Jon Borkowy, director of IFD, talks about when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
It’s a familiar phrase, but one that feels particularly relevant as the furniture industry once again faces mounting pressure. Rising fuel costs, increased shipping rates, and ongoing global uncertainties are creating a climate that many would fairly describe as “tough.” But rather than standing still or reacting hastily, this is precisely the moment to move forward with purpose and clarity.
For retailers and buyers, times like these present an important opportunity to reassess supplier relationships. Are your partners responding with knee-jerk reactions – raising prices sharply or tightening delivery quantities – or are they taking a more measured, long-term approach? The difference is critical. In a challenging market, stability, foresight, and commitment to value become far more important than short-term gains.
Strong suppliers understand that resilience isn’t about passing pressure down the chain; it’s about absorbing shocks where possible and planning strategically to protect customers. That means maintaining product quality, ensuring continuity of supply, and working creatively to keep pricing consistent wherever feasible. It’s about playing the long game – supporting retail partners not just for today’s orders, but for sustained success in the months and years ahead.
At IFD, together with our trusted Irish wholesale partner Alcore, this philosophy is central to how we operate. We recognise the pressures our customers are facing, and we’ve taken proactive steps to ensure we remain a dependable and stable supplier during uncertain times.
One of the key measures we’ve implemented is a forward-thinking shipping strategy designed to navigate ongoing volatility in freight costs. By planning ahead and securing logistics capacity early, we’ve been able to minimise the impact of fluctuating shipping rates. In addition, we have secured a fixed dollar exchange rate for the next six months. This strategic decision allows us to mitigate currency fluctuations and provide our customers with a level of pricing stability that is increasingly rare in today’s market.
What does this mean in practical terms? It means consistency. It means that our retail partners can plan with greater confidence, knowing that pricing will remain steady and that supply will continue without disruption. It means no sudden surprises, no reactive increases, and no compromise on the quality and value that our customers expect.
Of course, no business operates in isolation from broader economic pressures. But the difference lies in how those pressures are managed. At IFD and Alcore, we believe that being “tough” doesn’t mean making things harder for our customers – it means doing the hard work behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly for them.
As the industry navigates this latest period of challenge, now is the time to align with partners who are committed, prepared, and thinking ahead. Because when the going gets tough, it’s not just about getting going – it’s about moving forward together, with confidence and resilience.
For more information, contact the IFD team at sales@ifduk.com. Retailers in Ireland can contact Ciaran at Alcore at ciaran@alcoreliving.com.
