The Alliance Association focuses on the theme of “Local Heroes in Furniture Retail” and highlights the crucial role of stationary furniture retail as an anchor point in towns and communities. Furniture stores are much more than just suppliers of living and furnishing items; they act as local economic drivers, create jobs, and are an integral part of social life in their region. Marc Mispelkamp, member of the extended management board of the Alliance Association, emphasizes: “Furniture stores are not just places to buy furniture – they are central actors that enrich life in the region and strengthen the regional economy. That’s why it’s particularly important to us in the Alliance Association not to impose a concept over the retailer’s brand. Instead, we promote the retailer as a brand on-site.”
Germany is characterized by its mid-sized business sector, which provides a stable foundation for the economy. In this context, furniture stores are of great importance: They create long-term jobs and offer, through their local presence, a reliability that no purely digital trading platform can provide. Marc Mispelkamp explains: “Stationary retail is the backbone of towns and communities. Furniture stores create stability and are important local contacts.”
Many furniture stores take on an important social responsibility by not only creating jobs but also acting as training companies. By doing so, they secure prospects for young people in their home region and prevent skilled workers from migrating. This strengthens the region and creates a bond between the company and the local people.
A strong unique selling point of mid-sized furniture stores is their proximity to customers. While online retail often remains anonymous, stationary retailers enable personal consultation and a buying experience that builds trust. Local furniture stores offer personal customer approach and genuine advice. This combination of individual proximity, emotional appeal, and local networking strengthens customer loyalty and trust – a value that digital platforms can hardly replace.
Shopping locally has not only economic but also ecological advantages. Short delivery routes reduce CO₂ emissions, and value creation remains in the region. Direct access to products and the opportunity for personal consultation offer customers a unique added value.
Mid-sized furniture retailers are often also sponsors and supporters of clubs, schools, and events. These networks contribute to social networking and strengthen cohesion in the region. The companies are often deeply integrated into their community and support regional projects. This anchoring creates added value that goes beyond the sales experience.
Especially in rural and smaller urban regions, the availability of local furniture stores is a significant economic factor. Customer loyalty and sustainability go hand in hand, and furniture retailers offer much more than just products – they actively contribute to the prosperity and stability of their region.
The Alliance Association strengthens the brand of its members without imposing an overarching brand identity. Our retailers remain distinctive and authentic as a unique brand in their region – for a strong, self-determined market presence.
The presence of stationary furniture stores and their importance for the location are indispensable. By securing jobs, promoting regional value creation, and engaging with the community, they create a stable foundation that benefits the entire region in the long term. As Marc Mispelkamp summarizes: “Our furniture stores are true local heroes in the furniture trade, strengthening their region and growing with it.” The Alliance-Verband emphasizes the central role of stationary furniture retail and supports furniture stores with targeted services and regional strategies to sustainably strengthen their local positioning and further expand it. For furniture retailers who want to intensify this approach, the Alliance-Verband offers comprehensive support and guidance to jointly promote and sustainably strengthen regional trade.