Industry pros reflect on bright spots during Atlanta Market
While last week’s Atlanta Market was quieter than usual (attendance figures were not immediately available from AndMore), the creative and innovative product launches made a lasting impression.
Despite daily headlines filled with challenges and uncertainty, the world moves forward—and the furniture industry continues to demonstrate resilience, optimism and steady momentum in the face of economic and global headwinds.
When asked about bright spots and silver linings for 2025, many manufacturers offered thoughtful, heartfelt responses that inspired optimism for the year ahead.
Jenny Heinzen York, vice president of market for Currey & Company, said “our interior designer customer base is very large and strong – and very loyal to us. We continue to drive innovation, quality and exceptional design, and have not slowed our pace in any of these areas. Designers know that we deliver on our promises, and our range of style and price points makes us a logical place to shop for most projects.”
York added that its lighting showroom partners had a strong year. “Many are investing in their businesses, adding galleries and pursuing the designer market on their own. It’s been very rewarding to work alongside them to develop merchandising programs that bring fresh flair and design to their floors.”
And when it comes to tariffs, the companies Filipino manufacturing gives Currey & Company the ability to keep its pricing in line and predictable. “This is incredibly valuable in this moment of dramatic instability and uncertainty. We are committed to holding our prices – including no surcharges – at least through the conclusion of the summer market season.”
For Uttermost, its outdoor furniture launch is keeping the company excited. “The most exciting bright spot for us in ’25 is our outdoor launch. This is the result of more than a year of planning and work. We are producing our outdoor line at some of the top factories globally in Indonesia, Vietnam, India, and the U.S.,” said President and CEO Mac Cooper.
Cooper stated that the company has withstood challenging tariff, port and consumer confidence issues. “Our business has remained strong despite the uncertainties. It certainly helps that we’ve been celebrating our 50-year anniversary this year with special recognition and even celebrated a long weekend getaway from our entire Virginia headquarters and East Coast distribution center teams in March. We launched our outdoor collection in April, which has been a huge positive new addition.”
Mud Pie’s renewed interest from retailers who haven’t ordered from the company in a while has been a bright spot for them, said Zander Brekke, president. “We’ve also noticed a renewed interest from retailers who haven’t ordered from us in some time, along with both existing and new key accounts reaching out for additional product or expanded offerings.”
Despite the challenging circumstances of the world, Mud Pie has seen a solid year-to-date sales growth through the first of the year. “Our decision to keep shipments moving has paid off, as we’re in a good inventory position—right where we typically are in terms of stock levels, despite everything that’s been happening,” said Brekke.
Tag President Chuck Fraelich said tag has been able to mitigate the impact of tariffs. “Tariffs have created uncertainty with retailers and disrupted the supply chain for U.S. importers with respect to landed costs, rising container costs and delayed factory production orders. We have been impacted but based on strategic business decisions tag has been able to mitigate the impact.”
