E-Commerce Declines: A Wake-Up Call for Furniture Retailers
Your go-to source for quick, insightful updates on the ever-changing furniture industry—delivered through this blog and our podcast (Furniture Industry News) to keep you and your team in the know.
Heads Up! Our recent move to a new podcast platform (thanks to rapid growth—huge thanks to you all!) caused a brief hiccup with Spotify. The issue’s now fixed, and all episodes are back online and fully available.
Welcome to Furniture Industry News, your quick and clear roundup of the latest shifts in the furniture industry. Whether you're on the manufacturing floor, in a retail showroom, or behind a desk leading strategy, here's what you need to know this week.
Leggett & Platt Sells Aerospace Division to Refocus on Furniture
In a major strategic move, Leggett & Platt is selling its aerospace products group for $285 million. Known widely for its components in furniture and bedding, the company has been quietly operating in aerospace, producing things like aircraft seating and inflight entertainment systems.
Why it matters:
This sale marks a return to Leggett’s roots. By divesting the aerospace unit, they’re doubling down on their core furniture and bedding businesses. That could mean more innovation, sharper focus, and perhaps even new product developments in categories relevant to retailers and suppliers alike.
The deal is expected to close later this year, pending regulatory approval.
QVC/HSN & Cornerstone Face Continued Declines in Home Revenue
It’s been a rough stretch for QVC/HSN and Cornerstone, with both experiencing another year of declining home goods sales. For QVC/HSN, this marks the third straight year of decline, while Cornerstone is on its second.
What’s driving this?
Shoppers are returning to in-store experiences
Inflation has hit discretionary spending hard
Other e-commerce platforms are pulling market share
Takeaway:
The home category is feeling the squeeze. Retailers that want to stay relevant need to adjust strategies to match new shopping behaviors—blending digital convenience with the tactile assurance of physical showrooms.
Wayfair Dresser Recall Highlights Ongoing Safety Challenges
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for a George Oliver six-drawer dresser sold on Wayfair. The product failed to meet STURDY Act standards, posing tip-over and entrapment risks—especially dangerous for children.
Why this matters for the industry:
The STURDY Act is now law, and this recall is a loud reminder: compliance is non-negotiable. For manufacturers and retailers alike, staying ahead of these requirements is critical—not just for safety, but also for avoiding costly recalls and reputational hits.
Bermex Buys U.S.-Based Saloom Furniture to Bypass Tariffs and Expand
Here’s a positive twist—Canadian manufacturer Bermex has acquired Saloom Furniture, a high-end U.S. producer that was on the brink of closing. The deal not only saves jobs but also gives Bermex a strategic foothold in the U.S. without getting hit by tariffs.
What it means:
A smart move to avoid import duties
A chance to expand product offerings with Saloom’s handmade wooden furniture
A great case study in how cross-border acquisitions can fuel growth
Global Trade Shows Are Back: Intertextile Shanghai Sees Strong Turnout
The Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles spring show saw a bump in attendance, signaling continued global interest in textiles. Exhibitors showcased new fabrics, sustainable designs, and innovative production techniques.
Takeaway for the U.S. market:
Trade shows are still a powerful discovery tool for trendspotting and supplier networking. If you’re in upholstery or soft goods, keeping a pulse on global shows can give you a competitive edge.
U.S. Furniture Manufacturing Slows in March
Unfortunately, not all the news is rosy. Reports show U.S. furniture production declined in March, continuing a concerning trend. The culprits?
Supply chain disruptions
Higher labor costs
Raw material shortages
Price competition from overseas
Key insight:
To stay competitive, U.S. manufacturers must streamline, innovate, and explore new market opportunities. The old playbook just isn’t cutting it anymore.
Wrapping Up
From strategic shifts and product recalls to international trade insights and manufacturing headwinds, the furniture industry is anything but static right now. Staying informed isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
Be sure to follow Furniture Industry News for your weekly download of the trends, moves, and moments that matter.
📩 Know someone who should be reading this? Forward it to a colleague or share it with your team.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: Click Here
Listen on Spotify: