apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Oh, how I wish I was on the east coast! I would love to be a part of this - since I adore Hable Construction and their whole business model.

Can you please post a summary of the meeting for all of us here on the west coast? Thanks!

I have a question - I think their products/bags are lovely, but I do wonder how they are able to sell their canvas totes/bags at such a high cost, as compared to others on the market?

I agree with blugirl, someone please take notes. I'd LOVE to be there. I remember when they were just starting and I knew it would take off. Great design, great name (my dad was a custom homebuilder so I like the reference) and what fun to be in business with your sis. TAKE NOTES!!!!

I would love to know how a designer outside of NYC (like the Midwest) can submit design ideas to companies such as Hable Construction for product development. Do they use freelance designers? I can think of 20-30 home products to make using Hable fabrics. Should I buy the fabric at a 'to the trade' price and develop a line on my own, or approach them with my design ideas?
Shelly Leer

I'm afraid if I go they will think I'm stalking them. I went to their end-of-store sale twice and on the last day I asked a million questions about the fabrics and stared at all the pillows for an hour deciding which to buy.

Yes, please a summary of the meeting would be awesome! I have also been a big follower of Hable for years- back to when their website consisted of one homepage! They were one of my inspirations to start my own interior design business. I always wanted to create and sell my own pillows, but couldn't figure out how to get started- how did they make money? and continue to be able to sell these creations at the high prices? What or who is their biggest competitor? Has the advent of Etsy had any effect on what they do, good or bad? How did they get involved with the Hungarian Womens Coop?

Hey! This is not the Google Building! Barnes & Noble.com was here first! ; )

Here are my questions!:

-What do you think are the benefits of manufacturing in the US, what are some of the negatives?

-Given the current economic situation, do you think people are more willing to spend a little more to help businesses that are grounded here?

-As your company continues to grow do you think it will be feasible to continue to manufacture in the US?

I'd love to know why they decided to close their store. Are they focusing more on to-the-trade business?