In this era of consolidation, instant gratification and mobile-savvy shoppers, it's getting more difficult for the independent furniture retailers to compete, let alone prosper.
But it's not impossible, as many of the retailers on Furniture/Today's annual Beyond the Top 100 list would attest.
Some are finding success through the nimbleness and the direct customer contact that come with running their own businesses. Some are building onto already strong niches with new specialty businesses, such as bedding specialty stores and custom-order specialty shops. And some have decided that, indeed, the best way to get ahead may be by partnering with the giants in the industry.
For the complete report, see the 24 June 2013 print issue of Furniture Today, or click here for the exclusive online edition.
How the list was compiled
Furniture/Today's exclusive report, Beyond the Top 100, lists 100 furniture stores that are significant players in their respective markets.
This list is by no means comprehensive. Many more than the 100 furniture stores listed here are strong retailers within their communities. This survey does not rank companies, nor is it a continuation of the Top 100 U.S. Furniture Stores, which published in the May 20 issue.
All sales figures and ranges are Furniture/Today estimates and are for total 2012 store sales, which may include revenues from the sale of products other than case goods and upholstery, bedding and decorative accessories, such as consumer electronics and major appliances. Where possible, the percentage of sales from case goods, upholstery, bedding and decorative accessories is given. All sales figures and store counts are for the calendar year 2012.
Furniture/Today compiled this report by surveying retailers, researching business newspaper archives and speaking with furniture industry insiders. Information was gathered, compiled and analyzed by Furniture/Today's research team.
