C3310 - Furniture stores

Operational Details
Furniture stores order furniture from manufacturers and suppliers with the express purpose of reselling the items to the general public. The shipments of furniture are received and off loaded in the back of the store, then uncrated and moved onto a display floor, or stored in part of the building that resembles a warehouse facility. Larger items may be moved by forklift or pallet handlers.

Sales personnel sell furniture such as: chesterfields, matching chairs, occasional chairs, dining room sets, end tables, china cupboards, corner display cupboards, coffee tables, beds, chest of drawers, variety tables and other bedroom furniture. Kitchen tables, and ornamental lamps and painting may also be included.

Repair is not part of this industry. Delivery of furniture to the purchaser is often part of the sale and either the furniture store delivers, using their own van, or hire a third party carrier to delivery the merchandise for them.

Since the purchases are often expensive, financing is an integral part of this business and often besides sales staff and warehouse workers, a financial manager is also employed. Terms may be offered in-house, or contracts may be entered into on behalf of qualified finance companies or banks. Final approval on credit is the responsibility of the lending institution.

Should a customer return an item because it is defective or broken, the item is either returned to the manufacturer, or sent out to a furniture repair store.

SIC Codes
000000251 - Furniture store