Editor's Note: All Grown Up

October 8, 2014  by in Industry   

By Sheila Long O'Mara

Welcome to our 106th issue in all its redesigned splendor.

 

Nine years ago this month, I took a leap of faith and joined a small team of smart, creative women eager to change the way the furniture industry viewed trade publishing.  We banded together, and set our sights on creating a fresh, retail-centric magazine.

 

In the fall of 2005, the concept of Home Furnishings Business was born, and then, in January 2006, we published our first issue. As we approach our 10th publishing year, we thought it was only fitting that we freshen things up a bit. And, freshen we have.

Surely you noticed our revamped, sophisticated logo on the cover. You may not have recognized  us at first, and while that was a concern, we know nothing remains the same; nor should it.

 

So now, after 105 issues, I’m pleased to unveil our new look and re-introduce you to Home Furnishings Business. We’ve dressed the magazine in a cleaner, more sophisticated manner to better present our content.

 

In short, we’ve grown up.

 

Have no fear. Inside and out, the pages may look quite different, but the content you’ve come to expect and love is all here—with a few enhancements.

 

Let me introduce you to two new features that will appear each month. First up is our monthly, compelling Q&A—Take 5. We kicked off the feature with Mattress Firm’s Steve Stagner, who has a lot to talk about with all of the retailer’s recent acquisitions. You’ll find it on page 40 inside.

 

Next, you’ll find Numerology. One page filled with juicy nuggets and factoids that are relevant to furniture retailing, consumer insights and generally anything else we find intriguing and cool. This month, the snippets are customer service related just by happenstance. You’ll find them on page 74.

 

The very creative soul Wes Kennedy, our senior art director, gets all the credit for our new look. His steady hand and keen eye for design has been a welcome addition to our team. All compliments go to him; while I’ll gladly field any complaints and furiously defend our changes. You know where to find me!

 

The double-digit years are special and worthy of grand celebration. Here’s to a year filled with celebrations.

 

One last note—welcome to High Point Market. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

 

Enjoy!