<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1YZl79_0w7N7HET00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1YZl79_0w7N7HET00" width="862" height="480" ></figure>Our team has been on the road the past few months, visiting regional manufacturers in and around North Carolina for a look at what’s happening locally in factories as we count down to market and potential fourth quarter business conditions.No surprise, we’ve heard about challenges related to global markets, geopolitical issues and the roller coaster ride of logistics. But one interesting counterpoint emerged as well: the current success of “small batch” furniture manufacturers that have found a way to be a U.S. source for some international players as well as an option for smaller independent retailers interested in sourcing upholstery in the dozens rather than tens of thousands of products.This concept of “small batch” furniture is timely. Much like small-batch breweries, these factories create product based on “ingredients” specific to their clientele.In one such factory in High Point, the owner said that he will warehouse as few as 10 sofa frames for each customer once purchased, allowing small retailers and designers to have the starting point for an upholstery piece at the ready and available as needed when an order comes in.At another High Point factory, the owner functions as a domestic arm for upholstery manufacturers that are looking for a U.S. option to supplement international production. Both factories have developed a niche client list and are ready to add more to their rosters.So why is this notable?The furniture industry is still struggling by many accounts, and some of the brightest minds in the business are scratching their heads, wondering what’s going to stick and lead the way back to record profits. And while this strategizing will no doubt continue well into the future, what if the solution isn’t found in going down the same road as before? What if the evolving consumer landscape is something entirely different than what we’ve seen in the past?Case in point: One longtime CEO recently said that he sees hard times ahead for the industry in the future. He noted that the Baby Boomer consumer, the demographic keeping a large portion of the higher-end category afloat, is going to rapidly fade as a buying power, through death, saturation of owned items or disinterest in purchasing more.A separate conversation in another factory pointed to the fact that Gen X, the next in line on the demographic list, is going to inherit a lot of furniture from parents over the next 10 years, leading to a delay in purchasing big-ticket items that is likely to continue in the immediate future.Of course, next up are the Millennials and Gen Z buyers, consumers who behave very differently than their predecessors, groups determined to “have it their way” or go elsewhere.Here’s where we insert small-batch furniture.In a multibillion-dollar industry, there will always be a need for scale, and the biggest players have pretty much perfected the technology, logistics and material sourcing required to meet the need. But there is room for another option, one where affordable customization processes take center stage to an audience of buyers seeking something uniquely their own.Consider the 10-frame option at the previously mentioned High Point factory. If you’re a designer or a small, independent retailer, you can have a canvas waiting in the studio so to speak, ready for you and your customers to create an original work of art — a no-delays, buy-frame, pick-fabric, build-locally option not dependent on international logistics or materials, just ready to go.And if you’re a larger manufacturer who would like to have a bit of a buffer against those same international challenges, the other High Point factory is ready to ramp up production to offer a domestic upholstery option as an insurance policy against unforeseen delays or price hikes, along with the owner’s stated potential of more than 1,000 pieces a week for the right partner.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0nxb1X_0w7N7HET00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0nxb1X_0w7N7HET00" width="860" height="480" ><figcaption>Vision Contract Manufacturing is serving as a domestic private label source for several international manufacturers.</figcaption></figure>Much like craft breweries vs. popular 12-packs, these small-batch furniture suppliers won’t replace the forever need for scalable production for the masses. However, they do represent an idea that seems to be gaining traction. There are places coming to the forefront where independent retailers and manufacturers with at least one niche category demand can go to avoid international obstacles that derail companies that can’t afford bumps in the purchase path.And a notable bonus: They are right around the corner from the heart of the “furniture capital of the world.”</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Should ‘small batch’ furniture be part of your product mix? | Cindy W. Hodnett

Our team has been on the road the past few months, visiting regional manufacturers in and around North Carolina for a look at what’s happening locally in factories as we count down to market and potential fourth quarter business conditions. No surprise, we’ve heard about challenges related to global...