While plenty of Aussie brands are taking a step back from overseas markets thanks to rising tariffs and global supply chain headaches, luxury leather label MAISON de SABRÉ is charging full steam ahead into the US.

The Sydney-born brand, known for its sleek personalised phone cases, wallets and accessories, is ramping up its US operations despite growing cost pressures – and they’re doing it without passing on extra costs to customers. It’s a bold move at a time when many retailers are raising prices or pausing international plans altogether.

Tough trade conditions? No worries

With US tariffs causing headaches for exporters and squeezing margins, a lot of businesses are playing it safe. Changes to global trade policy, including the return of Trump-era tariffs, could hit Australian exporters hard.

But MAISON de SABRÉ’s co-founder, Omar Sabré, says the brand is built for exactly this kind of environment.

“This is going to be a very difficult period for a lot of smaller brands – especially those relying heavily on offshore mass production or just one big market,” Omar explains.

“[But] We’ve built a model that absorbs shocks. Whether it’s pricing pressure or supply chain drama – so we can protect our customers and still grow.”

How they’re making it work

According to Omar, it all comes down to control. The brand has a vertically integrated supply chain. That’s fancy speak for ‘they do everything in-house’. From sourcing leather from Gold-rated European tanneries to finishing products by hand in Sydney, MAISON de SABRÉ doesn’t rely on offshore factories or slow, expensive shipping.

“Our focus has never just been on product, but on building systems that let us move quickly, hold our standards, and protect the customer experience, even when the global environment gets tough,” says Omar.

The brand’s pop-up at Bloomingdale’s is currently the top performer in its category, and they’re smashing it online too – sitting in the top two spots across Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. That’s a pretty strong signal that US customers are loving what they’re seeing.

“We’ve always believed that staying close to the customer – operationally and emotionally – is what separates sustainable brands from short-term players,” adds Omar.

Sustainability that means something

It’s not just about good-looking gear. Sustainability is baked into the brand. In 2022, they switched their entire product line to DriTan™ leather – saving millions of litres of water and slashing chemical use by a third. Their production is zero-waste, and they’re aiming to be carbon neutral by 2026. It’s a great example of how doing the right thing can also make business sense.

What can other Aussie retailers learn?

For other small businesses looking to grow in the US or other markets, there are a few key lessons from MAISON de SABRÉ’s playbook:

1. Own your supply chain: Doing more in-house gives you control when the global market throws curveballs.
2. Make sustainability a strength: It’s more than a buzzword – customers are actively choosing brands doing good.
3. Think long-term: While others are making short-term cuts, MAISON de SABRÉ is playing the long game – and it’s paying off.

With price hikes and trade conditions remaining uncertain, MAISON de SABRÉ’s approach shows resilience, strategy and a dash of style are the mainstays of success.

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