Nature of Operations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 28, 2019

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations

HNI Corporation with its subsidiaries (the "Corporation") is a provider of office furniture and hearth products.  Refer to "Note 17. Reportable Segment Information" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.  Office furniture products include panel-based and freestanding furniture systems, seating, storage, tables, and architectural products. These products are sold primarily through a national system of independent dealers, wholesalers, and office product distributors but also directly to end-user customers and federal, state, and local governments.  Hearth products include a full array of gas, wood, electric, and pellet fueled fireplaces, inserts, stoves, facings, and accessories.  These products are sold through a national system of independent dealers and distributors, as well as Corporation-owned distribution and retail outlets.  The Corporation’s products are marketed predominantly in the United States and Canada.  The Corporation exports select products through its export subsidiary to a limited number of markets outside North America, principally the Middle East, Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The Corporation also manufactures and markets office furniture in Asia, primarily China and India.

Fiscal year-end – The Corporation follows a 52/53-week fiscal year, which ends on the Saturday nearest December 31.  Fiscal year 2019 ended on December 28, 2019, fiscal year 2018 ended on December 29, 2018, and fiscal year 2017 ended on December 30, 2017. The financial statements for fiscal years 2019, 2018, and 2017 are on a 52-week basis. A 53-week year occurs approximately every sixth year.