AICO Founder Discusses Expanding Beyond U.S. Market

Michael Amini, chairman and CEO of furniture company AICO, talks about diversifying sales globally amid visa restrictions.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In an interview with Home News Now, Michael Amini, the founder, chairman and CEO of furniture company AICO, discussed how the company is changing its business approach to expand beyond its reliance on the U.S. market. This includes exhibiting for the first time in Budapest and partnering with various financing providers like Synchrony, Fortiva Retail Credit, and American First Finance to offer customers more flexible payment options.

Why it matters

AICO's move to diversify its sales globally and provide more financing options for customers reflects broader shifts in the furniture industry, as companies adapt to changing consumer expectations and market conditions, such as visa restrictions limiting international travel to the U.S.

The details

Amini explained that the modern shopper expects flexible financing options, so AICO is partnering with specialized lenders like Synchrony, Fortiva, and American First Finance to provide a range of payment solutions. This is part of AICO's strategy to move beyond over-reliance on the U.S. market and stabilize its revenue streams by exhibiting in new international markets like Budapest.

  • AICO exhibited for the first time in Budapest in 2026.

The players

Michael Amini

The founder, chairman and CEO of furniture company AICO.

Synchrony

A leading consumer financing company providing credit and banking products to support healthier financial lives for millions of people.

Fortiva Retail Credit

A technology-enabled second look point-of-sale consumer credit program issued by The Bank of Missouri, providing flexible financing solutions for retailers.

American First Finance (AFF)

A leading point of sale 'shop now, pay later' solutions provider across 26 verticals, helping customers meet their needs and pursue their dreams.

Versatile

A pioneer in the credit optimization space, helping merchants unlock the power of financing to drive sales and help customers get the products they want and need.

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The takeaway

AICO's strategy to diversify its sales globally and offer more flexible financing options reflects the furniture industry's broader adaptation to changing consumer expectations and market conditions, as companies seek to stabilize revenue streams and provide customers with the payment solutions they demand.