Headlines capture cycle of change in furniture industry
Furniture Sketchbook column
David Perry -- Furniture Today, June 6, 2006
It is the endless cycle of furniture life, change … and death.
Not to wax too philosophic here, but I was struck by that observation the other day as I looked through the pages of my favorite weekly furniture newspaper. (OK, you know that would be Furniture|Today.)
I took a few quiet minutes last week to study the May 29 issue (which was then the “current issue,” in our parlance). Now, as you read these words, there will be a new “current issue,” and last week’s issue will be tossed into the big pile of back issues that a great many of you keep as your basic furniture news libraries. I do the same thing.
But let’s pull a couple of last week’s headlines back to the surface and reflect on their deeper meaning.
Lead headline: Claude Gable to close. Gary Evans’ story said that stationary upholstery and sofa-sleeper producer Claude Gable is going out of business after 35 years. “Domestic economic issues” and “overseas competition” were cited as reasons for the closing.
Headline: Techcraft buys Gusdorf. Heath Combs reports that Techcraft, based in Montreal, has acquired competitor Gusdorf Canada, which had filed for bankruptcy protection. Pricing pressures from Chinese imports hurt Gusdorf, Combs reported.
Headline: Peachtree to open flexible factory in China. Susan Andrews reports that textile supplier Peachtree Fabrics is opening a 250,000-square-foot factory in Beijing with its Chinese partner. It will offer furniture makers everything from fabric to finished product, including completely upholstered furniture.
Headline: Creative-Oakwood merger: Unity provides edge. Thomas Russell reports that the merger of Creative Ideas and Oakwood Interiors represents something unusual for U.S.-based wood furniture makers: They are strengthening their organizations to protect what remains of domestic manufacturing.
Those four stories reflect the kinds of changes sweeping our industry. Some companies, such as Claude Gable, are closing. That is bad news in High Point, where I am based. Job losses are always unfortunate, especially when they hit close to home.
But, at the same time, other companies, such as Peachtree Fabrics, seek opportunities in China. And here in North America, companies are merging resources to strengthen their domestic hands.
Upholstery factory doors close in the U.S. New factory doors open in China. One company, seeking opportunity, buys another. Two U.S. wood makers join forces and plan for growth.
Lesson: If you want to keep up with what is happening, read Furniture|Today! OK, there is another lesson, too: Change brings pain – and opportunity – to the furniture industry.
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