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Old World Replaces Modern: Carlton vs. Cherry

• Matt06/10 03:16 PM

  As discussed somewhat on another blog, I don’t think the problem is that folks in this area aren’t ready for modern, but that Cherry just priced its self out of the buyers’ market. If a retailer came in with more affordable modern/contemporary furniture, then I do think it would do well.

• Steve06/10 03:52 PM

  I agree with Matt. I live a block from Cameron Village and would often find myself wanting to go into Cherry to look around. But as many times as I went in, I never walked out with anything. As a young professional with a decent salary and a good amount of disposable income, I feel that I was a pretty good example of their target market. However, even with my favorable situation, I never could justify $1200 for the end table I liked, or $3000 for a coffee table. I know good design isn’t cheap, I just think maybe it would be better for Raleigh to “ease into” modern furniture with a wider range of options and price levels.

• David06/10 04:13 PM

  Wake County has the highest median income in NC. If any city could support that shop it would be Raleigh.  Cherry was the only place to get true high end modern between DC and Atlanta. The brands they carried often have strict rules about how they presented and what other brands they can be paired with.  I was always thankful for the authenticity of their selection, cheaper modern can be found everywhere- but they offered a showroom like no other around here.  At one point Raleigh was the Mid-Atlantic hub for modernism.  Now we see a neuvo riche that lacks the aesthetic sensitivity of previous generations.  Cherry will be missed.

• RaleighRob06/10 04:44 PM

  I too think it had to do more with the prices than the style.  Ecko sells considerably modern-looking furniture, and they seem to do well.

• deborah06/10 05:27 PM

  When Carlton and Company say “Old World Craftmanship,” they don’t mean “Old World Design.” Their pieces are well-made from solid wood without cheap veneers or last minute construction. Granted, the style may not be for Ellis’ character in American Psycho, Patrick Bateman, but if you are eclectic to modern in design taste, I would say to stop in for a visit. Most things are made in eastern Europe, not China; what a nice difference.

• brian_M06/10 11:22 PM

  Nowell’s it is, then.

• Erin Nowell06/30 04:26 PM

  Brian, thanks for mentioning Nowell’s.  And Matt, David, please do consider us as a source for affordable modern/contemporary furniture.  We definitely want to provide our customers with what they want, but as we see with Cherry Modern and Porto, it’s not an easy task.  We’re fortunate to live in pretty affluent community, but that doesn’t mean people want to part with their dollars, especially in this economy. 

  If you’re looking for furniture, at least pay us a visit.  If you don’t see what you’re looking for on the showroom floor, chances are we can get it for you.  While we don’t carry the lines that Cherry Modern did, we can find some very similar looks, that will still feel affordable and “authentic.” 

  By visiting our small family owned business, you give us an opportunity to be what you want and need in a furniture store.  We welcome your feedback and suggestions and look forward to growing our relationship with Raleigh as it continues to grow.  It’s an exciting time to live in Raleigh and we’re proud to be serving this community.  Help us to be what you want!

  Erin Nowell
  Nowell’s Contemporary Furniture

• Jerry Nowell06/30 06:18 PM

  The computer on which you read these words probably cost as much or more than the desk on which it sits, but the desk will be doing its job long after many iterations of your computer have come and gone. In fact, if you look around the room—wherever you may be—chances are the oldest things you’ll see are pieces of furniture. Cherry Modern was a beautiful store, and an asset to the design community. The quality was there and Ann Marie offered excellent service, but I suspect that price was a significant factor in her decision to close. Quality furniture is a bargain when amortized over its many years of service, but, nonetheless, people often have difficulty justifying the expense to themselves. That is, in part, because furniture is among the most durable of durable goods: if you want to compute, you have to beg, borrow, steal or purchase another computer as yours approaches obsolescence. But the desk? You might WANT a new desk, but it’s hard to justify the expense when the old one is still doing the job just fine. Quality furniture doesn’t become obsolete.

• brian_M06/30 06:47 PM

  Hi Erin,
  No problem. I’ve always considered your store THE place to shop for contemporary furniture around here. I also appreciated Cherry, although full disclosure, I never went to their location in Cameron Village, I just used to browse at the old place on Glenwood. The difference (to me) was that there was a chance that I could afford something from Nowells, and there was never going to be that chance for me to buy anything from Cherry. I’m just happy to have you here in Raleigh, and please keep on doing what you’re doing.

• erinnowell06/30 08:27 PM

  Thanks, Brian.  We’re not going any where and with great customer support as yours, our future is bright.  We are saddened, though, by the recent closings of Porto, Cherry (and soon, Red Pin).  As small independents, we’ve viewed these other stores more as comrades-in-arms rather than competitors, as we all had something different to offer.  Our combined presence was a good thing for Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle, offering a variety of choice for folks. We hate to see them go.

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