People like the idea of buying American, but the reality of it does not always make economic sense.
It’s more expensive to make furniture here, and while the quality might be better than that of your overseas options, it’s harder to pull the trigger when an item costs more.
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Buying American is like swapping a salad for a hamburger or pizza at lunch. Everyone knows why it’s a good idea, but when it comes time to do it, people find excuses not to.
In addition to their generally higher costs, American-made-furniture chains face rising labor costs and higher materials expenses. That’s a problem when you also factor in the changes in demand for furniture that the Covid pandemic brought on.
Many people redid their homes, or at least upgraded some Items, during the lockdown. That effort pulled demand forward but also led to a changed the purchasing cycle. The past year has been slow for many in the sector.
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That in turn has produced bankruptcies for national players like Z Gallerie, which has come back from the dead with an online store, and for many local chains. It also claimed Progressive Furniture, a major North Carolina player that shut down without a bankruptcy filing.
Now, another long-tenured North Carolina furniture maker has decided to close its doors forever.
People push back buying new furniture during tougher economic times.
Bassett Furniture
North Carolina has a deep furniture tradition
North Carolina has earned the nickname “The Furniture Capital of the World.” And, while that’s a little bit like calling the winner of sports leagues with only U.S. and Canadian teams the world champions, it’s a well-earned moniker.
“When it comes to furniture, North Carolina goes big — after all, it’s home to the world’s largest furnishings industry trade show, the world’s largest furniture store and the world’s largest furniture manufacturer,” the state of North Carolina says on its website.
A number of famed brands including Ashley Furniture, Ethan Allen, Sealy, and Heritage Home Group call the state home.
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“North-Carolina-made furniture got its start because of its close proximity to the Appalachian Forest, which made it easy for furniture makers to harvest the hardwood they needed,” DecorHouse posted.
“Those nearby supplies helped to keep costs down and allowed furniture makers to enjoy quick, easy access to wood and other materials. Over time, more furniture designers, makers and brands began calling North Carolina home.”
The state has seen that tradition take some hits in recent months as multiple North Carolina furniture companies have closed their doors. That’s part of a larger national trend, but now another major player has decided to close its doors.
North Carolina loses another legendary brand
“Carolina Furniture Direct is a Raleigh, N.C., furniture store owned for over 60 years across three family generations,” the company website says. “We create customized sectionals, living room sets, dining sets and bedroom sets sized specifically for your home. Our fashion-forward modern and transitional styles draw inspiration from leading retailers at a fraction of the cost.”
The chain has prided itself on offering American-made furniture that supports its local community.
“We understand the value of buying North Carolina and American-made products. Our customers appreciate furniture that supports our local artisans and keeps their dollars circulating in the community,” it wrote.
The company has made the difficult to decision to go out of business and will liquidate its 30,000 sq. ft. showroom beginning May 22, with all merchandise up to 50% off. No final operating date has been publicly set.
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Carolina Furniture Direct has not declared bankruptcy. Its owner, Mark Helms, plans to retire when the going-out-of-business operation concludes.
As of this writing neither the company’s website nor its social media make any mention of the closing. The shutdown was widely reported by local media.
