We unloaded a new shipment!

 We received a 40' container at our Van Nuys, California location yesterday. It contained mixed freight including 30 tables 8' to 16' in length and a dozen organic consoles. So, where do these come from? The short answer is Thailand. The process starts with obtaining reclaimed wood. The wood is obtained from areas that are cleared for a variety of reasons. The wood isn't grown to made furniture. In the case of the tables we just brought in, we bought a large section of a tree that was reclaimed and had it sliced to our specifications. The slabs are thick. The wood is then cleaned up and dried, finished and fitted with legs. We keep these in our Thailand warehouse and ship to California with our logistics company as we need them. Being in control of the entire process allows us to have the product we want and being to offer it at an extremely good value. It's also rewarding to us to know that the wood is responsibly obtained.   

We have new product, website and blog so, why not start at the beginning?

 

   We started small. In 1998 our sourcing consisted of scouring small cottage industry shops, literally mom and pop, throughout Thailand. Most of the people we delt with were serving the domestic market. My wife Pat, who is Thai, and I traveled around in a pickup truck and often found our vendors by stopping by in our travels. Internet was not what it is today and finding a source was primarily by word of mouth. We enjoyed the exploring and sourcing which led us to some wonderful experiences and finds. Reclaimed architectural pieces and farm tools were some of what we sourced. We developed relationships with some people who are friends to this day. This process is more than just business to us. We want to feel good about the entire process.

   We found a good market for our finds in Los Angeles. As we grew, we expanded our sourcing by fulfilling customer requests. We discovered that tables, coffee tables, stools, wall art and other natural wood decor were in demand. We did some shows including New York Gift Show, ICFF and Las Vegas Market. Initially, we were the only vendors selling natural wood furniture. This changes over the following years but we've navigated the ups and downs and continue to stay inspired and yes, we're still sourcing from great suppliers.

We've just come back from the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in NYC. The show offers high end, design inspired decor. It's truly an international show and I'm always impressed with the quality of the exhibitors and participants. We've exhibited these past three years and this year was no exception. I've seen the higher end businesses succeeding. They tend to offer new, exciting product and concepts to their clients; be it retail customers or design clients. The innovative entities are the ones succeeding. For more on this show and our lines, view www.asianartimports.com.
Wally Stryk   Asian Art Imports

The market IS getting better.

Last falls Las Vegas Market surpassed our sales expectations. Well, that was all well and good but I needed to see more. I wanted repeat orders, more new customers, and to see some indications that the overall economy has some positive signs. I've seen all that happen and it appears to have legs, that is to say, the recovery appears to be underway.

I'm seeing the more expensive projects getting funded. The folks with money are tired of holding onto it and the D word hasn't been passed around in a year. Even Christmas shoppers splurged a bit more.

We're doing more shows this coming year and expect to do well. Not just get by...do well. I'm not basing this on some optimistic delusion. I see the activity and it's not regional. The only regional effect I see is that southern California doesn't seem to be doing all that well yet. But that too shall pass.

Green decor, let's see...

I'm more interested in design than green. There, I said it. If green was all to me then I'd suggest that people roll the nearest rock into their home to sit on, shut off the lights and be done with it. We've been selling decor made from recycled wood for years but what propels our business in design. I'm myself am more moved by a stunning design than by how eco-friendly a piece is suppose to be. I've been involved with the Sustainable Furnishings Council for years. I'm not anti green. In fact I'm all for it but the reality is, if it's got the look then that's what most people like, want and buy.
Most of my customers buy for the design period. The fact that something is recycled or sustainable is an added benefit but seldom the motivation to buy. You may disagree, but that's my experience.
But make no mistake, in the press green is key. Just ask any certification organization. They are in the business of green.
So, if motivated by design why spend time moving my fingers about green? It's here, it's in peoples minds, it's being sold, it's big business, and...it's COMPLICATED.
When it comes to furniture the issue of being green is complicated indeed. There are numerous certification programs out there. What is not addressed is, what is the footprint of this product?Let’s say a piece of furniture is made with certified wood that is harvested here in the U.S. That lumber may be shipped to the Philippines for manufacturing. The final product is then shipped back to the U.S. The transportation and factory production emissions are not addressed. Either is the VOC content of the finishes. Some manufactures work on percentages of the materials used being recycled or green. That really gets complicated.So, all the customer knows is that this piece of furniture is called green and is “certified”. In this case, at least the deforestation issue is being addressed but there is more to consider when making decisions on what is most environmentally friendly. I suggest that customers learn as much as they can about a products manufacturing process. At least ask the right questions which will hopefully inspire sales staff to learn. From there, do the best you can by taking steps in the right direction.
Now, show me some design!
Wally Stryk asianartimports.com