In 2015, a sign making company called JennyGems launched in Millsboro, DE. JennyGems makes “little signs that say quirky things” and other home décor, employing seven people.

For about five years, all of their items were all made in China. When the pandemic hit they were still importing their items. But the pandemic ground all shipping to a halt. So they started manufacturing everything in the USA, using the machinery they just purchased. Almost overnight, 100% of their products are made in USA. 

Marketing themselves as made in America has been very good for them. “People are coming in saying they want to support us because we’re making our products here,” Jenny said. “We’re having other gift shops saying their customers don’t want imports so they want to wholesale our products in their stores.”

In fact, sales are up 50% online and 40% in-store compared to last year. They even bought more equipment and hired more employees to keep up with the demand, going from seven employees to 24.

The pandemic has accelerated a trend already underway, and stories like this prove that made in USA is not only possible but also profitable.