Furniture Biz 101
Jim Green Hi, I’m Jim Green, author of the three volume set of books on the retail furniture business, Furniture Retailing 101 . The set of books looks at the industry from a newcomer’s perspective and covers the fundamentals and basics of nearly every aspect of furniture retailing. Though it has been written for the novice, I believe the book set will have real value to individuals entering the business from other industries, journalists, analysts, manufacturing executives and representatives and anyone with an interest in learning more about our industry. I have over 30 years experience in both the supply and retail sides of the furniture business, and hold an MBA in Management. In this Web log I will write about some of the more basic and rudimentary aspects of our business and present observations of some of what I have learned over the past three decades. Visit my web site at www.furnitureindustry101.com . Contact me at jim@furnitureindustry101.com or phone 727 347-1201.
Uncommon Common Sense #9
I have been posting examples of common sense marketing since my post of August 19 because I wanted to cause readers to think about whether his/her business uses common sense strategies and tactics. I think that common sense, more than anything else, drives businesses. Sometimes, these common sense decisions may not be monumental. But, they also may be the difference between achieving moderate and... Read More
Comments (3)Uncommon Common Sense #8
Sometimes I wonder where ‘common sense' has gone. It should be a large part of marketing furniture at retail but occasionally I see examples of just the opposite. I have been posting examples of common sense marketing and merchandising for some time now. If you have missed any, please go back to earlier posts. I would like for retailers to consider whether they use common sense in their strategies... Read More
Comments (5)Uncommon Common Sense #7
I believe that common sense is the most effective attribute any marketing person, in fact any business person, can possess. I have been posting some Common Sense examples on my blog for about 6 weeks now. They are not necessarily mammoth in scope; just examples of common sense ideas that might help any retailer's businesses but of which I don't really see much. If you have missed any, please go ba... Read More
Comments (7)Uncommon Common Sense #6
I hold an MBA in management. Believe me; I am not trying to impress anyone; in fact, quite the opposite. If I were in business today, I would trade 5 MBA's for one person with great common sense. They, of course are not mutually exclusive. An MBA can surely have common sense and many do. If one has both, so much the better. But I believe that common sense trumps almost everything else. I have been... Read More
Comments (2)Uncommon Common Sense #5
I believe that ‘common sense' should be a large part of marketing furniture at retail. I have been posting examples of common sense marketing since my post of August 19 because I would like to cause the reader to think about whether his/her business uses common sense strategies and tactics. Sometimes, these common sense decisions may not be epic. But, they also may be the difference between achiev... Read More
Comments (10)Uncommon Common Sense #4
On my blog for the last few weeks I have been posting examples of common sense marketing and merchandising. There will be a total of ten examples. If you have missed any, please go back to earlier posts. Most of these examples are not earth shattering. They simply illustrate the notion that with a little common sense, one might improve the business exponentially. I think perhaps sometimes retaile... Read More
Comments (5)Uncommon Common Sense #3
Common Sense Example #3 Unintended Messages. Sometimes I think that ‘common sense' has gone the way of cassette tapes, 8mm cameras and transistor radios. It should be a large part of marketing furniture at retail but occasionally I see examples of just the opposite. If you have been following my blog recently, I am posting 10 examples of common sense marketing and merchandising. If you have missed... Read More
Comments (7)Uncommon Common Sense #2
Common Sense Example #2 TV Advertising. I believe that ‘common sense' should be a large part of marketing furniture at retail, today. If you read my post of August 19, you will note that I am posting 10 common sense examples. My motivation is to cause the reader to think about whether his/her business uses common sense strategies and tactics in their approach to retailing. Sometimes, these common... Read More
Comments (13)Uncommon Common Sense #1
Sometimes I sit on my sofa reading the newspaper or watching TV and scratch my head in wonderment. I read furniture ads in the paper or watch furniture commercials on the tube and just question, "...who in the world is making the decisions to put this stuff out there." Certainly, not every promotional effort falls short. First, I only have access to the one market I live in. Obviously, t... Read More
Comments (11)SPECIAL DELIVERY
No doubt about it. Having begun my career in the furniture industry in 1975, I am of another era. My sons, both well into their thirties, are highly adept at making computers do their bidding. Needless to say, me? Not so much. I can't even imagine what my grandkids will be able to accomplish using them. It seems that much of today's business consciousness in our industry centers on social media; s... Read More
Comments (4)How Long Do Sofas Live?
How Long Do Sofas Live?In my most recent post, I addressed honesty on the part of retailers towards consumers. In it, I spoke of misleading and false advertising practices. My belief is that the industry has outgrown it. Several readers disagreed and seemed to feel that it was just part of doing business. Sorry, I just don't buy it. One highly deceptive promotional tactic which has come along rece... Read More
Comments (4)Pants on Fire
Some retailers will hate this post but I just don't get it. Why some retailers cling to the past so vehemently and continue to mislead their customers through deceptive advertising is beyond me. Some persist in using arbitrary and fictitious "regular" retail prices so that contrived sale prices can be offered. "Free" merchandise with the purchase of an item or package. I'm not... Read More
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