In November 1971, Furniture World published an industry think-tank prediction that by the late 1970s, plastics
would
replace wood as the major material used in furniture production. This was soon followed by “The Wonderful World
of
Chemistry,” an FW World special issue and love letter to the chemical industry.
Fifty-three years later, polystyrene Mediterranean-styled furniture and Naugahyde-covered recliners are mostly
found on
Facebook Marketplace. We live in a world where retail success depends on a different periodic table of chemical
elements. It’s one where company culture and shopper relationships with brands rule. Instead of reagents added
to
facilitate chemical reactions, successful retailers decant a brew of inspired leadership, engaging store
experiences,
consumer-friendly processes and devotion to continuous improvement.
Especially during challenging times, consumer-facing companies need to check all the boxes that make for better
internal
and external relationships.
This issue features an interview with the mother-daughter team Chris Cooley and Cailey Patton of Michael Alan
Furniture
& Design. They do an inspired job of cultivating relationships with employees and shoppers through a focus on
integrity,
compassion, community, creativity, communication, and fun—all elements on the retailing periodic table.
Also relevant to the world of this new retail chemistry is David McMahon’s checklist of eighteen ways to boost
sales in
challenging times, Lorri Kelley’s article on leadership secrets, and corporate culture advice from Gordon Hecht.
And
don’t miss the fascinating interview with Dave Cavitt, CEO of Furniture Enterprises of Alaska, all about doing
business
where it can get to -140 degrees!
Wishing you good retailing,
Russell Bienenstock
Editorial Director/CEO
russ@furninfo.com