Shopping Spots: Niche

A decade ago, when architecture-and-design firm the Lawrence Group decided to open a store of its own named Niche (300 N. Broadway, 314-621-8131), other retailers specializing in modern furniture and accessories could be counted on one hand—with fingers to spare. Not so today.

Since then, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and West Elm have opened in St. Louis, joining other highly regarded furniture stores and shops specializing in midcentury antiques. But Niche remains a key local source. After debuting on Washington Avenue, it moved into the Marquette Building almost eight years ago. Its 5,000 square feet are filled with items across a broad price range, from $15 candles to the $4,559 Eames lounge chair and ottoman. Among the lines found exclusively at Niche in St. Louis: Blu Dot, Camerich USA, Cisco Brothers, Gus* Modern, Kartell, and Martha Sturdy. The store also sells items from local artists.

“We’re trying to support the St. Louis economy and to showcase how many really great artists there are here,” says general manager Theresa Hunt. “We are trying to establish more local artists as sources for accessories.”

While Niche’s bread and butter is furniture sales, the store also stocks rugs, lighting, ceramics, trays, and gifts. The clearance corner offers huge savings. For example, a Chinese cabinet was recently marked down from $1,999 to $499, a Century lamp table from $2,431 to $399, and red velvet Tudor chairs from $1,512 to $399 each.

Business has been brisk, says Hunt, with recent sales up 13 percent over the year prior. “Residential design is coming back,” she says.

Niche has two designers on staff to assist homeowners with the purchase and placement of items. Package rates start at $150 for a two-hour paint consultation and run to $500 for a design consultation of up to six hours. “We have a lot of different avenues to make it cost-efficient to have a designer come and finish your house with whatever you need,” says Hunt.