Furniture First takes a balanced approach to managing markets so members are not in direct competition with one another. This allows them to share information, ideas and strategies without fear of hurting their competitive position.

General Membership Meetings

Furniture First is a member-run cooperative and our annual meeting for shareholders (aka. Members) takes place in conjunction with our Ignite Networking Conference. The purpose of the meeting is to inform shareholders of new initiatives and opportunities that the operational committees, Board of Directors, and staff are working on for the good of the entire group.

Committee Meetings

As a cooperative, committees play a very important role in Furniture First. Committees are responsible for evaluating, selecting, and voting on new suppliers and programs for the entire Membership. All Members are encouraged to participate in a committee, but are not obligated to join them. Committee Meetings are held quarterly by conference call with email votes as needed to approve to send new programs to the Board of Directors. Committees include:

• Core Merchandise (Upholstery and Case Goods)
• Mattress
• Accessories
• Marketing
• Nominating

 Ignite Conference

Furniture First’s Ignite Networking Conference present merchandising, operations and marketing topics in informative, fun programs. These meetings consist of active and engaging sessions with nationally recognized speakers, networking, and panel discussions.

Meetings have included the following topics:

• What’s important to GenX Shoppers, the most segment of the population with the most purchasing potential
• Economic projections for US Consumers, Housing and the Furniture Sector
• How to use data to improve purchasing, sales, and RSA management
• Best Advertising Strategies
• Customer Premiums & Gift with Purchase Promos that Work
• Sales Training
• Delivery & Customer Service
• AI “How To” panels
• Best Idea Competition

Spouses and employees are encouraged to attend Ignite to participate in both the information and the fun!

Next Gen

Furniture First members are family-owned businesses, and the majority are run by a second, third or greater generation. Transitioning leadership from one generation to the next isn’t easy. Our Next Gen group exists to help the next generation of store owners find their footing as they take on the challenges of leadership, navigate the entanglements of a family business and develop a network of peers who are facing the same challenges. The group gets together at Market, at our Ignite Conference and gets away from it all with annual retreats.

Performance Groups

Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, & Sales Managers – Furniture First performance groups are made up of six to fifteen retailers who meet three times a year (two times for sales managers) to share their best ideas, financial results, and strategic plans.  Each group collectively decides on the most pertinent topics for discussion. Individual members hold each other accountable for goals and spend time formulating steps for achieving those goals. They challenge each other to grow and improve, knowing that the support will come full circle. Furniture First facilitates the process by coordinating the meeting, providing an industry perspective, and creating composite reports.