Furniture First NextGen Retreat was a Treat for 26 Retailers
Furniture World News Desk on
9/20/2024
48 individuals from 26 retail members of Furniture First recently attended a four-day, three-night trip to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
Several Members of Furniture First’s NextGen group recently completed a four-day,
three-night trip to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. 48 individuals from 26 retail members of Furniture First attended,
about a third of the full NextGen roster. To participate in Furniture First’s NextGen group, individuals must
be a part of the current generation’s succession plan.
Two of Furniture First’s supplier partners sponsored the trip and attended, as did several Furniture First
staff members. The resort setting allowed the attendees to relax and have fun while networking in an informal
setting. In organized activities NextGen members worked on team building by enjoying a round of Furniture First
Family Feud and by working together in teams as they raced to assemble tropical-themed Lego sets. More serious
sessions included troubleshooting and Best Practice sessions where topics ranged from traffic-driving promotions to
the management of corporate culture and RSA morale. After a catamaran excursion that included snorkeling in the
gulf, the group capped their retreat with a private dinner.
“We like to take our NextGen members to a setting outside of their stores,” said Mack Kauffman, Director
of Sleep Products at Furniture First and NextGen program coordinator. “Yeah, they have fun networking by the
pool and going on excursions, but being away from things is part of the point. They are doing it in a place removed
from the regular pressures of store operations where they can get some distance from what can sometimes be difficult
interpersonal dynamics. It helps them to take a step back and compare notes with others in similar situations, then
look at things from a different point of view and find a way to navigate their challenges.”
Andrew Kauffman, CEO of Furniture First, noted “We’re reading about store retirements all the time and I
think there will be more to come in 2025, 2026, and beyond. And it’s a shame since many of these stores have
been operating for 30 years, 50 years or more. Taking over a retail store is daunting. Our goal is the help train
the next generation of retail leaders, so they are ready to take the helm and not just keep the family store afloat
but equip them with the skills and knowledge to adapt and grow in the future.”
About Furniture First
Furniture First, a national cooperative buying group for independent retailers, is celebrating its 30th
anniversary this year. Furniture First serves full line independent retailers with sales over $2 million.
Collectively, the group sells $3 billion at retail. Furniture First will be open for PreMarket. For more information
on Furniture First Membership, please visit www.JoinFurnitureFirst.com or call 800-411-3477.
In 2023 Furniture First opened a four-story building at 336 South Main Street in High Point, Furniture First on Main.
The first two floors of the building are occupied by Furniture First with TD Retail Card Services and Knorr
Marketing on the third floor, and Vaughan Bassett on the fourth floor. While the Furniture First showroom is closed
to non-members, all retailers are invited to visit the Industry Service Center on the first floor where several
marketing and service partners have tables to meet with potential clients.