We are just back from an extensive factory tour of 5 of the major companies that we represent in  Italy.  We have done this before and every time we do we realize how incredibly valuable this is for us in the decision making process of which vendors we wish to sell in our store.

The companies vary in both size and production capabilities but without exception they are all run by multigenerational families.  And the owners – all generations – take the time to show us their manufacturing plants,  their showrooms, their employees and of course “their town”.  What a treat!

I think the biggest eye opener for me is seeing the “guts” of the sofa or dining chair or even the table bases.  There are so many extras contributing to the comfort and design that instead of justifying the retail price it makes one wonder how they can only charge what they do for the finished product. So many of their employees have been there for many years – it is not unusual to have whole families work in the same factory and often in the same area.

We saw many new products – some we saw at Milan but some getting ready to be shown in High Point in October.  We placed orders for some fabulous things – check the website – and what is nice is they will all arrive prior to the holidays.

Author: Sklar Furnishings