SFC Programming at High Point Market Promises Fun, and Useful Information

Furniture World News Desk on 4/15/2015

The Sustainable Furnishings Council says that gone are the days when “eco” looked like granola. Now retailers have choice that is good for the planet as well as fitting their consumer’s own sense of style and household budget is a no-brainer.

Sustainable Furnishings Council’s 2015 consumer survey, conducted by Impact Consulting among consumers who had bought home furnishings recently, shows that 40% more had bought eco-friendly or environmentally safe home furnishings than had in the 2013 survey. Consumers for furnishings that are made closer to home, or certified to be made of sustainable materials, or contain recycled content (to name just a few attributes) are as varied as they styles they can choose from. This High Point Market, Sustainable Furnishings Council makes it easy for buyers to find what their customers want.

The SFC, an  educational organization established during the High Point Market in fall 2006, SFC is harnessing years of experience conducting Market programming as well as their considerable in-house expertise, to offer a series of programs that promise to be fun as well as packed with practical useful information. Starting with a different way to get your nourishment on Monday morning, the SFC offers a progressive breakfast called “Sustainable Style.” The event begins with an overview answering the question, “What is sustainable furniture, anyway?” and then proceeds to show participants examples from eight different SFC members in their IHFC showrooms: Simply Amish, Selamat, Nourison, Gat Creek, G.Romano, Ekornes, Greenington and Wish Designs. The event is free and includes breakfast, but preregistration is required via admn@sustainablefurnishinngs.org.

Supported by SFC founding member and Silver Exemplary Manufacturer Harden Furniture, SFC again publishes The Guide to Green at High Point Market. It is available for download from sustainablefurnishings.org, and will also be distributed in print at Market. The Guide points buyers to companies that have made their own public and verifiable commitment to sustainability, to transparency, and to continuous improvement. The first thing the buyer will notice about it is the great variety of styles and price points that are represented among the 80 exhibiting members.

But this market the organization also helps retailers find the other kind of “green” with a program on Tuesday at the Retailer Resource Center that focuses on how to use a product’s eco-attributes to increase sales. The session is titled SHOWING Green: 10 Questions Every Salesperson Needs to Answer. It will provide guidance for managers, designers, and sales staff in the form of compelling answers to the most frequently asked questions. Developed by a long-time retailer and high-growth importer, the seminar will be presented by Susan Inglis, Executive Director of SFC.

Finally, SFC is again offering their very popular certificate program, GREENleaders in an all-day seminar on Earth Day. The 6-ceu course gives a thorough overview of sustainability issues in the home furnishings industry and helps companies know how to address the problems while also bolstering their own bottom line. SFC’s research, which is made available to course participants, shows that consumers are most concerned about toxic pollutants in their home environments and about diminishing natural resources. The course teaches designers and other specifiers to respond to these concerns, not only helping to address the problems, but also building customers’ confidence.

To secure a spot at any of these events, email admin@sustainablefurnishings.org.

About the Sustainable Furnishings Council: Sustainable Furnishings Council is dedicated to promoting healthy environments inside and outside, providing the most comprehensive information on environmental, safety and health issues in the home furnishings industry and championing initiatives that improve products and processes. The SFC and its qualifying members respond to environmental and social issues and offer specific information to consumers, the media and other partners.
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