Isabel Bloom Moving Production to China!

[Blue Gardener]

Currently made in the Quad Cities. This is very disappointing news.


"Ever since Isabel Bloom — working out of a small studio in the Village of East Davenport — created her first concrete art pieces decades ago, those signature sculptures have been revered as uniquely Quad-City.
Generations of area residents have purchased the bluish (and, later, rose and greenish-colored) works of art for their own homes and gardens as well as gifts to help friends and family celebrate happy occasions, get through sad times and just as a remembrance of the Quad-Cities.


But the present owners of Isabel Bloom LLC stunned the community Thursday when they announced plans to move production of the hand-finished statues overseas to China. The strategy, which is designed to elevate the regional company and its products to the national marketplace, will eliminate 50 jobs at the Davenport production plant by June. The workers include mold-makers, casters, finishers and coaters who represent one-third of Isabel Bloom’s Quad-City work force. Employees learned of the decision during a meeting Thursday."

http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2006/02/10/news/local/doc43ec49a591279013319358.txt

Let them know how disappointed you are:

http://www.ibloom.com/Default.aspx?PageId=102&nt=88

[Bluzmann57]

1. There are a LOT of upset people around here

I mean a lot! In fact, not one person that I've talked to is happy about it. This business was a QC landmark, now it's just going to be another foreign made gift. It was cool to call Isabel Bloom our own because of the neatness of the statues. Not anymore. I suspect the showrooms here in Davenport will be out of business in about a year or so. Best of luck to the soon to be ex-employees of Isabel Bloom.

[Blue Gardener]

2. I sent them an email

Suggesting they should be proud of a product made in America's Heartland, and advertise it as such. People are getting very frustrated at how difficult it is to find nice gifts that aren't shitty crap made in China.

[Debi]

3. Looks like someone has changed their minds!!

http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2006/02/21/news/local/doc43fb3e17db1cf495573531.txt

Isabel Bloom to keep production local

By Jennifer DeWitt
In a dramatic move, the owners of Isabel Bloom LLC said Tuesday morning that they have reconsidered their business decision to move all production of the company’s signature statues overseas after a public outcry from customers.

[IA_Seth]

4. That's great!

Proof that speaking your mind and holding businesses accountable CAN work...at least every now and then.

[IADEMO2004]

6. This success story should be posted on the main DU page

congratulation to all

[Bluzmann57]

5. Truly power to the people!

Believe me, people around here were MAD over this. Some still are, but I think most have forgiven them. But, Isabel Bloom's made here in the QCA are only going to be sold here in the QCA. But, there's always the website. I guess those are going to be made in Davenport as well. So if anyone lives far away and wants a Bloom, order through the website. Not sure of the address. Most likely www.Isabelbloom.com, but maybe not. Anyway, I'm sure google can find it. Sigh. Now if only we could get more people to agree with impeachment...

[Blue Gardener]

7. I am shocked!

I never thought they would alter their stance, but I'm glad they did. I'm happy for the employees that now get to keep their jobs.