WHEN YOU MENTION "TO THE TRADE" FURNITURE, WHAT DO YOU MEAN AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM RETAIL FURNITURE?

I will be featuring both retail and “to the trade” shopping suggestions for your on this site. Whenever possible, I will provide a link to shop retail selections. For to-the-trade choices (80% of what I use when designing homes), I will provide details on how you can access these items via a custom order.

SO…what is the real difference between these two sectors?

The terms "to the trade" and "retail" are often used to distinguish between two different types of customers in the furniture industry, particularly in the context of pricing and access. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

1. To the Trade:

   • This term typically refers to sales that are made to professionals within a specific industry, such as interior designers, architects, or other professionals involved in the design and construction of spaces.

   • To-the-trade transactions often involve special pricing or discounts that are not available to the general public. The idea is to offer lower prices to industry professionals who may be making bulk purchases or specifying furniture for multiple projects.

   • Access to certain products, showrooms, or design resources may be restricted to those in the trade.

2. Retail:

   • Retail transactions involve the sale of goods directly to the end consumer or general public.

   • Retail prices are typically higher than to-the-trade prices, as they include the costs associated with marketing, distribution, and retail markup.

   • Retail customers often have access to a wider range of products and are able to shop at various retail locations, both physical stores and online platforms.

In summary, "to the trade" refers to sales targeted at industry professionals with special pricing and access, while "retail" refers to sales to the general public at standard retail prices. The distinction is made to cater to the specific needs and purchasing patterns of these two different customer groups within the furniture and design industry.

My guide to both trade and retail sources can be found HERE!