The Future is NOW

The HGTV survey results, from consumers of home furnishing, said that customers wanted to buy furniture that would last 15 years or more .. that was also custom or distinctive for their home. According to the survey, that was more important than getting the cheapest price.

We are custom furniture designers. Two years ago, at market, we started looking for a domestic furniture line that would be a good fit for what we can create. We found that good fit and were in the early stages of negotiation when everything just stopped.

What this particular company is doing is typical of the industry at large. The economy has everyone turning very conservative. They are afraid to try to innovate. Their new line? They have taken their twenty year old pieces, tweaked them slightly and re-introduced them. They even stated that that was where their new introductions came from.

On one hand I totally understand. The economy has everybody looking for their crystal ball. Most all stores are carrying the tried-and-true low to mid range priced items that they have sold in the past. “If it ain’t broke.. don’t fix it!” But here is where I start to question.

Look at the trends. The “Baby-Boomers” are beginning to do their preliminary looking and research on-line. But the Re-Boomers, those Gen X and the Gen Y’ers, are there..doing 90% or more on line. It is second nature to them. The shear numbers of that market are to be discounted at our own peril. They don’t want what Grandma had or even what their parents had. They want fresh, new and something that will last.. a good investment. Show them something that will get them to pause and contemplate how it will look in their home.

Look at what they are buying! The number of iphones, etc, that are cool, cutting edge, do many things for them and make a statement! Why would their homes be any different? It doesn’t mean weird looking! But it should be look fresh!

I totally respect those that are looking for their own look. I am not one that wants a cookie-cutter home either. I don’t see why you should settle for less than the look you want. One special piece or the whole home. Let us help. We can assist you… sort of like your partner and personal shopper for your home…….. from the drywall to the housewarming we are there for you as should every furniture business be. If they aren’t listening to you or working with you to find your desired piece then they aren’t worth your time.

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