Still Setting the Table: A 2025 Strategy for Furnishing Retailers
Home furnishings retailers and manufacturers are walking a fine line in 2025. On one hand, retail sales are growing — forecasted to reach up to $5.48 trillion, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). On the other hand, consumer confidence is wobbling under inflation, tariff uncertainty, and economic crosscurrents.
The takeaway? Growth is possible — but only with a plan.
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Digital Sales Keep Climbing. So Should You.
Online and non-store sales are expected to grow between 7% and 9% this year, possibly crossing $1.6 trillion. That’s not just a trend — it’s a shift.
For furnishing brands, this means your showroom isn’t just in-store — it’s wherever your customer scrolls. Investing in a seamless website, flexible delivery options, and clear return policies isn’t a luxury anymore — it’s how your next sale happens.
Consumers Still Spending — But With a Sharp Eye
Shoppers aren’t stopping — they’re just more deliberate. That $999 sofa better come with value they can see and trust.
At the same time, your cost structure may be under pressure. Many furniture items — including wood, textiles, and upholstered goods — remain subject to shifting tariffs, especially from countries like China and Vietnam. If you’re not actively reviewing import fees, freight bills, and customs classifications, you could be leaking margin.
Behind the Numbers: A More Grounded Growth Year
According to NRF, retail growth will slow slightly from 3.6% in 2024 to a range between 2.7% and 3.7% in 2025. It’s still positive — and backed by strong fundamentals like low unemployment, rising wages, and stable credit health — but it won’t be effortless.
That means watching costs just as closely as you chase revenue.
How Retailers Are Protecting Their Margins
Whether you’re selling accent chairs or full living room sets, here’s what’s working:
- Strengthening digital presence to capture growing online demand
- Auditing freight and customs bills to avoid overcharges
- Diversifying sourcing partners to reduce tariff exposure
- Staying close to core customer values: price clarity, reliability, and design that fits
2025 Is About Control, Not Guesswork
The most successful furnishing retailers this year will be the ones who tighten the bolts — not just on design and showroom appeal, but on operations, sourcing, and cost tracking.
Smart doesn’t mean flashy. It means steady pricing, accurate invoices, and inventory that moves without surprises.
At BlueCargo, we work with leading retailers and manufacturers to help make that kind of control possible. From freight bill accuracy to inbound cost visibility, and tariff updates tracking: we're here to be a valuable resource for your team... whether you're expanding your ecommerce footprint, reevaluating your sourcing strategy, or simply trying to protect your margins.
👉 Let’s talk if you’d like to see where hidden costs might be holding you back.
And, you can stay ahead of the industry shifts with an upcoming HFA Webinar
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BlueCargo Blog
