Buying for Retail-Some Advice for Purchasing Quality Leather Furniture

A great article re-emerged from Russell Bienenstock in the home furnishings industry's top publication on the benefits and advantages to buying leather furniture products.  His first in a two part piece in the New Rochelle, New York-based Furniture World Magazine made me think-WOW!  This blogger shares some of it here and I must say it was very informative and helps with the argument on whether or not to use this material in a modern office or living space:


"...From a consumer standpoint, buying a leather sofa can seem like a “no-brainer, wrote Bienenstock. "There are no fabric patterns to choose, simplifying decorating decisions for the design-challenged. It is also true that quality leather has properties which can make it superior to many fabrics. 

Consider the following...Leather outlasts most fabric coverings. It has an exceptionally long useful life. It will not tear and is half again as strong as other upholstery materials -- even along the seam lines. It is fire resistant and emits no toxic fumes, even when exposed to intense heat. Modern full grain leather products won’t crack or peel. Quality leather stretches and retains its shape without sagging. It 'breathes', assumes body temperature rapidly and is instantaneously comfortable. It resists heat and sun damage. Leather is a practical material, ideal for busy lifestyles. No special solvents or cleaners and no lengthy or expensive procedures are necessary for its care. Leather generally ages well.

On the other hand, depending on how it is used, covers promoted and sold as leather differ in how long they will last, how easy they are to clean, in their suppleness and, how effectively they can be repaired. There are big differences in leather price, quality and wear, yet retail customers may have trouble evaluating how these differences correlate with desired benefits. This is not surprising since even retail salespeople who should have this expertise, may not be conversant with the types of leather, finishes or products such as leather splits, vinyl and fabric/leather composite materials.

Although home furnishings industry professionals do not need to know the fine details of leather production, basic information regarding hide quality, tanning, dyeing and finishing can help retailers to steer customers toward making informed purchase decisions."

The article stresses that there is quality to be had across the entire price point spectrum.  Best to be educated than to make a poor design and material choice.  In the end the value will be appreciated by the owner or end users.

Don't think leather is only for the ultra-rich.  Bienenstock remarked that tanning technology, globalization and composite leather materials are changing the marketplace making leather furniture more affordable and gaining broad consumer appeal.


For more on how GET, LLC through our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture and teaming partner American Hotel Register can assist you with your specific furniture needs-even leather-please check out our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at 671-483-0789 to discuss the best solution for your facility.  All the solutions are Made in America!!!