Hooker Furnishings began with a steam whistle and a community-funded factory. A century later, its next act depends on a smaller portfolio, faster logistics and turning a vacation state of mind into a whole-home business.
The Virginia furniture house that built a town, survived the offshoring of an entire industry, and now sells you a made-to-order sofa in 30 days.
Arhaus turned direct relationships with artisans, theatrical showrooms and made-to-order upholstery into a $1.38 billion business. Forty years in, its next act is less about selling a sofa than owning more of the room around it.