History
FMG, incorporated in 1991, arose from the former Retailers Marketing Guild (RMG) to which the charter members of the FMG had belonged. For over 30 years, the RMG was successful as a networking and information sharing group. However in 1991, RMG disbanded and the Furniture Marketing Group was created with the major emphasize on group-buying activities.
Today & Tomorrow
FMG is partnered with over 50 major furniture suppliers and service companies to help our members grow, and essentially add to their bottom line. While collective buying remains the major focus of the group, major initiatives include financing programs, domestic & ocean freight programs, private label programs, and circular programs to name a few. FMG members also benefit from the educational & networking opportunities available during our Annual Symposium, and High Point Market meetings.
During the 4th quarter of 2005, FMG formed a strategic alliance with Nationwide Marketing Group, the largest independent retail appliance and electronics buying group in the U.S. Nationwide's furniture division called “Furniture Smart” is now a member of Furniture Marketing Group and therefore receives benefits from the Furniture Marketing Group.
Since 2006, FMG has seen phenomenal growth both in membership, almost doubling in size. This was accomplished by providing the members with the right combination of money saving benefits, while keeping the operations of the group running very lean. As of October 2011, FMG is 100 members strong, with approximately 750 storefronts and retail sales approaching $2 billion.
“Over the years FMG has attracted some of the best furniture retailers in the country who were willing to share and learn and give back to the industry. Now with Nationwide's Furniture Smart division's association with FMG, we will create one organization with an unmatched umbrella of leading edge purchasing, advertising, marketing, communications and training services and initiatives that can be customized, directed and implemented to the furniture industry,” said Mike Herschel, Executive Director, FMG.