CHANNELS
By Dana French -- Furniture Today, October 20, 2008
Traditional furniture stores: Furniture is the total business or single largest category. Includes local, regional and national traditional furniture stores. Examples include Havertys and Rooms To Go, as well as local independent furniture stores.
Lifestyle furniture stores: Retailers that carry furniture, decorative accessories and soft goods at full price and may or may not carry housewares, small appliances, gourmet foods, apparel, jewelry and personal care items. Examples include Crate & Barrel, Ikea, Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware.
Manufacturer-branded stores: Furniture is the total business or single largest category and all product or the majority of product comes from a single manufacturer. Local ownership may vary. Examples include Ashley Furniture HomeStores, Ethan Allen and Bassett Furniture Direct.
Discount department stores: General merchandise retailers, including national, regional and local stores, as well as closeout stores and off-price retailers. Examples include Wal-Mart, Target, Meijer and Big Lots.
Electronic/appliance specialists: Retailers specializing in consumer electronics or major appliances. Examples include Best Buy and Circuit City, as well as local independent stores.
Department stores: Full-line operations carrying a variety of merchandise, including national and regional stores. Examples include Macy's, JCPenney, Bloomingdale's and Sears.
Warehouse membership clubs: Includes Sam's Club, Costco and BJ's Wholesale Club.
Other: Includes the Internet, catalogs, interior designers, home improvement centers, military exchanges, rental centers, trade shows, office supply stores, home accent/gift stores, antique shops and variety stores, among others.
