Revitalizing “Made In America” Movement

Recently we have heard a lot about the revitalization of the “Made In America” movement.  While some companies could be claiming to revitalize the movement with manipulative intentions, most do not have ill intentions.  Since buying American Made products is a value we have always believed strongly in here at Interior WooDesigns, we understand the value of supporting American Made goods.  As an American manufacturer having produced store fixtures for more than 30 years here in the United States and having never once outsourced any work overseas, we fully comprehend the pros and cons of overseas manufacturing plants.  While it could be easy to shift facilities abroad to render greater financial gains, we have always been able to see past the initial gratification and have stuck to our core values.

As many American brands outsourced to facilities abroad, consumers continued using these same products that left the United States to render greater profit margins.  While brand loyalty remained strong, it wasn’t until recent years when people have began realizing the jeans they are wearing are no longer made in America, but are now being produced in Mexico or abroad.  With many brands that have had long roots in American society, many consumers failed to realize or question where the products they wear or use are manufactured.  Having discovered through noticeable quality variances, and lots of media attention throughout the last 2 years in particular, it is now that people are questioning more frequently where the goods they buy are produced.

Now that people are aware, revitalizing the “Made In America” movement is gaining an immense amount of strength.  While this movement is reviving American manufacturing, it will also generate many jobs, and help the overall health of our nation.  Since our nation has been slowly creeping back from the recession, we all can appreciate the “Made In America” movement that will help put people back to work, continue to strengthen our economy, and make us all less reliant on foreign goods and manufacturing.

In addition, revitalizing the “Made In America” movement have other benefits that allow manufacturers to monitor quality control more closely, and won’t allow inferior or dangerous products to slip into a products construction.  Due to American Health and Safety standards, that are often non-existent in other nations throughout the world, this is favorable for U.S. consumers and manufacturers.  Another important aspect for many Americans is ensuring the employees of the goods we purchase are not working in deplorable conditions, and are making a wage worthy of the price consumers pay for the goods.  In America, we mandate companies pay at least minimum wage, and with tenor often will receive pay increases.  While U.S. minimum wage is SIGNIFICANTLY more than the wages a person would be paid for comparable work overseas in many nations, producing domestically provides many jobs and tax revenue.  When more people are working and paying taxes, it means more people are paying their share into Social Security and Government Subsidies, in addition to lowering unemployment rates.  Additionally, by providing American jobs, those additional folks who now have jobs can and will likely buy the manufactured product or at least provide word of mouth marketing that can’t be generated by overseas manufacturing operations.

While the “Made In America” movement is beneficial to manufacturers, the American labor force, and consumers, it also is very beneficial for many local, state, and national economies as well.  Since manufacturing is a staple indicator of the national economy, the amount of goods we produce domestically affects how other nations perceive our nations viability.  In an effort to establish the strength the United States is known for, U.S. Manufacturing is vital.  It is with great appreciation and encouragement that we embrace revitalizing the “Made In America” movement.  I would urge everyone to check the clothes you wear and the products you buy to see where it is produced, and if it is not produced domestically search for an American alternative if looking to replace.  In addition, if buying online many websites have recently added “country of origin” next to the products you wish to browse.  By purchasing American made goods, all Americans benefit, and will help U.S. goods be more competitive in the global marketplace.

The advantages of revitalizing the “Made In America” movement are numerous, and the economic impact is great.  As a U.S. manufacturer dedicated to buying domestic goods whenever possible, we couldn’t be more thrilled to assist in the movement.  With many manufacturers bringing facilities back to the U.S., available domestic made options will be more readily available, will bring shipping costs down, and will allow customers to receive the quality products from brands they have grown to love, all while helping fellow Americans and the U.S. economy as well.  In an effort to bring this movement to fruition, I ask for your support in buying American Made goods.  Revitalizing the “Made In America” movement can only bring positives, and will rebuild American manufacturing to a strength we all will appreciate.  Manufacturers, Retailers, and Consumers a like will all benefit from supporting products Made In the U.S.A.  Thanks for your support.

Consumer Confidence is Gaining Strength

With the past months having been hectic, I have neglected blogging and apologize for any inconvenience for those who read our posts regularly.  Although we have been inundated for the past 8 month in our production of retail store fixtures, we have not lost focus of the overall market which has been gaining remarkable strength.

While our manufacturing plant at Interior WooDesigns has been gaining strength throughout recent months, we have seen the steepest increase in production since 2007.  Since our production plant is dependent on the retail industry, we are glad to see what appears to be a sign of economic recovery which has gloomed over us since the beginning of the recession.  Having seen periodic glimpses of hope throughout the past few years, it nevertheless has remained difficult with consumer confidence lagging behind with hesitation. 

Since recent statistics have shown steady increases in retail sales for the past 3 months, we are hopeful the trend will continue.  While retail sales are dependent upon consumer spending, it is evident that consumer confidence is gaining strength in some fashion.

Although there are many global events occurring throughout the world, fuel prices have remained relatively constant, which is a key factor in economic stability and consumer confidence.  With this being said, it appears to be having a profound impact on consumer confidence and the strengthening of our economy.

In addition, we also have noticed a significant increase in the real estate market as well, which is used as an economic indicator showing remarkable strength.  With the statistics showing an uptick in the real estate market for the past 3 months, they too have seen the greatest increase in market demand and sales since 2007 when the housing market began falling due to the recession.  Here in Southwest Florida, which is said to be one of the worst areas affected by the recession in the nation with an abundance of foreclosures, it appears the market is crawling back according to realtors I’ve spoken with.

Another market that is showing signs of recovery is the luxury market industry as well.  In a recent article I read, it indicated luxury home sales were up drastically from recent years, as was luxury car sales, and sales of high end jewelry, which were hit hard by the recession.

With a wide array of industries seeing signs of strength, and an increase in consumer capital being spent, we are optimistic that consumer confidence is on the rise.  Knowing that consumer confidence is a key component to a stable economy, it is comforting to see money being released into the economy via consumer spending.  Another very important factor in determining consumer confidence is unemployment rates which have been falling, and with an increase in job positions available, this too helps ease consumer spending tensions.  When additional moneys are filtered through the economy and a stable, non volatile national economic situation is operating smoothly we all are benefactors.

With all industries and consumers having struggled throughout recent years, it is reassuring to see and hear of many industries that are coming back from the recession.  Consumer confidence is so very powerful in controlling our economy, and now that the recession has purged many companies, and affected millions of lives in toxic ways, it appears we can all look forward to better days yet to come.  In the meantime, until the economy is back strong we will continue to pray for continued economic strength and less economic uncertainty.  While we as Americans have outsourced many jobs overseas, this is a time when many can see the importance of providing American Jobs, and less outsourcing.  In other words, don’t forget to support American jobs, by supporting American Made Products.  To find many American Made products, simply do a web search, and you will be surprised to find many products that are manufactured here within the United States of America.  If we all do our part to strengthen OUR economy, consumer confidence will continue to increase, unemployment will continue to fall, and our national economy will continue to rejuvenate, in turn strengthening the value of the American Dollar.

Material Shift for Longevity Increase

Having manufactured store fixtures for nearly 30 years for retailers across the country, at Interior WooDesigns we recently have seen an interesting shift.  Although many years ago retail store fixtures were once comprised of all real wood then stained to a desired color, many companies switched to other more cost affective alternatives.  Since real wood fixtures are more labor intensive, and material is more costly, many companies chose alternatives such as Melamine, Particle Board, and Laminate options which could have a desired look for a significant amount less.  Having altered designs and materials to cheapen the retail displays to the least possible amount, many retailers were willing to gamble on the fixtures lifespan.

Although our clients have been aware of the decrease in durability and a fixtures longevity in a commercial environment in comparison to real wood, most chose to continue with the less expensive alternatives.  With the last few years having been extremely rocky for most consumers, retailers, and many businesses, the less expensive alternatives were probably appropriate for the economic times.  Although the trend of economy store fixtures has not expired, and has trended for more than the last 15 years, we recently have noticed an upswing in desired quality.

Since the cost of fixtures are often depreciated over 6-7 years with a 10 year expectancy prior to replacement.  We have noticed some economy fixtures in commercial environments in as little as a few months to 6 years looking like they went through World War II.  Even though we know real wood fixtures can end up looking the same, it usually takes much longer to age the displays than with the less expensive wood alternatives.  With some clients having realized the value in better quality fixtures we have noticed an upswing for requests of real wood and plywood construction with laminate for an increase in long term durability.  Although plywood construction with a laminate face is not equal in durability to real wood, neither is the price.  At a price significantly less than real wood, but more than melamine or particle board construction, we are excited to see better quality fixtures hitting retail environments once again.

Will this be a short term or long term trend? Who knows?  Although we would like to manufacture the better quality fixtures that will hold up for an extended period before needing replacement, we are happy to produce whatever our clients choose.  Regardless of whatever construction medium our clients choose, we make every effort to ensure the ruggedness of the fixture holding up to normal wear and tear in commercial retail environments to the best of our ability.  Since we pride ourselves on producing the best quality store fixtures in the United States for a reasonable and competitive price, we enjoy seeing our fixtures in retail environments in good condition which helps to set the ambiance within the retail establishment.  Even though the fixture should not be the focal point drawing attention away from the product on the display, it should represent an image for customers as to the type of merchandise that’s being displayed.  In an effort to help our clients maintain that desired look, building a good quality store fixture that will last is crucial, regardless of whatever materials are used.

Economic Hostage Stand-Off

Although we have entered the New Year without a fiscal cliff thus far, it is starting to feel like a SWAT standoff until March.  With little movement from both Republicans and Democrats, compromises are a must in order to move forward.  Since many of us have already noticed less in our paychecks from an increase in payroll taxes, and fuel price increases which have remained high since Christmas due to economic uncertainty, resolving this quickly is a must.

Like a hostage in a Congressional Standoff, We the People must demand a resolution.  With economic uncertainty, people quit spending money, which will drive companies out of business, and not stimulate growth, but cause stagnant or negative growth which could lead us into another recession, which Americans Can Not Afford.  With many Americans having already depleted much of their savings to get by over the past few years, unemployment figures still high, and the economy not completely recouped from the recession, We Must Find a Resolution. 

Even the best of hostage negotiators use compromises to defuse a situation, which could be a lesson for Congressional Leaders, but since it appears many of them care more about being re-elected than what is best for the MAJORITY of the population, it could be an insurmountable dilemma if it is not resolved with swiftness.

In the final month of 2012 when retailers count on a significant amount of income brought in by Holiday Sales, in order to sustain through the slow times of the year, they saw the smallest increase in Holiday Sales they have seen since 2008.  Since the boom is calculated from Black Friday through Christmas Eve, and can represent 20-40% of some companies annual sales, its importance is extremely relevant for future growth and financial future.  Although retailers overall showed a 4.5% increase in the Holiday Season, with Target whom is the nations second largest retailer reported that sales were flat from last year, and consumer spending was only up .7% according to SpendingPulse.

With more than 25% of all Americans tied to retail in some fashion, one can only hope a backlash from the Holiday Season shortfall has a minimal economic impact.  Although those of us in the manufacturing industry saw increases in production in the forth quarter of 2012, we pray it is not short lived by the economic uncertainty caused by congressional leaders.  Regardless of political view, a solution to the problem is being demanded by the people, yet they continue to wave at us with their middle finger.  In an effort to make a difference, I personally vow to punish those whom we elect to make decisions on our behalf, when their terms expire and are up for re-election.  Warren Buffet recently made a public statement how he could end the deficit in 5 minutes, by passing a law that says any time the deficit exceeds GDP by 3% all sitting members of Congress are in-eligible for re-election, which would DEFINITIELY Resolve many issues, but the likeliness of that happening is not likely.  Therefore, we MUST count on the Men and Women of Congress to work rapidly together to create and vote an acceptable solution into law to ease the economic uncertainty of the great nation we call The United States of America.

Since the United States of America is populated by more than 312.8 million people according to the 2012 census and there are only 535 Men and Women of Congress, it is time we as Americans DEMAND a resolution.  Although they are guaranteed a paycheck while elected with a pension and medical benefits for life, we the taxpayers, manufactures, retailers, construction trades, technology industries, automobile industry, hospitality industries, etc NEED ECONOMIC CERTAINTY, NOT UNCERTAINTY in order for businesses to flourish and provide jobs to the MAJORITY of the U.S. population.  Instead of holding Americans hostage while Congress fumbles with personal and narrow minded visions, make some compromises so a solution can be made and the lives of Americans can be taken off hold, and rejuvenate strength within the U.S. Economy.  We are counting on you Congress (Hostage Negotiators) to talk out a solution. We can not afford a recession caused by lack of compromise from elected officials.  As a Fiscal Cliff still looms over our heads for March, it is only with your laborious task that a solution be made to avoid such disaster.

Resources:

   >  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/04/business/retailers-post-4-5-increase-in-december-sales.html?_r=0

   >  www.nrf.com