Clint Engel
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The AVB/BrandSource buying group has created a new division within its furniture dealer ranks called BrandSource Furniture Advantage, consisting of more than 50 retailers who have committed to a group buy during the upcoming Las Vegas Market. 


The main purpose of the move is to merchandise the retailers’ circular advertising program for the next six to 12 months, AVB/BrandSource said.

The group within the 1,800-member buying organization chose six product categories — bedroom, fabric upholstery, leather, motion, casual dining and entertainment — for the first Advantage buy, said Michael Allen, BrandSource executive vice president-home furnishings.

“During the market, we will review product from numerous suppliers and select one for each category,” he said. “Every member has committed to keep these floor placements for the next 12 months in order to support the tabloid program.”

Under the program, two to four SKU’s will be selected from each supplier with a significant opening order, the group said. 

“We have put a lot of research into the needs of our members and the consensus is they want a well-designed, product-specific circular program that is not dedicated to a single supplier,” said Dan Crain, owner of Garden City, Kan.-based Appliance & Furniture Mart and a BrandSource member.

With more than 50 dealers buying the same product, Crain said the program puts the subgroup’s buying power on par with a Top 100 furniture store.

More than 25 furniture manufacturers are set to make product presentations to the Advantage dealers during the summer market. 

“Our goal is to look for the best overall values, but not base the sole decision on price,” Allen said.