Tarynn Hatton-Jones’ Post

Is Closing Stores the New Trend for Furniture Retailers Amid Economic Downturn? The economic downturn has driven many furniture retailers to rethink their strategies, with store closures becoming a notable trend. This shift has significant implications for interior designers and their projects. For designers, reduced access to physical stores means relying more on online resources and virtual showrooms. While this can broaden the range of available products, it also poses challenges in assessing the quality and suitability of pieces without in-person inspection. Interestingly, more and more interior designers are leaning towards using furniture-sourcing agents. This method has proven to be a reliable way to get the necessary furniture pieces and, bizarrely, has turned out to be more cost-effective too. Sourcing agents can navigate the complexities of supply chains, ensuring designers get the best deals and quality products. However, this trend may also lead to new opportunities. As retailers pivot to online sales, they will likely invest in improved digital tools, making virtual design consultations more effective. Additionally, the focus on e-commerce can spur innovative collaborations between designers and retailers, enhancing customisation and client satisfaction. In these changing times, flexibility and adaptability will be key for interior designers. Staying ahead of digital trends and leveraging new tools will ensure they continue to deliver exceptional results for their clients. #InteriorDesign #FurnitureRetail #EconomicTrends #DigitalTransformation #DesignInnovation #SourcingAgents https://lnkd.in/gyyP_R5n

One of the things I love to do is go out and observe what's happening at retail stores. Of course, it's anecdotal intel, but it always prompts questions about how consumers are thinking and how they are spending their money. Example: last weekend, the local Target was absolutely packed with back-to-school shoppers, carts full of school supplies, clothing and lunchbox snacks and I'm sure Walmart was the same - maybe no time/money for home projects right now. Furniture Today Designers Today Home Accents Today Home Textiles Today Gifts & Decorative Accessories Magazine #consumer #retail #design #home #earnings

Great and relative article from Fred Nicolaus, and our friends at Business of Home...."Are Furniture Stores Dying, or Just Changing?" The independent furniture store is not going away, although we are seeing a shift in the industry, as consumers have never had as many choices to purchase from as the do today. This is not specific to the furniture market, but in many segments and markets. Fred is spot on...generational shifts, real estate cash-out opportunities, power brands, direct-to-consumer, etc. People are always going to need a place to sit, a place to put there stuff, a light to see by, and nice stuff for their homes. Great article Fred!!! The independent furniture retailer is dead....Long live the independent furniture retailer!!!! #funiture, #interiordesign, #independentretail, #homefurnishings

What is the best way to stay on the pulse of the Home industry? I listen to the Business of Home podcast and rely on the weekly Thursday show to keep me up to date on how the market is, what’s going on in real estate, furnishing company earnings and so much more. They ALWAYS have great articles like this one written by Fred Nicolaus that keep us in the industry informed to always know what strategies to employ, especially in tricky markets. In conclusion he said, “In short: Big, genreless showrooms are hurting. Small, lean, design-oriented outposts are working.” And with less opportunities for clients to buy high end furnishings from stores this allows us as designers to offer even more value when we procure product for our clients. I see it as an upside for opportunity for the trade and the more unique stores out there. What are your thoughts on the article?

The Shop Fitting Material Market size was valued at USD 140.31 Bn. in 2023 and the total Shop Fitting Material revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.87% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly USD 195.73 Bn. by 2030. Get Your Free Sample Here: https://lnkd.in/e6EjqcbV Market Overview: The shop fitting material market refers to the industry that provides materials and solutions for designing, furnishing, and equipping retail spaces such as shops, stores, and malls. Opportunities: The increasing awareness of environmental concerns presents opportunities for shop fitting material manufacturers to develop and market sustainable solutions, including eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient lighting, and recyclable products. Challenges: The retail industry is evolving rapidly, influenced by changing consumer preferences, digital advancements, and market disruptions. Competitive Analysis The market is fragmented, with several players operating globally or regionally. The market share varies across regions and segments. Major players often have a strong presence in specific markets due to their established distribution networks and brand recognition. #Shop #Fitting #Material #Market #digital #advancements #Malls and #Shopping #Hospitality and #food

I've never purchased anything from Wayfair. I've visited their website many times... ... but the value proposition was never there for me; everything seemed much too expensive for what I perceived as fairly low quality merchandise.* Will having a physical store help change that perception? I think it's possible... if Wayfair can deliver an exceptional shopping experience. I'll be interested to see what happens, and if they decide to open more stores over the next few years. Thoughts? #retail #customer #experience * I'm admittedly biased: my father has manufactured furniture longer than I've been alive and I spent my teenage summers working in the factory he owned at the time. I can't quite produce an entire sofa by myself, but I know every step involved and what "good quality" versus "bad quality" looks like. And I can definitely maneuver large, heavy pieces of furniture through tight doorways and down narrow staircases -- my Dad put me in charge of furniture deliveries shortly after I got my driver's license. 😂

What Matters Less in Furniture Retail? Not every service is a priority for furniture customers. While nice touches like personalized thank-you notes or in-store refreshments can enhance the shopping experience, they are far less important compared to services like delivery, assembly, and warranties. Instead, focus on what truly impacts the buying decision. Check back every Friday as we share some insights on what consumers are looking for when making a furniture buying decision, and what services are not so important. 💡 Unsure which services are worth your investment? Cambridge Retail Advisors is here to help you refine your offerings to maximize ROI. #RetailOptimization #FurnitureRetail #CustomerExperience #FurnitureFriday

In the world of retail, creating an inviting and efficient store layout is more than just an aesthetic choice—it's a strategic one. With the average lifespan of retail fixtures spanning 5 to 7 years, selecting the right shelving system is a critical decision that impacts not just your store's look, but its functionality and customer experience. Here's a quick dive into the four shelving systems every retailer should know about, each offering unique benefits tailored to different needs: 1. Gondola Shelving Systems: The go-to choice for supermarkets, pharmacies, and home goods stores, offering visibility and versatility with their double-sided design. 2. Slatwall Systems: Known for their horizontal grooves, these systems provide a modern look and flexible display options, ideal for hardware and accessory stores. 3. Gridwall Systems: Lightweight and adaptable, perfect for clothing stores and trade shows, thanks to their grid-like metal structure. 4. Slotted Standard System: A modular solution for fashion and home goods and displays, allowing for endless configuration possibilities. For a deeper exploration of these systems and how they can transform your retail space check out the full article: https://lnkd.in/gAr3DcYr Let's discuss: How have you optimized your retail space with shelving systems? Share your experiences and tips below! 👇 #RetailDesign #StoreLayout #ShelvingSolutions #RetailInnovation

Retail stores are dead, you say? Somebody forgot to tell Wayfair... According to Marianne Wilson at Chain Store Age, the digitally-native furniture retailer will open a giant 150,000 sq.ft, two-level store in Wilmette, Illinois designed as "a one-stop shopping destination for all things home." And if you're thinking this sounds a lot like an IKEA... "The new Wayfair also includes a café, The Porch, which is open all day with a menu that include small bites, salads, soups, handhelds and more." (No word yet on whether "small bites" includes Swedish meatballs.) Customers enjoy shopping in physical stores when those stores deliver exceptional shopping experiences. This includes: ➡ Merchandising that helps people discover new products; ➡ Employees who are knowledgeable and ready to help; ➡ Products that are in-stock and available to buy. If you're a multi-unit retailer who wants to level-up the shopping experiences you deliver to your customers, you'll want to see what Optimum Retailing (OR) can do for you... let's chat! #BrickAndMortar #Retail #Store #Experience #Technology

A recent study by the National Retail Federation revealed that a whopping 63% of shoppers reported feeling frustrated or confused by poorly designed store layouts. This can lead to missed sales opportunities for your appliance store. Don't let your layout hold you back! Contact SRS for a free consultation and see how we can transform your showroom. ➡️ www.specializedretail.com #applianceretail #showroomdesign #layoutplanning #customersales