Retail Education
Home furnishings and lighting retailers face many challenges in this ever-changing economy. From new consumer expectations to online competition, today's retailers work hard to ensure their customers have access to on-trend products and great customer service. In this section, you'll find all things retailing — news, features, analysis and tools — needed to make your retail business a success.
Why You Should Never Buy Email Lists
Every company dreams of having a robust emailing list, daily likes on their Facebook page and glowing online reviews, but when business is slow, it's sometimes tempting to want to jump ahead in line…
Sit Back and Relax! 4 Smart Lamps that Do It All
In every well-appointed lighting design, there are the doers (think recessed ceiling fixtures and undercabinet LEDs) and those like that retro torchiere in the corner or the demure lamp on the…
3 Tips for Blog Topic Brainstorming
It's finally time. You have your computer opened, and the cursor blinks up at you from the blank word document. Now all you need to do is write your blog, but the minute you raise your fingers to…
Meet Lumen the Showroom Cat
Seven years ago, Scott Metz, his father Larry and their team at Northern Lighting in Westerville, OH, played a prank on cat-loving employee Kerri. They bought a cage and a cat toy and tricked Kerri…
How to Keep a Happy Work Environment
Happiness and productivity go hand in hand. A 2015 study by the Social Market Foundation and the University of Warwick’s Centre for Competitive Advantage in the Global Economy found that employee…
5 Website Design Blunders – And How to Fix Them
A poorly functioning website reflects badly on your company. It makes it harder for customers to shop or browse your selection, and it frustrates them when they can’t find basic information. Even if…
My Experience at Millennial 20/20
As we’re gearing up to debut our new supplement, Millennial Home, in April, I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a Millennial — what defines us as consumers, what makes us different…
4 Easy Steps to Better Keyword Research
Let's face it: keyword research is exhausting, especially if you're new to SEO. But if you want to get your showroom or design firm's website high in search results, then you need to play the keyword…
4 Best Facebook Ad Types for Showrooms
One of the best platforms to reach consumers continues to be Facebook. As of the fourth quarter of 2016, Facebook boasted 1.86 billion monthly active users, meaning users who have logged into their…
How Designer Diana James Launched Her Own Line
Last Thursday night, interior designer Diana James cut the ribbon in her brand new store, Living Swell. Located in Marblehead, MA, Living Swell offers “refurbished mid-century furniture, handmade…