Whether it’s lifestyle or updated trends, consumers are often revising their tastes, budgets and how they shop for home furnishings. We asked three retailers — Carla Snowdon of Tidewater Lighting in Connecticut, Heather Osmond of Osmond Designs in Utah, and Susan Mason of Bend the Trend in Georgia — what consumer buying changes they’re seeing, and how they are adjusting their business strategies in 2026 to ensure they deliver for their customers.
Do shifting consumer buying habits change where or how you source products?
Carla Snowdon: We don’t stock products because our customers will wait for the right size and finish. We display all vendor finishes in our merchandising because finish is key for most of our customers. And we educate our customers. That’s important right now. That education sets us apart from online stores and other competitors.
Heather Osmond: The shift in consumer expectation has dramatically changed how and where we source furniture. We’re focusing on increased U.S. manufacturing as consumers want durability and shorter wait times. American-made vendors often offer customizable options and the quality is consistent. That reliability and craftsmanship have become essential. There is also a rising interest in sustainability, so we are sourcing more products with responsible manufacturing, recycled materials and environmentally friendly finishes. To keep products available and timelines predictable, we’ve broadened our sourcing mix and built more redundancy into our vendor relationships.
Susan Mason: I don’t think our sourcing will change a great deal. While we source primarily through Atlanta and High Point markets, we also use Atlanta-based shops for art and more unique and curated items. We’ve tapped into local vendors who produce high-quality products because we can rely on their ability to meet deadlines. Since more shopping is happening online, we’re making our website better and offering virtual design help. We’re incorporating more flexibility with our inventory, too, so we can quickly adapt to new trends and offer what people want right now.
