NHFA continues legacy of service
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, November 23, 2003
| NHFA at a glance |
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High Point — With 2,750 members representing 10,000 storefronts, the National Home Furnishings Assn. is one of the largest trade groups in home furnishings.
It plans to retain that status by continuing a legacy of service that began when it was formed in 1919 with a core group of five retailers.
Whether providing new business-to-business e-commerce services or speaking out on legislative issues, NHFA aims to help ensure the success of retailers, some of whom are struggling to draw in business in a still-slow economy.
"Ironically, when the economy and business gets tougher and tougher, the association increases its membership," said current NHFA President Pedro Capo. "When the economy gets tough, people need help and want help and go to the biggest association in the country, and that's where we come in."
That's why Capo, also chief operating officer of Top 100 store El Dorado in metro Miami, believes it's important that NHFA stay ahead of the curve on issues affecting its membership, which has grown from about 2,500 members in 1998.
"We are proactive," he said. "We are trying to make things happen, not just waiting for things to happen."
One issue relates to interstate sales tax collection. Currently, some out-of-state consumers can avoid paying state sales taxes on furniture and other purchases if their state doesn't effectively collect such taxes. NHFA contends that creates an unlevel playing field and supports a uniform system of state sales tax collection.
"This is to make sure taxes are collected and paid," said NHFA Executive Vice President Steve DeHaan. "Right now, a lot of it doesn't get paid."
NHFA also has opposed the federal government allowing PX stores on military bases to expand their current furniture lines, saying that unfairly takes away business from local retailers because PXs don't pay taxes and are supported by public dollars.
The group sponsors educational seminars during High Point markets at its Retailer Resource Center in the International Home Furnishings Center, which provides phones retailers can use to stay in touch with their stores.
NHFA also provides a $700 million in-store financing program through CitiFinancial Retail Services and a $480 million credit card processing program through Bank of America.
Eleven times a year, it publishes a magazine, Home Furnishings Retailer, with articles on subjects ranging from leadership to outdoor room displays.
NHFA recently teamed up with Exim Technologies to launch a B2B program for retailers. Through software Exim installs on a retailer's computer system, orders automatically can be transmitted to the manufacturer, and other information can be exchanged electronically. By eliminating paper forms and other communications aimed at clearing up order information, the system is expected to shorten order processing times and reduce the cost of order entry.
By the end of the year, the association expects to move from its leased space in Market Square to a new NHFA-owned building at 3910 Tinsley Drive in High Point. The new location is expected to boost efficiency, grouping departments closer together and improving communication.
By owning the building, the NHFA expects to save money in the long run and use that savings for member programs.
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