If you’re looking for solid, classic-style pieces to furnish your home with, Acme Furniture may be the perfect fit. The brand’s signature style comes from founder and CEO James McKeever who worked as an industrial designer before starting his own business selling fine woodworking tools. His design aesthetic has been carried on by other designers at Acme Furniture that have helped keep their line of furniture distinctly American. The brand was founded in 1978 when McKeever moved to California after leaving Industrial Design school. He started out making wooden tool chests and then began designing more affordable versions of these items using metal instead of wood. In the late 1980s, he opened up an actual store where customers could purchase his merchandise directly from him. Today, there are over 1,000 stores nationwide carrying dozens of different lines of Acme Furniture.
In addition to providing high-quality product design, Acme also makes a point of being environmentally friendly through most of its manufacturing processes. All Acme furniture meets or exceeds Energy Star 4.0 requirements, which means it uses less than 7 kilowatts per hour while operating. It also works toward reducing waste throughout every stage of production — including shipping materials via reusable containers rather than trucks. These measures help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut down on fuel consumption. And since each piece undergoes multiple stages of finishing (including sanding), varnishing, painting, staining, and polishing, even small changes can make a big difference in terms of environmental impact.
But what about Acme’s “Made in America” claim? Does Acme actually produce all of its furniture within U.S. borders? Or do some parts come from overseas sources? We take a closer look below.
What Are Acme Furniture Manufacturing Requirements?
Although Acme doesn’t provide specific details regarding how much of its furniture is produced domestically versus abroad, they state that nearly 90 percent of raw material used to create their products originates stateside. They do use several foreign resources like metals and woods that meet certain standards set forth by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) but don’t fall under stricter international sustainability guidelines such as those developed by Greenpeace International. This includes acacia wood, copper, steel, brass, aluminum, iron, glass, rubber, plastic, lignin, and manganese. However, FSC certification isn’t required for importing any of these materials into the United States.
So far we’ve only discussed manufactured goods. What about finished products made specifically for sale online? According to Acme, approximately 60 percent of their retail sales occur domestically, though that number depends on the season. For example, during the holidays, Acme sells 85 percent of its inventory locally because so many people shop online year-round. If someone orders a sofa off Amazon one week outside of holiday shopping time, it usually takes two weeks until delivery due to the unique nature of domestic logistics.
Is Acme Really “American”?
While Acme claims to build its furniture primarily with U.S.-Produced materials, it still imports some components necessary for producing its products. One exception is the company’s iconic miter saws, which are built entirely in China. When asked why they didn’t choose to source them elsewhere, McKeever explained that the Chinese manufacturer responsible for building them produces better workmanship and a higher standard of safety.
Another important aspect of Acme’s supply chain involves the packaging materials used to transport its final products. Instead of using cardboard boxes, Acme purchases corrugated boards exclusively from suppliers in Tennessee. Not only is this kinder to the environment; according to representatives from Corr Group Packaging, corrugated boards require fewer preservatives than traditional paper packing. By choosing to buy these products domestically, Acme contributes to local employment opportunities. All told, Acme spends roughly $500 million annually on supplies imported from overseas, a fact that helps support jobs and communities back home.
Even if you aren’t interested in buying Acme furniture outright, you might want to check whether third-party sellers offer genuine deals. You can find great discounts on select brands at sites like eBay, Amazon, and Walmart Marketplace.
Where Can I Find Acme Furniture Retail Stores Near Me?
You can easily browse through Acme’s catalog online to see exactly what kinds of things you’d like to add to your home. After selecting something you love, click the Show Store Locator button next to the item description. From here, you’ll see a Google map showing nearby locations. Simply search for whatever region you need. Once you locate a retailer, review its website to determine everything needed to know about the available selection.
When searching for stores near you, remember that not all retailers will carry stock of all items. Some sell limited quantities, while others won’t accept returns without prior authorization. Make sure to read reviews left by previous buyers to get a sense of the overall customer experience.
Keep in mind that Acme offers free pickup at all of its stores, which makes ordering online fairly convenient compared to having to wait days for delivery. Additionally, you can request additional options like assembly, installation, and custom sizing. Even if you decide to visit a physical location, Acme representatives are always happy to answer questions pertaining to customization requests and estimate deliveries. If you prefer to place your order over email, you can contact Acme via phone or mail, although you should allow extra time for processing times.
Who Makes Your Acme Furniture Pieces Available Online?
One way to explore new styles or discover a favorite type of furniture is by browsing through user profiles on platforms like Pinterest. There, visitors can view photos posted by real users displaying their Acme possessions. As mentioned earlier, Acme showcases hundreds of images uploaded by its fans on its official Instagram account. Users can interact with these posts just like regular social media content.
Once payment methods are finalized, shoppers typically receive an e-mail confirmation message detailing the exact address to expect package arrival at once it arrives. Acme promises quick delivery times along with accurate tracking numbers for both packages sent and expected arrivals.
Are Acme Products Safe to Buy?
Given the amount of craftsmanship involved in crafting Acme furniture, you would think it would pose a greater risk of defects. Although no known issues exist yet, the possibility exists nonetheless. That said, the majority of Acme furniture sold online appears to be safe for everyday living purposes. Unless otherwise specified, all of the items shown on Acme’s website appear to be fully functional. Just note that minor imperfections or blemishes present on individual pieces shouldn’t cause concern.
However, consumers should consider paying close attention to return policies, especially if purchasing larger items. While Acme accepts returns for defective or damaged shipments, the refund process varies depending upon the reason behind the defect. Sometimes returning an item requires contacting Acme first to obtain a preauthorization code. Otherwise, you may end up receiving a full credit towards future purchases.
Does Acme Require Delivery Confirmation Receipts?
Yes! Unfortunately, Acme does require a signed delivery receipt whenever the product is oversized. Without proof of shipment, you cannot file a damage claim against the shipper. Thankfully, obtaining receipts isn’t difficult provided you follow instructions carefully.
Can I Return Merchandise With Damaged Contents?
Unless you notice obvious signs of wear and tear, damaged items qualify for repairs or exchanges. Most likely, however, you wouldn’t notice anything wrong with your purchased piece unless you were inspecting it closely. Luckily, Acme lets shoppers report damages to their respective managers. Before doing so, make sure to inspect your package thoroughly and compare the contents to the specs found on the included manuals. A simple mistake, like forgetting to remove the foam inserts inside cushioned chairs, could result in serious injury.
