Why Crystal Figurine Companies Went Out of Business

There are two root causes that American crystal figurine companies exited the marketplace.  While there is always the normal challenges of survival in the market, that was not the primary cause of so many companies falling to the wayside.

The primary cause is generational.  Most of the entrepreneurs that started their businesses were from "The Greatest Generation."  These men were willing to learn the trade and had the patience for the tedious work of cutting, sizing, buffing and polishing crystal.  They had prior experience in business and saw the opportunity in a growing market.

Basically, they were selling their products to people in their own generation.  These customers valued beauty and quality in their homes.  These were the same people who scrimped and saved to buy and place beautiful china, glassware, crystal and silverware on their dining room table and throughout their houses.

As the original owners of the companies retired, they passed their businesses on to their sons or other family members who were already working in the business and knew the trade.  This is the point where generational attitudes changed.  As these new owners retired, they found that they could not find people who wanted to learn the trade. 

The current generation of today is interested  in electronic gadgets like mobile phones, electronic games or electronic readers.  Instant gratification and throwaway toys is the norm.  Their interests have taken them in a different direction and different markets.  Today's youth are focused on technology and technical careers.

This major shift in generational attitudes, i.e., no replacement craftsmen and a shrinking market ultimately led to the closing of the American crystal figurine businesses.  Inventories were sold off at a large discount and the doors were closed one by one.

While the crystal figurine market is smaller than it was four years ago, the market is still strong and vibrant.  It's just that most of the crystal figurines sold in America will be made in Europe, China, Japan and other countries where craftsmanship as a career is still valued.