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HFA INSIGHTS 2018: The Consumer Experience in Home Furnishings

Posted by Jessica Beaudry | Mon, Aug 13, 2018 @ 09:45 AM

home furnishingsThe retail industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies and changing consumer behavior and attitudes toward the retail experience. In response, retailers are implementing a consumer-centric approach at both brick-and-mortar locations and virtual storefronts. According to the Home Furnishings Association (HFA), every effort should be made to make customers’ shopping experiences “better than ever before.”

HFA’s 2018 INSIGHTS conference will provide home furnishings dealers, retailers and industry stakeholders with the resources to succeed today while preparing for the retail industry of tomorrow via:

  • Tools to take business’ customer experience to the “next level”
  • Sessions and keynotes presented by thought leaders
  • Networking events and opportunities to connect with industry leaders and partners

INSIGHTS welcomes professionals in North America and is scheduled for September 14 and 15 at Radisson Blu Minneapolis Downtown hotel in Minneapolis, Minn.

Business Models for the Future

Speakers will discuss consumer trends and how retailers can expertly navigate consumer shopping demands and preferences through keynotes, learning labs, solution room panels, panels, and bonus education sessions.

The opening and closing keynote presentations will provide key takeaways for the audience on Generation C — individuals who “care deeply about creation, curation, connection and community.” Digital analyst, futurist and author Brian Solis shares how “digital Darwinism is reshaping consumerism” and affecting retailers globally. In addition, Solis’ talks will explain how digital Darwinism is setting the stage for new customer experiences, and what this means for businesses.

Learning labs are focused on one “top of mind” topic, and will involve hands-on activity or small group work. Topics will include experiential marketing, analyzing return on investment (ROI), utilizing technologies to improve customer experience, the neuroscience of shopping, and solutions for employee training.

Solution room panels will explore creative approaches and approaches to issues on topics determined by attendees.

The interactive panel discussion with Q & A will focus on the store of the future.

INSIGHTS will host three bonus education sessions:

  • The first session will be held during breakfast on September 14. Content TBD.
  • In “Do You Really Know the Financial Health of Your Business?” Next Generation NOW — a “community hosted by HFA of young and passionate home furnishings professionals” — will explain the value of key performance indicators (KPI) and demonstrate how to effectively evaluate a company’s success.
  • The final session will provide attendees with a guided tour of the HOM Furniture's flagship store in Minneapolis, Minn. Due to limited seating, attendees must pre-register for this event.

Professional Growth

Next Generation NOW will bring together dealers and industry experts with a networking breakfast and lunch each day of the conference. On September 15, attendees can participate in the INSIGHTS Anthem Networking & Charity. Professionals will write and perform a theme song for INSIGHTS, followed by professional musical entertainment. Lastly, INSIGHTS representatives will present the annual Retailer of the Year awards during the closing reception. Winners are recognized for their commitment to community, philanthropy, customer service, sustainability and merchandising.

home furnishings

HFA Community

INSIGHTS presents home furnishings dealers with a platform for education, professional growth, community engagement and product discovery all emphasizing the consumer experience. Interested professionals can register for the event and follow HFA’s social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest event news and updates.

Service Tools for Home Furnishings Dealers

Home furnishings dealers can incorporate top payment solutions as part of a consumer-centric business model. For example, CrossCheck’s Multiple Check service helps merchants mitigate risk and increase sales by providing customers with additional time to fund purchases without using or applying for credit. With Multiple Check merchants can confidently accept checks.

Ideal for larger payments and better than layaway programs, consumers take home décor items on the sale date after writing 2 – 4 checks that are deposited by merchants over a 30-day period. CrossCheck guarantees funding of each deposit on all approved checks. Learn more by downloading our free guide.

Multiple Check Insider's Guide

Topics: Home Furnishings

Written by Jessica Beaudry

Inbound Marketer at CrossCheck.