The NHFA announced that retailers who are interested in learning more about the National Home Furnishings Association’s (NHFA) HomeFurnishings.com national marketing program that includes a national advertising and promotion program, a consumer web portal and a certified retailer program are invited to attend free live demos during the High Point October Market in the Retailer Resource Center, first floor Plaza Suites.
The live demos are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, Sunday, Oct. 18 and Monday, Oct. 19 at 12:45 p.m. and during the NHFA market reception on Saturday, Oct 17 from 4:30-6 p.m. Retailers can also set up appointments for private demos with Dianne Therry at dtherry@HomeFurnishings.com or call 800-888-9590, ext 6126.
NHFA also announced that it is offering its members a free single-page webpage for each of their store locations, through the end of 2009.
“Our research shows that having an internet presence can make all of the difference when it comes to attracting new customers to retailers’ stores,” states the non-profit NHFA chairman, Doug Kays. “We are offering our retailers an opportunity to create their own branded web page tailored with their store’s logo, address, phone numbers and store hours to try at no cost through the end of the year. Once the retailer commits to the program they can upgrade their webpage with their promotions and a choice of continually updated home furnishings articles. Their page will be linked to the HomeFurnishings.com web portal and accessed by consumers when they are looking for a dealer in their area to help them with their furniture shopping. A direct link will refer the consumer from this web page to the store’s current website to create the best online shopping experience and elevate the retailer’s brand image. The consumer will arrive at the store informed and ready to buy.”
NHFA retailers were already linked to the dealer locator on the “Room Design” section of MSN’s Lifestyle network as part of the World Market Center’s IS IT HOME YET?™ promotion that launched in September. According to Kays, “The WMC promotion gave our retailers a start and now we are offering them the next step with a more comprehensive internet presence.”
“When the HomeFurnishings.com site launches retailers will be able to see the look and feel of the site and understand the true value that it represents for the consumer,” stated Steve DeHaan, executive vice president of the non-profit NHFA. “At Market we will be happy to show retailers how our site can help them attract more customers to their stores without incurring great added expenses.”
During the High Point Market, retailers who need more information or want help setting up their webpage can stop by the Retailer Resource Center, first floor Plaza Suites. NHFA member retailers can also contact Dianne Therry at dtherry@HomeFurnishings.com or call 800-888-9590, ext 6126.
National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) is the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted specifically to the needs and interests of home furnishings retailers. NHFA’s membership comprises 2500 business entities representing over 9,000 stores in all 50 states and several foreign countries. NHFA’s mission and vision encompass the association’s commitment to helping home furnishings retailers operate highly profitable businesses that provide an exceptional level of service to the consumers who buy their furniture. The mission of National Home Furnishings Association is to provide its members with the information, education, products and services they need to remain successful. NHFA’s vision is to excel as the definitive resource for information and leadership for home furnishings retailers.