There’s a saying in retail: When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance. When customers make a conscious choice to support the local economy instead of spending internationally, the whole community benefits.
With increasing competition from big box retailers offering mass-produced products, it’s more important than ever to source Canadian-made furniture and home décor options. In recent years, retailers have cited a skills gap, competitive pressure from the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and the cost of doing business as main challenges surrounding Canadian made goods.
Retailers have a lot of overhead costs, and the common markup for handmade is not as sustainable as it once was. All the more reason to celebrate and support local businesses that remain committed to offering homegrown products.
One-of-a-kind
Joshua Creek Furniture in Oakville has a 10,000 sq ft showroom with Canadian-made furniture for every room in the home, from sofas and sectionals to solid wood bedrooms, dining rooms, custom home offices and much more.
“Shopping Canadian supports local industry and minimizes your ecological impact,” says Joshua Creek’s Samantha Hobbs. “The bonus? Your Canadian made furniture is built to order, with custom choices that perfectly reflect the home you want to live in.”
The company works with local craftsmen known for superior construction and quality materials. Joshua Creek’s wood products feature details such as solid wood drawer boxes, English dovetailed mitre joints and full extension ball bearing glides. All of their leather furniture is made locally, with 100% top grain leather around the whole piece.
The company works with local craftsmen known for superior construction and quality materials. Joshua Creek’s wood products feature details such as solid wood drawer boxes, English dovetailed mitre joints and full extension ball bearing glides. All of their leather furniture is made locally, with 100% top grain leather around the whole piece.
The local advantage ensures superior customer service. “By using local builders, we are able to service any issues that may arise,” says Joe Levine. “Our builders take care of us, ensuring that we can take care of you.”
Cat McCrimmon, owner of Rustic Daisy’s in Waterdown, finds that customers enjoy discovering unique items they can’t find anywhere else. Her store sells exclusively Canadian-made gifts, home décor, and original art.
“The best example in our shop is pottery mugs made by Studio C Ceramics,” McCrimmon says. “Not only does this maker hand throw each mug on a wheel, but she also individually paints them. Every mug is a little different, allowing the customer to select the one that stands out to them the most.”
Quality first
Anderson Interiors in Burlington specializes in interior decorating, custom furniture and reupholstery, and has a showroom where designers showcase their work. Owner Jim Anderson stresses the Canadian-made financial benefit: “With no hidden costs like duty, shipping, or the dollar exchange from other countries added to the price,” he says, “every dollar spent is going into the quality of each piece.”
Canadian suppliers offer quicker lead times, customizable orders, lower shipping costs, less shipping damages, and more stock readily available. “We don’t have to make a pre-made piece work for your space,” Anderson says. “We can customize any piece to your specific room.”
Elizabeth Law, owner of Burlington-based Elizabeth Interiors, Liz at Home, and Liz at the Lake, can vouch for her merchandise because she visits suppliers and sees their work in progress. “We are very fortunate to have strong relationships with leading furniture manufacturers in Canada,” she says. “The advantage is visiting the [workshop] and seeing the quality [firsthand].”
Something to talk about
The key to sourcing Canadian-made products is communication. One way to get educated is simply by asking. Sales associates and store owners can point consumers in the right direction.
“Some items are designed in Canada but made offshore, so chatting with someone knowledgeable about the product will help,” says McCrimmon.
“Asking questions and comparing quality, price, and service to international brands will educate shoppers,” says Anderson.
“People like purchasing Canadian furniture because they like supporting the local economy,” adds Law. “Our clients feel proud to showcase Canadian artisans in their homes.”
According to Hobbs, customers of Joshua Creek Furniture are proud to say that their homes are full of locally made products. “We appreciate their commitment to our small local business,” she says. “When you buy our Canadian made products, you are purchasing quality pieces that your family will love for years to come.”
Local Links:
Anderson’s Interiors
686 Guelph Line, Burlington
andersonsinteriors.ca
Elizabeth Interiors
3225 Fairview Street, Burlington
elizabethinteriors.com
Joshua Creek Furniture
1029 Speers Road, Oakville
joshuacreekfurniture.com
Liz at Home
3443 Fairview Street, Burlington
elizabethinteriors.com
Penwood Furniture
270 North Service Road West, Oakville
penwoodfurniture.com
Rustic Daisy’s
25 Main Street South, Waterdown
rusticdaisys.ca
The Handmade House
374 Brant Street, Burlington
71 King Street West, Dundas
thehandmadehouseburlington.ca
