Furniture First buying group announced the launch of a new website for retailers interested in becoming more profitable by joining the cooperative. Accessible at www.FurnitureFirst.coop/Join, the website describes all the benefits of membership, in addition to the rebates and discounts members receive from furniture manufacturers. Visitors to the website are greeted by an introductory video featuring Bill Hartman, President of Furniture First, explaining the how the organization makes its members more profitable.
“We’re very excited about our new website and its potential to reach furniture retailers who may not be familiar with Furniture First,” said Mr. Hartman. “Our staff designed the website to show how we are different from other buying groups by showcasing all the benefits of membership. Retailers join for the rebates, but our members find that other benefits are more valuable to their business. We have a staff of 16 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that our members call on a daily basis for help with their businesses.”
Furniture First members often call on the know-how of their fellow members as well. Hartman reports that since they are not in direct competition with each other, they are more open to sharing ideas, strategies and best-selling merchandise. While the group has members in 46 states, Hartman states that there is room for expansion. “We have recently added staff to offer more services to our members. Now we have the ability to make even more furniture retailers more profitable.”
In addition to the opening page video, Hartman is featured in videos for the major sections of the website, including “Who We Are”, “What We Do” and “How to Join.”
The launch coincides with the group’s Midwest regional meeting. Thirty-one member companies are gathering in Minneapolis, MN for two days of educational sessions, program presentations, idea-sharing and networking. The regional meetings also serve as a forum for members to provide feedback to the staff of Furniture First about new initiatives and services the group offers its members. A Southeast regional meeting will take place in Charlotte, NC this July and a Northeast regional member meeting will be held in Mashantucket, CT this October.
Furniture First is a 17-year-old national buying group serving the retail home furnishings and mattress industry. Furniture First has 174 company members representing 366 store fronts and $1.2 billion in retail sales. For more information on Furniture First, please call Bill Hartman at 800-411-3477 ext 123 or email BHartman@FurnitureFirst.com.
www.FurnitureFirst.com www.FurnitureFirst.coop