Schumacher, who left his executive post at HFA at the end of May, recently posted on his LinkedIn page that he had joined the board of the lifestyle retailer.

In his post, he noted, “For years I have admired R&B’s commitment to their team, customers, sustainability and social responsibility. Their recent designation as a B Corp, which means Room & Board meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability, is a testament to the culture they have built.”

He also noted that in April, the company transitioned into a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which gives its 1,100 employees a financial stake in the organization.

“The new board of directors is tasked with providing strategic direction and financial oversight for the company during this time,” Schumacher said. “I can’t express how honored and humbled I am to become part of the Room & Board team.”

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This year, the focus is on encouraging companies to set public goals, which can increase potential points in the “Practices and Performance” section of the Scorecard. The scoring methodology is updated annually to encourage continuous progress in implementing wood-sourcing policies and setting and reporting on wood-sourcing goals. 

“In sustainability, transparency is the first step that, in turn, leads to the implementation of better practices,” said Scarlette Tapp, executive director of the SFC. “Targets not only hold companies accountable but also give them leverage with vendors in their supply chain.”

“We have been working over the years on promoting sustainable sourcing of materials and ethical labor practices,” said Barbara Bramble, NWF’s vice president for international conservation and corporate strategies. “We are looking at factors such as ensuring the wood doesn’t contribute to deforestation and whether it is certified according to robust environmental and social standards. When companies follow those practices and announce them publicly, not only are their commitments likely to be stronger, but their customers have a better understanding of their purchases.”  

About the Methodology

The Wood Furniture Scorecard methodology, updated annually, focuses on publicly available information on corporate websites regarding wood sourcing policies, goals and practices. Additionally, the team reaches out individually to each retailer to ensure all relevant information has been considered.

Through this outreach, assessors offer recommendations and resources for developing and implementing robust wood-sourcing policies addressing deforestation and forest degradation.

About The Wood Furniture Scorecard

The Wood Furniture Scorecard website provides consumers with sustainability information on favorite retailers and offers guidance and tools for companies to improve and implement their sourcing policies. To learn more, visit The Wood Furniture Scorecard.

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The 56-page document outlines the company’s progress toward advancing its many Environmental, Social and Governance objectives including several key areas of focus: carbon reduction, sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, health and safety, and corporate citizenship. With a focus on progress and continual improvement, the report takes a look at the company’s current state, identifies areas of improvement, as well as outlines key goals for 2025 and beyond.

“This year marks our 100th year of business and as part of our centennial milestone, we are taking a look back at our rich history of design leadership, culture and legacy of giving,” said Jeremy Hoff, chief executive officer of Hooker Furnishings. “As we reflect, it’s a positive reminder that our company’s core values have always revolved around building quality products, while taking care of our people and leaving the world a better place than we found it.”

Key highlights from the report include:

+ The company was recognized as an Appalachian Power 2023 Top Performer for energy efficiency in Martinsville, Virginia.

+ The company reduced emissions of volatile organic compounds at its Sam Moore facility, resulting in a reclassification of the facility under the Clean Air Act from an EPA Title V Major Source to a Synthetic Minor Source (Emissions Controls and Air Permits).

+ The company implemented process improvements at its Shenandoah facilities, which reduced energy consumption and landfill waste, exceeding the stretch goals the company set for itself.

+ With a focus on talent acquisition and development, Hooker Furnishings established a new internship program focused on building a diverse pipeline of talent for future roles within the company.

+ From a diversity, equity and inclusion perspective, the company conducted an employee survey to understand engagement and satisfaction, gaining valuable insights into how its workforce perceives its mission. Through this survey, employees pinpointed areas for improvement, including the need for inclusive leadership training for all managers and expanded management and leadership training across the organization.

+ The company completed its first DEI annual report and hosted its first employee “listening session,” moderated by its DEI partner, The Diversity Movement. The listening session was aimed at uncovering gaps within the organization and helping gain actionable insights to guide its overall DEI strategy.

+ To build on its commitment to support the communities where its employees live and work, the company donated $1.4 million in a mix of in-kind donations, cash and countless volunteer hours to the charities identified as most important to its employees in 2023.

+ Serving as the cornerstone of its philanthropic efforts in 2024, the company launched a signature philanthropic program — 100 Acts of Kindness — designed to amplify its spirit of giving in an even more meaningful way during its centennial year.

“We have a rich heritage that is centered around enhancing the lives of the people we touch,” Hoff added. “Whether that’s through the products we make, the thousands of people we have employed over the years, the relationships we build with our partners, or the support we provide to our communities, we have always operated by putting integrity, our team and our philanthropic culture at the forefront of everything we do.

“We look forward to sharing our continued progress and hope these initiatives inspire others to enhance their philanthropic and charitable efforts, both within their organizations and in their personal lives,” he added.

The CSR Report is compiled and disseminated annually by the Hooker Furnishings CARE (Community Action & Responsibility for our Environment) Committee. Founded in 2021 with the purpose of addressing the topics of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, ethics and governance at a corporate level, CARE is a cross-functional, cross-company team that encompasses individuals from all divisions and levels of the organization, including the C-Suite. Members of the committee are tasked with identifying gaps and subsequently formulating solutions to issues under the umbrella of Hooker Furnishings’ ESG performance. By seeing these projects through to fruition, CARE strives to continuously improve upon the company’s status as a good corporate citizen, serving the environment and the local communities in which employees live and work.

Access Hooker Furnishings’ 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility Report on the Hooker Furnishings website, here.

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BASSETT, Va. — A team of Bassett associates from factories, stores and the company headquarters traveled to Ohio recently to participate in the ninth Annual Tree Planting with its forestry sustainability partners. The event is held each year to coincide with Arbor Day. Bassett will plant more than 29,000 trees this year.

Jeb Bassett, who leads the company’s EFEC team and is senior vice president and chief operations officer, planted the 200,000^th tree. Jeb Bassett is the great grandson of founder C.C. Bassett.

“We want our associates to experience our tree plantings so they feel a stronger connection to what we’re trying to do with our sustainability efforts They take this back to their jobs with a greater sensitivity to the importance. We hope they look for and make recommendations of other things we can do in the workplace.”

The company began the initiative in 2016 with the launch of the BenchMade collection. The case goods and occasional furniture collection features solid Appalachian hardwoods that are crafted at its BenchMade factory in Bassett’s hometown, Bassett, Virginia. Bassett Furniture has committed to planting two trees for every BenchMade dining table, bed, cocktail table and credenza sold.

“I didn’t expect we’d be at 200,000 trees so quickly,” Bassett said. “The success of the BenchMade line has greatly exceeded our forecasts.”

Bassett plants a variety of species including poplar, pine, maple and oak to assure forest growth if one species becomes susceptible to pests or disease.

“Many of the trees harvested for BenchMade sprouted as seedlings 90 to 120 years ago when Bassett was in its formative years,” said Bassett CEO Rob Spilman. “It’s important that we plant back where we take. We’re doing this for future generations so people can enjoy the unique beauty of wood furniture.”

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Kicking off the week in celebration of Earth Day on Monday, the company hosted an employee tree planting party at its corporate headquarters in Fairfield. This event aims to provide a greener and more sustainable work environment for employees. Moe Kovangji, VP of manufacturing and sustainability director and Kristen Lo Presti, director of communications, co-hosted the events as part of a series of ongoing monthly activities that help advance the company’s sustainable and ESG efforts.

“Earth Week holds a great deal of significance for all of us at Precision Textiles.” Kovangii said. “Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond just words. It’s engrained in our company’s DNA. From implementing sustainable manufacturing practices to organizing events like the tree-planting initiative, we are dedicated to creating a greener environment for our employees and communities. These efforts are not just integral components of our commitment to environmental responsibility, but they also reflect our ethos of corporate stewardship.”

Later that week, on April 26, which coincides with Arbor Day, 5000 trees will be planted in the Bladen Lakes State Forest, located approximately two hours from the company’s Troy, North Carolina, facility. Spanning more than 33,000 acres, it is the largest state-owned forest in North Carolina, with reforestation efforts currently underway. The tree planting aims to support the overall health of the forest ecosystem. The native mix of loblolly pine and longleaf pine trees will be planted as part of the company’s philanthropic support of the Arbor Day Foundation.

“This event goes beyond work-related activities; it helps bolster our collective efforts toward giving back to our community, our families, and future generations to come,” LoPresti said. “It exemplifies our belief in the power of collaboration to make a difference. This is social responsibility that extends far beyond our company walls.”

Earth Day, which is celebrated by over one billion people in more than 192 countries, was established in 1970 due to the absence of legal or regulatory mechanisms to protect our environment. It gained prominence by a then-U.S. Senator who, after witnessing the ravages of the 1969 massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, California pushed for its creation. The Arbor Day Foundation was established in 1972 to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the first Arbor Day. As one of the largest non-profit organizations in the world, the Arbor Day Foundation plants and distributes over ten million trees annually, contributing significantly to environmental conservation efforts.

“Celebrating both Earth Day and Arbor Day, along with our monthly activities is quickly becoming ingrained in our company culture,” said Scott Tesser, chief executive officer of Precision Textiles. “By actively engaging employees in these collective efforts, we’re not only transforming our local and regional communities but also making a profound impact on our relationships with customers and suppliers. These initiatives embody our commitment to preserving the planet and serve as a testament to our belief that every action, regardless of its scale, plays a crucial role in shaping a greener, more vibrant world for everyone.”

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Flexsteel has planted 13,172 trees, surpassing its fiscal year objective well ahead of the July 2024 target. This achievement demonstrates Flexsteel’s commitment to environmental stewardship and celebrates the company’s dedication to its team members and customers. Each tree planted represents a special occasion in the lives of Flexsteel employees, marking birthdays and milestone anniversaries.

Additionally, Flexsteel extends this green initiative to its customers by planting a tree for every Flex sectional purchased at Costco and every visitor to Flexsteel’s showroom spaces. This extension includes planting an additional 1,422 trees for guests at the recent April High Point Market. These efforts help restore Longleaf Pine forests in the Southeastern United States, highlighting Flexsteel’s commitment to environmental restoration.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the work we have done this year. Planting trees isn’t just about restoring forests; it’s about nurturing hope for a greener future. We will continue our efforts in the coming year to plant over 20,000 trees.” said Jill Castro, environmental, social and governance manager at Flexsteel.

Flexsteel’s ongoing efforts emphasize the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing environmental challenges. By aligning these efforts with significant company milestones and celebrations, Flexsteel cultivates a culture of sustainability that engages and resonates with employees and customers.

As the company looks forward, Flexsteel is committed to continuing its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation and expanding its efforts to support a greener tomorrow. For more details about the partnership or to learn more about Flexsteel’s commitment to
sustainability, please visit Plant A Tree | Flexsteel Corporate (flexsteelindustries.com).

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HIGH POINT —  Anyone doubting the importance of sustainability in the furniture industry need look no further than our latest Consumer Insights Now research on buying plans for the first half of 2024.

Not only are consumers aware of the importance of sustainability, they also prefer to buy sustainable products whenever they can.

Some 57% of those surveyed said that they were interested in sustainable products, with 10% of those saying such practices are a big part of their lifestyle and 28% saying that they prefer to be sustainable although their income can sometimes restrict buying such products. Another 19% said they are new to buying sustainable products but want to do their part when it’s easy.

Another third of those surveyed said cost savings is most important, while sustainability comes in second. Another 10% said they were not very concerned about sustainability.

Not surprisingly, income levels were a factor, with those in the top 10% bracket with incomes of $100,000 or more and those in the next two brackets 28% and 19% respectively earning $50,000 or more.

Those who consider sustainability secondary to price earned less than $50,000.

Some 30% of those surveyed said they never take the environment into consideration when buying new furniture, compared to 62% who sometimes do and 8% who said they always do.

For those interested in buying furniture with sustainably sourced furniture, a third said they were most interested in buying upholstery with sustainably sourced materials, followed by occasional tables and mattresses, 24% each; area rugs, 23%; bedroom furniture, 21%;  and recliners and outdoor furniture, 18% each. This was followed by dining room and office furniture, each 15%, and entertainment furniture, 12%.

Some of the answers that environmentally conscious consumers gave relating to factors they consider when buying furniture include:  

+ Finding products and pieces that are sourced in a responsible way or made from reused resources

+ I try to get items made out of bamboo instead of being made out of wood

+ I want to know where it comes from. Is it cutting down a lot of trees?

+ I try to make sure the packaging is at a minimum

+ Preferably made in the USA

+ I make sure the furniture is quality and will last a long time to prevent waste

And consumers would consider furniture to be more sustainable if it was made with recycled materials, 49%; reclaimed wood, 44%; sustainably sourced woods, 43%; sustainable fabrics and fibers, 41%; and bamboo, 38%. Other materials consumers considered to be sustainable include metal, 19%; rattan or wicker, 16%; locally sourced waste materials, 16%; water-based finishes, 13%; and paper laminates, 5%.

The survey also looks at sustainable labeling that consumers are most familiar with including FSC certified wood, LEED AP, Energy Star, Greenguard and Intertek, Green Leaf.

Obviously, this presents an opportunity for retailers and salespeople to educate consumers about the different products they are carrying in their stores that have a sustainable story. In partnership with the manufacturer, they can help tell this story through labeling, signage and other marketing materials that make for a compelling reason to buy such products.

We hope this information encourages those who may have been on the fence about sustainable products to take a harder look at how they can take part in the initiative, which we anticipate will only gain momentum as consumers young and old alike look to do their part in helping preserve the planet for themselves, their children and grandchildren. It’s a story all generations can benefit from if we only make the effort.

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“The introduction of Pasadena represents a paradigm shift in outdoor design, integrating indoor elegance with outdoor resilience,” said Anderson Gibbons, chief marketing officer of Revolution Fabrics. “This collection is a testament to Revolution Fabrics’ commitment to blend style with functionality, offering designers and furniture manufacturers new avenues to enhance outdoor spaces.”

The collection features an array of 16 patterns across 45 SKUs. Engineered to meet contract-grade standards, the fabrics in the collection boast impressive double rub counts ranging from 30,000 to over 100,000. Supported by a 5-year warranty against loss of strength, color, abrasion, and pilling, these fabrics are a testament to lasting quality.

The color stories within Pasadena speak the language of nature and elegance. From the soothing “spa”-inspired hues to the boldness of vibrant navy contrasts, and the sleek modernity of contemporary neutrals, these palettes seamlessly transition from outdoor to indoor spaces, offering versatile design options for any aesthetic. A standout pattern within the collection, Pamlico Bay, displays each color
narrative within its weave, illustrating the collection’s versatility. Available in Charcoal, Sand, and Navy, this pattern is a visual representation of the collection’s ethos – bringing the refinement of interior design to the outdoors.

Reflecting Revolution Fabrics’ dedication to sustainability, the Pasadena Collection is proudly made in the USA from upcycled materials. These eco-conscious fabrics showcase superior fade resistance and bleach cleanability, while embodying the company’s commitment to ecological responsibility. With the esteemed Greenguard Certification, each piece in the collection masterfully balances environmental mindfulness with aesthetic appeal.

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BOSTON HEIGHTS, Ohio — Lifestyle retailer Arhaus reported decreases in net revenues and net income for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31. For the full year, revenues were up nearly 5%, reaching a record $1.3 billion.

For the quarter, the company reported net revenues of $344 million, down 3.5% from $356 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. Net income was $31 million, down 33.6% compared to $47 million in the fourth quarter of 2022.

The company attributed the decline in revenues to a strong year of shipments in its backlog in 2022.

Its gross margin during the quarter totaled $141 million, down 10.6% from $158 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. It attributed this to decreases in net revenue and higher transportation and showroom expenses.

SG&A expenses for the quarter rose 7.1% to $100 million, compared to $94 million in the fourth quarter of 2022. It said this was driven by higher corporate expenses to support the growth of the business along with higher selling expenses related to new showrooms and higher demand. This, the company said, was partially offset by lower warehouse expenses.  

Net income as a percentage of net revenue fell 410 basis points to 9.1% in the fourth quarter, compared to 13.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

For the full year, the company reported $1.3 billion in revenues, up 4.8% compared to $1.2 billion in 2022. This was driven by higher demand in its showroom and e-commerce segments along with delivery of orders in its backlog.

Net income for the year was $125 million, down 8.3% compared to $137 million in 2022, and SG&A expenses rose 10.5% to $376 million, compared to $340 million in 2022. The company said this was driven by investments to support the growth of the business, including higher corporate expenses, increased selling expenses related to new showrooms and stronger demand, a donation to the Nature Conservancy and higher stock-based compensation expenses. It was partially offset by lower warehouse expenses and the non-recurrence of costs related to the opening and setup of its Dallas distribution center.  

Net income as a percent of net revenue fell 140 basis points to 9.7%, compared to 11.1% in 2022.  

Gross margins for 2023 were $540 million, up 2.9% compared to $525 million in 2022, which the company said was driven by higher revenue, and partially offset by higher costs — including higher product, showroom and transportation costs — related to the increase in revenue. Another factor was higher credit card fees related to increased demand.

“Our vision as a premium home furnishing destination in the U.S. is to stand for impeccable design, incomparable craftsmanship, inspirational presentation and responsibly sourced home furnishings that are artisan-made to last for generations,” said John Reed, co-founder and chief executive officer. “ In our endeavor to provide high-quality, livable luxury home furnishings, we delivered another outstanding year in 2023, with record net revenue of approximately $1.3 billion, net income of $125 million, and adjusted EBITDA of $203 million.”

Other highlights of the report were as follows:

+ The company had 92 showrooms in 29 states by year end, compared with 81 total showrooms across 29 states at the end of 2022. Reed said the company also completed eight renovation, relocation and expansion projects during the year.

“Our showroom growth was tremendous in 2023,” he said. “We are excited to continue to expand our brand awareness as we introduce the Arhaus showroom experience to many more new clients across the U.S.”

He added that the company’s “growth momentum and strategic investments” will continue this year as it expects to add nine to 11 new showrooms, including four to six traditional showroom formats, two Design Studios and three outlets. It also plans several renovation, relocation and expansion projects.

+ The company reported adjusted EBITDA of $51 million, compared to $74 million in the fourth quarter of 2022, a 30.9% decrease. It decreased 590 basis points to 14.9% in the fourth quarter compared to 20.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022.

+ For the full year, adjusted EBITDA decreased 8.6% to $203 million, compared to $233 million in 2022. As a percentage of net revenues, it decreased 230 basis points to 15.8%, compared to 18.1% in 2022.

+ Cash and cash equivalents totaled $223 million as of Dec. 31, and the company reported no long-term debt.

+ Net merchandise inventory decreased to $254 million, compared to $286 million as of Dec. 31, 2022, an 11.2% decrease.

+ Client deposits decreased 14.2% to $174 million.

+ For the year ended Dec. 31, net cash provided by operating activities was $172 million, compared with $73 million for the full year ended Dec. 31, 2022.

“I want to thank the Arhaus team for their hard work and tremendous accomplishments in 2023 and for their unwavering dedication to our clients,” Reed said. “We are excited about our future and are committed to delivering value to all our stakeholders.”

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HIGH POINT — Thanks to a new program being offered by the city of High Point, furniture market exhibitors now can recycle Styrofoam, thus keeping a bulky and hard-to-decompose material out of the waste stream.

A densifier purchased by the city chops up Styrofoam materials such as packaging and cups into pellets that are then melted at about 180 degrees and come out of the machine in a tubular-shaped form also known as an ingot. Rows of ingots in turn are palletized and shipped to Canada to be turned into insulation for tiny homes.

To participate in the program, companies can simply bag blocks of Styrofoam packaging materials and place them at the curbside on Tuesdays and Thursdays alongside cardboard and other general waste. Starting around early next week, the city will increase pickup frequency to daily through the April 13-17 High Point Market.

As product such as upholstery is often wrapped in plastic bags, the city recommends placing the material in these same bags, which helps keep it both dry and free of dirt and grime.

The type of Styrofoam that the city is recycling is known as polystyrene or Plastic No. 6, which is identified on the surface of the packaging material, much like the Nos. 1 or 2 seen in a triangle on the bottom of plastic containers. According to the city website, www.recyclingfoam.com, the program accepts things like packaging material with the No. 6 as well as Styrofoam cups, containers, egg cartons and foam coolers. It doesn’t accept things like packaging peanuts, packaging tape, bubble wrap or foam wrapping materials.

The city first extended the program to the industry during the last October market, and collected between 2,200 and 2,500 pounds of the material at that time, said Dean Roach, Materials Recovery Facility supervisor for the city of High Point Recycling division. It is now looking to increase participation from others in the industry that may not already be familiar with the program.

The city has long offered a cardboard recycling program that helps eliminate this type of bulky waste from landfills. Styrofoam is much lighter than cardboard as it’s made up of an estimated 95% air. However, because of its bulk, it often takes up as much if not more space in landfills. It also is difficult to decompose, particularly if it is covered up by other waste and thus not exposed to water or air.

“You can have a whole tractor-trailer load full of expanded polystyrene and it weighs virtually nothing,” said Teresa Baker, recycling program coordinator for the city of High Point. “It’s like hauling air. It’s just the mass of it because it’s so bulky. And once it goes into a landfill, it’s like embalming it. It goes in there and you are covering it up with dirt and you’re not allowing air to get to it. So it’s really not going to decompose.”

In this way, she noted, the material is similar to newspapers from 50-60 years ago that also don’t decompose as you can still read the print after they are dug up.

By getting the word out, officials hope that participation in the program increases now and well into the future.

“It takes some effort to separate things like this into the appropriate piles and it’s definitely something that we don’t want to go into our landfill,” Baker said. “You can imagine the amounts of it that you get during the furniture market and the benefits of it going to the recycling center to be recycled.”

“The amount of cardboard and polystyrene being diverted from landfills has been significant, and we expect this trend to continue as awareness of our recycling services grows among showrooms and businesses,” she added.

The program has been applauded by showroom executives that are looking for ways to help minimize what goes into the landfill.

“This is a wonderful initiative by the city and their environmental department,” said Heinz Kattenfeld, chief operating officer of showroom building 220 Elm. “They have a great team and we are happy that we can help them recycle foam and keep it out of the landfill. High Point recycles about 500 tons of cardboard each year and this will enhance our positive impact on the environment.”

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