Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Marge Carson Exits Asia, Consolidates Production in Mexico
January 6,
2021 by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry 
Luxury furniture brand Marge Carson is shifting its business model to exit its current line of casegoods collections imported from Philippines and Indonesia, while consolidating its upholstered furniture and Palo Alto Bedroom production in Tijuana, Mexico.
The high-end brand, known for its custom capabilities, will pivot from that of a collections-driven casegoods and upholstery resource combining Asian imports and North American production to a model in which it has complete control of its production in Tijuana. The company has been producing custom upholstery and bedroom furniture in Mexico for over 23 years. “Ongoing supply chain disruptions with Asian suppliers have resulted in extended lead times creating an unacceptable customer experience,” said CEO Jim LaBarge. “We believe that having direct control of our production in Mexico will position us to deliver high quality, custom products in a predictable time frame, which will delight our customers. Our goal is to reduce shipment times to four to eight weeks,” he said.
Looking ahead, LaBarge said, “We will be focusing on upholstery, living room, family room and bedroom furniture featuring the leadership design, custom details and luxury fabrics Marge Carson is known for.” He added, “This change in our business model will streamline our operations, making them more efficient, while enabling us to improve customer service.”
Marge Carson’s current casegoods collections will be discontinued, but the company will ship all existing imported casegoods orders and accept new orders for imports until January 15, 2021. “There are no deadlines for orders of upholstery or our Palo Alto bedroom program, which will continue to be a core part of our product line,” LaBarge said. He added that the company plans to focus on developing occasional furniture and a dining room line that will be produced in Mexico in the near future.
LaBarge says that the move will enhance the value proposition of its product line. “The craftsmen in the area, where we have operated for 23 years, are skilled and talented at achieving the unique designs, finishes and custom details Marge Carson is known for.”
Pomona, California will remain the corporate headquarters for the iconic brand known as the originator of “California Casual” upholstery, a style distinguished by casual elegance, generous scale, unique silhouette designs and luxury fabrics. Management offices will be headquartered in Pomona, along with operations including customer service, marketing, design and accounting.
“This move positions Marge Carson strongly for 2021 and beyond,” LaBarge said. “We are also excited to be preparing for the June High Point Market, when we will introduce new upholstery frames, additions to the Palo Alto custom bedroom line and many new fabrics. We will be showing at our previous location at 121 N. Hamilton Street.”