On the Record with Furniture Today

Brand plan - Where emotional engagement meets data analytics

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 12:37:33 -0500

Rebecca Miller, founder of ARTful Communication, and Michael Wentworth, principal of Greybox Intel, share insights on their partnership to help companies develop stronger emotional connections between their brands and consumers using analyses of emotional engagement, trust and other key data points, coupled with a powerful brand engagement marketing campaigns.

Unleashing the power of e-commerce in the era of COVID-19

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0500

Rizwan Somji, CEO of Cymax, shares his insights on the changes the pandemic has had on consumer shopping behaviors and reveals a couple of key categories that have emerged as a result.

Darrow, Whittington discuss transition at La-Z-Boy

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 08:42:45 -0500

Retiring La-Z-Boy CEO Kurt Darrow and his successor, CFO Melinda Whittington, join editors Thomas Russell and Powell Slaughter to give their take on leadership transition, vision for one of the industry’s iconic brands.

The big picture from Jerry Epperson

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:44:08 -0500

Mann Armistead & Epperson Managing Director Jerry Epperson joins Furniture Today editors Tom Russell and Powell Slaughter to share his thoughts on supply chain woes’ impact on retailers, the industry’s longer term outlook and the need to raise prices for furniture.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Are you one of the best furniture places to work? Find out how you could be

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 08:45:26 -0500

A first-ever Furniture Today’s Best Places to Work program launches this month, and this episode of On The Record has the inside scoop on how retail stores can capture a spot on this prestigious list. Peter Burke, president of Best Companies Group, shares insights into how companies can attract and retain their best employees, learn more about their organizations and become one of the Best Places to Work.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Hooker Furniture’s new CEO forges a new path

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 08:43:23 -0500

In a sequel to last week’s podcast, Jeremy Hoff joins editors Thomas Russell and Powell Slaughter to talk about how his years of experience will guide his leadership of 12 industry brands under one Hooker Furniture umbrella.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Before he was Hooker’s new CEO …

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 08:43:36 -0500

Long before Jeremy Hoff took the helm at Hooker Furniture, Furniture Today’s Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin sat down with him to talk about his insights on leadership, product development and other issues. In next week’s podcast, Furniture Today editors have another conversation with Hoff, now as CEO ready to lead this venerable company into the future.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

New president outlines future of Home Furnishings Hall of Fame

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 13:44:12 -0500

Caroline Hipple, the first woman-president of the Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, shares her insights on what it takes for women to succeed in the home furnishings industry and reveals what’s next for the Hall of Fame.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

No quick fix for shipping woes

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 08:03:57 -0500

Supply chain management veteran and Stone & Leigh CEO Steve Wolfe joins editors Thomas Russell and Powell Slaughter to share an outlook on shipping capacity restraints. Bottom line is that big surcharges, limited space on vessels are a fact of life at least for the next few months.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

And the biggest issues of 2021 will be . . .

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 09:02:39 -0500

Furniture Today’s editors share their insights on where the industry is headed in 2021 and what will be the key issues retailers, manufacturers and suppliers will face in an unpredictable year. Tune in to find out what’s next.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Gat Creek reveals big plans for 2021

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 12:48:42 -0500

CEO Gat Caperton talks with Furniture Today editors Thomas Russell and Powell Slaughter about Gat Creek's expansion plans and opportunities for the domestic wood furniture producer.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

How Lovesac’s Shawn Nelson is upending traditional business models

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 04:00:00 -0500

While many focus on fostering repeat purchase and planned obsolescence, Lovesac CEO Shawn Nelson wants to sell consumers the last sofa they ever need. Find out his unique take on reinventing traditional consumer product models in this one-of-a-kind On The Record interview.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Sunpan’s big gamble in 2020

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Carl Lovett, vice president of sales, talks with editors Thomas Russell and Powell Slaughter about how Sunpan’s calculated risks paid off during a year of major challenges.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Finding the prescription for better e-commerce sales

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 08:36:09 -0500

LeadsRx CEO AJ Brown visits On The Record to share new strategies for measuring and improving digital advertising performance. Along the way he’ll reveal how these strategies helped brick-and-mortar furniture retailer The Great American Home Store dramatically improve its e-commerce performance in the middle of the pandemic.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

How Bassett Furniture Inds. navigated a tumultuous year

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 09:28:30 -0500

Chairman and CEO Rob Spilman talks with editors Thomas Russell and Powell Slaughter about how the company has managed its business during the pandemic, sharing insights on both Bassett’s retail and manufacturing segments.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings.

Five things that will change the way you view mentorship

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 10:16:04 -0500

Doug Stewart, author of the just released book 5-1/2 Mentors: How to Learn, Grow, and Develop from Everyone and Everything, has turned the traditional mentorship paradigm on its head. Find out how your ideal mentor may be closer than you think in this informative and entertaining discussion.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Tom Conley’s take on developments in High Point

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 08:41:47 -0500

High Point Market Authority CEO Tom Conley discusses initiatives to give High Point year-round relevance to buyers through market and building collaborations around HPxD, First Tuesday and the High Point Showroom Assn. and how those developments could play out moving forward.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

What happened when Boconcept embraced e-commerce in the U.S.?

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 08:27:24 -0500

Steen Knigge, director of U.S. marketing, a Danish contemporary furniture chain with 15 U.S. franchises, reveals the dramatic impact of the company’s addition of e-commerce to its U.S. business following the closure of stores due to COVID-19 earlier this year. Find out how this shift could impact the company’s entry into new markets in 2021 and beyond.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

What does Eichholtz have in mind for the U.S. market?

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 08:19:15 -0500

Dallas George, managing director for the U.S. for Netherlands-based Eichholtz, says that despite the fits and starts to its strategy following the market disruption of COVID-19, Eichholtz is moving full steam ahead to offer affordable luxury across a wide palette of home furnishings products.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Editors offer on-the-ground perspective of October market

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 08:51:29 -0500

The BridgeTower Media team joins forces as Designers Today’s Jane Dagmi moderates the cross-talk between Furniture Today editors, who share a lively back and forth on what they saw and what attracted a second look at the recent High Point Market.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

What’s the skinny on ocean freight, drayage?

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0500

CV International Director of Pricing and Procurement Rachel Shames joins editors Tom Russell and Powell Slaughter to share an update on capacity and cost issues on the water and on the ground, and gives a look ahead into how those could play out in 2021.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

HOF Foundation exec focuses on pride, heritage of the industry

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0500

American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame Foundation CEO Karen McNeill shares plans for honoring the 2020 inductees, as well as the work being done by the foundation to preserve and share the legacies within the furniture industry and find ways to support consumers’ interest in the home.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Why no one ever really leaves the furniture business

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 08:08:00 -0500

A.R.T’s Doug Rozenboom, whose career has spanned power brands including Thomasville, Pottery Barn and Walmart, shares the twists and turns that led him back to his first love — designing furniture — and reveals the surprising new directions retailers will find at A.R.T.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Is this the future of digital advertising?

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 06:56:08 -0500

Eric Grindley, CEO and founder of Esquire Advertising, sits down with Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin to share detailed, actionable insights into a new digital advertising methods that allow retailers to track ROI to the dollar and directly connect dollars spent to products purchased. Grindley will also reveal even more detailed insights at Furniture Today’s all-digital Leadership Conference, Dec. 1-3.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Did you hear what happened at Premarket?

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 07:23:18 -0500

In this week’s On the Record podcast, Premarket Sponsors Committee Chairman and Vaughan-Bassett President Doug Bassett joins The Home Front’s Tom Russell and Powell Slaughter to discuss the kickoff to “fall market season” and how the next six weeks will help the industry make hay while the sun shines at retail and address high consumer demand for furniture.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Jonathan Johnson on ‘Commander’s Intent’ and the strategies that reinvigorated Overstock

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 07:54:58 -0500

Overstock CEO Jonathan Johnson offers insights into the leadership strategies that have guided his rejuvenation of the company since taking over as CEO exactly one year ago. In that time he has tightened the company’s focus around core principles and recommitted the e-commerce giant to its retail roots. Find out how he did it as he goes On The Record.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Designer Thom Filicia sees designers as ‘part of the solution’

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 07:32:14 -0500

Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin recently talked with designer Thom Filicia, who was setting up for Premarket in the Vanguard Furniture showroom. Find out how Filicia has stayed in touch with the industry amid COVID-19 and why he believes designers "will be a part of the solution" to move things forward after the pandemic.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Introducing ‘The Home Front’ with Tom Russell and Powell Slaughter

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 07:46:47 -0500

Join Furniture Today senior editors Tom Russell and Powell Slaughter for the first installment of their new podcast, “The Home Front,” a spin off from “On The Record.” They’ll give their take on developments impacting case goods and upholstery. These veteran editors will combine their years of experience covering the industry with insights from special guests to shed light on topics ranging from style trends to supply chain issues and more.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Luxury designer turns pandemic disruption into creative inspiration

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 10:49:35 -0500

Sandra Espinet, author and designer to the stars, reveals the inspiration behind her new fabric line and shares her positive approach to overcoming challenges.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

IMC's Dorothy Belshaw deconstructs the future of markets

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 16:19:24 -0500

Dorothy Belshaw, executive vice president and chief marketing and digital officer at International Market Centers, is at the center of COVID-19's disruptive impact on markets and tradeshows. In a candid conversation with Furniture Today's Bill McLoughlin, she reveals the short and long-term shifts it's like to have on the markets, retailer-vendor interactions and the future of new product cadences.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Expert reveals how to supercharge your clicks to bricks game

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 07:57:36 -0500

Nikki Baird, Aptos vice president of innovation, uncovers some of the most successful new strategies retailers are utilizing to manage the pandemic-inflicted shift toward e-commerce. Sitting down with Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin, Baird discussed the best practices customer acquisition, maximizing website effectiveness and managing the critically important transition from the online to the in-store experience. Find out how you can take your digital game to the next level in this fast-paced, informative discussion.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Operations expert shares best practices for pandemic re-merchandising

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Joe Scaretta, founder and Co-CEO of CS Hudson, has helped retailers across the country re-merchandise in the wake of COVID-19. He sits down with Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin to share best practices for companies dealing with these new realities, including how pop-up activations may offer a key to thriving in a pandemic-disrupted merchandising environment.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Warren Kornblum reveals the secrets of surviving disruption

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 07:58:54 -0500

Success begins and ends with understanding the consumer. Get it right, you’re a winner. Get it wrong, you’re history. That was the unfiltered assessment of veteran marketing executive Warren Kornblum, during a recent On The Record discussion with Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin. The former Global Chief Marketing Officer at Toys R Us, Chief Strategic Officer at Rooms To Go and Interim Chief Marketing Officer at Serta Simmons Bedding offered a candid assessment of what it takes to succeed in today’s disrupted marketplace. Kornblum will outline how these factors are reshaping the bedding industry at Furniture Today’s upcoming Bedding Conference, Aug. 18-20, 2020.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

From red hot retail to a disrupted market season

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 10:18:34 -0500

Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin is joined by Furniture Today editors Powell Slaughter and Thomas Russell to talk about the Bounce Back 2020 cover story, red hot retail and the supply chain issues it's causing, and a disrupted market season that could see bigger crowds at Premarket and a change in manufacturers' product introduction cadence and market strategies.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Optimizing logistics during the pandemic

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 07:57:03 -0500

COVID-19 confronts retailers and manufacturers with unprecedented logistical challenges. Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin and Josh DeLay, vice president of business development at J.B. Hunt, recently sat down with a panel of leading retail and manufacturing logistics experts to explore innovative strategies to keep goods flowing and meet changing consumer needs. Guests include Scott Prillaman, vice president case goods operations, Hooker Furniture; Charlie Workmon, executive vice president, operations, Broad River Retail; and Ward Dingmann, senior vice president of supply chain, Bob’s Discount Furniture.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Levin Furniture’s story of determination, persistence and caring

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0500

“Levin is back!” The new Levin Furniture dream team — Robert Levin, John Schultz and Matt Schultz — talk with Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin about relaunching this venerated retail brand and their outlook for its future.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Feather looks to take furniture subscriptions to new heights

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 06:58:32 -0500

Fresh off the launch of 200 new private label SKUs, Feather CEO Jay Reno goes “On The Record” to discuss the future of furniture subscriptions, dealing with COVID-19 and the company’s plan for expansion to new urban markets.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Retail guru Dennis deconstructs disruption

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Author, keynote speaker and retail expert Steve Dennis joins guest host Thomas Lester for an in-depth discussion about retails most disruptive forces and what companies need to do to survive them.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Christiane Lemieux reveals why being ‘frictionless’ is the only path to survival

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Serial entrepreneur and founder of Dwell Studio and The Inside, Christiane Lemieux has uncovered the secret of disruption. Discussing her new book "Frictionless: Why the Future of Everything Will be Fast, Fluid and Made Just For You," she explains how companies that remove obstacles and give consumers back time have come to dominate the marketplace. Find out how to reduce friction in your business in this insight-packed discussion.

Opportunities in home office furniture and beyond

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 09:02:07 -0500

During the COVID-19 pandemic, wood resources and retailers alike are seeing more opportunity to develop, merchandise and sell home office furniture and casual dining. In today's On The Record podcast, Tom Russell, Furniture Today senior editor of case goods and global sourcing, discusses these trends with with four industry experts: Jeremy Hoff, president of Hooker Furniture Legacy Brands; John Iasiello, senior vice president of strategic planning and business development at Riverside Furniture; Jeff Harris, president and CEO of Furnitureland South; and Kyle Johansen, executive director of merchandising at HOM Furniture.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Retail leaders outline furniture’s future

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Furniture Today’s Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin hosts a panel of retail thought leaders including Jeff Harris, CEO of Furnitureland South, and Andrew Koenig, president of City Furniture, to discuss the evolving nature of the furniture business in a world being reshaped by a pandemic. Find out how these industry innovators are planning for the remainder of 2020 and beyond.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Furniture maker eyes Shark Tank to promote patented sleeper sofa

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Custom furniture maker Prominence Furniture is looking to capture attention for a new patented sleeper sofa design with an appearance on popular TV show Shark Tank. Drake Leonard, director of operations, shares inside insights on “chumming for the sharks,” with this unique knock-down design.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Brad Cates at Sarreid talks about navigating tough waters

Mon, 25 May 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Sarreid COO Brad Cates joins Furniture Today editor Thomas Russell to discuss how the high-end resource is using digital technology to manage its business through the impact of COVID-19 disruption.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Reviews, relationships and new strategies for safer selling

Mon, 18 May 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Podium’s Nick Miller goes On The Record to share new strategies to drive better customer reviews, strengthen Google search and create new sales strategies aimed at helping consumers feel safer in a post-COVID19 selling environment. For any retailer looking to power up their e-commerce game and improve conversion rates, this is a must-listen.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

New low-touch digital conversion model could help furniture retailers fight back

Mon, 11 May 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Manish Hirapara, CEO of digital strategy firm Peak Activity, shares insights on a new low-touch conversion model that is helping furniture retailers improve sales performance, even in the face of COVID-related store closings.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

AHFA's Andy Counts on the industry's response to COVID-19 pandemic

Mon, 04 May 2020 07:08:58 -0500

Senior Editor Thomas Russell talks with American Home Furnishings Alliance CEO Andy Counts to discuss the industry’s evolving role during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of our ongoing Home Furnishings Education Network series.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Business guidance for coping with COVID-19

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Bill McLoughlin, editor in chief of Furniture Today, sits down with author, columnist and small-business expert Gene Marks to discuss the ramifications of the recent COVID-19 pandemic and explore ways that companies can access the recently passed CARES Act to protect their businesses. Marks appears regularly on MSNBC and Fox News and writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Inc. Magazine and Fox Business.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Real estate expert shares leasing, mortgage strategies for coping with COVID disruptions

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 07:13:26 -0500

Furniture industry real estate veteran Julius Feinblum, owner of Julius Feinblum Real Estate, reveals best practices and insider strategies designed to help companies deal with leasing and mortgage disruptions caused by the recent coronavirus pandemic. He also discusses the road to recovery and the key opportunities that may emerge as business begins to reopen.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Mexico: A friendly neighbor in furniture sourcing and production

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 12:52:28 -0500

Longtime industry upholstery executive Randy Spak reflects on the benefits of Mexico furniture production, including his latest upholstery development project with Urban Roads in Mexico.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

A lesson in perspective, perseverance from Jerry Epperson

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0500

From his own personal experience with a Polio epidemic in the 1950s through the furniture industry’s myriad ups and downs, industry sage Jerry Epperson puts today’s events in perspective and offers actionable guidance for those looking to weather this storm.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

IMC’s Maricich outlines market outlook, offers guidance on weathering COVID-19

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0500

In a candid On The Record conversation, Bob Maricich, CEO of International Market Centers, outlines the recent disruptions caused by the COVID-19 virus, both to the Market Centers and to the industry at large. As a veteran leader in the industry, he also offers some candid perspective on what companies will need to do in order to work through these challenges. This is one discussion you don’t want to miss!

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Market Authority’s Conley on what’s next for High Point Market

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Tom Conley, CEO of High Point Market Authority, reveals the challenges behind the decision to postpone High Point Market, what that postponement means for a June Market and where do we go from here.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

A profitable e-comm from day one

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:14:01 -0500

Industry West co-founder Jordan England reveals the company’s unique path to success.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

CEO Charlie Malouf says great retail is built on purpose, passion, people

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 10:09:36 -0500

Broad River Retail’s Charlie Malouf has become a student of the business of retail, developing a passion for it that has translated into a company “weaponized” with a creative team, great ideas and the ability to reinvent and grow in myriad new ways.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Could supply pivot from Asia to North America? Whom Home’s Jonathan Bass thinks so

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 09:42:44 -0500

Jonathan Bass, CEO of Whom Home, PTM Images and Badgley Mischka Home, says the current coronavirus crisis should make the industry re-evaluate sourcing strategies and look at the long-term opportunities of proximity manufacturing. “Each manufacturer is responsible to the world for how we source and manufacture,” he says.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Eric Dean unpacks IMC’s digital marketplace plan

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 04:00:00 -0500

A veteran of the furniture industry’s digital world, Eric Dean brings his more than 20 years of experience to bear on the International Market Center’s new initiative to offer digital tools to better connections between buyers and vendors. “We believe there’s opportunity for digital to lift physical markets,” he says about the synergy between the two worlds.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

The geopolitics of furniture: Sourcing in a disrupted world

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 10:53:44 -0500

A-America’s Christian Rohrbach has travelled the globe, speaks six languages and is a student of geopolitics. He shares his insights on the changing nature of global sourcing and the geopolitical shifts that could shape its future.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

How two retailers learned to neutralize the Amazon effect

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 08:54:33 -0500

Ron Bailey, owner of six Bailey’s Furniture stores and Carol Schroeder, author and owner of the highly successful Orange Tree Imports reveal their hard-earned secrets for delivering an exceptional in-store experience, engaging and retaining the best employees and neutralizing Amazon’s vaunted operational skills. If you want to Amazon-proof your retail store listening to these experts is a good first step!

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Take it from a merchandising pro: Steve Riley talks details

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 15:47:31 -0500

Retail merchandising veteran Steve Riley talks about best practices from shopping market showrooms to setting up retail displays to recruiting and training for a team that excels.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Fresh-baked cookies, foodie events and Grandma at the door

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 04:00:00 -0500

Join Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin and retailers from his Las Vegas Market roundtable as gift retailer Carol Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports in Wisconsin and Ron Bailey of six-store Bailey’s Furniture in Alaska discuss common retail challenges and their own engaging and creative solutions.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Therapedic’s Gerry Borreggine on boxed beds, Casper’s IPO and the where the bedding business is headed next

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 09:26:52 -0500

Find out why Gerry Borreggine, president and CEO of Therapedic thinks the bedding industry owes Casper a debt of gratitude and why boxed beds could soon be the predominant bedding format. This and more on this week’s On The Record podcast.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

Ashley’s Ron Wanek on family, furniture and the power of reinvention

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 13:30:45 -0500

Ron Wanek, chairman of Ashley Furniture Industries reveals the secrets that helped grow Ashley from a small cabinet and occasional table maker into the largest furniture manufacturer in the world.

Sponsored by Klaussner Home Furnishings

And the number 1 podcast of 2019 was . . ?

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0500

Find out where, how and why Millennials shop for furniture . . . or don’t. In the most widely downloaded Furniture Today podcast of 2019, a focus group of Millennial shoppers discusses their shopping preferences and pet peeves. The issues revealed in this discussion perfectly define the issues retailers today face. If you haven’t heard it yet, now’s the time. If you have, this is a great refresher heading into 2020.

Furniture Today editors roundtable on top issues

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 08:00:00 -0500

Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin is joined by the editorial team to discuss what issues have moved to the forefront as 2019 draws to a close and what they expect to take center stage as we move in 2020.

Focused approach provides foundation for Leather Italia CEO

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 11:40:11 -0500

Leather Italia’s Michael Campbell reflects on his start in the furniture industry and how his career developed from working a furniture retail showroom to eventually launching and heading up Leather Italia. The key tenets over the years, he says, have been to lead by example, to guard against complacency and to stay focused.

Furniture retail leaders reveal their biggest pain points

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 17:02:27 -0500

Whether it’s finding and retaining good employees, wrestling with rapid shifts in technology or fending off the market share advances of today’s e-commerce giants retail furniture leaders have no shortage of challenges. Four leading retailers took the stage at Furniture Today’s Leadership Conference last week and revealed that their number one challenge is . . .

Retail CEO’s reveal the biggest challenge they face

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0500

To kick off the opening of its 2019 Leadership Conference Furniture Today offers an inside look back at 2018’s Retail CEO Panel featuring insights from Haverty’s Clarence Smith, Nebraska Furniture Mart’s Irv Blumkin, Brian Woods from Jerome’s and City Furniture’s Keith Koenig. Find out their biggest challenge . . . and how they plan to deal with it.

Terry McNew finds similarities, synergies to build on at Klaussner

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0500

New Klaussner CEO Terry McNew discusses his leadership style from relationships to bottom line, with ideas from his tenure at boat manufacturer MasterCraft to his perspective as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

John Conrad celebrates industry’s designers and makers

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 13:41:21 -0500

Fellow podcast hosts Bill McLoughlin, of Furniture Today, and John Conrad, executive director of International Society of Furniture Designers and podcast host of Design Between the Lines, get together to talk about the value of industry designer and maker awards, the imperative to know your audience and a shared wonderment about the evolution of the industry.

The Inside’s Christiane Lemieux finds big demand for ‘Made on Demand’

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 10:00:19 -0500

Always at the forefront of change in home furnishings Christiane Lemieux, founder of Dwell Studio and new direct-to-consumer, custom-on-demand furniture site The Inside, has taken is taking the furniture industry into the future by building on its roots. Find out how in this don’t’ miss podcast.

Mattress industry opening new ways to win

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 09:43:23 -0500

Furniture Today editors Bill McLoughlin and David Perry take a dive into the mattress industry, look at sales – online, in-store and where those two worlds meet – and the consumers that buy them.

Article CEO talks about turning distribution inefficiency into home furnishings opportunity

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0500

While some DTC companies get their start by addressing a gap in product offerings, Article’s CEO and co-founder Aamir Baig tells Furniture Today’s Bill McLoughlin that his company was addressing the process of getting the product from factory to end consumers, and prides itself in excelling at the final mile.

Thom Filicia: Interior design is bridge between architecture, product design

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Charting a career path from his “discovery” on an elevator to TV shows to licensing product, designer Thom Filicia is celebrating new milestones in his design, creating “furniture designs that play well with others.”

Stacy Garcia reveals her secret to building a license-able brand

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 09:35:04 -0500

Having learned the art of licensing at Ralph Lauren Home and starting her own business at 26, Stacy Garcia understands what it takes to build a compelling brand. Find out how grew a business that started in her basement into a global lifestyle brand.

If your RSA’s and sales teams aren’t doing this you’re probably losing money

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Craig McAndrews, former Mattress Firm executive and executive professor at the University of Houston’s Sales Excellence Institute recently spoke at Furniture Today’s NEXT Conference. He revealed several potential disconnects between consumers current path to purchase and the way retailers sell them today. He also uncovered some new techniques that could help any sales professional jumpstart their business using social media. Here’s your chance to find out what you missed!

Libby Langdon: Where fashion, design and can-do attitude meet

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 14:02:38 -0500

From her roots in fashion as a young teenage model, interior and furniture designer Libby Langdon has always felt the freedom to go after new ideas and new challenges, which has taken her career through some remarkable turns but always with her upbeat, go-for-it outlook.

From outsider to icon, Jena Hall on the rise of women and designers in the furniture industry

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0500

Jena Hall, member of the Home Furnishings Hall of Fame and a founding member of WithIt recounts her early days in the furniture industry when designers were not welcome and women had little to no role. Find out how that all changed from someone who helped make those changes happen.

Jerry Epperson on the secrets of the furniture industry’s success

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:48:34 -0500

American Home Furnishings Hall of Famer and industry prognosticator Jerry Epperson uncovers the unique attributes that have foiled so many conglomerates in their attempt to tame the furniture business, and he reveals why anyone betting against the industry in the next decade is in for a big surprise.

Farooq Kathwari never ‘sits on the sidelines’

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Ethan Allen Chairman, President and CEO Farooq Kathwari shares insights from his newly released book, Trailblazer: From the Mountains of Kashmir to the Summit of Global Business and Beyond. In a wide-ranging conversation, Kathwari shares his principles of leadership along with lessons learned on the cricket pitch and stories from an iconic career in home furnishings.

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Weave dreamer: Crypton’s Jack Eger on the past, present and future of textiles

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Growing up in a Pennsylvania mill area, Jack Eger started in the mills at age 14 … and never left the business. He shares insights and anecdotes from a more than 40-year career in the textiles business.

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Two for Tuesday with Coaster’s Janice Yeh and highlights from Vietnam

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Furniture Today editors go on the road: Thomas Russell shares his perspective on Vietnam’s growth as a global resource after his recent trip to visit 13 furniture and bedding factories there. Also, Bill McLoughlin stops at Coaster’s California headquarters to chat with Janice Yeh about her path into the furniture business.

Sit ‘n pretty, an inside look at SoCal’s bedding powerhouse

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 12:42:38 -0500

Sit ‘n Sleep’s Larry and Drew Miller and Nelson Bercier sit down Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin to discuss the rapidly changing bedding marketplace and how the company is positioning itself for the next generation of consumers and company management.

A passion for fashion: Inside Michael Amini’s surprising furniture journey

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 12:43:03 -0500

AICO founder Michael Amini has always had a flair for fashion. But his origins in the furniture business might surprise you.

Bedding bombshells and other news from Las Vegas

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 15:01:42 -0500

Furniture Today Bedding Editor Dave Perry joins Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin to discuss some surprising and noteworthy developments from the recent Las Vegas Market. The activity at this summer’s event is likely to ripple throughout the industry for the next year or more. Tune in to find out what happened.

Alex Shuford describes growing up in this Century

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 13:02:44 -0500

In a wide ranging conversation with Furniture Today’s Bill McLoughlin, Century CEO Alex Shuford reveals why growing up fighting with siblings is good business training, the responsibility that comes with leadership and how he plans to avoid the third-generation curse.

Viking Rules: a ‘revolutionary’ approach to fabrics and marketing

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 12:01:05 -0500

STI’s Sean and Anderson Gibbons share insights into the family owned-company’s unique approach to business, marketing and why trying to steer next generation away from the business never seems to work. Sponsored By Storis

Lessons in leadership, turnarounds and scaling a culture

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 13:25:59 -0500

Norwalk President Caroline Hipple shares insights gained from a career building innovative retail organizations, turning around struggling ones and finding a home for a self-confessed fabric geek at Norwalk. If you want to be a better manager and leader, this is a must listen!

Universal’s MacKenzie on the intersection of golf, furniture and the future of marketing

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Ever wonder what marketing golf has to do with marketing furniture? Find out when Universal Furniture’s Neil MacKenzie goes On The Record with Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin. Sponsored By Storis

A passion to learn: American Leather’s Veronica Schnitzius on her path to the presidency

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 08:14:52 -0500

Sitting down with Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin, American Leather President Veronica Schnitzius outlines her path from maintenance manager to the president’s office and the fearless passion for learning and hard work that helped get her there. Sponsored by Storis

What’s next for Phillips Collection’s Jason Phillips?

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 12:46:04 -0500

Born into the family furniture business Jason Phillips found his passion on “family vacations” that were actually buying trips. He reflects on growing up in a one-of-a-kind company, carving his own path and what the future holds for the next generation. Sponsored by Storis

Decoding the online marketplace opportunity

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin is joined by Sam Vlessing, founder and CEO of technology startup Bear Ogilvy, who uncorks the opportunity that manufacturers and retailers have to utilize major e-commerce platforms to compete on an even playing field with today’s e-commerce giants. Sponsored By Storis

Turning the tables. FT’s Editor in Chief in the hot seat

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 15:29:15 -0500

Furniture Today’s Senior Retail Editor Clint Engel turns the table on Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin, grilling the long-time retail editor on his career, the changing retail environment and why furniture stores have avoided the consolidations that have impacted so many other industries. Sponsored By Storis

Want to know what motivates first-time furniture shoppers?

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin sits down with a focus group of Millennial and Gen Z consumers to uncover their furniture shopping preferences. Do reviews really matter? Where do they look for information prior to purchase? Would they rather rent or buy? How high is high priced? Tune in to find out. Sponsored by STORIS

Furniture merchandising hacks from an elite showroom designer

Mon, 27 May 2019 06:00:00 -0500

Hallie Pippas, showroom designer at Furnitureland South and formerly at Houston’s Gallery Furniture is a veteran merchandiser and student of retail. Sitting down with Furniture Today Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin, Pippas shares the tricks of the trade as well as key insights she’s uncovered shopping other retail formats.

Unpacking the tariff tussle

Mon, 20 May 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Furniture Today editors Bill McLoughlin, Thomas Russell, and Powell Slaughter discuss the recent imposition of 25% tariffs on a wide range of Chinese furniture, accessories and components; sharing insights gleaned from discussions with a wide range of industry insiders. Are price increases in the offing? What’s the outlook for emerging source countries? You’ll have to listen to find out.

Not just about the mattress;it’s the way you sleep’

Mon, 13 May 2019 05:00:00 -0500

Miskelly Furniture’s Alan Vonder Haar shares how he got his nickname, Dr. V, and shares his passion for teaching RSAs how to “sell the why” and teaching customers how to get a better night’s sleep.

‘Not just the boss’s son,’ Jesse Lubin on life, work and balance

Mon, 06 May 2019 06:00:00 -0500

ElRan’s third-generation Jesse Lubin shares insights about growing up in a family business, what he’s learned along the way and his hopes to grow the business for another 50 years. “Find a hole, fill a need, make it happen.”

‘I’m a keen observer of consumers’

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 12:27:52 -0500

In the Chair this week, Lori Gonzalez of Twin Star Home talks about her years of using consumer insights and a consumer-centric strategy — “You can’t just understand what consumers use and buy, but you must understand why” — and bringing that to her latest role as CEO of Twin Star Home.

Lessons from a furniture lifer

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 06:00:00 -0500

Jamie Collins, executive vice president at Homelegance grew up in High Point, cut his teeth at Bassett, learned life lessons at Thomasville and has found fulfillment in the hustle and bustle of importer Homelegance. So what’s the secret to success in the furniture business? You’ll have to listen to find out.

Christopher Guy Harrison remembers, plans and envisions CG’s path

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 08:00:00 -0500

Christopher Guy Harrison sits down with Editor in Chief Bill McLoughlin to reflect on his design roots, plans for CG’s future, and the joy and satisfaction he gets from bringing his vision of creating “jewelry for the home” to life.