Encore Furniture — Local services in Salem

A week ago, I found a recliner I wanted, and noticed on 12/8/17 the price would be reduced. I took note of the date, and was planning to return.

On 12/8/17, I arrive before the store opens, in the front parking lot. The employee opens the store, and is glaring at me the entire time she's completing her opening procedure. She doesn't say anything to me, and keeps a frown on her face before she returns inside the store. I go to where the recliner is, delighted to see it's still there. Soon after, an elderly lady comes up, and tells me she's been waiting in the back lot of the store -- "It's mine". There's no mention of a reserve system anywhere, and I'm confused at this point. I'm going through my head thinking, um, I'm at the recliner first, what is this? The employee tells me she's been waiting at the back of the store before it opened, and reserved the recliner already.

Okay, so you're creating an arbitrary system, without mentioning it to others? I mean, is this word of mouth or something? This was a terrible experience. She didn't say sorry for the confusion or anything. She goes about her day like normal, not a care that I'm voicing my concerns to her. The woman who reserved it and the employee are smirking, and I'm just done with this place. I'm not going to start arguing with an elderly lady, it's not her fault, it's the store policy. The funny thing is, I would've paid the full price if it came down to whether her or I get the recliner, but now they're not getting a dime from me.

Don't bother, because you won't get what you want, even though you do everything...

Encore Furniture is entirely run by volunteers. They are the only consignment store that sells furniture and home decor. After a horrible customer service experience I have had to change my review. I recommend that If you want to consign-even if you have been told it is okay to bring in your items- call to see if the person in charge in a good mood or not. I arrived with a full truck and was told that I couldn't bring my items into the store. The manager lectured me for several minutes then finally said me I could consign that day. My husband and I had to help move furniture around to make room for our items. It was quite humiliating and frustrating.

There is a very clear policy for customers if they are waiting in line for an item

From their website-

How can I be the first person in line for an item on the day the price falls?

"Individuals can secure their spot in line for purchase of an item by placing a written note on the back door to the store (parking lot side) identifying the time and telling which item they are wishing to purchase. The notes are taken in order of appearance. It is first come, first served. The customer must stay in the...

Stopped by to look for a set of dinning room chairs amd possibly new table. I didn't find what I was looking for, but I did see quite a lot of nice pieces around. A number of other folks seemed to be enjoying looking at all the pieces as well as the artwork, I nearly walk out with a Chinese woven piece for the wall, but thought I'd better have my wife with me if I planned to do that;-I'm no fool hahaha. I would definitely go back next time I have some furniture I'm in need of or just to poke around if I'm in the neighborhood. Nice staff, nice pieces, no stress or pressure from the staff to show me this or that, just stop in and have a look...