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Chicago, IL – (August 25th, 2025) – With U.S. furniture tariffs poised to raise prices by as much as 40% on imports, consumers and retailers face a wave of disruption. Chicago-based startup Roomii is stepping forward with a flexible solution: a peer-to-peer furniture marketplace that makes it affordable for consumers to furnish their spaces while allowing locals to monetize premium furniture they already own.
On August 22, President Trump announced a Section 232 investigation into imported furniture, with tariffs expected to take effect within 50 days. Retailers such as Wayfair, RH, and Williams-Sonoma saw immediate stock declines, and analysts warn that upholstered imports from Asia could see price hikes of 20–40%. The move follows similar probes into other key industries, raising concerns about long-term affordability for American households.
“Tariffs are going to make new furniture unaffordable for many Americans,” said Dapo Kolawole, Founder & CEO of Roomii. “Roomii offers an alternative that’s flexible, cost-effective, and creates new income opportunities at the same time.”
Cost Comparison: Restoration Hardware Collins Sofa
To illustrate the difference, consider the Restoration Hardware Collins sofa:
| Option | Upfront Cost | Approx. Monthly Impact* |
|---|---|---|
| Buy new (RH, with tariff) | $4,000+ | — |
| Buy pre-owned (Roomii) | $2,977 (Save $1,000+) | — |
| Rent pre-owned (Roomii) | $170/month | $170/month |
* Assuming an 18-month rental term, the total rental cost comes to $3,060—still over $1,000 in savings compared to buying new, while spreading costs over time.
Expanding Access with Nationwide Shipping
In addition to rentals, Roomii enables customers to purchase premium pre-owned furniture directly through its marketplace. With nationwide shipping available, consumers across the U.S. can access high-quality pieces at a fraction of retail cost, even as tariffs drive up prices on new imports.
A Circular, Local-First Model
Roomii is more than just a way to save money:
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For consumers, it delivers premium furniture without inflated prices.
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For furniture owners, it turns idle pieces into passive income.
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For communities, it reduces reliance on imports and supports a sustainable, circular economy.
About Roomii
Roomii is a Chicago-based peer-to-peer furniture marketplace that helps Urban Nomads furnish their space on-demand for however long they need it, from locals who own premium furniture, while enabling these locals to monetize their underutilized pieces by sharing or selling them.
Learn more at www.roomii.co.
Media Contact
Dapo Kolawole
Founder & CEO, Roomii
furnish@roomii.co
(708) 919-3238