Isabel Bloom Reverses Outsourcing Decision (Sort Of)
The owners of Isabel Bloom today reversed their decision to outsource production to China. Due to the overwhelming negative response to their original plans, Isabel Bloom announced that they will retain all fifty design studio jobs and continue local production of their original concrete sculptures. These products will continue to be sold in their four studio stores (Davenport, Moline, Naperville, and West Des Moines), through regional retailers, and their web and toll-free business. They said they will continue to investigate expansion opportunities and that any sculptures sold as part of a national expansion will be with products made in China using the new cast material.
This change of of plans was a smart move on their part. I think it is a good compromise between their desire to expand into new markets and the desires of their local collectors and community.
For more info, see:
- Isabel Bloom Press Release
- Isabel Bloom to keep production local (Quad City Times, February 21, 2006)