South Shore Furniture, a long-established furniture manufacturer in Quebec, is shutting down its operations due to significant challenges in the market. The company, founded in 1940 by Eugène Laflamme, announced the closure on a recent Monday, citing a drastic decrease in demand linked to cheap imports from Asia and imposing American tariffs.
Company Background
Located in Sainte-Croix, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Quebec City, South Shore Furniture has been a prominent name in the ready-to-assemble furniture industry. The company proudly utilizes Quebec-sourced lumber in its products.
Decline in Sales
From 2022 to 2025, South Shore Furniture reported a staggering 77% drop in sales. CEO Charles Laflamme stated, “We’ve done everything we could to keep our business running and preserve jobs, but it has become impossible for us to continue operating.”
Impact of Tariffs and Dumping
The company attributes this decline primarily to unfair competition from imported products. Cheap furniture from countries like China and Vietnam has flooded both Canadian and American markets, forcing prices down. In addition, tariffs imposed by the United States on certain Asian exports have redirected even more low-cost products into the Canadian market.
Impact on Employment
As a result of these market pressures, South Shore Furniture laid off 115 employees in 2025 when American tariffs on Canadian goods were first announced. The company’s workforce has dwindled from 126 employees, all of whom were notified of the closure.
Facility and Distribution Overview
South Shore Furniture expanded its operations from its original sawmill in Sainte-Croix to include a manufacturing facility in Coaticook, Quebec. In addition to its Canadian operations, the company had distribution centers strategically located in the United States, including El Paso, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Nashville, Tennessee.
Efforts and Investments
Despite the challenges, South Shore Furniture invested in modernization and embraced the shift toward online sales, launching its website in 2004. The company also implemented automation and robotics into its operations, showcasing its commitment to evolving in a competitive market.
Conclusion
The closure of South Shore Furniture reflects broader issues within the furniture manufacturing industry, driven by competition from international markets and the impact of tariffs. The company’s legacy and contributions to the Quebec economy will be missed as it winds down its operations.
