December 2016 Issue
The industry has progressed for another year. The year, 2016, was quite different from 2015, as the industry slowed its growth to under 4%.
As with the nation, the constant question is, “When will we get out of the morass?” Finally in 2012, industry sales for furniture and bedding reached 2008 levels only to inch forward, with 2015 finally seeing growth above 5%.
The first quarter of this year in the furniture and bedding industry started off continuing the 5 percent plus growth over the previous year for all quarters in 2015.
This issue presents The Power 50 and our theme is The State of the Industry. Having spent 40 years in this business, I am well aware how much the list of top retailers has changed over that time.
Almost left for dead after the Great Recession, the home office category is in the midst of a robust rebound, thanks to renewed interest in working at home and a revival of styles that look nothing like the massive executive desks that once dominated the grouping.
This will be a year of indecision, risks, opportunities, and crisis. When written in Chinese the word crisis is comprised of two characters, one representing danger and the other opportunity.
Published 12 times a year, Home Furnishings Business (HFB) is the only furniture industry trade publication dedicated to covering the business of furniture retail today. Home Furnishings Business is available in print or digital format and offers valuable strategies and intelligence for retailers who want to conduct a successful business today and tomorrow.