help on opening a business location... (Albuquerque, Edgewood: rent, consignment, home)

[rustic35]

Hi, I am thinking very seriously about opening a furniture store (8 years experience in the furniture business) in the albuquerque area but I am not familiar with the area and I've been thinking about other areas around the city, does anyone have any ideas on the "good" places to start?

[berncohomes]

We were shopping for furniture a couple of weeks ago and found that a lot of the furniture stores were along Menaul around the Carlisle area, there is one going out of business there so his place will be available soon, its a corner building and about 800SF of store front space. I did notice another great little furniture store down on Juan Tabo, Indian School area. Might be a good move if you moved into that area, rent would be cheaper and two furniture stores will attract more customers than one on its own.

What type of furniture are you going to be selling? Where are you now?

Good Luck!

[Skyszlimit]

Glad that you brought this up, my question - somewhat related...is, does ABQ have furniture consignment, resale or thrifts that are worth speaking of?

Also, does ABQ have 'naked furniture' or unfinished wood furniture stores (not trying to be funny).. cuz we have stores like "WOOD YOU" here in south florida where they offer a variety of quality wood furniture yet unstained... and you can stain it yourself (or pay them to).

We are planning our move to ABQ next month and we need to decide whether to take our many quality oak bookshelves with us (my husband, a new UNM professor) or try to find the same quality items when we get to ABQ?

PS.. ya think this should be it's own thread?

thanks.

[berncohomes]

Congratulations on the move to ABQ & UNM. We have Furniture on Consignment on Candelaria & I-25 area which is quite big and we have unfinished furniture on Menaul & Carlisle area which in my opinion is overpriced. You could also try out Pattin's Auctions which is every other Sunday morning and it always has furniture not sure if they always have bookshelves but its worth a shot if you have patience.

But, if you have quality bookshelves already, bring them with you.

[rustic35]

right now I am out of state but I am thinking of selling rustic furniture, you think it is a good market?

[Zoidberg]

Since furniture closely follows the homebuilding industry, I'd be very reluctant to start a furniture business, anywhere, for a couple of years, even if that's all I knew how to do.

If you do decide to go in, though, I'd locate in an underserved and growing market, like Tijeras or Edgewood. Seldom have I ever thought of Albuquerque as a place where there weren't more than enough furniture dealers.

[GOPATTA2D]

The largest and most established furniture store in Abq just declared bankrupty.

[Zoidberg]

Originally Posted by NewMexicanRepublican

The largest and most established furniture store in Abq just declared bankrupty.

But their stores (at least in Albuquerque) are remaining open.

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by Zoidberg

But their stores (at least in Albuquerque) are remaining open.

The American Home furniture on Alameda/528 is closed and locked up right now. Just drove by two hours ago.

Someone told me only two of the six stores in Albuquerque remain open.



Rich

[Zoidberg]

Good point.

Definitely not a resounding endorsement of the breadth of the local furniture dealer industry.