When facing the unknown, it’s best to be prepared. At least that’s the attitude of three-time Apollo Award winner and perennial nominee Sunnyland Furniture in Dallas, where the influx of indoor furniture retailers into outdoor includes the 2015 opening of Nebraska Furniture Mart. 

“It will be interesting to see how that affects not just us but our competition and even the indoor furniture industry here. It’s definitely going to change the market, we just don’t know how. But we’re ready for it,” said Brad Schweig, office/human resources/technology manager and son of owners David and Debbie Schweig.

That attitude has served Sunnyland well over the years. At its crux, being ready means anticipating the next big thing while paying attention to the basics, a combination that delivered several successes this season. 

Upgrades in the showroom, for example, include an interactive photo gallery of customer backyards featured on in-store media. Photos are taken as part of Sunnyland’s paperless delivery process and, with permission, added to the gallery to show how the outdoor furniture looks in the average north Texas home.

The retailer also has enclosed and air conditioned its outdoor courtyard, which expands the showroom and gives customers a more comfortable shopping experience year-round.

Another big hit with customers is Sunnyland’s new Sun-Sational Savings program which offers popular groups and collections at bottom-line prices.

“We tell them upfront that this is our best price, no games, no gimmicks,” Schweig said.

Sunnyland is also testing 365 Delivery, a flat delivery fee program à la Amazon Prime that covers all deliveries for a year. 

“There is a small expense to us if we have to go out multiple times, but it’s important that the customer doesn’t feel they are being nickeled and dimed by us, and it helps reinforce our concept of exceeding our customers’ expectations,” Schweig said.

Confident that the company will continue to thrive despite any new competition, Schweig is philosophical about changes to come.

“Hopefully that means more sales for everybody by bringing more awareness to the area,” he said.