| 1. |
The Absurdity Of Family Business Decision Making
(Friday, June 12, 2009 - David Lively)
This is the first installment of a new series by David Lively that deals with family business issues of critical importance to furniture retailers. In this issue, David looks at the pitfalls of making decisions based on a consensus to avoid familial discord.
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| 2. |
Can You Embrace Meaningful Change?
(Friday, June 12, 2009 - Joe Capillo)
When you do it right, the effort to embrace continuous improvement is worth it. Your company will be transformed from one where mediocrity is the norm, to one where high performance is valued and craved by everyone.
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| 3. |
Furniture Warehouse Injury & OSHA Data
(Friday, June 12, 2009 - Dan Bolger, P.E.)
Fines for improper racking, lift truck problems, electrical issues, hazardous materials and equipment lockout procedures are just some of the most common that furniture retailers have received over the past year. Dan Bolger looks at these issues and provides guidance on how FURNITURE WORLD Magazine readers can reduce injuries as well as avoid running afoul of OSHA regulations.
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| 4. |
Retail Profile: Zilli
(Friday, June 12, 2009 - Janet Holt-Johnstone)
New concept store uses “zones” to reflect international trends and help consumers envision their personal fashion statements. Zilli conducted in-depth surveys that revealed that consumers were eager for new shopping experiences. They wanted something more “interesting, different, unique, even exotic, inspiring, uplifting, fun, beautiful, enticing.” Zilli seeks to be all that.
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| 5. |
Get Advertising Results: Create An Irresistible Offer
(Thursday, June 11, 2009 - Brett Kitchen & Ethan Kap)
Retail furniture store managers can maximize advertising performance by creating Powerful, Irresistible Offers. This can be done by directly addressing the emotional connection customers have that relate to your products, and by including fun offers such as incentives and premiums. This winning combination works much better than just focusing on cheap price promotion.
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| 6. |
Research Study: What Will The Furniture Business Look Like Post Recession?
(Thursday, June 11, 2009 - Pam Danziger)
Part 1: Research identifies three trends that were transforming the luxury home furnishings market - even before the recession hit. Researcher Pamela Danziger looks at data from Unity Marketing's Home Furnishings & Décor Report and more recent tracking studies. In the August/September issue of FURNITURE WORLD Magazine she will translate the data into information that furniture executives can use to find a pathway to future success.
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| 7. |
Micro Web Site Promotes Affordable Options In Winston-Salem
(Sunday, April 12, 2009 - Furniture World Magazine )
Guide supports Market Authority efforts to ensure affordable travel options for High Point Market attendees.
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| 8. |
Dollars In The Trash Warehouse & Delivery Service Calls
(Monday, April 06, 2009 - Dan Bolger)
Business is tough, but don’t be your own worst enemy by cutting corners in the warehouse, prep and delivery. Read this article to find tips on reducing costs and improving customer service.
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| 9. |
Retail Threat: REDESIGN!
(Monday, April 06, 2009 - Margarett DeGange)
In part 8 of our popular Decorating School Crash Course series, Margaret DeGange looks at redesign. The basic premise of a redesign is to use what customers already own to redefine interior spaces. Sounds like a splendid idea, right? Not if you are a furniture store owner!
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| 10. |
The Next Big Thing... Mobile Phone POWER Marketing
(Monday, April 06, 2009 - Leslie Carothers)
SMS text messaging is the single most widely used data application on the planet. Retailers like Ashley Home Stores have already had some success using it. Here’s how you can start using this inexpensive and effective new media ad tool.
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| 11. |
Three Secrets of Traffic Building Newspaper Ads
(Monday, April 06, 2009 - Brett Kitchen & Ethan Kap)
This article is for those folks who are determined to use newspaper advertising in their media mix.
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| 12. |
Harness The Power Of e-Marketing - Part 2
(Monday, April 06, 2009 - David McMahon)
Old media techniques broadcast a campaign that is the same for everyone. Here’s how to target specific groups with messages they want to see, when they want to see them.
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| 13. |
Why It Pays To GO GREEN NOW
(Monday, April 06, 2009 - Jeff Hiller)
Most of your customers are not dyed in the wool environmentalists, and most of your best selling products won’t meet their standards. So here’s how you can get started with a small scale sustainable furniture program that can help you to differentiate your brand, and appeal to the majority of your customers.
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| 14. |
Boost Cash Flow & Generate Sales Now
(Monday, April 06, 2009 - Larry Mullins)
This article tells the story of a furniture store owner in St. Augustine who used fresh tactics to beat last year’s numbers in November, December, and January. How he did it is instructive and worth your attention.
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| 15. |
Dealing With Transactional Shoppers
(Monday, April 05, 2009 - Joe Capillo)
Suggestions for actions you can take right now to improve performance. Prepare for the new retail reality that will emerge as the economy heals from this deep recessionary funk.
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| 16. |
Display Trends 2009
(Monday, April 05, 2009 - Janet Holt Johnstone)
Trends Display highlights ways to make furniture stand out while on a budget.
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| 17. |
Largest 1-800 Mattress Franchise Group Challenges Sale to Sleepy's
(Thursday, March 26, 2009 - Furniture World Magazine )
In a press release, the franchisee said that is, "offering the franchisor better terms on “Debtor-In-Possession” (“DIP”) financing than offered by Sleepy’s earlier this week."
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| 18. |
Blueprint For A Digital Marketing Strategy
(Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Leslie Carothers)
A digital marketing strategy utilizes social media tools to help you to connect with, listen to, and engage directly with consumers.
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| 19. |
We Made A Huge Mistake!
(Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Ethan Kap & Brett KItchen)
You made a big mistake and purchased too much inventory? Tell your customers about it and give them reasons why your store offers great deals that differentiate your promotions from other sale price advertising.
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| 20. |
Profiting From Sports Marketing
(Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Janet Holt-Johnstone)
Even in tough times, sports promotions, incentives and creative marketing can attract interest and retail traffic.
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| 21. |
A Case Of Stolen Furniture
(Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Furniture World Magazine)
Max Morgan always thought employee theft was something that happened to others – until it happened to him. This article outlines a plan to catch a furniture store thief working an inside job.
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| 22. |
When Times Are Tough, Use A Warehouse & Delivery Checklist
(Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Furniture World Magazine)
For most furniture retailers it is virtually impossible to increase sales this year, so you need to focus on items you do control, such as warehouse and delivery.
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| 23. |
Ascendency Of The Transactional Shopper
(Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Joe Capillo)
There are two broad “types” of shoppers; transactional and relational. Most are not all one way or the other, but you’ll see a mix of these two shopping motivations in your customers that can help you to work with them appropriately.
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| 24. |
You Can Harness The Power of e-Marketing
(Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - David McMahon)
New media is uncharted territory for many furniture retailers, but with a bit of knowledge you can be one of the first in our industry to do it right.
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| 25. |
Twelve Step Program To Get All Employees On The Same Page
(Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Ron Wolinski)
Take these twelve steps to organize your business and you will dramatically increase the focus and accountability of your people.
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| 26. |
The Simple Rules Of In-House Financing
(Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - Richard Hadad)
If you’ve considered the highly profitable finance end of the business and need to know how to buy contracts for in-house credit, try these simple rules.
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| 27. |
Decorating School Crash Course - Fabrics Part 7b
(Thursday, November 20, 2008 - Furniture World Magazine)
Continuation of this popular series that provides scripts furniture retailers use to conduct successful consumer design seminars. This installment reveals how customers can choose main and supporting fabrics, and work with pattern and texture. Included is a glossary of fabric terms and photos.
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| 28. |
Use Color Undertones For Standout Furniture Displays
(Thursday, November 20, 2008 - Furniture World Magazine)
A look at how showroom wall colors and lighting can make furniture either blend in to the background or make it stand out to create exciting displays.
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| 29. |
How To Increase Delivery Fuel Efficiency 25% Or More
(Thursday, November 20, 2008 - Furniture World Magazine)
Regardless of the brand of trucks you use for delivery, you have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars annually through driver training and motivation.
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| 30. |
2009 Survival Of The Fittest Furniture Stores
(Thursday, November 20, 2008 - Furniture World Magazine)
Three savvy Canadian retailers, Paul Dekker, Steve Forberg and Dennis Novosel, look at ways to survive and thrive in a tough economy.
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| 31. |
Sales Associates And Social Networking
(Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - Leslie Carothers)
The September/October issue of FURNITURE WORLD Magazine contained information on how furniture retailers can use social networking sites to connect with customers. This time we will look at how sales associates can use powerful tools like linkedin.com, facebook and www.twitter.com to capitalize on a consumer following.
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| 32. |
13 Ways To Survive In Very Dry Times
(Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - Furniture World Magazine)
In times like these, retailers need to hone cash management skills, buy smarter and sell better.
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| 33. |
Why Should Customers Buy from You?
(Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - Furniture World Magazine)
Larry Mullins looks at four wasteful assumptions most home furnishings have, that tend to hobble their advertising and marketing efforts.
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| 34. |
Wolfgang Kranz leaves Koelnmesse
(Friday, November 14, 2008 - Furniture World Magazine)
Organizer of imm cologne, The International Furnishing show announced that Wolfgang Kranz (49) has resigned from his position as Executive Vice President of Koelnmesse.
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| 35. |
A Bad Boss Can Send Your Employees to an Early Grave
(Monday, September 29, 2008 - Furniture World Magazine)
A third of US workers spend a minimum of twenty hours per month at work complaining about their boss. Are you the worst type... the seagull manager?
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| 36. |
What You Need To Know About Social Networking
(Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - Leslie Carothers)
Solidify your customer base, energize your sales force, attract a new generation of buyers and generate revenue in a number of innovative ways.
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| 37. |
The Driver’s Role In Perfect Deliveries
(Thursday, September 11, 2008 - Dan Bolger)
Now is the time to look at your delivery systems,in-home service/ sales calls and driver education.
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| 38. |
Top Ten Things Furniture Retailers Need To Know About Lighting
(Thursday, September 11, 2008 - Monte Lee)
Ten ways to improve your displays, save on your electricity costs and avoid the most common lighting mistakes.
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| 39. |
Customers Judge You In The Blink Of An Eye
(Thursday, September 11, 2008 - Martin Roberts)
That’s good news if your store exterior and front entrance convey your brand identity and set the stage for the shopping experience to come.
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| 40. |
Personal Sales Tips For Slow Days
(Thursday, September 11, 2008 - Cathy Finney)
A small attitude adjustment and a few reminders of important sales do’s and dont’s can get you back on track.
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| 41. |
Modern Ways To Increase GMROI - Part 2
(Thursday, September 11, 2008 - David McMahon)
Part 2: Old school ways to increase this critical measure are just not enough anymore!
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| 42. |
What Are They Thinking, Those Crazy Store Owners
(Thursday, September 11, 2008 - Joe Capillo)
Sometimes furniture store owners say and do things that defy reason. Three examples.... more to come.
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| 43. |
Sustainability Update: G-R-0-W-I-N-G Greener
(Thursday, September 11, 2008 - Janet Holt-Johnstone)
For these retailers, sustainable retailing is more than a marketing slogan. It is an ongoing process of self improvement.
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| 44. |
Decorating School Crash Course Fabrics Part 7a
(Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - Margarett DeGange, M.Ed.)
Lesson #7a: Script for a design seminar that will help your customers to make knowledgeable color, pattern and texture choices.
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| 45. |
What’s Working Now To Drive Traffic
(Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - Ethan Kapp & Brett Kitchen)
It isn’t time to do blanket price promotion or a large-scale top of mind advertising awareness campaign. So what should you do?
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| 46. |
Build Loyalty Before 5PM With Same Day Service Calls
(Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - Michael Bowman, Roomful Express)
Roomful Express Furniture improves key operations metrics with new program.
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| 47. |
Decoratomg & Rug Cleaning Tips From Nourison
(Tuesday, August 12, 2008 - Furniture World Magazine)
home fashion and rug cleaning tips for home Furnishings retailers who cater to budget conscious consumers.
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| 48. |
Sealy Names Larry Rogers as President and CEO
(Wednesday, July 23, 2008 - Furniture World Magazine)
Since joining Sealy in 1979, Mr. Rogers has held various roles within the organization including his most recent position as President of Sealy North America.
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| 49. |
Inexpensive Showroom Renovations - Big Impact - Part 1
(Monday, July 14, 2008 - by Martin Roberts)
Some quick steps you can take to refresh your store and give it some new energy for about $20 per square foot.
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| 50. |
Help Bedding Customers To Buy It! - Part 2
(Monday, July 14, 2008 - Guy Eckert )
Series explores the physiology of sleep, value promises and how to convey these messages at the point of sale. Plus, bonus sales techniques that will help any sales associate to make more sales.
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