Business of Home Podcast: The Thursday Show

Episode Title: Why Williams-Sonoma Is Suing Quince. Plus: 1stDibs Revises a Controversial Pricing Tool
Host: Dennis Scully
Guest: Fred Nicolaus, Executive Editor, Business of Home
Date: November 27, 2025

Overview

In this special pre-Thanksgiving episode, Dennis Scully and Fred Nicolaus dig into the most pressing news in the interior design industry. They analyze Williams-Sonoma's headline-grabbing lawsuit against Quince, Stark's strategic acquisition of Fort Street Studio, and the fallout over 1stDibs' AI-powered price estimator. The duo also explores how tariffs subtly shape design style and finishes with their picks from the industry's news and happenings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Thanksgiving Banter & Reflections on the Industry

[00:30]–[03:40]
- Dennis and Fred open with Thanksgiving well-wishes and reflections on the design community, expressing gratitude for their audience.
- They revisit a recent interview with Dan Cahoon (Jerry Pair Showroom), highlighting industry continuity versus change, and how technology has altered operations but much of the underlying ethos remains.
- Notable observation: Despite advancements (like cloud-based software), “so many of the surface level things change, but then there is also this continuity to it which kind of makes it a fun and reassuring place to be…” (Fred, [02:20])

2. Williams-Sonoma Sues Quince: The Dupe Wars Escalate

[05:22]–[13:42]

Background:

Quince is a direct-to-consumer company known for rapidly replicating other brands' bestsellers and marketing their products as equivalent to high-end counterparts at much lower prices.
Their advertising strategy includes direct brand call-outs: “Pottery Barn style for $100 less.”

Lawsuit Details:

Williams-Sonoma sues Quince, not for design knockoffs, but for “false advertising” and “unfair business practices.”
“They’re saying Quince is saying we have the exact same quality at a lower price. And Williams-Sonoma is saying, no, you don’t.” (Fred, [08:33])
Williams-Sonoma asserts its premium, proprietary design credentials:
“We design 90% plus of our product internally. This is our own proprietary product. And that’s a very important part of their branding message.” (Dennis, [08:33])

Their Analysis:

Quince appears undeterred and even welcomes confrontation:
“In communication...Quince said, we welcome a fight over this.” (Fred, [07:20])
This lawsuit follows a similar one against dupe.com, implying a broader industry struggle to defend brand equity against aggressive imitators.
Dennis notes consumer pragmatism:
“Many a designer has a cashmere sweater from Quince...they don’t think they’re getting the same quality product...but it was worth it to them...to have a $100 cashmere sweater and why not?” ([11:03])
Fred underscores the futility of such lawsuits in stemming consumer appetite for “the look for less”:
“It doesn’t feel like it will stem the tide of the general consumer’s desire to have the look for less. That just feels like such a dominant thing in culture right now.” ([09:29])

Memorable Segment:

[12:07] Dennis:
“How many people will say, oh, you’re right, I don’t need a $5,000 sofa. I’m perfectly happy with a $1,000 one.”

3. Stark Acquires Fort Street Studio: Climbing the Luxury Ladder

[13:42]–[18:33]

Acquisition Details:

Stark, a top-tier floor covering company, acquires Fort Street Studio, a boutique atelier admired for ultra-luxurious, artist-driven, silk rugs.
The motivation: Secure a real foothold at the uppermost end of the market and potentially open a Fort Street–centric showroom (likely in NYC).

Fred’s Perspective:

“I think Stark is a little bit below that [absolute pinnacle], so I think Chad [Stark] was hoping that this acquisition would help clarify what Stark can offer to the very, very thin slice at the very, very tip top of the market.” ([15:01])
The challenge will be balancing the unique artistry of Fort Street Studio within Stark’s broader business.

Industry Implication:

Fred links the move to a wider market trend:
“The middle of the market has softened a great deal...but the very top is still spending money...Everyone is rushing up that hill to try and find that sweet spot.” ([17:41])

4. 1stDibs Walks Back Its AI-Powered Price Estimator

[18:33]–[25:33]

The Tool:

“FirstDibs Price Estimate” provided AI-generated price ranges for products listed, aiming to help consumers but agitating sellers—especially those offering unique or new products.

Controversy:

Dealers disliked the platform indicating potential value different from their set price—especially problematic for those selling new, unique goods, not just antiques/vintage.
“It’s like if you walked into Walgreens and it was like, Crest thinks this toothpaste is worth $6, but Walgreens says 5 to 8.” (Fred, [19:27])

Course Correction:

1stDibs has now pulled the estimator for new products while retaining it for antiques and vintage, citing considerable vendor unrest.

Quotes & Analysis:

Dennis notes the similarity to real estate comp tools:
“This seemed so similar to me. Like the comp sale discussion that you always have in real estate…” ([23:57])
The tool was well-meaning and did show increased sell-through rates, but perception and respect for seller autonomy trumped algorithmic insights.

5. Tariffs’ Subtle Influence on Style

[26:31]–[34:49]

Historical Analogies:

Fred draws parallels to 18th-century England, where tea and window taxes shaped both culture and architecture:
“...change one tax policy and you end up completely changing the look of British style and changing architecture…” ([26:43])

Modern Impact:

Today’s tariffs are forcing manufacturers and designers to focus on cost management, often at the expense of variety and complexity:
- Less product innovation, simple designs, and fewer imported components.
- Tariffs on upholstery could mean more “bare” seating (fewer padded chairs and stools).

Industry Voices:

“Many companies were saying, sure, we’re probably gonna be introducing less product overall because we gotta just dial that cost back.” (Dennis, [29:58])
Dennis on designer concerns:
“Many of them said to me, I will be sad if we are forced to try and find the American alternative to this or that because it will just be so much less expensive...It will neutralize design in a way that they didn’t welcome.” ([32:02])

6. Noteworthy News and Industry Happenings

[36:37]–[41:13]

Field + Supply Holiday Market

Fred promotes Field and Supply’s NYC holiday market on Dec 6–7 as a destination for unique, “maker” gifts.
“Brad always throws a good party, so I’m sure there’ll be elements of that.” ([37:23])

Food52 Explores a Sale

Food52 (and its acquired brands like Schoolhouse and Dansk) is reported to be on the market after sustained struggles, a far cry from its previous $100M+ valuation and media dominance.
- “I was really sad about it...I’ve always been a huge Food52 fan and there’s some, there’s some great products. Yeah, I mean, the Scully family kitchen is adorned with many a Food52 product.” (Dennis, [39:21])

Launch of ‘Editors at Large’ Substack

Dennis flags a new Substack by Michael Boudreau and Kate Betts—playfully noting its name’s resemblance to BOH’s former branding.
“I feel like there has been this impetus recently, and people trying to come out and be a little more, you know, controversial and say how they really feel.” (Fred, [40:30])

Memorable Quotes

Fred [07:03]: “Their entire go-to-market strategy is: we’re like those brands but affordable. And…that probably creates no small amount of animosity in the marketplace.”
Dennis [12:07]: “They don't think they're getting the same quality product. And I think more and more we're seeing people willing to settle for the less. And I think that's the big concern that all of these higher end companies have...”
Fred [17:41]: “Everyone is rushing up that hill to try and…find that sweet spot [at the very top of the market].”
Dennis [29:58]: “It was as though there was a different kind of committee that was involved in the design decisions these days. Okay, can we bring in the tariff department now?”
Fred [19:27]: “It created kind of a little bit of an absurd moment for a lot of the sellers, and that's what caused this anger.”
Fred [33:53]: “There's so much more access to materials. I almost wonder…if no matter what change is made to global trade...aesthetics will shift for other reasons, less so because of, oh, we can't get teak or we can't get marble.”

Important Timestamps

05:22: Williams-Sonoma files lawsuit against Quince
07:20: Quince’s provocative attitude ("we welcome a fight over this")
09:29: Analysis of luxury positioning and dupe market
13:42: Stark acquires Fort Street Studio, moving upmarket
18:33: 1stDibs revises AI pricing tool after vendor revolt
26:31: Tariffs’ impact on design style and supply decisions
36:45: Field + Supply holiday market and industry news
39:21: Reflection on Food52’s decline and sale rumors
40:27: Shoutout to ‘Editors at Large’ Substack and the rise of outspoken commentary

Tone

Insightful, conversational, a touch playful, and always candid—Dennis and Fred balance industry expertise with camaraderie, delivering sharp analysis while keeping listeners engaged and entertained.

For Further Updates

Visit businessofhome.com for latest news, listings, and resources.
Contact: podcast@businessofhome.com

Produced by: Fred Nicolaus and Caroline Burke
Edited by: Michael Castaneda

Closing: Wishing listeners a great Thanksgiving and teasing more in-depth industry discussions on Monday.

Business of Home Podcast: The Thursday Show

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Thanksgiving Banter & Reflections on the Industry

[00:30]–[03:40]
- Dennis and Fred open with Thanksgiving well-wishes and reflections on the design community, expressing gratitude for their audience.
- They revisit a recent interview with Dan Cahoon (Jerry Pair Showroom), highlighting industry continuity versus change, and how technology has altered operations but much of the underlying ethos remains.
- Notable observation: Despite advancements (like cloud-based software), “so many of the surface level things change, but then there is also this continuity to it which kind of makes it a fun and reassuring place to be…” (Fred, [02:20])

2. Williams-Sonoma Sues Quince: The Dupe Wars Escalate

[05:22]–[13:42]

Background:

Quince is a direct-to-consumer company known for rapidly replicating other brands' bestsellers and marketing their products as equivalent to high-end counterparts at much lower prices.
Their advertising strategy includes direct brand call-outs: “Pottery Barn style for $100 less.”

Lawsuit Details:

Williams-Sonoma sues Quince, not for design knockoffs, but for “false advertising” and “unfair business practices.”
“They’re saying Quince is saying we have the exact same quality at a lower price. And Williams-Sonoma is saying, no, you don’t.” (Fred, [08:33])
Williams-Sonoma asserts its premium, proprietary design credentials:
“We design 90% plus of our product internally. This is our own proprietary product. And that’s a very important part of their branding message.” (Dennis, [08:33])

Their Analysis:

Quince appears undeterred and even welcomes confrontation:
“In communication...Quince said, we welcome a fight over this.” (Fred, [07:20])
This lawsuit follows a similar one against dupe.com, implying a broader industry struggle to defend brand equity against aggressive imitators.
Dennis notes consumer pragmatism:
“Many a designer has a cashmere sweater from Quince...they don’t think they’re getting the same quality product...but it was worth it to them...to have a $100 cashmere sweater and why not?” ([11:03])
Fred underscores the futility of such lawsuits in stemming consumer appetite for “the look for less”:
“It doesn’t feel like it will stem the tide of the general consumer’s desire to have the look for less. That just feels like such a dominant thing in culture right now.” ([09:29])

Memorable Segment:

[12:07] Dennis:
“How many people will say, oh, you’re right, I don’t need a $5,000 sofa. I’m perfectly happy with a $1,000 one.”

3. Stark Acquires Fort Street Studio: Climbing the Luxury Ladder

[13:42]–[18:33]

Acquisition Details:

Stark, a top-tier floor covering company, acquires Fort Street Studio, a boutique atelier admired for ultra-luxurious, artist-driven, silk rugs.
The motivation: Secure a real foothold at the uppermost end of the market and potentially open a Fort Street–centric showroom (likely in NYC).

Fred’s Perspective:

“I think Stark is a little bit below that [absolute pinnacle], so I think Chad [Stark] was hoping that this acquisition would help clarify what Stark can offer to the very, very thin slice at the very, very tip top of the market.” ([15:01])
The challenge will be balancing the unique artistry of Fort Street Studio within Stark’s broader business.

Industry Implication:

Fred links the move to a wider market trend:
“The middle of the market has softened a great deal...but the very top is still spending money...Everyone is rushing up that hill to try and find that sweet spot.” ([17:41])

4. 1stDibs Walks Back Its AI-Powered Price Estimator

[18:33]–[25:33]

The Tool:

“FirstDibs Price Estimate” provided AI-generated price ranges for products listed, aiming to help consumers but agitating sellers—especially those offering unique or new products.

Controversy:

Dealers disliked the platform indicating potential value different from their set price—especially problematic for those selling new, unique goods, not just antiques/vintage.
“It’s like if you walked into Walgreens and it was like, Crest thinks this toothpaste is worth $6, but Walgreens says 5 to 8.” (Fred, [19:27])

Course Correction:

1stDibs has now pulled the estimator for new products while retaining it for antiques and vintage, citing considerable vendor unrest.

Quotes & Analysis:

Dennis notes the similarity to real estate comp tools:
“This seemed so similar to me. Like the comp sale discussion that you always have in real estate…” ([23:57])
The tool was well-meaning and did show increased sell-through rates, but perception and respect for seller autonomy trumped algorithmic insights.

5. Tariffs’ Subtle Influence on Style

[26:31]–[34:49]

Historical Analogies:

Fred draws parallels to 18th-century England, where tea and window taxes shaped both culture and architecture:
“...change one tax policy and you end up completely changing the look of British style and changing architecture…” ([26:43])

Modern Impact:

Today’s tariffs are forcing manufacturers and designers to focus on cost management, often at the expense of variety and complexity:
- Less product innovation, simple designs, and fewer imported components.
- Tariffs on upholstery could mean more “bare” seating (fewer padded chairs and stools).

Industry Voices:

“Many companies were saying, sure, we’re probably gonna be introducing less product overall because we gotta just dial that cost back.” (Dennis, [29:58])
Dennis on designer concerns:
“Many of them said to me, I will be sad if we are forced to try and find the American alternative to this or that because it will just be so much less expensive...It will neutralize design in a way that they didn’t welcome.” ([32:02])

6. Noteworthy News and Industry Happenings

[36:37]–[41:13]

Field + Supply Holiday Market

Fred promotes Field and Supply’s NYC holiday market on Dec 6–7 as a destination for unique, “maker” gifts.
“Brad always throws a good party, so I’m sure there’ll be elements of that.” ([37:23])

Food52 Explores a Sale

Food52 (and its acquired brands like Schoolhouse and Dansk) is reported to be on the market after sustained struggles, a far cry from its previous $100M+ valuation and media dominance.
- “I was really sad about it...I’ve always been a huge Food52 fan and there’s some, there’s some great products. Yeah, I mean, the Scully family kitchen is adorned with many a Food52 product.” (Dennis, [39:21])

Launch of ‘Editors at Large’ Substack

Dennis flags a new Substack by Michael Boudreau and Kate Betts—playfully noting its name’s resemblance to BOH’s former branding.
“I feel like there has been this impetus recently, and people trying to come out and be a little more, you know, controversial and say how they really feel.” (Fred, [40:30])

Memorable Quotes

Fred [07:03]: “Their entire go-to-market strategy is: we’re like those brands but affordable. And…that probably creates no small amount of animosity in the marketplace.”
Dennis [12:07]: “They don't think they're getting the same quality product. And I think more and more we're seeing people willing to settle for the less. And I think that's the big concern that all of these higher end companies have...”
Fred [17:41]: “Everyone is rushing up that hill to try and…find that sweet spot [at the very top of the market].”
Dennis [29:58]: “It was as though there was a different kind of committee that was involved in the design decisions these days. Okay, can we bring in the tariff department now?”
Fred [19:27]: “It created kind of a little bit of an absurd moment for a lot of the sellers, and that's what caused this anger.”
Fred [33:53]: “There's so much more access to materials. I almost wonder…if no matter what change is made to global trade...aesthetics will shift for other reasons, less so because of, oh, we can't get teak or we can't get marble.”

Important Timestamps

05:22: Williams-Sonoma files lawsuit against Quince
07:20: Quince’s provocative attitude ("we welcome a fight over this")
09:29: Analysis of luxury positioning and dupe market
13:42: Stark acquires Fort Street Studio, moving upmarket
18:33: 1stDibs revises AI pricing tool after vendor revolt
26:31: Tariffs’ impact on design style and supply decisions
36:45: Field + Supply holiday market and industry news
39:21: Reflection on Food52’s decline and sale rumors
40:27: Shoutout to ‘Editors at Large’ Substack and the rise of outspoken commentary

Tone

For Further Updates

Visit businessofhome.com for latest news, listings, and resources.
Contact: podcast@businessofhome.com

Produced by: Fred Nicolaus and Caroline Burke
Edited by: Michael Castaneda

Closing: Wishing listeners a great Thanksgiving and teasing more in-depth industry discussions on Monday.

The Thursday Show: Why Williams-Sonoma is suing Quince. Plus: 1stDibs revises a controversial pricing tool

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Summary

Business of Home Podcast: The Thursday Show

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Thanksgiving Banter & Reflections on the Industry

2. Williams-Sonoma Sues Quince: The Dupe Wars Escalate

Background:

Lawsuit Details:

Their Analysis:

Memorable Segment:

3. Stark Acquires Fort Street Studio: Climbing the Luxury Ladder

Acquisition Details:

Fred’s Perspective:

Industry Implication:

4. 1stDibs Walks Back Its AI-Powered Price Estimator

The Tool:

Controversy:

Course Correction:

Quotes & Analysis:

5. Tariffs’ Subtle Influence on Style

Historical Analogies:

Modern Impact:

Industry Voices:

6. Noteworthy News and Industry Happenings

Field + Supply Holiday Market

Food52 Explores a Sale

Launch of ‘Editors at Large’ Substack

Memorable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Tone

For Further Updates

Summary

Business of Home Podcast: The Thursday Show

Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Thanksgiving Banter & Reflections on the Industry

2. Williams-Sonoma Sues Quince: The Dupe Wars Escalate

Background:

Lawsuit Details:

Their Analysis:

Memorable Segment:

3. Stark Acquires Fort Street Studio: Climbing the Luxury Ladder

Acquisition Details:

Fred’s Perspective:

Industry Implication:

4. 1stDibs Walks Back Its AI-Powered Price Estimator

The Tool:

Controversy:

Course Correction:

Quotes & Analysis:

5. Tariffs’ Subtle Influence on Style

Historical Analogies:

Modern Impact:

Industry Voices:

6. Noteworthy News and Industry Happenings

Field + Supply Holiday Market

Food52 Explores a Sale

Launch of ‘Editors at Large’ Substack

Memorable Quotes

Important Timestamps

Tone

For Further Updates