Buying cooperative Furniture First announced that last month’s abrupt closing of company owned Spring Air factories created a mad scramble to fill the void felt by retailers across the US. Within 24 hours of Spring Air’s announcement, Furniture First contacted all their affected Members and worked hard to find an appropriate match to another Furniture First Supplier Partner. One Supplier Partner commented, “We very much appreciate how proactive Furniture First was in helping us speak with Members who were left out on a limb. Their quick response helped us open new accounts immediately.” While Supplier Partners appreciated the opportunity for new business, Furniture First Members greatly appreciated a quick solution to an immediate problem.
For this reason and so many others, Furniture First maintains a close relationship with its 172 Members who own and operate full-line furniture stores across the US. Bill Hartman, President of Furniture First commented, “Having a close working relationship with our Members and being responsive to their needs is the foundation of excellent service. At Furniture First, none of our Members are alone. We are all in this together.” Bill Hartman co-founded Furniture First in 1994 based on that same principle. Furniture First has consistently grown its Membership base every year since its inception. “We must be doing something right”, added Bill.
What does a future without Spring Air look like for Furniture First? “If ever there was a time when our Supplier Partners needed us, it’s now.” answered Bob Muenkel, Director of Mattresses and Membership. “We consciously chose not to seek a replacement mattress supplier. Instead, we work hard to reward the ones we have.” According to Bob Muenkel, of the Furniture First Members who sold Spring Air prior to the May announcement, nearly all successfully transitioned to another Furniture First Supplier Partner.
Furniture First is a home furnishings & mattresses only buying cooperative representing independent home furnishings retailers from medium-low to medium-high end quality products across the United States. If you would like more information about the organization, please contact Bill Hartman, President, at 1-800-411-3477 ext. 123 or via email at BHartman@FurnitureFirst.com or Bob Muenkel for new membership information, at ext. 136 or via email at BMuenkel@FurnitureFirst.com.