Furniture and the US economy

With rising deficits and turmoil in the financial markets we must all look around and devise a plan that will bring a lasting change to the economy. Manipulating interest rates and government rebates are just not going to cut it. First off we all intuitively know that buying American made products from smaller independent businesses can make a huge local impact. Local jobs, tax revenues, and support of American manufacturing has a direct positive effect on local, regional and the national scene. As I venture off to the next major furniture show it is my obligation to pursue the best American made sustainable products. We have already made a pretty good start. Zola, from Bend Oregon, manufactures some of the finest organic upholstery anywhere. Our organic mattresses are made in Southern California by OMI-these are the premier organic mattresses. Van Gogh Designs of Surry BC provide us with eco-friendly upholstered sofas and chairs with very high quality and modest pricing.

On the furniture side with also have some strong American brands. Barnwood Classics of North Carolina carefully crafts furniture from old barns. Our two furniture makers in Vermont, Vermont Furniture Designs and Maple Corner Woodworks both create American heirloom furniture.

Maybe you would be hard pressed to find an American made running shoe or washing machine but there is still a rich tradition of furniture making here in the US. At least consider some better quality furnishings from the US before you go out and spend a few hundred dollars for something that will probably decorate the landfill in just a few years.

I hope to see you in the store.