Leather is having a hard time at the moment. The average consumer assumes that leather is mass produced and doesn't rely on market conditions or supply and demand. Leather, as a reminder, comes from cow hide, of which there is a finite supply and is currently experiencing a worldwide shortage. As a result, leather furniture products are experiencing price increases of 5% to 25%.
In the near future, we will begin hearing catch phrases like "bonded leather". Bonded Leather combines synthetics, latex and polyurethanes. As described by wisegeek.com (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-bonded-leather.htm), bonded leather is the difference between "ground beef" and "steak". Bonded leather gives the appearance of genuine leather, but is far from the real thing.
With the current supply issues surrounding co
w hides, the most frugal and humane way to purchase a genuine leather product is on the resale market.
If you see a genuine leather product on the resale market, do not hesitate, as the value is likely to be too great to pass up. Two weeks ago, we had a beautiful Hancock & Moore leather recliner that I was strongly
considering for my own home. I thought about it overnight and was pacing the showroom floor, ready to take the plunge. When I walked to the second floor to grab the tag, one of our regular customers was relaxing in "my chair". Needless to say, he purchased the chair and I am still kicking myself for not moving more quickly. Leather is durable, looks great and is in short supply. So if you find it in your favorite consignment store -- buy it!
