It was bound to happen at some point but when I saw a strange area code in the caller ID for an incoming call – I didn’t think anything of it. These days, someone’s cell number can have a totally unfamiliar area code and they live next door.
The caller had been in the store on Saturday, was given one of our catalogs and wanted to discuss a sectional that was listed. From there the call went something like this:
“Ummmm, we don’t have a catalog?” [yes, I said it like I wasn’t sure – don’t ask me why]
“Well, that gentleman gave me one when I was in the store on Saturday.”
“Which gentleman?”
“That nice one.”
I then proceeded to tell her how our inventory is entirely donated and it changes up fast, that we almost never have more then one of something and have never put together a catalog – though I do post photos to a blog each Friday – so I’m confused but I really want to understand and try and help and who exactly gave her the catalog and what was in it and was she sure she intended to reach Jubilee Furniture?
Yep – that was basically how it went down though with more words and run-on sentences. Seriously, I’m not sure how long the conversation would have continued circling until I finally said,
“So, you were in Jubilee Furniture in Carol Stream, Illinois – right?”
“Oh no, your Vegas store.”
And then it hit me – there’s a Jubilee Furniture in Las Vegas, Nevada! I’ve seen it listed many times as I’ve been online. Finally, all makes sense!
My Thursday design team has – again – made sense out of a ton of donated furniture which the warehouse guys took off the truck and dropped wherever it’s easiest! Let’s take a look at some of the “new” things available for purchase today from 1 to 8 and tomorrow from 9 to 4:
wonderful desk (with key for locking drawers) for $75 – top needs to be refinished; ladder-back chair for $9
sofa in excellent condition priced $125
this is a fantastic storage/work piece – I think it had wheels at one time and you could add industrial ones and it would look fabulous – there’s sun damage on one side (can you see it in the second photo, the one on the right?) and the top has a crack and needs to be refinished (or could be left looking as is and it simply looks more distressed) – priced $95
gorgeous – I am in love – red chaise – some wear on both arms but otherwise in great condition, priced $145
this sofa is 11’ 7” long and is a little lumpy/bumpy (know what I mean?) and comes with the two ottomans – priced $70
sweet black six drawer dresser priced $55
this gray loveseat folds out to be a bed (looks like an IKEA piece to me but I didn’t see a label) priced $50 (no major issues with it)
this Room and Board loveseat has major rips on both arms – BUT – the arm covers cover the rips! Otherwise in great shape – priced $85
great chair and ottoman – back cushion could use some added stuffing – priced $65
here’s another Room and Board piece – this time a sofa and it’s not ripped like the loveseat – but the arm seam is coming apart and, alas, there are no arm covers. This one also is simply more worn looking so is priced only $75
wonderful rattan set – sofa w/cushion is $50; chairs are $25 each; side tables are $18 each
excellent three piece sectional – simply needs to be cleaned – priced $155
very nice two piece lighted china cabinet priced $145
great oval table (no leaves) priced $95; two chairs pulled up to it aren’t new – but have these wonderful needlepoint seat covers and are priced $85 each
fun four poster bed with metal details – queen size – priced $125 (doesn’t include mattress and box spring)
lovely round pedestal table for $55; three cane chairs are $50 for all three
stylist chairs – work just fine – priced $50 each (note rust on chrome bases); hair dryer for $35 (donor told me it works but I’ll run an extension cord and check it out prior to anyone buying it)
not 100% perfect – but pretty close (I saw two minor dings in wood) – Room and Board wood chair frame – in an older R&B catalog this chair with cushions sells for $699 – our price (and just to be clear there are no cushions, it’s just the frame) is $145
great trestle table for $65; leather chairs are $4 each
love this “X” leg trestle drop leaf table – top has a finish on it to protect it (can’t remember what it’s called – not laminated but something like that?), priced $85
Once I explained to the caller that though we, indeed, have the same name – we’re two different furniture stores in two different states and we chuckled over the misunderstanding – she said,
“Well, I’m still glad I found you because I’ll call to have you pick up my old sofa once I buy a new one.”
“As much as my guys would probably LOVE driving to Vegas to pick up a donation – I think that’s a little far from where we are in Illinois!”
“Oh, that’s right!”
And that, dear reader, is one example why my job is never, ever, ever dull!
