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From Home Furnishing Business

Furniture First Plans 20th Anniversary Gala

February 26, 2014  by in Industry, Special Events   

Invitations have been distributed to the cooperative’s 211 independent members, the manufacturers and service partners that Furniture First works with, as well as other industry figures. The gala will take place the evening of Saturday, April 5, opening day of April Market, at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, N.C.  

Furniture First was founded in 1994 by a small group of independent furniture retailers who joined together to better compete with national furniture chains. Through collective buying power and the sharing of best business practices, Furniture First Members have thrived in increasingly competitive markets. Today, the group comprises 211 independent retailers with 446 stores in 47 states. Collectively, Furniture First Members produce $1.7 billion in retail sales.

To mark its 20th year, Furniture First is also launching a new logo. The updated graphic was designed for the group by Martin Roberts, owner and president of Martin Roberts Design. Roberts has a long history with members of the buying group--he has given presentations to the group’s Members at the High Point and Las Vegas Markets, as well as at symposiums in years past. Roberts designed retail stores for more than 20 of the group’s members and is currently consulting with members as they launch Furniture First’s new Mattress 1st store concept. 

In addition to the gala, Furniture First will hold its General Membership and Annual Meeting during the High Point April Market on the morning of Monday, April 7. Additional events to be held in the group’s High Point showroom will soon be announced. Furniture First’s showroom is located in the IHFC, G-770 (Green Wing). In the showroom, Furniture First displays merchandise and exclusive collections developed for the group. The showroom also serves as a meeting point for Furniture First Members to network and catch up with their home offices.