What’s Old is New Again in the Store of the Future
It’s easy to project a stylized, 2050 filter on the store of the future – with smooth edges and glossy finishes. It’s easy to imagine that iPad’s future-equivalents will sit at the end of every aisle for direction and assistance and that holograms will handle all transactions. It’s easy to assume that robots will take our jobs. And it’s easy to be wrong.
As we research the future of retail, one thing is clear – consumers expect an engaging experience, not cyborgs. They want their in-store retail to be as quick, user-friendly and intuitive as their handheld device, because goods and services at the lowest price are no longer good enough.
Read More
What is the Store of the Future?
Home furnishings is a dynamic, exciting and ever-changing space that’s challenging every business owner to redefine retail. And it’s not just about reduced prices and free shipping – although that’s a part of it! The way that each business owner evolves their store – whether brick or click – creates the store of the future.
Read More
Number One Started Somewhere
In a world where a cell phone costs more than a sofa, how does a small home furnishings business leverage a competitive edge to put them ahead of the competition? A series of smart and strategic choices led by a firm understanding of what differentiates a competitive edge from an unfair advantage.
Read More
Imagine the Furniture Store of the Future
A decade ago it was inconceivable that someone would order a sofa while sitting on their sofa. Now, we don’t think twice about it. Why the shift? An evolving comfort level with technology’s influence on our product selection and buying habits.
Read More
Dare to Do Product Data Differently
Listen, we get it . . . whether you’re a retailer or a manufacturer, product data is a drag. You’re typing, adding, finding, asking, listing, measuring and fact checking – hour, after hour, after hour, after hour, after hour.
Read More
Product Data: When DIYers Suddenly Want DIFM
Amber Engine exists to help furniture manufacturers and retailers maximize their business with the seamless creation and distribution of product data. Here’s how it works!
Read More
Home Furnishings Business’s Forty Under 40: Dan Wieczorek
Amber Engine's very own Dan Wieczorek is recognized by Home Furnishings Business as one of its 2018 Forty Under 40 honorees! We spoke to Dan about this exciting recognition.
Read More
Volunteerism Thrives at Amber Engine
At Amber Engine, community culture isn’t just another buzzword. Our employees walk-the-talk and give back with volunteer hours to many different organizations that strive to make Detroit a great place to work and live.
Read More
Calling All Home Furnishings Interns
Today’s interns get to say goodbye to grabbing coffee and making copies for the boss. Instead, Amber Engine interns are asked to pull up a chair during meetings and bring real ideas to the table. Contribution isn’t optional or occasional – it’s common practice. How else can real-world, hands-on learning happen?
Read More
10 Questions with COO Michael Kumm
Our Chief Operations Officer is one of the masters who helped bring Amber Engine to life alongside CEO and Founder Jennifer Gilbert. His thoughts, ideas, and perspectives are always insightful, so we sat down with him for 10 quick questions about the home furnishings industry, technology and his advice for those struggling with the online portion of their business.
Read More
Get to Know: Amber Engine
In today’s furniture game, the hustle is REAL. That’s why it pays to know about companies like Amber Engine. After all, Amber Engine is the service you never knew you needed!
Read More
Lovefest: Amber Engine + Detroit
As “happily ever afters” go, we couldn’t be more content to make our home in the Motor City. Of course, the most popular response we hear from the people we do business with is, “Ummmm . . . really? What?”
Read More
Furniture Forward: The Amber Engine Story
Chaucer wrote, “Time and tide wait for no man.” We would like to add an exception: the furniture industry. Jennifer Gilbert, Amber Engine Founder and CEO, earned an Interior Design degree from Michigan State University in the early 90s. She went to work for herself and eventually turned design into a hobby when she started a family with husband, Dan Gilbert.
Read More
Product Data Insights with Jesse Akre, Chief Revenue Officer
Today we’re talking with Amber Engine’s Chief Revenue Officer, Jesse Akre, who has been a business leader in home furnishings for two decades. Jesse shares with us his insights on the challenges and opportunities he sees in the industry as they relate to Amber Engine’s focus: product data.
Read More
