by Company attributes decision to soft business conditions, closing of key suppliers and overall economic uncertainty
CLAREMONT, N.C. — Wood furniture importer and manufacturer Progressive Furniture has announced that it is closing its doors at the end of the year.
The company, a division of Sauder Woodworking, attributed the move to a variety of factors ranging from soft business conditions and retailer bankruptcies to the closing of key suppliers including a major plant in Mexico that produced about 60% of its product line.
“This decision was not made lightly, and we deeply appreciate the support and loyalty you have shown us over the years,” company President Dan Kendrick wrote in an email sent March 20, adding that the combination of factors and overall economic uncertainty “has left us with no sustainable path forward.”
The company sells a line of wood bedroom, dining and living room furniture including occasional tables, entertainment consoles and storage pieces. Much of its line was produced in Mexico, and some of the line is produced in Asia including in Vietnam and Malaysia.
The company also sells home office and outdoor furniture as well as a line of recliners available under the MacMotion brand, which it acquired in early 2021.
“To our sales team, your dedication and hard work have been the backbone of our success,” Kendrick said in the email to sales reps. “We are incredibly grateful for you commitment and the relationships you have built with our customers.”
Kendrick said in the email that the company will continue to fulfill orders and provide customer support until its closing date.
He said that the company will be working closely with each of its reps to “ensure a smooth transition and to provide support during this period. To our customers, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your patronage and trust in our products. Serving you has been our greatest pleasure, and we are proud of the quality of service we have provided.”
Dating back to 1985, the company is celebrating 40 years of business this year. Around 1988, it was purchased by Pete Pilliod.
Originally an occasional furniture manufacturer, Pilliod converted it into a bedroom resource. Sauder purchased the company in 2001. Today its Claremont, North Carolina-based operations employ about 30 people in a variety of administrative roles including customer service, sales/marketing and product development.
Home News Now Editor-at-Large Ray Allegrezza contributed to this report.
