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A new once-a-month furniture shopping experience is coming to central Arkansas beginning this Saturday, August 10.
Located in the former Cajun’s Wharf building on Cantrell Road in Little Rock, Shop Simple Designs offers 18,000 square feet of new and high-end resale furniture and accessories that are all in stock and ready for same-day pickup.
Part of the motivation for this business concept came from the idea that online furniture sales, without proper guidance from a designer, too often lead to unsatisfied customers.
According to Jennifer Scruggs, Shop Simple Designs manager, this business model addresses this issue. “We believe that furniture is a long-term investment, and being able to see and touch the furniture in person and confirm the measurements will ensure you make the right decision,” she said. “We research the vendors and fabrics to ensure we select high-quality performance fabric.”
Saturday visitors can expect to see a lot of living room and dining room furniture. “Currently, our focus is on selling essential furniture items including sofas, sectionals, coffee and side tables, dining tables and chairs,” Scruggs said. “We also carry simple home accessories.” Starting in September, Scruggs said they will have pop-up artists, authors and boutique vendors.
The co-founders are Rhea Middleton and Becky Norris. Norris has owned Simple Designs Company since 2018 and helped Middleton design a new home. According to Norris, they go to market and buy in quantity, which allows better deals for customers. She also emphasizes the importance of sitting on and touching furniture to know that it’s the right item in which to invest.
Shop Simple Designs features basics in popular fabrics and colors that people can adapt to their personal style, whether traditional or modern. Scruggs said she believes their rugs give shoppers the most bang for their buck.
While half of the market will comprise new furniture, the other side is meant for high-end resale items. The Simple Nest is the non-profit arm of Shop Simple Designs.
According to Scruggs, the Simple Nest’s goal is to partner and support other local nonprofits and social service organizations with furniture donations.
As their website statement reads, “We work hand-in-hand with local non-profit organizations and social service agencies to assist families transitioning from homelessness and poverty to self-sufficiency. By soliciting donated furniture, selling high-end designer finds, and providing home furnishings, we aim to create thriving home environments for these deserving families after they have received counseling, training and support.”
“We want to encourage our community and customers to bless others by donating gently used furniture and forgo storing excess,” Scruggs said.
If you have furniture in good to excellent condition that you would like to donate, you are encouraged to send a photo of the items to donate@thesimplenest.org. Due to restrictions regarding health and safety, as well as limited warehouse space, below is a list of what they need and can accept:
- New toys and books
- Headboards and bed frames
- Dressers
- Chest of drawers
- Coffee tables
- Side tables
- Nightstands
- Dining tables and chairs
- Occasional tables
- Lamps
Saturday hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Additional dates in 2024 are Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 7.
For more information, visit their website.
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