Sid's Home Furnishings — Local services in Salem

This is a two part review based one two visits. First visit receives 1 Star while the second visit gets 5. Ultimately 4 stars because my second visit was so great.

The first time I visited this place in June, I was looking for a bookshelf. The female sales representative did not give me the time of day and was rude and dismissive when I asked questions. She just pointed me in the direction of the bookshelves and walked away from me. So, I left and purchased a bookshelf at another furniture store.

I considered not visiting SID’s when shopping for a couch the other day. I even told myself that I’ll just look and probably not buy because I really did not like my first experience; but the customer service on this trip changed my mind about the store. The employee, Bruce, was wonderful! I told him what I needed and he was so knowledgeable on the products that would fit my needs. He took me around the store showing me different models, fabric swatches, and the different style features I can pick to customize the couch to my liking. Initially, I told him I wanted a more square armrest but after he observed how I sat and laid on the couches when I tested them out, he suggested an armrest style that would be more comfortable for my desire to lean my head against it. It was suggestions like this that showed me he’s not only just there to make money from me (which is just what any store employees ultimate goal is...I’ve worked retail) but he also appeared to care that I was satisfied with the product I wanted to buy. Since I really liked one of the models on the floor, I decided to buy it and they delivered it next day. And bonus! It came with the nice pillows that I thought were only there for display. This surprise made me even more satisfied with my purchase. I think Bruce was a great combo of efficient salesman wanting to make a sale and also a man who was personable and respectful of my desires.

If i had this same experience the first time I visited SID’s, I’d have probably bought a bookshelf from them back in June. That just goes to show the importance of customer service. Reading through a lot of the reviews, positive and negative, I see the reasons that this store has such mixed reviews since I had two extremely different experiences. I’ll definitely go to SID’s again and buy something if I have another Bruce-like experience; but I won’t if I have another experience like...

Title: Horrible Experience with a Once-Promising Purchase

Three years ago, my husband and I purchased a couch, chair, ottoman, and a beautiful Tiffany-style lamp. We were impressed by the style, quality, and courteous assistance from the staff. The couch, a floor model, featured attractive Revolution fabric purported to be virtually indestructible, stain-resistant, and even bleach-resistant, which led us to confidently order the matching pieces. Unfortunately, our enthusiasm soon waned as the fabric became itchy and began staining with minimal use, despite being used by just two adults and occasional grandchildren.

A year after our purchase, my husband sadly passed away. Later, I had the set professionally steam cleaned, yet the dingy appearance and stubborn stains persisted. While still dealing with grief, I approached the store for help, relying on the fabric's supposed guarantee. Instead of receiving assistance, my polite inquiry was met with arrogance. I was immediately told they've "never had a complaint before with this fabric," implying that questioning their product was unreasonable. Even after showing them pictures, my concerns were ignored. They became defensive, then blamed the cleaning. Their only solution was an expensive cleaning service, which I couldn’t afford. When I asked about alternatives, both the male sales associate and the likely male owner insisted that the issue was somehow my fault. Emotionally raw, I was unable to press the matter. I left the store feeling frustrated, dismissed, and belittled.

At the time, I was too emotionally raw to share my thoughts, but now I feel compelled to do so. The furniture, less than three years old, remains structurally sound but is marred by dingy, stained, and scratchy fabric. I have never been treated so rudely! I will never shop...

I was in shopping with my mother last Saturday, September 26, 2020 and I was being helped by Bruce. Very kind and helpful. I found the mission couch I was looking for and we ventured in to find coffee and end tables to match.

When we went upstairs to look at leather couches there were two men being directed by a manager/owner to move some furniture. The three were not wearing masks and the manager was dismissive and rude to both of the movers, Bruce and myself.

Later when we came back down to the main floor the three were there clustered around a computer discussing moving furniture and still didn’t have on masks. They were not social distanced and not wearing masks around each other, Bruce the sales staff not myself as a shopper.

I inquired with Bruce why they didn’t wear masks. His statement spoke volumes. He said that they wear masks when there were people around. I believe my mother and I count as people, as would Bruce himself.

I cannot shop somewhere that doesn’t care for each other or their shoppers enough to wear masks while interacting with each other. If they behave like this in front of shoppers imagine how they treat each other when the public is not around.

Im very disappointed and was more frustrated when we left that they have a large sign at the entrance to wear a mask.

I found tow other companies who are distributors of AJ’s mission furniture and have no problem driving to get better service with a store who will take the mask precautions...