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.
Trade Tensions
When news broke in September that a 10 percent tariff on Chinese imports would go into effect almost immediately, and on Jan. 1, 2019, that number would jump to 25 percent, a collective groan was…
Top 3 Insights from the 2018 Houzz Bathroom Trends Study
Each year, Houzz.com surveys homeowners who have completed or recently completed a bathroom renovation to get a glimpse of who they are and what they want from their bathrooms. This year's 2018…
5 Digital Marketing YouTube Channels to Check Out
As a small business owner in 2018, there’s no shortage of new things you can learn when it comes to your digital marketing strategy. But you can only read so much in a day, and sifting through…
What Retailers Can Learn from Room & Board's Workplace Culture
Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work named Room & Board the fourth best retail workplace in the U.S. Through a survey of 665 employees (out of the 868 employees), the company, founded in 1980…
How to Rethink Your E-Commerce Strategy
The majority of people still prefer to shop for furniture in stores, according to Morning Consult, and more than likely, they feel the same way about lighting.
But retailers, don't get comfortable…
3 Things to Know About the New E-Design Startup Spruce Up
Last month a new e-design service, Spruce Up, hit the internet. After raising $1.5 million in investment last February, e-commerce and design lifestyle experts Mia Lewin and Mike Dierken launched…
How to Create a Strong Customer Referral Program
Research from Texas Tech shows that 83 percent of satisfied customers are willing to refer a product or service, but just 29 percent actually do. Many happy customers may not be spreading the word on…
Lightovation Announces Expanded Showrooms, More Innovative Products for January 2019 Market
Lightovation will offer a full slate of educational programming and an expanded selection of new innovative products for the January 16-20, 2019 show. Lightovation takes place concurrently with…
Capital Lighting Fixture Company Announces Employee Stock Ownership Plan
Capital Lighting is excited to announce their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) effective September 28, 2018. Owners Mary Lou and John Lewis made the formal, surprise announcement to employees on…
Amazon Launches a Third Furniture Brand: What Retailers Need to Know
Amazon announced this week a new private furniture collection: Ravenna Home. This marks the third private furniture collection for Amazon, joining Mid-Century Rivet and "casual comfort" Stone &…