Ethan Allen CEO Farooq Kathwari: Consumers are looking for good value

Retail & Consumer Behavior - Black Friday weekend is expected to be record-setting, with nearly 190 million shoppers anticipated to hunt for deals [1] - Consumers show increasing interest in home-related products, differentiating from general gift or apparel shopping [3][5] Ethan Allen's Business Strategy & Performance - Ethan Allen is a vertically integrated company, manufacturing over 70-80% of its products in North America [3][10] - The company emphasizes the importance of combining good products, value, and interior design service [4] - Ethan Allen's interior design network is a key differentiator, enhancing customer experience during product delivery [6][7] - Written sales were up in the first quarter, despite delivery challenges related to government involvement [8] - Approximately 80% of Ethan Allen's products are manufactured in North America, providing a competitive advantage against tariffs [10] Housing Market & Economic Factors - Lower interest rates are expected to stimulate activity in housing and spending on furnishings [7] - Government shutdowns have previously created concerns, impacting business [3][5] - Home improvement market comps have been weak, highlighting the importance of specialized retailing and interior design focus [9][10] Manufacturing & Supply Chain - Ethan Allen maintains consistent product quality across different manufacturing locations, including Vermont, North Carolina, Mexico, and Honduras [12][13]