Nebraska Furniture Mart: What to Know Before You Shop
Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM) is one of the largest furniture retailers in the United States, operating both physical showrooms and an online store. If you're considering shopping there, it helps to understand how the store operates, what to expect from the experience, and how it compares to other furniture buying options. This guide breaks down the key details so you can decide whether it's the right fit for your needs. 🛋️
What Nebraska Furniture Mart Is
Nebraska Furniture Mart is a furniture and home furnishings retailer headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, with a significant retail presence across multiple states. The company operates large-format showrooms (many of which are among the biggest furniture stores in their regions) and sells online. It's owned by Berkshire Hathaway, which acquired it in 2017.
The store sells a broad range of furniture categories: living room, bedroom, dining room, office, and sectionals, along with mattresses, appliances, and home décor items. The scale of their showrooms—some spanning over 100,000 square feet—is a defining feature; these spaces are designed to let customers see and interact with many products in one location.
How the Shopping Experience Works
In-Store Shopping
NFM's physical stores operate as large-format retail environments where customers can browse and test furniture in person. You can sit on sofas, open drawers, and assess quality and comfort directly. Sales associates are typically present to answer questions, though the experience varies by location and how busy the store is.
The stores also typically offer services like delivery, assembly, and in some cases, custom ordering for certain furniture lines. Delivery timelines and fees vary depending on your location and the specific product.
Online Shopping
The Nebraska Furniture Mart website allows you to browse inventory, read product descriptions, and place orders remotely. The online catalog doesn't always mirror the in-store selection exactly—some items may be available only online or only in physical locations. Online ordering generally involves selecting delivery dates during checkout, and you'll typically need to coordinate delivery scheduling after purchase.
Price, Financing, and Payment Options
NFM uses standard retail pricing, which means prices are set by the store and can vary by location and time. The store frequently runs sales and promotions, both in-store and online. However, like many furniture retailers, the sticker price you see isn't always what other buyers paid—discounts, clearance events, and limited-time offers are common throughout the year.
The store offers financing options through third-party lenders, typically allowing customers to finance purchases over a set period. Whether financing is available, what terms are offered, and whether promotional rates (like "0% for 12 months" or similar) apply depends on current promotions and your credit profile. Always review the specific terms and any conditions before committing.
Payment methods typically include credit cards, debit cards, and other standard payment options, but you should confirm what's accepted at the time of purchase.
What Affects Your Experience
Several variables shape what shopping at Nebraska Furniture Mart will be like for you:
| Factor | How It Matters |
|---|---|
| Location | Showroom availability, inventory, delivery zones, and local pricing vary by region. |
| Product category | Some items may have longer lead times than others; custom furniture typically takes longer than in-stock pieces. |
| Timing | Sales, promotions, and clearance events change seasonally and throughout the year, affecting prices and selection. |
| Delivery distance | Your proximity to a showroom or distribution center affects delivery fees and timing. |
| Current promotions | Financing offers, discounts, and bundle deals are temporary and change frequently. |
Common Considerations When Shopping There
Selection and Availability
Nebraska Furniture Mart carries a wide range of styles and price points, from budget-friendly to premium lines. However, not every product is available everywhere—some items are exclusive to certain showrooms or online-only. If you have a specific style or brand in mind, it's worth checking availability before making the trip or ordering.
Delivery and Setup
The store's delivery and assembly services are typical for large furniture retailers. Delivery timelines depend on product availability, your location, and current demand. During high-demand periods (like the holidays), lead times may be longer. Delivery fees are calculated based on your address and the products you're ordering; some promotions may offer free or discounted delivery.
Return and Exchange Policies
Like most furniture retailers, Nebraska Furniture Mart has policies governing returns and exchanges. These policies apply differently to different product categories (e.g., mattresses, custom items, and clearance goods may have different rules). You should review the current policy before purchasing, as terms can change and vary by location.
Quality and Durability
The store sells furniture across multiple quality tiers and price ranges. A $500 sofa and a $2,500 sofa from the same retailer may have very different construction, materials, and longevity. Your assessment of quality should include examining the furniture in person (if possible), understanding the materials and construction details, and—if available—reading customer reviews for specific items.
How It Compares to Other Furniture Buying Options
Nebraska Furniture Mart is one choice among several furniture shopping routes:
- Large national chains (like Ashley Furniture, Rooms to Go) offer similar scale and promotional activity but differ in locations, selection, and brand partnerships.
- Smaller local furniture stores may offer more personalized service, curated selection, or specialized expertise, though typically with less inventory and potentially higher prices.
- Online-only retailers (like Wayfair, Article) provide convenience and often lower prices but no in-person testing and may have longer shipping times.
- Department and discount stores carry furniture alongside other merchandise but typically with more limited selection.
- Direct-to-consumer brands often sell mattresses or specific furniture types at lower prices by cutting out retail middlemen.
Each option involves different trade-offs around convenience, selection, price, and service.
What You'll Need to Evaluate for Your Situation
Before deciding whether to shop at Nebraska Furniture Mart, consider:
- What you're buying: Different furniture categories have different typical lead times, delivery challenges, and quality considerations.
- Your location: How close you are to a showroom, whether your address is in their delivery zone, and local pricing.
- Your budget and flexibility: Whether you're shopping for a specific sale or willing to wait for promotions.
- Your preferences for in-person vs. remote shopping: Whether seeing and testing items matters to your decision.
- Your timeline: Whether you need furniture quickly or can accommodate standard or extended delivery windows.
- Your expectations for customization: Whether you need custom sizing, colors, or fabrics, and whether the store's options meet your needs.
The store's size and reach make it a viable option for many furniture shoppers, but whether it's the right option depends on your specific needs, location, and shopping preferences.