From the Editor : Idea Sharing Ahead

From a very early age, humans learn by watching what others do.

As babies, we learn to interact in the first moments after birth as we're cuddled close by our parents. As we grow, we learn to crawl, walk and talk by mimicking those very actions we see others use, and the list goes on.

First comes preschool. Then, we go off to kindergarten at 5 years old and are tossed into a melting pot of other little people with whom we eagerly share ideas. And, the information flow goes both ways as we glean their ideas, for better and for worse.

From there, we typically follow the example set by our parents, grandparents, other family members, teachers and close friends. We learn what we live. We share with others, and they with us to form the groundwork for maturing, growing and becoming responsible members of society.

In the furniture industry, much as in life, we look to our peers—and because of the close-knit nature of our community—our "family members" for ideas and guidance in tough times for creative, innovative ways to run the business.

Idea sharing among peers is one of the best ways we have in this industry—or any other industry for that matter—to sustain business. Sometimes another retailer in another trading area may have faced down a similar challenge as the very one you're fighting with and there's little need to recreate the proverbial wheel to solve the dilemma in your operation.

Another person's experience can be a powerful educator when an open dialog takes place.

It is in that spirit that we bring you this month's issue, our Retail Look Book, which has quickly become one of our most popular annual issues. We asked our retail readership to share their store pictures, their success stories involving their business and generally, the story of what makes them successful in their markets.

Inside the pages, you'll find short profiles of two dozen home furnishings merchants who have found success over the last year in a variety of ways. For some, the bright spot lies in their creative merchandising and outstanding displays. For others, a portion of their business plan—and one that makes the community proud—is an inherent need to assist those less fortunate through a number of ways. Other retailers excel in back-shop operations and logistics, while more boast a prowess for online selling.