Contemporary furniture resource Zuo isn’t waiting around for tariffs to hit furniture. The brand, which sources globally, has introduced a line of upholstery made in Mexico largely in response to the threat of additional costs for China-made goods.

Zuo began developing the new line less than a year ago as its sales and design team began a strategic analysis for the coming year with anticipation of changes in manufacturing, raw material costs – and the expectation of potential tariffs on Chinese-made furniture.

That led to pursuing new sources and alternative manufacturing channels that met Zuo’s brand promise of affordable luxury and fashion-forward furnishings.

The new upholstery collection, one of several tailored, bench-made groups to be manufactured in Mexico, includes a sofa, loveseat and matching chairs, plus storage benches and lounge chairs in a wide range of fabrics and color options. A set of three - sofa, loveseat and armchair - is $1,500.

A new in-stock program from the Mexico manufacturing facility will help to minimize production lead times while eliminating ocean freight costs. Zuo’s new collection also features a special retailer program with four-week lead times for factory direct containers.

In addition, Zuo will offer lower minimums for truck load ordering and will warehouse the new Mexican upholstery in each of its California, Florida and Guadalajara distribution centers.

“Regardless of the changing economy, Zuo is committed to offering the best-priced products regardless of where they are manufactured,” said CEO Luis Ruesga. “In working with our new Mexico upholstery partner, I am very proud that we are able to stay true to our company philosophy by delivering our Zuo sense of design style and modern aesthetic, but without an outlandish price.”

Ruesga noted that Zuo had been sourcing upholstery mainly in Asia, "but with this new channel and expected response to the modern designs and affordability; we plan to increasing production in 2019."

He added that retailers can expect additional Zuo upholstery collections from Mexico next year.

(Source: FurnitureToday)