Jonathan Pollack
Baker Odds & Ends
We love Barbara Barry. Frankly, on occasion, we just lust for her creations. But in this time of sinking stocks and paltry portfolios, we don't have the green to invest in her things. Or really, any of the Baker line, at original prices or—we say this with a bit of a blush—even at the off-store prices to be found here. That is, until we stroll into the wonderland known as the backroom. There, a two-cushion sofa upholstered in a great gold-andwhite fabric (and a Ms. Barry creation) sells for $1,526, a far cry from the original $7,630 price. Or take the Thomas Pheasant ottoman, originally $2,570 and now $295; the Jacques Garcia Trianon chest, marked down to $1,995 from $8,526; the Barbara Barry black oval end table, originally $2,880 and now $576; or a gorgeous Stately Homes Guinness settee, slashed from $10,175 to $3,256.
10027 Manchester, 314-909-7902, kohler.com
Expressions Custom Furniture
Once a year every year, Expressions throws a whopper of a sample sale as it gears up to redo all of the displays in its showroom. Prices are slashed on a smattering of everything from upholstered furniture to accessories, rugs, lighting, rugs, artwork. The sale will run the month of August; discounts start at 40 to 50 percent off.
7817 Clayton, 314-567-6200, expressions-customfurniture.com
Carol House
Right off the top, let's drop a ton of TNT on the elephant in the room: We don't like those Carol House commercials any more than you do—and we truly do like nice things. And yeah, we admit, those spots have kept us out of their stores, since we sort of assumed the stores' stock was, well, as schmaltzy as its media message. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. We trundled out to the Valley Park store, and our eyes bugged at the quality of the goods and the great price tags. For example, a large wickerlike couch we recently perched upon poolside at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa that is normally priced at $1,097 is $797 here, with the matching oversized chair cut from $837 to $587. Carol House covers 31/2 acres, and aside from aisles and aisles of far better than expected furniture, the store has a whopper of a clearance area, with some astonishing sales. Take, for instance, the entertainment center that was whacked from $1,487 to $495 or the tasteful orangey tweed three-cushion sofa that was originally $1,127 and is now also a mere $495.
38 Marshall, 636- 225-3666, carolhouse.com
The Designing Block
The sales area is in the basement. Then again, it's often upstairs. Actually, when you walk into the store, you never know where or what has been put on the markdown list. But it's worth your while to find out. Owned and operated by the Suburban Journals' 2009 Woman of Achievement in Creative Philanthropy, Susan Block, the store is chockablock full of the fine and fanciful in home décor. And having been double-whammied by the Highway 40 build (the store is between Hanley and Brentwood—or in the middle of the 2008 and 2009 highway closures), the staff gets a little bit giddy when you walk in. So go and buy. Deals we found: an upholstered chair originally priced at $2,445 marked down to $700 and a distressed side chair reduced from $649 to $295.
7735 Clayton, 314-721- 4224, thedesigningblock.net
Dau Home Furnishings
In a time where every dollar is important, Dau makes it possible for you to buy stylish and high-quality furniture at a low price. To avoid costly mistakes, the store has a team of experienced designers to help. Although there is not a specific sale section of the showroom, keep an eye out for the blue tags fluttering on furniture throughout the store. Among the blue-tag and closeout items is a charcoal CR Lane sofa originally priced at $4,168, now $1,998. The matching chair and ottoman were $4,004 and are now $1,498.
15424 Manchester, 636-394- 3005, daufurniture.com
HomeGoods
Chic lighting can make a huge difference in a home, but it can also cost a pretty penny. Wander into the lamp clearance section of HomeGoods, and you'll swear you're looking at Restoration Hardware stock until you see the tag: two beautiful table lamps for less than $50. Also spotted: a handmade 5- by 7-foot wool rug for $199 (regular price $600).
1040 S. Kirkwood, 314-965-5290; 14880 Manchester, 636- 527-6411, homegoods.com
HomeSource Design center
If the media can be believed (and of course, we know they can), people are starting to ruminate about building new houses. This comes as great news to Andy Touchette, owner of HomeSource Wholesale Design Center, for his store has everything—from faucets to furniture— that a new house will need. And for you, the price is right—or about 45 percent (at the least) off retail. The trick here is to ring up your builder or real-estate agent, and ask them to give HomeSource the heads-up that you're going to be coming. With their reference call, your discounts get deeper—which is why a sampling of price cuts doesn't work here.
17830 Chesterfield Airport Road, 636-532-0055, homesourcedesigncenter.com
Good Works
The furniture store located just north of the University City Loop ships its further discounted merchandise to a nearby clearance center. Dining, bedroom, and living-room set prices are slashed, but make sure you're headed there during working hours—the clearance center is open only on Friday and Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m.
6707 Vernon, 314-862-2879, goodworksfurniture4u.com
Ooh La La!
Home Furnishings
Bargain hunters, take heed: Head over to this Chesterfield showroom for a huge summer sale. On Saturday, July 25, Ooh La La! will host its annual tent sale, where you'll find Hooker and Hammary furniture, Howard Miller clocks, and Murray Feiss lamps at huge discounts. In addition to a tent full of savings, everything in the store is marked down for your buying pleasure.
17701 Edison, 636-532-3353, oohlalahomefurnishings.com
The Container Store
Get organized this summer by shopping the store's Happy Organized Home Sale. All those items that make life easier will be marked down to prices as sensible as the products themselves. Sale starts on July 1 and runs through September 7.
1769 Brentwood, 314-968-8480, containerstore.com
JCPenney Outlet Center
Merchandise finds its way to the area's one and only JCPenney clearance center. An example of the savings: a patio set (six chairs and a glass-top table) goes for $279 here, down from the regular price of $740.
Jamestown Mall, 314-355- 7300, jcpenney.com
Sales Rooms
There are always deals to be had in these nooks and crannies.
Calico Corners
Their motto is “Dream it. Design it. Done.” Not only is there a rack of discounted fabrics, but the store also offers a clearance section on its website where all fabrics are 50 percent off.
903 S. Lindbergh, 314-993-1388, calicocorners.com
Edwin Pepper Interiors
Whether you are looking for timeless classics or a custom piece, there is something to be had in this Clayton showroom. There are a 16,000-square-foot warehouse and a closeout area on the second floor of the showroom; thus, finding something that fits your style and your wallet will not be an issue.
909 S. Brentwood, 314-862-6330, edwinpepper.com
English Living
Although located in downtown St. Louis, the store doesn't have an urban style. Offering an alternative to contemporary furniture, it houses pieces by Theodore Alexander, Althorp Living History, and Chloe Home. In the warehouse, located in the back right corner of the showroom, you can find beds, chests, tables, chairs, mirrors, and bookcases at discounted prices.
1520 Washington, 314-241-6226, englishliving.com
Metro Lighting
Lighting sets the tone of a room. Metro Lighting has seven area locations, but each store sends its discontinued items to only one store to be sold—the location on Arsenal Street. There, nearly 75 percent of the items are red-tagged, so you're bound to find some great steals. Also, check out the company's website for a printable coupon that will save you 10 percent off one item.
6801 Arsenal, 314-645-5656, metrolightingcenters.com
Niche Design + Furnishings
The store that houses the best from the likes of Knoll, Herman Miller, Baker Studio, and Jonathan Adler has a secret clearance stash in the back. Find candles, dishes, gifts, and floor models of furniture for up to 75 percent off. Also check out Niche's website, where you'll find a great selection of chic and deeply discounted merchandise.
300 N. Broadway, 314-621-8131, nichestl.com
Three French Hens
For owners Jeanie Hood and Alan Schweiss, it's important to provide an environment where customers feel comfortable shopping. But as you enjoy browsing the store's French country furniture and accessories, do not miss the clearance area in the back of the store.
16935 Manchester, 636-458-8033, threefrenchhensantiques.com
UMA
Owner Mike Finan will be moving his chic, modern wares outside for the store's semiannual, one-day-only sidewalk sale on July 11. Look for clearance items discounted 40 to 75 percent. If you can't make it to the sale, check out the website's Steals + Deals section.
313 N. 11th, 314-241-9990, iloveuma.com
Wells & Company
For those of you who love gardening and cooking, this is the perfect store. Owners John and Mary Beth Wells take pride in their homegrown vegetables, durable garden tools, patio furniture and accessories, cooking utensils, and dinnerware. The best deals are on the clearance table toward the back of the garden section.
16957 Manchester, 636-458-9449, wellsgardenandkitchen.com
And on the web ...
Centro Modern Furnishings
High-end modern design usually comes with a high-end price tag. For discounted mod, look no further than this local store's website, where we recently spotted a Poltrona Frau side table for $325 (regular price $1,500) and a Kartell stool for $120 (regular price $355).
Design Public
First of all, it's a great little blog full of great design ideas, trends, and fun chatter. But shop the shop and get great deals on 28 designers (17 different categories) through the Design Public Outlet.
One Kings Lane
Love fine things but just detest astronomical prices? This online club was made for you. You simply register (for free), and every day you get a friendly email detailing what's on sale. It can be anything from Adrienne Landau fur throws (we saw cashmere-backed leopard rabbit down to $699 from a whopping $1,475), Match Pewter frames, Vera Wang crystal, Deborah Rhodes linens, and so much more. The trick is you have to shop now—each sale runs only a few days. And pick quickly—the best items sell out fast.
1st Dibs
Yes, we know. The prices of the stuff being sold here swirl about in the stratosphere. But shop it on Saturday. A designer (figuratively) walks you through the picks of the lots, and the prices are considerably more doable.
Ylighting
Chic. Sleek. Modern. Browse through its sizable selection of lamps, sconces, chandeliers, ceiling fans, pendants, etc. Click on the sales for the best deals.
By Nicole Benoist Edgerton, Christy Marshall, and Armani Tatum
