China is already the largest exporter of home furnishing products to the United States but, by streamlining the supply chain, it can become even more competitive, according to Harvey Lewis Stein.
A 45-year veteran of international manufacturing and product development, Mr Stein plans to help China's manufacturers tap into the US$100 billion-plus home decor and giftware market in the US by cutting out the middleman and streamlining the mind-to-market process.
'We will close the gap between China's manufacturers and North America's retailers. I have been using Chinese manufacturers for some five years and I know they have enormous capabilities with regard to work output and technological know-how, but they are new to the business of international marketing,' Mr Stein said from the Harvey Lewis Designs showroom in Tsim Sha Tsui East, which opened last week.
Chinese manufacturers that chose to link up with his company would gain access to an established customer base and marketing methods that would give their goods the 'widest possible exposure', he added.
US retail stores that stock Mr Stein's products include JC Penney, Target, Kohl's, K-Mart, Safeway and Bed Bath & Beyond.
A designer by trade, Mr Stein became impatient with the traditional supply-chain process, which involves designers, manufacturers, wholesalers, marketers and managers. In response, he formed a partnership with five mainland factories aimed at eliminating the links in the chain between designer and retailer.