Aussies made 90 million more trips to the shops last financial year

The latest retail-themed State of the Nation reveals that Australians made 90 million more trips to bricks-and-mortar stores in the 2015/2016 financial year than they did in the year before that. For several years, Australians have been making fewer visits to retail...

Health and safety at Christmas parties

While your staff may be ‘off the clock’, you’ll probably still be responsible for their health and safety. Here are some suggestions to help your workplace celebrate safely: Send a friendly email to staff before the party reminding them that while the party is a time...

Fringe benefits tax (FBT) implications for Christmas parties

When planning your Christmas party, it’s also important to consider any tax requirements.Generally, you won’t have to pay FBT if you host the Christmas party on your business premises, or keep the cost of the party to below $300 per person. Some Christmas parties can...

Waste not Want Not!

AFA Members are encouraged to get involved on Waste Not, Want Not Day, Let’s make a positive impact on the environment and wider community. The festive season is the perfect time for you and your employees to clear offices and work spaces of clutter ahead of the New...

Workspace and the future

AFA Member ‘Workspace’ held their annual sales conference in Adelaide recently. Run over three-days they conducted numerous events across their home base of Adelaide. The theme of the conference “Future of the Workspace” included (READ MORE) a public event with a...

Fake Money

In the last 24 hours, the National Retail Association has received reports from AFA Members across Australia of sightings of counterfeit $50 and $100 notes in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales. We urge all retailers to inform staff, read the tips included (READ...

Repairs Before Home Selling Return Rewards

Taking a break over Christmas?… Looking to sell your house? – well, this is a great time to do some reno’s for a high return. Quick fixes before selling a home always pay off, but which home repairs bring the biggest return? Specific answers to this often-asked...

Appliance Trends

Trends in home decor and appliances are constantly changing – silver, gold, copper, brass – the options are limitless. However, for 2017 it seems that sleek black stainless steel will replace the usual gleaming silver appliances around the home. This new...

Furntech-AFRDI AGM: Discussion on the Australian Consumer Law

At the recent AGM of Furntech-AFRDI, delegates welcomed a guest speaker who gave a presentation on the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and how it affects the furnishing industry. Delegates were able to pose questions specifically related to their individual businesses,...

The Victorian Premier’s Design Awards Winners!

The Victorian Premier’s Design Awards were announced last night at the National Gallery of Victoria. The Awards recognise the best in Victorian Design and Innovation across eight categories, including Product Design, Fashion and Student Design (with two new...

Venue Operators Beware

Are you buying furniture direct from China? Then you are considered the manufacturer in the eyes of the Australian Consumer Law. The Australian Furniture Association has been made aware of the serious financial and insurance risks to hospitality, conferencing and...

Colour Psychology

Step into the fascinating world of Colour Psychology with Award Winning Interior Decorators, Taryn Whitaker and Tracey McLeod, and discover a foolproof process for finding the ideal colour palette for every home and business. The powerful properties of colour are...

Australian Gaming and Hospitality Venue Operators Beware

Australian Venue Operators beware. Are you buying furniture direct from China? Then you are considered the manufacturer in the eyes of the Australian Consumer Law. The Australian Furniture Association has been made aware of the serious financial and insurance risks to...

5 Tips for Small Business Owners

If you are starting out in the furniture business or been in business for a while, one of the most important things you can do as a business owner is to pay attention to money management. If you want your business success to turn into personal financial success, you...

Is your business Christmas ready?

If your business is retail-focused, you have one goal at this time of year and that is Christmas sales. November and December can account for 20% of annual sales for businesses, and for those AFA Members who have online stores this is for you too. You need to start...

Australians duped into buying furniture

The world’s most recognisable brand is ‘Made in Italy’ so how is it being used to dupe consumers into buying furniture? Have you heard about the new country of origin labelling changes? There is a Bill before Australian Federal Parliament right now which will affect...

Are you outdoor ready?

Summer is just around the corner and AFA Member Moss Furniture have these handy tips for preparing your outdoor area for the longer days. As chances are your outdoor living area probably needs a little TLC before you invite the neighbours in! To find out more visit...

2016 Design Predictions vs Reality

As another year of inspirational interiors ends, The LuxPad asked 30 experts to share their thoughts on 2016’s top interior design trends. Their predictions included a continuation of 2015’s metallics mania, while others predicted the use of bold patterns and...

Great Aussie Blokes

Jo Hall from Channel 9 News Melbourne recently reported on a group of elderly retirees in Melbourne’s east who are devoting their precious time and skills to a worthy cause.These wonderful outer suburban men who are in their late 80’s early 90’s are...