Four Hands Home (Austin: sale, stores, airport)

[Mrs.JT]

Is there a Four Hands Home store available to the public? If I recall correctly, there was one off of Congress years ago, but I don't think it's there any longer. I went to the website, and it appears that it's now a wholesale business? I read a few recently written reviews about their warehouse sales. Does anyone know if Four Hands sells to the public?

[cdfblair]

I remember that there use to be one near Airport and 2222. I purchased something from there and so it did sell to the public.

[thedogatemyhomework]

it's pretty confusing, but i recently went to the website and viewed their online catalog and was able to sign up for 'reminders' at which point i received in-store sale info. i have yet to go to the actual store, but seems they do have one.

[Mrs.JT]

Thanks @ cdfblair.

@ thedogatemyhomework - I tried to register through the website, but it seems I have to be a distributor or an interior designer. Maybe I was trying to register for a catalog. I don't think it was for a mailing list....but then agian, I don't think I saw an option for a mailing list. So you're right. It's very confusing....

But thank you both for the input.

[thedogatemyhomework]

Originally Posted by Mrs.JT

Thanks @ cdfblair.

@ thedogatemyhomework - I tried to register through the website, but it seems I have to be a distributor or an interior designer. Maybe I was trying to register for a catalog. I don't think it was for a mailing list....but then agian, I don't think I saw an option for a mailing list. So you're right. It's very confusing....

But thank you both for the input.

if you send me a private message i can email you the email they have sent me this past weekend - it has more info about 'warehouse specials' etc...

all in all, a rather puzzling marketing strategy

[centralaustinite]

They are a wholesaler but they do have a showroom that is open to the public! And a few times a year they have big warehouse specials where merchandise is marked down and sold to the public.

The showroom is open regularly but I don't think it is available daily. They are located on Woodward Street, east of I-35 and just south of the river.

[kiacook]

all in all, a rather puzzling marketing strategy

I agree! Do people like that cloak and dagger business and feel like they're getting access to something that is usually only available to "trade"? I don't like it. It feels phoney and annoying. And I don't like the stuff that much anyway

[Mrs.JT]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

They are a wholesaler but they do have a showroom that is open to the public! And a few times a year they have big warehouse specials where merchandise is marked down and sold to the public.

The showroom is open regularly but I don't think it is available daily. They are located on Woodward Street, east of I-35 and just south of the river.

Thanks for this information. I saw the showroom information on the website, but I wasn't sure if it was open to the public. I'm hoping I can get to the showroom to check out their stuff.

[Mrs.JT]

Originally Posted by kiacook

I agree! Do people like that cloak and dagger business and feel like they're getting access to something that is usually only available to "trade"? I don't like it. It feels phoney and annoying. And I don't like the stuff that much anyway

No, I don't like "cloak and dagger" businesses, nor do I feel like I'm getting access to something special. Four Hands used to have an actual store called Four Hands Home off of Congress. I've always been interested in checking out their merchandise, but there was no urgent need. Now that I'm looking for a few unique pieces for our home, I'm scouring Austin for stores that sell handmade and unique items. I've already been to Luis Shanks, Star Furniture and other chain stores. I didn't really find what I'm looking for.

[centralaustinite]

You know that cool stuff at Crate and Barrel, Room & Board, Viva Terra, etc? Where do you think they get it?

Places like Four Hands! The are a classic wholesaler, middle-man between the artisans and manufacturers and retail stores. I don't think it is as much "cloak and dagger" as a reflection that the vast bulk of their business is not done at the retail level.