Consumers are now finding it easier than ever to exercise their preference for buying Australian made furniture and bedding.  With the recent growth in the retail sector and more retailers stocking Australian made products, quality Australian furniture is increasingly available and accessible for consumers.

Identifying Australian made furniture in retail stores is quick and simple by looking for the Australian Made logo.  The new Furniture Industry Awareness Campaign (FIAC) tag featuring the famous kangaroo in the green triangle on one side and an endorsement from the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia (FIAA) on the back helps consumers make an informed choice on their purchase.

"It is in the best interest of Australian consumers to ask the retailer to show them Australian made furniture products" says Kevin Feldman, Director of the Furniture Industry Association, Queensland.  "There are many benefits to be enjoyed from insisting on Australian made furniture - not the least of which is the peace of mind you get knowing that the manufacturer is Australian, produces to Australian standards and doesn't compromise on quality to achieve a price point."

In this economic climate, consumers are more inclined to buy Australian made furniture and bedding because they can be confident that the product has been manufactured to Australia's high standards and safety requirements, under suitable working conditions and with a warranty that can easily and conveniently be fulfilled by the local manufacturer.  At the same time they are more aware of the power of their purchase in supporting local business, local jobs and local industry.

David Langworthy, founder and CEO of Bev Marks Australia says "by buying Australian made, everybody wins: the customer, the craftsman, manufacturers and retailers.  Consumers get a high quality product, while jobs, training opportunities and skills are kept in Australia.  We at Bev Marks attribute our success directly to our decision to sell only Australian made products and display the Australian Made logo."

The Furniture Industry Awareness Campaign, FIAC, is a national initiative to raise public awareness of the Australian furniture and bedding industry.  It is a collaborative effort between the Australian Made, Australian Grown Campaign and the state FIAA bodies from Queensland, Vic/Tas and W.A.  For more informatiion on the FIAC see www.australianfurniture.com.au. 

Media Contact:

Jasmine Fiegehen, Furniture Industry Awareness Campaign PR & Marketing Officer Phone: (03) 9686 1500

Kevin Feldman, Director, Furnishing Industry Association of Australia, Queensland.  Phone (07) 3865 1400