Buy local and support the WA furniture industry
While WA is well-known for its local wines and fresh produce, the president of the State's association of furniture manufacturers believes it's high time our locally made furniture put us on the map.
Sonja Schoepf, president of the WA Furniture Manufacturers Association, said there was there an impressive range of styles available from local designer-makers, and the quality was far superior to imported goods.
"It is easy to find something of quality," she said. "Something you buy from a local manufacturer doesn't end up on the verge like most of the cheap stuff. You get a better product: a custom-made product that is local-made from locally grown or sourced material."
Richard Hofer, owner of Nedlands- based Easyliving Furniture and Interiors, agreed that one of the main benefits of buying local was being able to secure a custom-made piece.
"In the majority of cases you can redesign or change something," he said. "For example, in the lounge sector, if someone wants a different shaped arm, or wants to vary the height or depth of seating, it is possible.
"You also get the opportunity to add on in the future, which gives longevity to the piece of furniture. Say if you have bought eight dining chairs and want to add two more at a later date . . . if you go to a local manufacturer it is likely you will be able to do that or get something to complement.
"It is unlikely you are able to do that with imported furnishings because if something is imported you don't know when that range is going to be discontinued or not available."
Both believe the State's furniture industry faced serious challenges.
"We find many people don't realise we have such a good local furniture industry in Perth, which is very sad because people who buy locally made get to buy something different and unique so they have something that lasts and that they love," Ms Schoepf, a founder of boutique furniture manufacturer co-2designs, said.
It was also difficult for local businesses, particularly smaller operators, to compete with the comparatively cheaper price points of imported furniture. "But if something goes wrong with an overseas import it is difficult to get fixed," she said.
"One of the great advantages about buying locally is the warranty and service you get from buying local - that really makes a difference."
Mr Hofer was optimistic given the falling price of the Aussie dollar, as well as the loyalty of WA shoppers.
"Our dropping Australian dollar means the cost of importing goods is increasing," he said. "Gradually, this should assist the local manufacturers to become more competitive.
"We (Easyliving) have been around for 30 years and two-thirds of our customers are return customers. Most of our customers are in the 40-plus age bracket, as younger people are more likely to accept more of a throw-away mentality. (They) pay less initially, but replacing pieces costs more in the long run."
Ellenbrook resident Caroline Quainton said she chose to buy a locally made lounge because of the higher quality and that fact that it came with a 10-year warranty.
"We wanted something of good quality and being local, it was easy to contact the manufacturer to get the shape and measurements we required," she said.
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For a list of WA Furniture Manufacturers Association members visit wafma.com.au.
