Industry News
Are Furniture Stores Dying, Or Just Changing?
Are Furniture Stores Dying, Or Just Changing? May 16, 2024 By Fred Nicolaus If you’re a regular reader of the furniture industry trade press, you get used to a certain kind of heartbreak. The headline typically goes something like: “Beloved 90-year-old Philadelphia institution calls it quits,” or “After three generations, a Detroit stalwart shutters.” These…
Read MoreFTC Votes To Ban Noncompete Agreements
FTC Votes To Ban Noncompete Agreements Manufacturer associations strongly oppose new rule If you have been in the home furnishings industry for more than five minutes, you either know someone whose career has been impacted by a noncompete, or you may even have your own story to tell. But if a final ruling by…
Read MoreMidwest Furniture Club Readies Fall Show
Midwest Furniture Club Readies Fall Show 17th Annual Midwest Furniture Show Annual Show To Be Held September 18th and 19th, 2024. CHICAGO, IL April 5, 2024- The final details of the 2024 Midwest Furniture Show have been nailed down. The Show will kick off Wednesday morning at the White Eagle Convention Center in Niles at 8 am. The…
Read MoreHDX Partners With IHFRA On Referral Program
HDX Partners With IHFRA On Referral Program In this insightful episode, Ray sits down with Justin Robichaud, the visionary founder of Wood You Build It, explores the unique philosophy that drives his business to offer custom-built, American-made furniture. Diving deep into the appeal of handcrafted items, Justin discusses how his company caters to a growing…
Read MoreNew York retailers, association raise $210K for cancer foundation
by Ray Allegrezza November 21, 2023 FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Four home furnishings retailers — in association with the Greater Metropolitan Furnishings Association — raised more than $210,000 to benefit the Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation, according to Artie Eisenberg, owner of all four stores and coordinator of this event. Eisenberg, who owns Seigerman’s Furniture, Design Center,…
Read MoreIHFRA fills 3 vacancies on Executive Committee
Reps organization also names 4 Direct Chair posts HIGH POINT — The International Home Furnishings Representatives Association, based here, has recently filled three vacancies on its Executive Committee and has also named four members to District Chair posts. Industry veteran Cynthia Heathcoe has joined the EC as second vice president. Heathcoe, who is currently president…
Read MoreNetworking and Celebrations: A Memorable Day at the HFRM Annual Golf Outing
by: Steve Allegrezza Being part of the home furnishings industry and having the privilege of working for IHFRA, my calendar is often dotted with appointments, meetings, and trade shows. However, the annual Home Furnishing Representatives of Michigan (HFRM) golf outing is one event that is typically not on my calendar, or at least not until…
Read MoreWITHIT OFFERS VIRTUAL TICKET OPTION FOR “NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP” CONFERENCE
HIGH POINT, NC (May 30, 2023) – WithIt has announced that it will offer a virtual streaming ticket option for its annual professional conference being held June 13th and 14th. There is still time for industry professionals to register for the in-person conference. “WithIt’s mission to provide educational opportunities to women in the home furnishings industry…
Read MoreConsumers are spending, and credit card debt is rising
by Ray Allegrezza March 14, 2023 Late last week, it seemed like every news source was reporting that, despite record inflation, consumers were spending as if there was no tomorrow. Case in point. A recent article online from NPR states: “Something unexpected is going on in the U.S. economy. Inflation remains high, yet many Americans went…
Read MoreAre You Ready to Deal With STURDY?
On December 23, 2022, the United States enacted the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act when President Biden signed it into law as part of the $1.7 trillion fiscal 2023 omnibus spending bill. This law will impact manufacturers, reps, retailers, truckers, and more. What you don’t know about STURDY could hurt your business. The…
Read More