SHOCKWAVES UNWANTED

In this beautiful space here at the Javits Center today that is the first day of ICFF, we truly see the best in luxury home decor, but tariffs are the elephant in the room. JUNIPER Design hosted a much-needed panel discussion about the uncertainty of tariffs, understanding why tariffs were implemented, only to come at a devastating cost. The intention of tariffs by President Donald Trump is to encourage business to produce goods in the United States instead of overseas. Appreciating the hard work and labor that we as citizens put into something that’s worth saving up our money for. But after half a century of America driving its economy on free trade, home decor brands have been forced to pivot their production as tariffs take a bite out of budgets across the board.

For the larger home decor brands, it’s no doubt tariffs are affecting their profit margin, even going as far as their operating cost which forces pivoting on where their goods are produced. But for the smaller home decor brand, all of their profits could be wiped out, leaving no room whatsoever for new investment or even sustainability. Draconian tariffs of any percentage high or low is no good on the consumer, much also on the small business owner whose profits could be wiped out as high as 50 percent or entirely. Tariffs also could eat into operating costs that could drive that small home decor brand out of business.

The auto industry, mass media, and also fashion which DANIEL PLUS LAUREN covers regularly have the means and capital to protect themselves from tariffs that are severe as President Trump imposes. But for most home decor brands, they run on a smaller scale since luxury home decor is niche if not appealing to the Home Depot crowd. The luxury home industry is calling for Congress to pass laws that protect not only their profits, but their livelihood to stay in business. There’s no doubt that consumer, home owner, and business large or small are staying on the sidelines with plans for pleasure and growth. As we hold our breath on what President Trump does next, we know that a country not strong enough to handle tariffs is heading into a recession, or then a depression.

DANIEL QUINTANILLA