She strutted into the showroom, a large woman in a billowing sundress and flip-flops. Her flip-flops snapped sharply as she plowed up and down every aisle in the store, pausing every now and then to study a piece of furniture.
Suddenly, she came to an abrupt halt in front of a massive and magnificent breakfront by Henkel Harris. Ten feet tall and nine feet wide, the eleven-drawer cabinet features a spectacular mirrored back. “I want to see the house that piece of furniture came out of!” she said loudly.
Next, she paused in front of an ornate secretary desk from the Maggiolini Collection of Italy, a piece so stunning it should probably have its own museum. The desk had dozens of tiny drawers and secret compartments to stash away a lifetime of talismans. “It’s just too beautiful,” she said, shaking her head.
“I wish I had the home for a piece like that,” she said with a sigh. “But all I really need a little ottoman. Just something to rest my feet on…”
We showed her every ottoman in the store, but nothing quite fit exactly what she needed. Come back next week, we advised her, because our inventory is constantly changing with new pieces added every day.
High-quality consignment furniture was a new concept for her, she admitted. And clearly she was astounded at the idea that the showroom could be filled with a treasure trove of new pieces within a week or a month.
After another quick spin around the showroom, she made her way to the exit. “I’ve got to tell my sister,” she said, then added thoughtfully. “Why would anyone shop anywhere else?”
We agree wholeheartedly. Our new customer will be back soon and we have no doubt that we’ll find her the perfect ottoman for her home.
