Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM OCTOBER 2023 52 F urniture Technology Source (FTS), the digitally augmented home furnishings arm of the AVB BrandSource buying group for independent home furnishings dealers, is taking its commitment to its members to a new level with the introduction of a direct-sourcing program called FTS Direct. Under the new initiative, FTS will select, curate, import, and ship split-container loads of factory-direct products for BrandSource members only. By pooling their buying power, dealers can enjoy close to factory-direct pricing without committing to a full container of merchandise, while FTS negotiates ocean freight from Asia and drayage from ports. What's more, each imported product will be accompanied by a complete package of merchandising and marketing material, including images and descriptive content, provided by FTS and plugged into AVB's e-commerce and digital marketing platform for display on dealers' websites. FTS Vendor Relations Manager Luke Larsen said FTS Direct is just the latest development in the buying group's emphasis on building power for members in the home furnishings channel. "Furniture remains the fastest-growing category at BrandSource, and FTS Direct is intended to deliver flexibility, value, and resources to keep our members growing, profitable, and independent," he said. The first pre-sold trial containers are already on order in a beta test of the program which kicks off with an FTS Direct reclining series of leather and fabric motion upholstery. A sample leather sectional from the collection was on display at BrandSource's recent Convention 2023 in Nashville, which proved to be the most furniture-forward show in the buying group's history. On hand were more than 40 home furnishings exhibitors, representing the largest furniture contingent at any BrandSource national event, plus exclusive new customer programs and what FTS described as "even better deals" than those available at the Las Vegas or High Point Markets. Adding to the excitement were a host of first-time BrandSource exhibitors, including Bedgear, Elements, Emerald Home, England Furniture Co., Legacy, Legends Home, Magnussen Home, Mohawk Finishing Products, Neo Living, Nourison, Puffy, Remedy Sleep, Spring Air, Sunny Designs, and Yosemite Home Décor. And as a further value-add, all members received 3% cash back on all orders placed with any participating furniture exhibitor, up to a maximum of $500, in addition to any vendor discounts. Home furnishings dealers also found a power-packed agenda featuring educational sessions, a Top 100 dealer panel, a Furniture Town Hall, a strategic seminar with Serta and Beautyrest, and the traditional Stampede of deeply discounted show specials. Perhaps most important, though, the Convention featured a furniture-focused update on MTEQ, AVB's integrated suite of powerful retail technology solutions, which has been a key differentiator for BrandSource furniture dealers in the marketplace. Alan Wolf is Senior Communications Specialist for AVB/ BrandSource, the nation's leading merchandising and marketing co-op for independent appliance, consumer tech and home furnishings dealers. Alan Wolf Furniture Trends AVB BEGINS DIRECT-SOURCING FURNITURE First container-loads already on order RO

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