA News & Announcements for more up-to-date advocacy information.
