HIGH POINT — Natuzzi’s Reimagined Gallery program announced last fall is starting to gain traction around the globe, with 113 retailers signing up globally, including 21 in the U.S. and Canada.

This represents about 121 gallery locations in development worldwide, with 29 in the U.S. and Canada, Codrin Coroama, chief wholesale officer, told Home News Now.

In North America, the company has updated 12 of its existing galleries thus far, with another 18 currently in the development process.

Since the program was first announced, the company has made some tweaks, including to the sizes. Initially, for example, they were in 1,200-, 2,000- and 3,200-square-foot sizes, representing small, medium and large. They have since been expanded slightly to 1,300, 2,200 and 3,500 square feet in size.

Coroama said that 2,200 square feet, which features about 10 room settings, has been the most popular size. The cost of this footprint is $48,000, which includes products and display systems that are delivered to the retailer and ready to place on the floor. By comparison, the 1,300-square-foot gallery offers six room settings and is available at $30,000, while the large gallery offers 20 room settings and starts at $82,000.

He added that the company has enhanced the merchandising aspect of the galleries with new products that include its Natuzzi Editions Houston New Generation Zero Gravity collection and the Roma, a sofa with an adjustable armrest and backrests and standard and extra-deep-seating options.

“Both models were introduced at the April High Point Market and received fantastic feedback, thanks to their Italian-inspired design and innovative features,” Coroama said.

Another new offering that can be showcased in the gallery footprint is what he described as the concept of Space Performance, which offers room-set options tailored to the needs of the retailer.

“The classic room set focuses on space efficiency, while the power-pad room set emphasizes versatility, functionality and customization, inspiring consumers’ creative expression,” Coroama said.

He also noted that on July 1, gallery partners will have access to a digital marketing platform that is “designed to amplify their marketing campaigns across digital channels.”

“This platform will be integrated with Natuzzi’s marketing planner and digital content database, providing support to drive local engagement and ultimately boost sales,” he said.

Retailers and their customers can also look at products on the Natuzzi website, where a number of custom configurations, fabrics and leathers are available, allowing them to pick and choose the look and design footprint they want. Upholstered beds also are available in multiple configurations and fabrics, also shown in detail on the website.

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MONROE, Mich. — From La-Z-Boy’s latest earnings call for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended April 27, it’s clear that retail development — both new store openings and acquisitions — remains a core part its strategy moving forward.   

Of course, none of this is new given the number of stores the company has in place currently. But it appears to be positioning itself for even further growth in the months and years ahead.  For example, during its latest earnings call, company President and CEO Melinda D. Whittington noted that the brand is looking to have about 400 La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries over the next several years, up from 355 at the end of its latest fiscal year.

The 355, which is up six locations from the prior year, brings the number of total company owned stores to 187, including the six new store openings and 11 acquisitions during the full year, including the acquisition of a two-store independent network in Florida during the quarter. And in May, she said, the company also signed an agreement to acquire an additional one-store market from an independent dealer in the Midwest that’s set to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025.

Bob Lucian, senior vice president and chief financial officer, noted that the company plans to open 12-15 new stores — separate of any acquisitions — mostly in the second half of the year as part of a planned $70 million to $80 million in capital expenditures during the fiscal year, which he noted “includes land and building investments and stores to maintain the growth of our retail network.”

Obviously, the company is bullish on its store network during a time when furniture retail is struggling amid an environment of high interest rates that are hampering existing home sales, combined with consumers tightening their belts with high-dollar purchases.

During the call, Whittington noted that while total written sales for company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries were up 1% for the quarter, written same-store sales for the entire network of 355 stores were down 3% for the quarter compared to the prior year and down 2% for the entire year. But she also noted that this performance is still better than the industry overall “against a backdrop of 8% industry contraction” during the quarter and down 6% for the year “as our significant outperformance versus the market persisted throughout the year.”

“Despite ongoing challenging traffic trends, our stores continued to execute very well, with higher conversions, higher ticket and design sales partially mitigating the traffic headwinds,” she noted.

In addition, the company now owns 53% of the stores in the La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries network for the first time in its history. Of course, some of this has to do with the acquisition of stores from independent dealers looking to get out of the business during this ongoing period of malaise. Perhaps company ownership will improve the performance of these locations as things start to turn around, but that largely depends on support from the economy.

For Whittington, the growth of the store footprint makes sense moving forward.

“We see meaningful opportunity to expand the company-owned portion of the network through new store growth and acquisitions,” she said, adding, “These store acquisitions are immediately accretive to our profitability, allowing the company to benefit from integrated wholesale and retail margins.”

She also noted that growing the company-owned store network is important “as it enables the brand to control the end-to-end consumer experience and leverage the strength of our vertically integrated model.”

Another benefit in the company-owned store approach? It also helps guide product development.

“We continue to shift organizational decision-making to be more consumer-centric while also leveraging a data-driven approach,” Whittington said, adding, “This is enabling us to develop more consumer-relevant, on-trend upholstered furniture, particularly in the motion and reclining categories where we are a market leader.”

Of course, this consumer-driven approach is not just beneficial to the development of upholstery and recliners, but also wood categories such as occasional, along with bedroom and dining furniture offered by its sister brands.

The success of this growth initiative also obviously depends on a number of factors, ranging from interest rates and housing sales to the consumers’ willingness to return to spending more on the home. Yet despite these uncertainties, Whittington was optimistic about the company’s strategy, not just in its retail store footprint, but also how it is serving consumers in the market overall, ranging from the agility of its supply chain to product development initiatives.

“We know there are consumers out there still investing in their home, even in a challenging economy, and we believe we are disproportionately capturing them,” she said. “But if I were to step back and say ‘what is the biggest pivot for us as a total enterprise?’ It’s really this focus on driving our own company-owned retail and the reason for that is two-fold. We can control that brand experience for the consumer end-to-end. We can avail ourselves of the data from that consumer by interacting with them directly, and from a financial standpoint, we can take advantage of that integrated margin of owning the entire chain, from pieces of fabric and steel all the way to putting that product in the consumer’s home. And we believe that’s good for the consumer, and that’s good for our financials as well. So really, I would call continuing to expand our reach of our own retail probably the No. 1 biggest driver.”

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Schumacher, who left his executive post at HFA at the end of May, recently posted on his LinkedIn page that he had joined the board of the lifestyle retailer.

In his post, he noted, “For years I have admired R&B’s commitment to their team, customers, sustainability and social responsibility. Their recent designation as a B Corp, which means Room & Board meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability, is a testament to the culture they have built.”

He also noted that in April, the company transitioned into a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which gives its 1,100 employees a financial stake in the organization.

“The new board of directors is tasked with providing strategic direction and financial oversight for the company during this time,” Schumacher said. “I can’t express how honored and humbled I am to become part of the Room & Board team.”

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HIGH POINT — A former executive with Crate & Barrel, RH and Williams Sonoma has acquired antique reproduction specialist GJ Styles from GJ Styles Holdings Inc.

Doug Diemoz closed on the purchase of the company on Friday. Officials did not reveal a purchase price or other terms of the agreement, but noted that the deal represents an acquisition of non-real estate assets that include inventory and intellectual property.

Diemoz also has taken over the leases of the company’s showroom and distribution center in High Point.

Formerly known as G&J Styles, the company produces a line of reproduction dining and occasional furniture, as well as accent furniture, desks and storage pieces.

It was founded in 1985 by Glyn and Jill Styles in Leominster, a town in the county of Herefordshire, England, in 1985. It moved to High Point in 1997 to help fill the demand for antique reproductions in the United States.

In 2008, it entered a joint venture partnership with its primary vendor, Halo Asia, which created Halo Styles, according to the company website. In January 2014, Glyn Styles purchased the company from its partners at Halo but the company continues to distribute Halo products in the U.S. at GJ Styles.

The company website went on to note that the company has a permanent showroom in High Point, which houses its corporate offices. These locations are open year round to retailers and designers.

Diemoz is the chief executive officer, co-founder and executive chairman of the former Fairfield, California-based upholstery manufacturer Made and Modern, which Diemoz told Home News Now closed this past fall.

Before this, he was president of Pier 1 for a short period and prior to this was chief executive officer of Crate & Barrel and chief development officer of RH.

He also previously was senior vice president of financial operations and vice president of finance and director of finance at Williams-Sonoma.

 “I have been blessed to grow up with great brands, leaders and colleagues, and I am excited to meet all our customers and bring everything I’ve learned over my decades in the industry to help them grow and achieve their goals,” Diemoz said. “It has been a privilege to get to know Glyn and the team through this process and I am honored to be leading the next chapter of GJ Styles to build upon the incredible foundation laid before me.”

The company said that GJ Styles will continue in its current distribution center, showroom and corporate office. It also noted that all current staff are being retained in their existing roles.

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HIGH POINT — Universal Furniture has hired industry veteran Rick Lovegrove as vice president of upholstery, a new position devoted to the enhancement and growth of the company’s domestic and import upholstery business.

Lovegrove comes to the company from Four Hands, where he has worked for the past decade, most recently as president of upholstery and before that as vice president, product services group and upholstery.

Before that he worked at upholstery manufacturer G. Romano for more than 18 years, both as vice president of design and creative director and brand manager.

In his new position, he reports to Universal President Sean O’Connor, who started the upholstery business for the company around 2015 and who has since handled the development/merchandising responsibilities alongside Shannon Lookabill, vice president of product development. In addition to its import upholstery line produced in Vietnam, the company expanded into domestic upholstery when it acquired Southern Upholstery in 2019. The company said the acquisition allowed Universal to develop its domestic upholstery operations in 2020.

The company said that Lovegrove will collaborate closely with O’Connor and Lookabill to “drive strategic initiatives and innovation within Universal Furniture’s designs. Together, they aim to capitalize on emerging trends, enhance product offerings and reinforce Universal Furniture’s position as a whole home leader in the furniture marketplace.”

Universal said that Lovegrove’s leadership role at Four Hands expanded the category into the “largest product segment at the company. With a career distinguished by domestic and imported furniture expertise, Lovegrove brings a unique skill set to Universal Furniture, poised to drive innovation and growth within the upholstery segment.”

“The upholstery business at Universal has been a focal point in our growth strategy, aimed at expanding design appeal and growing sales,” O’Connor said. “The rapid expansion of this division necessitated the creation of this role, and Rick’s extensive industry experience positions him perfectly to lead and further accelerate our momentum.”

“Rick’s proven track record in scaling businesses within the furniture sector aligns with our vision for Universal Furniture’s future,” O’Connor added. “His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and meet the evolving demands of our customers.”

Lovegrove said he looks forward to this next step in his industry career.

“I am truly excited to join the Universal team,” he said. “The growth of the brand over the last couple of years has been exciting to witness, and I can’t wait to build and scale the next generation of the upholstery business.” 

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LOS ANGELES — Lifestyle retailer Arhaus has opened two new California stores in less than a month, including a 15,400-square-foot location in Carlsbad that opened June 14 and a new store in Los Angeles that is holding a grand opening this week.

Both mark the lifestyle retailer’s ongoing West Coast expansion that make California among the most important states in its network.

This past Friday marked the opening of the retailer’s 12th store in California, a 15,400-square-foot location at 7770 El Camino Real Carlsbad, a coastal city just north of San Diego. Its neighbors include a wide mix of apparel and gift stores, restaurants, spas and other health- and medical-related businesses.

In addition to a wide mix of residential furniture and decor, the newest California store in the Arhaus network also offers complimentary design services for residential projects of any size.

On May 24, the retailer opened its 17,900-square-foot showroom at The Grove in Los Angeles, the company’s 11^th store in the state. It followed the opening of three others — Newport Beach, Los Gatos and Palm Desert — all in the month of December.

Other California locations include Torrance, Walnut Creek, Thousand Oaks, San Diego, Caramel, Burlingame and Woodland Hills.

With the latest store openings, California continues to have the largest number of Arhaus stores, followed by its home state of Ohio with nine locations and Florida with eight.

A grand-opening celebration for the Los Angeles store is being held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. this Thursday, June 20. The event will feature live music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, plus a demonstration of North Carolina artisans building a chair to showcase the handcrafted nature of pieces on its floor.

“The highly anticipated opening of our showroom at The Grove marks a landmark moment for Arhaus as we expand our physical retail presence in the Southern California region,” said John Reed, Arhaus co-founder and chief executive officer. “As one of our most beautiful locations yet, this expansive showroom will offer the area an unmatched experience and product offering. We look forward to serving and inspiring the vibrant Los Angeles community.”

The Grove shopping center is also home to many other well-known brands including Apple, Barnes & Noble, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Nike, Nordstrom, Sephora, Ray-Ban, Todd Snyder, Gap and See’s Candies, to name several.

Arhaus joins this group of retailers with a wide mix of fashion-forward wood and upholstered furniture shown in lifestyle vignettes and settings. Like its other stores, it also offers complimentary design services available through a team of interior designers and design consultants. More information about these services can be found here.

To commemorate the opening of the Los Angeles store, Arhaus also is donating funds to help support several charitable organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles and American Forests. To commemorate the opening of the Carlsbad store, it is making a $10,000 contribution to American Forests, the country’s oldest nonprofit conservation organization, “dedicated to nurturing healthy and resilient forests from coast to coast.”

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MONROE, Mich. — Citing a slow housing market that continues to be hampered by high interest rates, La-Z-Boy reported a 1% drop in sales for its fiscal fourth quarter and a 13% decline for the full fiscal year ended April 27.

Total sales for the quarter were $553.5 million, down 1% from the $561.3 million reported the same period last year. For the full year, sales totaled $2.05 billion, down 13% from $2.3 billion reported last year.

Still, the company remains profitable, with an increase in earnings for the quarter. Net income totaled $40.3 million, or 91 cents per share, up 16.4%  from  $34.6 million, or 79 cents per share, the same period last year.

For the full year, net income totaled $124.6 million, or $2.83 per share, down 17.9% from the $151.9 million, or $3.48 per share, the same period last year.

Fourth-quarter sales in the wholesale segment totaled $392.5 million, compared to $394.6 million for the same period last year, and operating income totaled $31.7 million, compared to $33.7 million the same period last year.

For the full year, the wholesale segment generated $1.44 billion in sales, compared to $1.7 billion the year prior. Operating income totaled $99.4 million during the fourth quarter, compared to $115.2 million last year.

For the quarter, the retail segment had $227.9 million in sales compared to $242.7 million the same period last year. Operating income totaled $32.2 million, compared to $37.7 million the same period last year.

For the full year, the retail segment reported $855.1 million in sales compared to $982 million the same period last year. Operating income totaled $111.7 million, compared with $161.6 million the year prior.

Consolidated operating income totaled $50.1 million for the quarter compared to $54.1 million the same period last year. For the full fiscal year, consolidated operating income totaled $150.8 million, compared with $211.4 million last year.

Nonetheless, the company said that written sales again outperformed the industry, with total Q4 written sales for company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries up 1% compared to last year and written same-store sales down just 5% from last year. The company said that written same-store sales for the entire La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries network were down 3% from the same period last year.

“Trends were strongest in the first half of the quarter around key holiday events and recovery from January weather events,” the company said. “Written sales results continue to outperform the broader industry, which was down 8% for the quarter, as furniture and home furnishings spending remains depressed with overall traffic trends challenged and housing activity down due to continued higher interest rates.”

Company President and CEO Melinda Whittington said that the company had a strong finish to the fiscal year as Q4 results exceeded expectations.

“Wholesale unit volumes improved in the quarter, and recovery from weather and related disruptions in January also provided a tailwind,” she said, adding, “The industry continues to grapple with higher for longer interest rates and housing turnover near 30-year lows negatively impacting store traffic. However, our execution is the strongest it has ever been, including conversion rates at all-time highs and average ticket and design sales trending up for the year. We expect industry fundamentals to remain volatile for the near term, but remain confident in our ability to outperform the market and gain share longer term. Our first quarter is off to a good start, and we are encouraged by our solid Memorial Day results as we believe our assortment and best-in-class motion offerings are resonating with consumers in the marketplace.”

She also noted that during the quarter, the company expanded its total La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries store network and the number of company-owned stores, with the opening of six new company-owned stores and the acquisition of 11 independent Furniture Galleries. Company-owned retail stores now represent more than half of the total La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries network for the first time in company history, the report noted.

“We also invested in both our stores and manufacturing operations through remodels and improving the agility of our supply chain,” Whittington said. “As a market leader in comfortable custom furniture with quick delivery, we are positioned to continue to outperform the industry and grow share. Our focus remains on executing our proven playbook of expanding our Retail segment through new and acquired stores, delivering sales growth double the industry, and driving margin expansion. I want to thank all of our dedicated employees for their strong contributions throughout the year. The momentum in our business is palpable, particularly with our strong merchandising offerings and new “Long Live the Lazy” brand campaign building awareness, consideration and purchase intent. We are excited to build further on this foundation in fiscal 2025.”

Other highlights of its recently completed fourth quarter and full fiscal year are as follows:

+ For Q4, the company reported consolidated delivered sales of $554 million, up 22% compared to its most recent fiscal 2019 pre-pandemic fourth quarter.

+ It also said it generated $53 million in operating cash flow for the quarter.

+ During the quarter, it grew its company-owned La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries network by three stores including two stores it acquired.

+ It also reported generating $158 million in operating cash flow for the year.

+ Its balance sheet includes $341 million in cash and no external debt.

+ The company said it also returned $85 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

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The budget includes total revenues of $14.05 million and total expenses of $14.043 million.

Major revenues include $5 million in nonrecurring funding from the state of North Carolina for infrastructure improvements. This is part of an overall $9 million the state committed to the market in one-time revenues to be spread over about two years, including roughly $2 million spent thus far.

The estimated $9.05 million in total recurring revenues includes $4.45 million from the State of the North Carolina, $3.5 million from local government and another $1.07 million in recurring funds.

“We are near the top of what we can expect in our funding, and the great news is that all that money from the state is recurring,” said Doug Bassett, board member and governmental affairs expert, noting that local governments also remain consistently loyal contributors to the High Point Market.

He said that in the future, there also may be other opportunities to seek one-time funding support from the state if the market authority has a particular project in mind, although he doubts it will be to the tune of $9 million.

“If we needed to purchase a key piece of real estate either for parking or something like that, and if we show a demonstrable need, there is a chance we could go to the state for more one-time funds as needed,” he said.    

Outside of the nonrecurring funds from the state, the Market Authority has budgeted $9.043 million in expenses that include:

+ $815,800 for executive leadership and administrative staff.

+ $2.14 million for transportation.

+ $1.09 million for registration costs.

+ $3.1 million for marketing.

+ $1.9 million for guest services.

HPMA President and CEO Tammy Covington Nagem noted that operating expenses have decreased about 3% — with some departmental cost shifts versus major changes in staffing — to reflect a reduction in American Rescue Plan Act and Covid-related revenues that are about to sunset. The market authority also has contracted with a new registration vendor that will result in some tasks such as telemarketing — aimed at reminding buyers about market and helping them get registered over the phone — done in house.

In addition, she noted,  expenditures continue to focus on areas such as technology improvements, keeping one night of national talent each market, and on-site wayfinding for market guests such as signage. The market authority also continues to focus on efforts to increase attendance from various buyers that have not attended market regularly of late.  

“We are really concentrated in areas that we feel will help move the needle for market,” she said. “And this budget is very reflective of that.”

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MORGANTON, N.C. — John Jokinen, a co-founder and longtime executive with luxury furniture resource EJ Victor, is shifting from his day-to-day operational and leadership role with the company to focus more on strategy and direction as board chairman.

Over his 34 years with the company, which he founded in 1990 with Edward W. Phifer III and Joseph B. Manderson, he has served in executive level positions, including chief executive officer. In early 2021, he turned the CEO role over to former executive David Bennett, who served as president and CEO from March 2021 to June 2023. When Bennett left the company to pursue another opportunity last year, Richard Oliver assumed the role of chief executive officer.

Jokinen has remained involved in day-to-day operations, primarily as chief creative officer, while also continuing to serve as board chairman. While leaving behind the day-to-day operations, his role moving forward will continue to be board chairman.

“Over the span of 34 years, John’s visionary leadership has propelled EJ Victor into a powerhouse within the industry, renowned for its creation and manufacturing of American-made fine furnishings,” the company said in announcing Jokinen’s new focus at the company moving forward. “From its origins in 18th-century reproduction furniture, John’s guidance transformed EJ Victor into a forward-thinking manufacturer with a global distribution network. His astute focus on licensing opportunities fostered partnerships with leading brands across the home furnishings spectrum.”

Over time, the EJ Victor brand became synonymous with beautifully executed licensed and designer collections that included case goods and upholstery.

“An initial successful partnership with the Preservation Society of Newport County, Rhode Island, for their Mansions Collection swiftly paved the way for further agreements in the traditional realm with Carol Hicks Bolton and Randal Tysinger,” the company continued. “These achievements subsequently expanded into additional partnerships with Kelly Wearstler, Allison Paladino, Kate Spade, Antonia and Alfredo Parades. Notably, the enduring collaboration with the esteemed lifestyle brand Ralph Lauren stands as a testament to John’s commitment to excellence.”

Under Richard Oliver’s leadership, the company said, a transition plan has been developed over the past year in collaboration with Jokinen and the board of directors.

It noted that “this plan seamlessly integrates John’s wealth of knowledge while charting a course for sustained growth across the brand’s operational portfolio. We remain steadfast in our commitment to leveraging both John and his son, John Hunter Jokinen for continued guidance and support in shaping the future of EJ Victor, in our valued relationships, sales efforts, product development and marketing endeavors.”

“We commend John for his unwavering passion and dedication to the EJ Victor family and his many partners in the furniture industry. As John embarks on this new chapter in his life, we will continue to leverage his counsel. We eagerly anticipate celebrating his invaluable contributions to the company and the Morganton community in the months to come.”

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HIGH POINT — As the population ages, it makes sense that more and more people will be looking to downsize.

A recent report from tiny home builder Clever Tiny Homes recently focused on that theme, ranking the states most interested in downsizing. Tennessee occupied the No. 1 spot.

This ranking was based on Google search data for terms such as downsize, small houses and tiny homes. The data was analyzed by each state’s population to determine which states had the most searches per 100,000 people.

In Tennessee, for example, there were nearly 20,000 average monthly searches. Based on its population of 7,051,339, it had the most searches related to downsizing at 283.36 per 100,000.

North Carolina came in second on the list with 279.22 searches per 100,000 based on an average of 29,874 monthly searches and a population of 10,698,973.

South Carolina came in third with an average of 14,370 monthly searches or 272 per 100,000 based on its population of 5,282,634, and Alabama ranked No. 4 or 269.99 per 100,000 based on 13,700 monthly searches in a population of 5,074,296.

Ranking at No. 5 was Arkansas, with 8,158 monthly searches on average, or 267.84 per 100,000 based on its population of 3,045,637.

Others in the top 10 included Georgia, with 265.04 searches per 100,000 people; Washington, with 257.52; Maine with 253.13; Oklahoma with 249.89; and Vermont with 238.64.

The entire list of states in the ranking is shown in the chart at right.

The authors of the survey imply that some consumers younger and older alike are opting for tiny homes, the type of dwellings with anywhere from 60 to 500 square feet of living space. Such extremely minimal living spaces allows them to chase other pursuits such as travel.

But more often than not, retirees in particular aren’t necessarily looking to trade their thousands of square feet they’ve grown accustomed to over the years for excessively cramped living spaces. Instead, they are seeking homes that represent a transition of sorts, and that require much less maintenance, including yard work and other types of care or upfit.

Southern Living, for example, suggests that homes of around 800 square feet — including two bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and a living room — offer plenty of space for retired couples.  

Another article in the same magazine suggests going larger, around 1,500 square feet. With two to three bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus a kitchen and living area, this can also suit those looking to entertain and have friends and family, including grandkids, visit anytime they choose. The space also can offer other amenities such as a screened-in porch, deck or wraparound porch that can also be perfect for entertaining and family gatherings.

This Old House also touts downsizing to include these and other benefits:

+ Lower utility bills associated with less heating, cooling and related electrical costs.

+ Reduced clutter that more rooms seem to accumulate over time.

+ Fewer rooms = less cleaning and less maintenance.

+ Less financial responsibility and stress related to taxes, homeowners insurance and other expenses.

None of this is to say that moving into a new home doesn’t come with its own challenges, including adapting to one’s new surroundings. But, for many, the idea of less upkeep and expense is part of the adventure of downsizing and retirement. As we’ve said before, decorating and acquiring new furnishings that are suitable to one’s new home can also be part of the process and adventure in this stage of life.

This gives furniture retailers another opportunity to welcome and sell this vibrant and active part of the community that they also call home.

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