Room & Board and West Elm are both furniture retailers that offer modern furnishings designed to last. However, there are key differences between the two. Room & Board focuses on trend-proof style, balancing modern lines with timeless details. The company also prioritizes American craft, with more than 90% of their furniture and decor made by American manufacturers, supporting local communities and businesses. Sustainability is another important aspect for Room & Board, as they emphasize quality construction and timeless design that is kinder to the planet. Exceptional service is a priority for the company as well, ensuring customers feel welcome and satisfied throughout their experience. Additionally, Room & Board supports local nonprofit organizations in the communities where they operate. On the other hand, West Elm also emphasizes sustainability but takes a broader approach. They use design to make a positive impact on the earth, communities, and customers. Sixty percent of their product sales support sustainability initiatives, which includes ethical production practices, worker well-being, economic impact in communities where products are made, collaboration with artisan collectives worldwide to preserve handcraft traditions and create sustainable employment opportunities in rural areas. West Elm was also the first-ever home retailer to join Fair Trade USA. In terms of certifications for their products, Room & Board has several including FSC Certified and Sustainable Forestry Initiative among others. West Elm has a wider range of certifications such as GOTS Certified (Global Organic Textile Standard), FSC Certified (Forest Stewardship Council), OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 (testing for harmful substances in textiles), Greenguard Gold Certified (low chemical emissions), among others. When it comes to labor programs and ethical practices related to their products or retailers themselves, Room & Board participates in equitable labor programs without specifying certifications while West Elm holds various certifications such as Fair Trade USA Certified and Craftmark. Lastly, Room & Board offers a range of self-claimed sustainable benefits including handcrafted pieces assembled in the USA, low-VOC and non-toxic products, reclaimed and recycled materials, and water-based finishes. West Elm does not make any specific claims to unverified sustainable benefits. In summary, Room & Board focuses on timeless design, American craft, sustainability, exceptional service, and local community support. West Elm also prioritizes sustainability but takes a broader approach by supporting various causes and initiatives globally. They collaborate with artisan collectives and hold a wider range of certifications for their products.