Sergio’s Furniture weighs in on price increases during pandemic

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Sergio Diaz of Sergio’s Furniture has endured all kinds of challenges starting with the fire that destroyed his store and neighboring Shaw's steakhouse two years ago.

Since its reopening in December 2020, Diaz says prices in the furniture industry has risen throughout the pandemic.

But the Mendoza family is on the hunt for a new sofa at Sergio’s furniture.

"We love supporting local businesses and and I think it’s time for us to revamp our living space," said customer Evelin Mendoza.

As Sergio Diaz of sergios furniture well knows, prices in the furniture industry has skyrocketed throughout the pandemic.

"The prices in our industry has increased from a year ago … it is increased from 30 to 40%," said Sdrgio.

The owner believes the rising prices of furniture is largely caused by increased prices in fuel, shipping and transportation.

"$3000 for the price of a regular container and now we’re looking at $12,000 to bring in a container," said Sergio.

In order to help keep cost of furniture down, Sergio has been purchasing in larger orders.

"So instead of buying one set of sofas I have to buy five … so my warehouses are jam packed to the point where I have to bring stuff in on the store," said Sergio.

Even though Sergio isn’t getting as many customers as he’d like, he said he's grateful they’re still coming in.

"My focus is to serve the community in any way I can," said Sergio.