Hooker Furnishings, one of the largest publicly traded furniture companies in the US, has reported a decline in first quarter sales.
According to its latest trading update for fiscal 2026 first quarter ended 4 May 2025, total net sales declined 8.8% to $85.3m.
Operating losses reduced by 31% to $3.6m, driven by cost-saving initiatives launched in the second half of last year, despite reduced net sales in the quarter.
Hooker’s legacy brands sales were stable, with Hooker Branded net sales increasing slightly by 0.8%, driven by higher unit volume, while the Domestic Upholstery Segment saw a slight 3.7% sales decrease, compared to the prior year first quarter, respectively.
“The overall decrease in consolidated sales was primarily driven by a double-digit sales decrease at HMI, which is positioned in the mid-price segment where import tariffs have more sharply curtailed demand,” the company said.
Gross margin improved by 180 bps, maintaining overall gross profit levels despite lower net sales, while the company recorded a net loss of $3.1m.
“We continue to take significant and deliberate actions to stabilize the Company, drive improved sales and deliver strong gross margins as we execute on our significant cost savings program without losing our focus on quality, service, our strategic vision and increasing shareholder value,” said Jeremy Hoff, Chief Executive Officer.
“We delivered the eighth consecutive quarter of consistent market share gains within Hooker’s legacy brands, which includes Hooker Branded and Domestic Upholstery. The Spring High Point Market was exceptional for the Company, especially with two new case goods collections in our collected living format. In addition, we had significant placements on the debut of our “Living Your Way” modular upholstery program offered in both stationary and motion in multiple scale and cover options.
“Our progress is steady and we are executing within all aspects of the business that we are able to control. Notwithstanding our strategic progress, the home furnishings industry continues to navigate a challenging environment, driven by persistent softness in the housing market, higher mortgage rates, and declining consumer sentiment.
“Existing home sales remain well below pre-pandemic levels, and the sharp rise in borrowing costs has dampened housing mobility, which traditionally fuels furniture demand. At the same time, consumer confidence has dropped to near historic lows, with many households pulling back on discretionary spending. These macroeconomic headwinds are weighing heavily on our industry, and we remain focused on adapting to the realities of today’s market.
“In the face of these challenges, we are continuing to achieve significant cost savings through our ongoing programs. Our year-over-year operating and gross margin improvements during the first quarter were driven by the $2.2 million in cost savings from our initial round of cost reductions we announced a year ago.
“Since the initial announcement, we have expanded our cost reduction initiatives through the exit of the Savannah Warehouse and opening of a leased Vietnam Warehouse. These moves, particularly our strategic shift to the Vietnam warehouse, will result in accelerated savings and improvements as the current fiscal year progresses.
“In total, from the June 2024 start of our initiative, we anticipate reducing our total annual spend rate by approximately 25%. These savings alone will substantially improve profitability – and as conditions improve, our position for growth strengthens accordingly, as will our ability to drive value for shareholders through disciplined execution and capital stewardship.”
