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Retail Education

Home furnishings and lighting retailers face many challenges in this ever-changing economy. From new consumer expectations to online competition, today's retailers work hard to ensure their customers have access to on-trend products and great customer service. In this section, you'll find all things retailing — news, features, analysis and tools — needed to make your retail business a success.

MAK & CO. showroom
At MAK & CO. in Andover, MA, owners Lynn and John Makiej fill a restored mill with a unique mix of upholstered furniture, antiques, salvage pieces and custom items that clients can browse on their own or select as they work the showroom on design plans for their spaces.

Something for Everyone

In the fall of 2017, after working as an interior designer for eight years, Lynn Makiej opened the retail store MAK & CO. with husband, John, in Andover, MA, one of Boston’s northern suburbs. The…
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(Photo: golubovy - stock.adobe.com)

How to Make a YouTube Video on a Budget

Our consumer research from last year found that when faced with a problem designing their homes, 46 percent of respondents said they go to YouTube for instructional videos. As the second largest…
Adobestock women looking at fabric samples
(Photo: Valerii Honcharuk - stock.adobe.com)

What Designers Look for in Retailer Partners

Consumers may make up the majority of your showroom sales, but you could be missing out on a key potential client base: interior designers. While designers often opt to shop directly from…

Bright Colors Take Over Rugs for Spring High Point Market

For those retailers and designers who tour multiple rug showrooms each market, almost everyone has the same answer when asked about the best-selling colors. Spoiler: It's almost always gray and blue…

Hooker Furniture Adds Movement to Stationary Upholstery

Designed to support the rise in consumer demand for refined styling with high-tech features and functionality, Hooker Furniture has developed a new upholstery category that blends the most popular…

Twin Star Home's Style Takeover Comes to Spring High Point Market

Twin Star Home is bringing their successful Showroom Style Takeover to the High Point Market. Three lifestyle bloggers, influencers and designers will each be given areas in the Twin Star Home…
woman leaping
Embracing new adventures and taking risks can be exhilarating — and good for business. (Photo: Unsplash user Sammie Vasquez)

Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone

I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Diane Falvey, and it’s so nice to meet you. I’m also the new Editor-in-Chief of Furniture, Lighting & Decor. I’ve been in this industry for some time but this is…
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Photo by Sebastian Voortman from Pexels

5 Ways for Retailers to Protect Against Industry Disruption

This week, Retail Dive asked, "Is home goods the next industry ripe for disruption?"  The answer? Yes, almost definitely. Just a few notes on some happenings in the past year: - Global Views…

Introducing the 2019 Showroom of the Year Finalists

Finalists for the 2019 Showroom of the Year Awards, honoring outstanding lighting retailers across North America, have been announced. The annual awards, now celebrating its 10th year, is co-…

Pinterest Is Becoming Shoppable: What You Need to Know

Facebook and Instagram may get the bulk of attention from social media marketers, but Pinterest is about to give both platforms a run for their money. As Pinterest prepares for an IPO, the company…
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