Fine woods combined with fine leather and stone.     Photo: Brax - VPC

With so dramatic fluctuations in the currency market and interest rates so low, isn’t it time to invest in the comfort of ones family? We decided to discuss this issue with the managing partner of Copenhagen Imports in El Paso, Flemming Carlsen.

Carlsen has been overseeing the vision, inventory and service at Copenhagen Imports in El Paso for 28 years and his knowledge of the market and furniture is unsurpassed.

Carlsen explores the different characteristics involved in investing in and enjoying the comfort of fine furniture.

FC: "One thing that is certain is the quality that we represent will last for many, many years to come. And the investment that our clients makes in their comfort and their lifestyle may be initially high but when you translate that over the long term it is really only pennies each day."

Distinctive color compatibility for eye catching appeal.     Photo: Brax - VPC

FC: "The client needs to see the value in their investment in fine merchandise. And many of our clients can see and appreciate the quality and the value of our furniture. This is what makes their investment in their lifestyle so satisfying."

FC: "Also, many of our designs are timeless and five or even ten years from now they will still be timeless. And as you know, many famous designers and architects have worked on the development of some of these pieces. The pieces that we import from Scandinavia and Italy which are designed by some of the greatest designers in the world are very different from the copies of older designs that are available throughout the world in the retail market today."

In the last ten years the world saw a glut of furniture made in China that was passed off as fine furniture. There are differences from some of those replicas and the furniture that you represent.

FC: "Yes, they are different from some contemporary furniture made in China for example. But, we also have some very good manufacturers in China. But, of course, we absolutely maintain the highest level of quality control for all of our suppliers, regardless of the origin of the furniture."

There is then a quality differential regarding furniture as well as other products in China as well as other countries. One cannot generalize based solely upon the country of origin.

Flemming Carlsen of Copenhagen Imports.     Photo: Brax - VPC

FC: "Yes. We maintain a large number of high quality suppliers from all over the globe that consistently produce furniture of the highest quality that will last for many many years."

FC: "We continue to import very high quality fine furniture and accessories from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany, Italy, Spain... and as I have mentioned China and also from the South Paciic in Indonesia.... Malasia. Today we are dealing with manufacters from all over the world."

How do the fine furniture manufacturers continue to compete with the cheaper knockoffs and copies? We know from listening to Carlsen that there are many manufacturers that have been producing fine furniture for decades... and not merely a few years. How do they stay competetive?

The richness of fine wood enhances any decor.     Photo: Brax - VPC

FC: "In some cases we made adjustments in cost. But, many manufacturers in Europe for instance, are trying to keep the cost down also. They are in the same position as we are in that they need to stay competetive. And they do the very best to do that."

It is in the best interest of the major manufacturers and importers such as yourself to ride out fluctuations in the economy. You are not alone in that.

FC: "They need the American market and even if the margins are slim in order to stay competetive... they will do that. And of course, so will we."

Prepared by Westside Reader staff.

(Photos: Brax & File - Valley Publishing Company)

Send feedback to:

Editor, WestsideREADER.com

elpasotimes.com elpasoinc.com ktsm.com kvia.com utep.edu newyorktimes.com

Copyright © 2004-2008 Valley Publishing Company:
All Rights Reserved.