I've been in this business since 1985 and have never seen it as bad as it is right now. So many of my suppliers are just about in tears it seems, from lack of business. They've been 'holding on' for some time now, and hoping things would get better - but they haven't. There was a small flurry of orders back in March that seemed to give a little boost, but they dried up in April/May/June.

I have suppliers calling me up asking if they can make anything for me for floor stock (no, sorry), and others telling me they have not one single order in house to make something. One of my very best master craftsmen told me today he's going out this weekend to re-finish a wood floor to earn some money......I could not believe that! A man of his talent re-surfacing hardwood floors? That's like Piccasso taking a job painting the exterior trim of a house.

Some furniture reps are no longer even calling on dealers, it costs too much to go out on the road and dealers are not giving them stock orders.

Most seem resigned to their fate, and that of the economy. I don't think they will all be able to keep their doors open much longer, and that's a real shame for I've been doing business with most of them for a quarter century. All hard-working, all honest as the day is long, and all just want to be able to pay their bills from their work. Worst I've ever seen it.

When I DO send in an order, I can almost hear the 'Thank You, Lord' on the other end of the phone. Any work at all is hugely appreciated from all the suppliers. I can't name names, but rest assured this is occurring all the way from the 1-man artisan shop to the thousand-man strong factories. Its a strange time to be in this business.

I hope some can make it through July and August. Orders almost always pick up in September, and I know most will try to hang on until then to see if they can rally. In any case, if there's anything you need from ANY maker, this is a real good time to order. You won't get a better price, but your order will keep Americans working and they need a little bit to help make it to September and (hopefully) the traditional Fall push will sustain them until 2010.

My friend Carmen is closing his store in Devon, PA. He can't make it. If you are in that area, stop by see if there's anything on his going-out-of-business sale that you can use. You'll get a great price and help him liquidate his inventory:

http://www.quailridgefurniture.com/