I’ve said it before, I’m a sucker for a sale! One of my favorites is the Chicago Merchandise Mart’s furniture sample sale which starts TODAY and ends Sunday. Talk about deals, you’ll find furniture, rugs, lighting and all sorts of accessories for deep discounts. As an example, I saw a Mitchell Gold + Bob William Reese sofa just like the one below (and what I have in my own living room!) marked down from $3,000 to $1,200.
You can get directions, more details, participating showrooms, etc.on their website. It’s a huge building with different showrooms participating. When you arrive, go to the visitor center and get a list of the participating vendors. I’d recommend checking off each showroom (they’re on different floors) you visit and maybe a few notes on items you like. And, be sure to ask if they can further discount any items–just because it’s on the tag, doesn’t mean it’s what you have to pay! They’re trying to get rid of things in their showroom so, especially if you’re there on Sunday, it’s in their best interest to get just get the item out the door.
Here are the details:
Friday, September 7 | 9am-5pm
Saturday, September 8 | 10am-3pm
Sunday, September 9 | 10am-3pm
One of the best things is that because it opens up all the showrooms to the public, you can also buy things that aren’t part of the sale or custom order without having to do it through a designer. Last year, during the sale I found two chairs that weren’t part of the sale, but because I was there during the sale, the showroom allowed me to order them at a designer discount. If you can’t make it this weekend, you can also find deals on a regular basis at the Mart’s Sample Sale Suite on the 16th floor (suite 1625.) It’s open to the public and trade, Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
If you’re not in Chicago, don’t feel left out. Many cities have a similar sale. For example:
- The L.A. Mart Gift & Home Sample Sale is happening November 8 and 9 of this year
- Philadelphia has a designer showroom called Luxe Home that has an ongoing sample sale with prices about 30-50% off and it’s all available for viewing online as well.
- In NYC area? Check out the New York Design Center’s sample sale items here.
- For our Denver area residents, the Denver Design District is having its annual sample sale next weekend–September 14 and 15–so click here for details.
Let us know if you find any good deals…Happy shopping!
