Final answer:
Hickory Divine opening its own furniture stores is an example of forward vertical integration, where a company expands into subsequent stages of the industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Hickory Divine were to open its own chain of furniture stores, this would be an example of forward vertical integration. Forward vertical integration occurs when a company expands its operations into a forward stage of the industry - in this case, from manufacturing furniture to retailing it directly to consumers. This strategic move allows a company to control more of its supply chain, from production to sales, potentially leading to increased market control and streamlined costs.