With its recent launch, Harbor Classic is only days away from disrupting an antiquated market, one that is predominantly littered with companies that are riddled with staunch markups for cheaply made outdoor patio and backyard furniture. Primed for change, the $10 billion outdoor furniture industry has seen rapid growth in recent years and is expected to further grow by 50% to $15 billion in overall sales by 2028.  

Historically, innovation and user experience have been two major driving factors in an industry’s growth; however, the outdoor furniture space is one that defies these traditional norms.  

The “work at home” model has accelerated growth, as consumers are spending more time at home and now, more than ever, realize the value of outdoor living. So, why are  consumers still being forced to drive long distances to visit uninviting showrooms to purchase outdoor furniture that can be delivered on average in 6 to 8 weeks? If you choose to forego chatting with the commission-based salesman at your traditional brick-and-mortar retailer and hop online to find your dream backyard set, you will find websites that are confusing and not all-inclusive and that are bogged down by ridiculously long lead times.  

Enter Harbor Classic. 

Harbor Classic saw the simple problem and, more importantly, the elegant solution.  

Outdoor furniture is expensive. The industry is fragmented, with most manufacturers selling wholesale to retailers at a 30-50% markup, and retailers then turn around and add another 60-75% markup to consumers. As a result, production times are unpredictable, delivery times are slow and inconvenient, and price gouging is at an all-time high.  

To give the appearance of lower prices, in-store and online retailers advertise “lower” and more “attractive” prices by displaying prices on furniture that do not include furniture cushions or shipping, two of the most expensive and vital parts of a consumer’s purchase. When added back in at checkout, displayed furniture prices typically double.  

“These deceptive practices and steep markups due to the middleman are exactly why we decided to start Harbor Classic. We saw the massive gap and decided to fill it with a vertically integrated, direct-to-consumer outdoor furniture company with timeless designs that are handcrafted by the industry’s leading artisans.” said the company’s Chief Executive Officer. 

Harbor Classic’s “one price, next day shipping” business model is poised to shake up how the tired, outdated furniture industry operates.  

“We offer the absolute best prices and quality to our consumers without cutting a single corner,” said the company’s Chief Marketing Officer.  

Harbor Classic’s single advertised price includes their bespoke, handcrafted furniture from the finest materials, industry-leading Sunbrella fabric cushions in a host of timeless colors, and next-day shipping to your door. Lead times are virtually nonexistent at HarborClassic.com. Everything advertised is in stock, period. Consumers can expect one all-inclusive price with next day shipping, without the hassle and runaround from traditional furniture companies. 

So, Why Are Consumers Paying So Much For So Little? 

By doing away with expensive showrooms, multiple manufacturers that it has no control over, and deceptive prices, Harbor Classic believes its open and honest approach to outdoor furniture will reward the consumer by providing a client-centric shopping experience that is second-to-none in the outdoor space.  

“We control every aspect of the process. By designing and manufacturing our own products, we can attest to each and every piece’s quality. We utilize only the best materials, specifically suited to outdoor use that will last a lifetime. By recognizing and shedding the deficits other brands have, such as fancy showrooms, middlemen, and long lead times, we have perfected the outdoor product and furniture buying experience that consumers have been craving at a significantly lower price, and our products ship to you the very next day. We hold ourselves accountable so that you don’t have to,” said the company’s CEO.  

Harbor Classic: Geared for the Future 

We are excited to check out Harbor Classic’s e-commerce platform, HarborClassic.com. The industry has been ripe for change, and we believe Harbor Classic has found the “secret sauce” to make waves in the outdoor furniture world.