Clever Living: Huge Savings to be Made in the Furniture Capital of the World

Would you like to furnish a room without spending top retail dollar and sacrificing quality and style in the process? Over 60% of furniture made in the United States is made in North Carolina and High Point, North Carolina is known as the furniture capital of the world. As you might guess, there are deals to be had if you know where to look. Both High Point and Hickory, North Carolina are furniture meccas and with a little help you can enjoy huge savings - even if you don’t live nearby.

Thanks to huge furniture marts, ‘malls’ that are open to the public and house store after store of name brand furniture retailers, people can save 50% and more on the same furniture that you could purchase elsewhere. Mitchell Gold, for instance, supplies furniture to both The Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware and on a recent trip to their outlet in Hickory, we saved 70% off of retail prices for two couches and an armchair by going during their biannual sample sale where shoppers save an additional 10%. That said, shopping requires a bit of flexibility. If you’re set on that red floral print armchair you saw in the catalog, don’t count on it. However, if you’re willing to keep an open mind about what pieces will work in your home, a trip to the mecca is a good idea.

Not sure about how to piece it all together? Linda Garmon and Judy Evans, childhood friends and interior designers from Hickory, North Carolina are more than happy to show you the way. Through their business, Designing Touch, the duo will take you on a fun shopping tour tailored just for you through the major furniture malls, discount and outlet stores as well as off the beaten path warehouses that you would have otherwise missed entirely. Specializing in furniture selection and accessorizing, the fun pair have over 25 years experience in the design and furniture business and will make it worth your fee - they’ll save you at least the cost of their services. Half and full day tours are offered, call for an appointment.

More information:

• See a video interview with Designing Touch owners Linda Garmon and Judy Evans.
• Contact Designing Touch at 828-397-7066
• For other design services at the Hickory Furniture Mart
• For the High Point Furniture Mart
• Amazon book pick: Shopping the North Carolina Furniture Outlets: How to Save 50-85% on Your Next Furniture Purchase