Business of Home Podcast – The Thursday Show

Episode: The Supreme Court overturns Trump's tariffs. Plus: John Edelman on his new mission at Haworth
Air Date: February 26, 2026
Host: Dennis Scully
Guests: Fred Nicolaus (Executive Editor), Caroline Burke (Producer), John Edelman (President, Haworth Lifestyle North and South America)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into seismic shifts and subtle ripples across the design and furnishings industry. Dennis Scully and team break down the Supreme Court’s bombshell ruling striking down Trump’s global tariffs, reactions from the home industry, and knock-on effects for pricing, lawsuits, and trade. They cover recent earnings from Wayfair, Home Depot, Lowe’s, explore kitchen and bath trends from KBIS, and even wade into a Taylor Swift textile trademark dispute. The show also features an in-depth interview with John Edelman about his new leadership role over Haworth’s portfolio of iconic Italian and American brands.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

Supreme Court Overturns Trump's Tariffs

[04:01] – [13:49]

• Background: Supreme Court ruled that Trump's global tariffs (imposed under the IPIA law) were illegal. The law didn’t actually give the president the authority to impose such tariffs.
  • “We heard arguments last November. It seemed like the justices were skeptical of the president's claims. And lo and behold, they have ruled that this law from 1977 does not give Trump the power to enact these global tariffs. So they are now illegal.” — Fred ([05:03])
• What's Changing and What's Not:
  • Many impactful home industry tariffs remain (upholstery, cabinets, steel, aluminum), as these were enacted under different laws.
    • “For everybody who thought this was magically going to make all tariffs everywhere go away, au contraire, many... remain in place.” — Dennis ([06:22])
  • The immediate government reaction was to slap a new 10%, later 15%, tariff on global imports through a different, shorter-duration law.
    • “He announced a 10% tariff. Then later... a 15% tariff.” — Dennis ([08:00])
• Industry Fallout and Refund Questions:
  • Companies may sue to recover tariffs paid. Government unlikely to issue blanket refunds; over 1,000 lawsuits already pending.
    • “So, you know, technically, because the tariffs are illegal, they were collected illegally... $130-plus billion could come back. The problem is I don't think they're going to be.” — Fred ([09:04])
  • Many executives believe the administration will find new ways to keep imposing tariffs.
    • “People just don't imagine this is going away in a meaningful way.” — Dennis ([10:16])
• Long-term Impact & Cynicism:
  • The new 15% tariffs have a sunset after 150 days unless Congress approves—an unlikely prospect in an election year.
    • “They have a shelf life. They're only good for 150 days, at which point Congress has to approve them, otherwise they go away.” — Fred ([11:13])
  • Supreme Court made clear tariffs are taxes, and Congress must authorize them, empowering future legal challenges.
    • “Are tariffs really taxes... the Supreme Court... pretty much said, yes, they are and that's Congress's job.” — Dennis ([12:08])
• Immediate Advice:
  • Don't expect prices to drop right away; uncertainty prevails.
    • “Immediately I would not expect any vendor prices to come down radically in the short term...” — Fred ([13:03])

Market & Home Industry Earnings Recap

[13:49] – [22:14]

• Wayfair Results: Stock rallied from $20 to $120/share on enthusiasm, but then tumbled after latest earnings despite 6.9% sales growth.
  • Membership program launched, store expansion planned, AI efforts touted—but company still not profitable; Wall Street worries about big spending.
    • “They're showing increases in revenue where they can in one of the most challenging housing markets...” — Dennis ([16:31])
• The “Halo Trade” and AI-resistant Brands:
  • Investor emphasis on AI-proof companies (heavy assets, low obsolescence) like John Deere, furniture makers.
    • “Everyone thinks AI is going to replace every software company... they're looking for companies that are AI-proof.” — Fred ([18:50])
• Home Depot & Lowe’s:
  • Decent quarters but cautious outlook; Pro market focus, less consumer optimism.
    • “Both of these companies are incredible operators... but both of them say, listen... we’re not seeing all sorts of green shoots...” — Dennis ([20:22])

KBIS Kitchen & Bath Show Trends

[22:23] – [30:11]
Guest: Caroline Burke (Producer)

• KBIS Overview: 100,000+ visitors, last Orlando event before moving to Las Vegas permanently.
• Biggest Trend: “Invisible Kitchens”/Borderless Design:
  • Appliances hidden, no external handles, seamless induction cooktops embedded in stone.
    • “Cosentino partnered with... Invisicook... an induction cooktop that can actually be embedded within their... surfaces.” — Caroline ([23:53])
  • Induction everywhere; AI-powered appliances (e.g., GE’s cook cam that recognizes food).
    • “It can actually recognize the type of food... give you suggestions for temperature and timing...” — Caroline ([25:35])
• Designer Adoption of Tech:
  • Growing acceptance as brands focus more on practical, integrated features useful for daily life.
    • “Brands are kind of taking a cue from designers and users... integrating these features... in a way that actually helps...” — Caroline ([26:30])
• NKBA Strategic Shift:
  • Outreach to whole home designers, not just kitchen and bath specialists; designer councils and more panels.
    • “They're kind of doing a lot to make this another top destination for designers in addition to High Point.” — Caroline ([28:31])

Taylor Swift vs. Swift Home: Trademark Dispute

[30:11] – [34:46]

• The Dispute: Taylor Swift appealed to block Cathay Home’s “Swift Home” trademark; Cathay’s logo resembled her signature.
  • Cathay withdrew, not wanting to battle Swift’s legal and PR might.
    • “They had this sub brand... Swift Home... the logo... looks sort of like Taylor Swift's signature... she filed a complaint.” — Fred ([30:54])
• Fun Dive into Trademarks:
  • Swift has over 300 registered trademarks, including “This Sick Beat.”
    • “It's kind of a wild thing...” — Fred ([32:04])
• Bigger Point about IP: Power, not always logic, shapes trademark enforcement in design. - “It sort of shows you how the IP world is not always set up to protect the little guy.” — Fred ([32:42])
• Speculation: Is Taylor Swift prepping a home line? Maybe bedding collections? - “Taylor Swift is definitely a home influencer in the making...” — Fred ([32:42]) - “I feel she's very entrepreneurial, so... it really wouldn't surprise me at all...” — Dennis ([34:10])

John Edelman’s New Mission at Haworth Lifestyle

[36:34] – [64:52]
Guest: John Edelman (President, Haworth Lifestyle, North and South America)

• Path to the Role:
  • Relaunched Heller, winning best-of awards and reconnecting with Haworth’s Franco Bianchi.
    • “Heller was a passion project... Franco Bianchi, CEO of Haworth, would come by every Monday...” — John ([37:34])
• Heller's Distribution:
  • Remains in DWR, expands via Janus et Cie, new Haworth stores, dealership networks.
    • “The core business stays the same... Design Within Reach being the primary retailer and our best friend.” — John ([39:24])
• Portfolio Vision:
  • In charge of Poltrona Frau, Zanotta, Ceccotti—aims to unite these Italian brands for greater impact, especially in the A&D (architecture & design) community.
    • “If you go into Gensler with the stable of brands, you fill the room... you regale them with authentic stories about craftsmanship...” — John ([42:32])
• Change Needed:
  • Italian brands historically marketed largely via European retail, not A&D/trade as in the US; time for a united, “stronger single voice.”
    • “When you think about these brands separately, you don't have the scale to build the team... we can harness the scale of the business.” — John ([43:57])
• Competition:
  • Comments on competitors’ struggles (B&B Italia/Flos roll-up); “private equity-driven design companies are difficult to succeed.”
    • “I think private equity driven design companies are difficult to succeed. I think, you know, it's, it's passionate brand leaders...” — John ([45:13])
• First Steps & Success Metrics:
  • Learn each business, identify “low-hanging fruit,” build team, dream big but act patient.
    • “The first thing I need to do is, is learn about the businesses and how each one operates. That's going to take a little bit of time...” — John ([46:07])
  • Measured on both sales and brand awareness, not just short-term revenue bumps.
    • “If I'm successful by increasing sales and... brand awareness, that's a success. If I do one without the other, not that successful.” — John ([62:52])
• US Luxury Market & Growth:
  • US is focus—China is tough; growth in luxury spending, especially at the high end.
    • “Every economic data point tells you the rich got richer and they're spending... that's very good for this type of market.” — John ([60:11])
• Design Philosophy:
  • Italian brands aren’t too avant-garde—modern classics mix well in eclectic American interiors; huge untapped market.
    • “I think people live in an eclectic manner... our brands... belong in almost every environment.” — John ([61:31])
• No Tariff Drama:
  • Tariffs not on his radar; “chaos will ensue,” but same for all. Not a focus vs. opportunity ahead.
    • “It will not be a focus for me at all... everybody's gonna be in the exact same boat...” — John ([58:31])

Memorable Quotes from John Edelman:

• “The strength will be in speaking in a much stronger single voice than many little ones. Right now... the brands at retail, will never lose their distinct flavor... but in A&D, I got to bring a package.” ([47:38])
• “Private equity driven design companies are difficult to succeed. I think, you know, it's, it's passionate brand leaders that understand it that lead them.” ([45:13])
• “Every economic data point tells you the rich got richer... hallelujah.” ([60:11])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “People who had never met another human being thought that... he would move away from tariffs.” — Fred (on naïve optimism, [08:34])
• “It's not that dour.” — Fred ([13:49])
• “Corporate hospitality, residential, yachts, massive opportunity for all of our brands.” — John ([62:19])
• “Taylor Swift has had tons of eras and different styles and aesthetics, so there’s a lot she could translate to the home.” — Caroline ([33:49])

Quick Hits / Closing Section

[64:58] – end

• Industry News & Events
  • Curling-stone-shaped bowls for the Olympics — Gustav Westman ([65:08])
  • Charlotte Smith’s “Union Camp Collective” in Raleigh, NC — profile ([65:45])
  • Upcoming: Design Elephant Show, New York School of Interior Design Gala with Dennis Scully as emcee ([66:39])
• Final Note:
  • Keep up with news at businessofhome.com
  • Dennis: “If you want to get in touch with the show, write to us at podcast@businessofhome.com”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:01] Supreme Court Overturns Tariffs – What It Means, What’s Next
• [13:49] Wayfair/Home Depot/Lowe’s Earnings – Wall St vs. Reality
• [22:23] KBIS Recap – Invisible Kitchens & AI in Appliances
• [30:11] Taylor Swift Trademark Drama
• [36:34] John Edelman on Haworth, Italian Brands, and the American Luxury Market
• [64:58] What Caught Your Eye – Product & Shop Highlights
• [66:39] Upcoming Industry Events

Episode Tone

Conversational, witty, with in-depth trade analysis and a mix of lighthearted banter and sharp policy/business commentary. Roundtable energy with Fred’s zingers, Dennis’s industry expertise, Caroline’s fresh perspective, and John Edelman’s enthusiastic, candid optimism about growth and opportunity despite industry headwinds.

For Further Exploration

• businessofhome.com
• March’s design events, Salone initiatives, and other news as discussed on the show