US furniture retailer Ashley and Samsung Electronics America have launched a new in-store experience which showcases how furniture and smart technology can be combined within the home.

tThe Connected Home Experience uses Samsung 2024 TVs equipped with integrated IoT hubs and Matter compatibility, an industry wide standard for smart home devices that aims to make them work together seamlessly and securely, to allow shoppers at the retailer’s flagship Tennesse store to navigate a fully connected environment.

Matter is designed to help manufacturers more easily build devices compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Assistant and other voice and smart home platforms.

Shoppers can explore more than 3,800 products from over 340 brands, including smart plugs, locks and lighting, which are combined with Samsung's smart home technology, allowing guests to imagine their homes as fully connected spaces for work, relaxation or entertainment.

The partnership seeks to transform the way consumers buy home furniture by integrating the experience of buying stylish furniture with cutting-edge smart technology, emphasising the growing demand for integrated home solutions that mix design and technology for improved shopping experiences.

In addition to the stylish furniture, Ashley customers will be able to shop a range of Samsung’s technology products, including the Frame TV, the 98-inch Q80C QLED fully powered TV, the Odyssey Ark Gaming monitor and the new Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.

“With our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology, this partnership will transform the way consumers experience their homes,” said Chad Spencer, chief executive of Dufresne Spencer Group, the largest licensee of Ashley shops. “Samsung was the obvious choice to bring new energy to retail, creating seamless, intelligent living solutions that enhance our guests' everyday moments.”

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