by Closure represents the ongoing demise of well-known and respected brands in the industry
HIGH POINT — News earlier this past summer of the planned closure of sister brands Hekman and Howard Miller brought to mind the slow yet steady disappearance of well-regarded and respected brands in the industry.
This particular announcement, impacting two companies with more than 200 years of combined experience and known for their respective expertise — Howard Miller in particular with clocks and Hekman with home office — comes as no surprise given the current challenges facing the industry.
Interest rates have brought other challenges, especially for existing home sales. While the rates are hardly high by historical standards, they are keeping many from moving into a new home for fear of having to trade up to a higher rate than they’ve managed to secure through refinancing and other steps in recent years. Plus, higher home prices in a market that is saturated with high inventory levels are making it extremely difficult for younger buyers to afford a mortgage on their early career salaries.
Still, the message hit hard, though, particularly with the going-out-of-business sale each company held during the High Point Market. Customers that typically shop for new styles instead were shopping closeouts.
That said, these are not the first and won’t be the last brands to fade from the public view, many of which happened before this latest round of tariffs and housing-related malaise.
Broyhill, Drexel, Henredon, Harden Furniture, Empire Furniture, Richardson Brothers, Jasper Cabinet, EJ Victor, Crescent Fine Furniture, National of Mount Airy, Platt Collections, Lorts and Fine Furniture Design are several well-known names that have faded from view over the past 20 years or more. Collectively they were among the industry stalwarts known for their respective quality in construction and finishing. They also were considered style leaders in their time, leading trends that others would follow in subsequent markets.
Hekman and Howard Miller also were known for their excellence in manufacturing in wood furniture for many years. They also were among those companies retailers and trade press alike would visit at premarket in years past to capture a sense of style directions, not to mention large licensed collections such as Ty Pennington at Howard Miller.
And while Hekman had roots in traditional furniture, it also was a trend setter, even as it shifted to Asia sourcing. Its line showcased some of the most beautiful wood veneer treatment and use of high-low planking techniques that made the top of a dining or occasional table something you remembered not just for that market cycle, but for decades. Other resources, too, would incorporate these looks into their designs, an obvious affirmation that, if nothing else, imitation is among the highest forms of flattery.
Hekman also remained a style leader in more recent years, particularly with some of its case goods collections sourced out of India that used exotic wood species indigenous to that part of the world. Sadly that soon will be gone as the company winds down operations.
This is not to say that there are not plenty of other resources left to visit during market cycles that are well known for their quality, style and value in the marketplace. Still, the departure of many other well-respected brands likely makes many in the industry nostalgic for what they represented.
Recently, this dynamic inspired yet another visit to some consignment stores in the High Point area known to sell some well-known brands, including some of the ones mentioned in this column. Not only were the pieces in good condition — they also were priced to sell.
Yet for those looking to capture a piece of furniture history in shopping any of these brands at consignment or even online, we urge a bit of caution to make sure you are buying the real thing. Which means asking questions of the seller or vendor and perhaps checking for construction details such as wood-on-wood drawer guides, dovetail drawers or even the quality of the dust-proofing or drawer fronts. It also makes sense to check the nameplate or engraving inside the drawer to make sure it looks authentic as opposed to a sticker bearing the company name or logo.
For many in the market for furniture, new or used, a name is just a name that doesn’t bear any importance. Indeed, many consumers can find non-branded pieces that are beautifully built and designed whether they are shopping at a major retail chain or online.
Regardless, quality should be first and foremost in any purchase because that’s where consumers will learn to love their investment and value it for years to come. Some of that quality has faded with the departure of these brands. Fortunately, it still can be found in plenty of other places in the market.
