HFA Names Synchrony Inaugural Partner of the Year

April 9, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

HFA created a new category in its Retailer of the Year Awards to recognize a partner that delivers exceptional solutions to help association member retailers drive sales and transform the way they operate their business. The organization recognized Synchrony as its first Partner of the Year at its Las Vegas Market event for members of the home furnishings, gift, and design trades. 

“No one epitomizes a partnership that helps our members grow and sustain their business more than the Synchrony team,” said HFA CEO Mark Schumacher. “They have a long history of delivering value to HFA members and their customers, especially during 2020, a challenging and unprecedented year of change. In addition to Synchrony’s innovative consumer financing solutions, we are impressed with the company’s core values, which include a commitment to diversity and inclusion, giving back to the community, and positively impacting society.”

“It’s an honor for us to be recognized by HFA as Partner of the Year in the furniture industry,” said Curtis Howse, CEO, Payment Solutions, Synchrony. “Synchrony and HFA have had a strong partnership for many years. This award validates our dedication to collaborate, share insights, and the voice of the customer from Synchrony’s retail partners, to ensure that the company’s initiatives and solutions are meaningful and impactful to the industry. One example includes our continued focus to advance our digital and contactless solutions to deliver a best-in-class experience for merchants and consumers. Synchrony’s success is only possible if HFA is successful, and we will never take that for granted.  We will continue to work every day for its members to earn their business and ensure our program is a key and valued piece of their HFA membership.”

Retailers and industry leaders nominated Synchrony for the award. A panel of industry leaders, media, retired professionals, and previous HFA award winners judged the company’s entry. The judging criteria included achievements, adaptability, company culture, customer experience, industry contribution, innovation, marketing, and social responsibility. 

According to IBISWorld, the home furnishings stores industry in the U.S. is a $29 billion market as measured by revenue. Synchrony helps generate revenue for home furnishing merchants by offering and accepting the Synchrony HOME Credit Card, an all-in-one card designed for consumers who seek simplicity and value for their home purchases. Consumers can shop at thousands of retailers nationwide and take advantage of promotional financing. Synchrony HOME locations include retailers and local businesses in furniture, flooring, appliances, mattresses, and more.