Casual Creations earns Made in USA certification

Undergoes audit to set new industry standard

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 12/12/2012 4:53:01 PM

SARASOTA, Fla. - After a strenuous supply chain audit process, Casual Creations became the first outdoor furniture manufacturer to earn the Made in USA Certified seal of certification (USA-C).
Arthur James Jr., CEO of this family-owned company, recognized the powerful marketing benefits for its brand and product line when he committed to the intensive certification process. "This certification will take Casual Creations to the forefront of the casual furniture industry, where we can proudly display the 'Made in USA Seal' on all of our products," James said. "The American consumer should be proud to buy American-made products, and support local and national small businesses. Casual Creations, a 34-year-old  company, is setting the stage to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. and create more jobs for the American workers."
Now more than ever, consumers are actively looking to buy products Made in USA, he said. They are checking labels and making much more conscientious consumer decisions. Buy Local movements are springing up everywhere.
"Buying Made in USA is not just a passing trend. It truly is something we as consumers, business owners and even government can do to support small to mid-size businesses," said Julie Reiser, president and co-founder of Made in USA Certified, which audits supply chains for businesses that want their products to bear their seal.
Unemployment numbers that have hovered over 8% the last three years are a constant reminder of the 2.8 million jobs that have been shipped overseas over the last decade. According to Moody's Economy.com, if every American spent an extra $3.33 on American-made goods every year, it would create nearly 10,000 new jobs. So, the good feeling of buying "Made in USA" not only supports companies to stay in business, but creates jobs. "Every day I hear from people who are determined to bring their materials and production to the U.S.," Tory Johnson, workforce correspondent for Good Morning America said, "and others who say creating American-made products and services is the single best way to revive the economy and get this country thriving again."
On top of building goodwill, having operations in the U.S. improves quality and cuts shipping costs and delays. This shows on the bottom line. By keep its operations in the USA, Casual Creations stays poised to come out in front on design and production due to the quick flexibility of local manufacturing. Access to regional partners for collaborations adds to the benefits of the American-made philosophy.
Besides the jobs it creates at home, "the ‘Made in the USA' label has become chic in the eyes of well-heeled consumers not just in the United States, but also in Asia," said Paulette Garafalo, the president for international, wholesale and manufacturing at Brooks Brothers. "People want the credibility of an American brand."
In a recent survey of affluent buyers, the United States ranked first (higher than Italy or France) in perceived manufacturing quality of luxury goods. This has brought a flurry of false claims from some manufacturers trying to fraudulently capitalize on this enviable label. The Lanham Act of 1946 addressed the issue but is just now seeing an increase in its use and enforcement as competitors who have made the effort to legitimately use the ‘Made in the USA' label win suits against the unethical manufacturers trying to ride the coattails of this movement.
Casual Creations continues to ‘lead the pack' with innovative practices. From design, color concepts, technology and now manufacturing practices, Casual Creations is an established business that focuses on the future.