I have seen the signs, the paper on the windows, and the very large store front staring back at me at Southgate Mall for months now. My curiosity peaked yesterday as I walked by and saw people running around, setting up, doors open, but customers unable to go in. And now.....Finally. Its here. Crate and Barrell's opening day!
I was greeted by two very friendly girls handing out Scratch and Wins at the entrance with the possibility of winning $20,000 (yes that is the correct amount of zeros!) in the store. I won $10. Every little bit helps! Especially when you have a love of furniture and house "stuff" like I do. This store is HUGE! They have attempted to set it up into sections that flow into each other.....upholstery, bedding, desks, dining, into kitchen, appliances, holiday, decor. There is a lot to look at here and a lot of different styles. The furniture is bright in some selections, muted in others, leather, fabric, sofas, sectionals, double chairs, single chairs. Truly, there is so much and something for every taste. I was very impressed with how many item tags I looked at and found "North American sourced" and "Eco friendly". One "leather" chair in particular that I liked was actually made of Soy! I am always wary of box stores as I am on a "buy local" or at least "buy North American" lifestyle, so I am very happy to find a furniture store that I can customize and find things at right in the middle of a mall!
I ended up leaving with some tea light holders and a placemat for a hallway table upstairs. I also left with future plans of buying a rug, curtains, a desk and a living room chair one day. Prices are mid-range for furniture and some items can run a bit high (700-2100 for a living room chair, $500-$3000 for a dining room table) but they seem to be of a good quality, although I cannot say for sure until my dog has slept on it, I have spilled a drink on it, and it has met my vacuum many many times. Hopefully that will happen in the future to a particular green double chair I have my eye on.
The check out process was a bit painful but I chalk it up completely to first day kinks. Their debit was down (it happens to everyone!!) so I had to leave and come back with cash. No biggie! I left with 40$ worth of stuff for $30 thanks to my 10$ gift card! There is also a wedding registry and if I believed in wedding registries, this would be a place I would register! But I do not believe in registries, so, if anyone at my wedding is reading this, gift certificates to this store would be very welcome gifts if you planned on getting us anything. :) read more