HFB’s Editor Letter: Commitment to Your Supply Chain Partners

October 17, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

“At no time has product on order been at such a level. Manufacturer backlogs stretch three to nine months for production with similar promises for delivery. Retailer’s goods on order are at record highs, often at levels of six months with the attitude that if I don’t put it on order. I won’t have it. And if I don’t duplicate orders to cover the category with multiple suppliers, I won’t have it. For the industry, this is a dangerous philosophy,” said George.

Within the last two years, many long-term relationships between manufacturers and retailers have been destroyed. While furniture store sales are still above 2019 and 2020 levels, the trend is moving downward and all players need to work together.

For the full Editor’s Letter, click here.