Monthly Issue
From Home Furnishing Business
What Sells: Accent Accolades
November 14,
2019 by HFBusiness Staff in Business Strategy, Industry 
Accent furniture and accessories continue to hold steady as the industry inches forward. According to a FurnitureCore, industry model, the research arm of Home Furnishings Business, the category has grown from $2.48b to $2.55b year to date for 2019. This number is based solely on sales from furniture retailers and does not include other distribution channels.
As more furniture retailers recognize the importance of the category, sales will continue to rise along with consumer demand. Lifestyle stores, like Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel, have mastered the showcasing of their product offerings by drawing the consumer in with pillows perfectly placed on sofas and coffee books and vases displayed on side tables that invite the customer in. Many independent retailers have also amped up their selection to provide consumers with just the right touch of je ne sais quoi that will complete their room. It’s all about creating a complete vision of a room the consumer dreams of for their own home.
This category allows for a touch of creativity and is often fulfilled by happenstance — a consumer may come into the store to search for a new sofa, but may leave with an additional purchase inspired by an eye catching bar cart, buffet, or décor that is sure to be the talking point of the next dinner party. Says Richard Chan, Art Max president, “Accent furniture is just like fashion to your home. It allows one to personalize their own style and adds character to functionality.”
If you, as a retailer, are not currently carrying accessories, you may be wondering why you should place a sharper focus on home accessories. It’s simple – the products sell themselves and take up little to no real estate. These products make the larger furniture pieces look more attractive and more like home. Items placed on a surface or hung from a wall do not take up floor space and instead offer more excitement while remaining functional. Adam Dunn, Four Hands creative director puts it best, “accessory items are becoming more functionally based as people are moving into smaller urban spaces. Layering unique accessories into a design create the personal and collected feel people desire, but adding functionality can make them an important piece of furniture.” Help your customers add a pop of personality to their next purchase by adding some of the following bestselling items to your sales floor.
