Leather and Fabric delays

Spring 2010 is bringing longer-than-usual delays in delivering upholstery orders across the board. What I think has occurred in talking to folks in the trade, is the tanneries and fabric mills cut back on inventory and workers during the world-wide recession of 2009. Orders have picked up since January, and now supply is lagging, both in hides and fabric. Apparently the volcanic ash from Iceland has played havoc with commercial freight as well, and causing even further delays.

End result, if you have something on order and the cover is not in-stock, you may experience a longer than usual lead time.

Duane yesterday I found the same thing out with our order from a local dealer. It has been on order for 8 weeks and isnt scheduled to be built until the end of may. Austin High back tilt and ottoman in Berkshire leather.
Paul

May be a case for me too? Ordered a Austin oxblood set (TC program) at the end of Dec and just got a delivery last week, took about 15 wks. Sounds a month longer than usual.

Peter

Yes, because orders dried up in 2009, tanneries and fabric mills laid off workers and reduced inventory. Now that orders are rolling in again, we're going to have a lag until inventory can catch back up with demand. I'm hesitant to quote any delivery dates at this time from ANY maker until I can make a call to check status of a cover.