Image source:
Wayfair
Image source:
Design Within Reach

Wayfair vs Design Within Reach

What's the difference between Wayfair and Design Within Reach

Wayfair and Design Within Reach are two furniture retailers with distinct differences. Wayfair is a global retailer with headquarters in Boston and Berlin, boasting an extensive logistics network that allows them to serve customers anywhere in the world. They offer a wide range of products, providing customers with the power to create spaces that reflect their individual style and needs. Wayfair is Greenguard Gold Certified for low chemical emissions in some of their products, indicating their commitment to sustainability. Design Within Reach, on the other hand, focuses on exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. They believe in creating pieces that are built to last and can be enjoyed over a lifetime. With free design services available both online and in-person, they aim to inspire customers and help them create spaces they love coming home to. While Design Within Reach does not have any specific certifications like Wayfair's Greenguard Gold Certification, they do participate in equitable labor programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council certification and the Global Organic Textile Standard. Both retailers prioritize ethical practices in their supply chains by ensuring fair wages and sustainable sourcing. However, Wayfair's certifications focus on specific product categories like fair trade and responsible down sourcing, while Design Within Reach's certifications encompass a wider range of products including sustainable wood furniture and organic textiles. These certifications demonstrate both retailers' commitment to transparency and social responsibility. Overall, Wayfair offers a vast selection of products with global reach, while Design Within Reach focuses on exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design. Both retailers strive for sustainability but have different approaches when it comes to certifications for their products.

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

- Wayfair operates globally with headquarters in Boston and Berlin, while Design Within Reach focuses on the United States market. - Wayfair offers a wide range of products for every part of the home, while Design Within Reach specializes in beautifully designed furnishings. - Wayfair provides free design services to help customers create their ideal space, while Design Within Reach offers design assistance in person, online, or over the phone. - Wayfair was founded in the early 2000s as an online platform with a focus on choice and variety, while Design Within Reach was established in 1998 to make modern design more accessible. - Wayfair has built a logistics and infrastructure network to facilitate shipping large items worldwide, whereas Design Within Reach initially started by mailing catalogs and buying inventory.

Company Description

Wayfair
Wayfair is a global online retailer based in Boston, Massachusetts, with headquarters in Berlin as well. Founded in 2002 by Niraj Shah and Steve Conine, Wayfair offers millions of products for every part of the home. They aim to help customers create spaces that reflect their individual style and needs. With a focus on sustainability, Wayfair has implemented initiatives such as the Shop Sustainably program, responsible sourcing practices, and efforts to reduce waste throughout their supply chain. Their commitment to providing a diverse and equitable workplace is evident through their focus on employee growth and input.
Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach, founded in 1998 by Rob Forbes, is a retailer that specializes in offering exceptionally crafted and beautifully designed furnishings. With a commitment to sustainability, the company conducts its operations in an environmentally responsible manner and supports responsible forest management practices. Design Within Reach is dedicated to providing access to authentic modern design, bringing iconic pieces from renowned brands like Herman Miller directly to retail customers across the country. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, the retailer aims to create enduring benefits for clients, employees, and communities while promoting a space that inspires and solves problems through its free design services.

Differences at a Glance

Wayfair

Design Within Reach

Headquarters

Year Founded

Store Type

Product Type

Aesthetic

Parent Company

Welcome Discount

Price

Quality Level

Reviews on Website

Free Returns

White Glove Delivery

Product Warranty

Registry Available

Made-to-Order Items

Free Swatches

Designer Collaborations

In-House Design Services

Trade Program

Trade Discount

Boston, Massachusetts

2002

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Varies

None

10%

$

Low-Mid

Yes

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

No

Not Available

Not Available

Yes

10%

Stamford, Connecticut

1998

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Modern

MillerKnoll, Inc

None

$$$$

Mid-High

Yes

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

Yes

Free

Yes

20%

Sustainability Mission Comparison

Wayfair participates in equitable labor programs, including the Fair Trade Certified program and the Responsible Down Standard. Design Within Reach also participates in equitable labor programs, such as the Forest Stewardship Council certification and the Global Organic Textile Standard. Both retailers prioritize ethical practices in their supply chains by ensuring fair wages and sustainable sourcing. Wayfair's certifications focus on specific product categories, such as fair trade and responsible down sourcing. Design Within Reach's certifications encompass a wider range of products, including sustainable wood furniture and organic textiles. These certifications demonstrate both retailers' commitment to transparency and social responsibility in their operations.
Image source:
Wayfair
Image source:
Design Within Reach

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Wayfair

Design Within Reach

Sustainable Forestry Initiative

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Warranty

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc.

National Hardwood Lumber Association

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

No

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Sustainability Mission

Wayfair
Wayfair's sustainability mission focuses on three pillars: Our Communities, Our Workplace, and Our Planet. They prioritize social impact by supporting local communities through partnerships and employee engagement. In the workplace, they strive for diversity, equity, and growth for all employees. For the planet, Wayfair addresses emissions and waste in their supply chain while empowering customers to make sustainable purchasing decisions. They have achieved significant milestones such as expanding their Shop Sustainably program, investing in renewable energy sources, and achieving high curbside recyclability of packaging materials. Wayfair is committed to responsible sourcing and reducing waste throughout their operations.
Design Within Reach
Design Within Reach is committed to environmental sustainability, aiming to minimize their impact on the environment through responsible operations and sustainable products. They prioritize conserving energy, proper waste disposal, reducing pollutants, and promoting sustainability. The company supports responsible forest management practices and ensures responsible wood sourcing. Additionally, they adhere to the Conflict Minerals Rules by refraining from purchasing minerals that may finance armed groups in Central Africa. Design Within Reach requires its suppliers to establish due diligence programs and certify that their products are "DRC conflict free" in accordance with the rules.

Sustainable Product Certifications

Wayfair is Greenguard Gold Certified, indicating that some of their products have met rigorous standards for low chemical emissions. Design Within Reach, on the other hand, does not have any certifications for their products.

Wayfair

Design Within Reach

FSC Certified

GOTS Certified

OCS Certified

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

EcoTex

Global Recycled Standard

Recycled Claims Standard

Greenguard Gold Certified

SCS Indoor Advantage Gold

REACH

Ecolable

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Wayfair participates in equitable labor programs, including the Fair Trade Certified program and the Responsible Down Standard. Design Within Reach also participates in equitable labor programs, such as the Forest Stewardship Council certification and the Global Organic Textile Standard. Both retailers prioritize ethical practices in their supply chains by ensuring fair wages and sustainable sourcing. Wayfair's certifications focus on specific product categories, such as fair trade and responsible down sourcing. Design Within Reach's certifications encompass a wider range of products, including sustainable wood furniture and organic textiles. These certifications demonstrate both retailers' commitment to transparency and social responsibility in their operations.

Wayfair

Design Within Reach

Goodweave

Fair Trade USA

Better Cotton Initiative

Craftmark

HERproject

Nest Ethical Handcraft Program

Fifteen Percent Pledge

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Contributor

Christi Farrell

Christi is a licensed architect and interior designer specializing in sustainability. She enjoys teaching design and bringing transparency to the impact that furniture has on our planet.

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