Today we’d like to introduce you to Sherri Enroth.
Sherri, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When customers asked how I got started in the furniture business, I tell them selling furniture is in my blood. My grandparents John & Elinor Campbell cornered the furniture market in Denver for over 50 years. As a young child, I would stand on a milk crate behind the counter and help my grandfather’s customers. Even though business brought my dad to Houston in 1985, every summer I went home and helped run The Red Barn Furniture Co. What amazed me was the great friendships that my grandfather had with his customers. Everyone knew him by name and he knew everyone’s story and I feel that is one of the characteristics that I have carried over in my own company. My customers love to come in and meander around and look at unusual finds. I tell people “shopping at Alabama furniture is like a free therapy session.”
A few years after graduating from Robert E. Lee High School and taking some classes at the University of Houston, I opened up shop in 1991 in a small building off W. Alabama with a mere 1,200 sq. ft. and started my own journey. I found a great niche in the Montrose community with the mantra “Reuse, Recycle and Resale” and soon grew out of the Montrose location and into the Heart of the Heights in 1996. After 20 years in the Heights, I now have the opportunity to explore new opportunities in the up and coming Shepherd area at 4900 N. Shepherd Drive. This location has opened up a new venture for myself and the loyal Alabamians who have followed Alabama Furniture for the last 25 years. Without the Houston community’s love and constant support, none of this would be possible.
Specializing in top quality brand name furniture and accessories, as well as, haute consignments was a great idea. Adding closeouts and certain scratch and dents of exceptional quality meant that now there was something lovely for every budget.
I love what I do and it’s like Christmas every day. It’s amazing the treasures that are brought in from people. It’s life collections from around the world and I am blessed to be able to share my passion with you.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Over the years, there have been economic ups and downs to the Resale and Consignment Business, same as every business.
The toughest personal struggle I’ve had so far is the purchase of the property on Yale we were leasing at the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016.
As many of our fans know, there is now a Texas Children’s where our location of almost 25 years was – parting with all that history was probably the most difficult thing we ever had to do.
We love our new location, as well as the quickly growing community in the Independence Heights; but having to move from our home on Yale was a struggle we still remember.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Alabama Furniture – what should we know?
Furniture is not what it used to be. Where there used to be quality craftsmanship and exceptional pieces, there’s now IKEA and the like. The prices of furniture and home decor of good quality has skyrocketed over the last ten years, and many of the manufacturers and retailers have simply gone out of business.
That’s why we think our industry, and more specifically our market, will continue to grow.
People want good furniture, they want it to last a long time, and they want it to be reasonably priced. We fit the bill to meet those desires, and love sharing that opportunity with our customers.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
We have an obsession with a few different things in our line of work: Quality – Market – Customer Service.
Every piece of furniture, decor or art we bring into our store meets an exceptional quality standard. We check for designer name-brands, quality craftsmanship, and longevity – and price each piece according to those qualities. That means a $1,000 sofa probably cost between $2,000 and $5,000 initially, and will hold its quality, comfort and appearance for years to come.
We know our Market. Not only is there the “Quality-Appearance-Longevity” attributes, there is also a very distinct flavor to the items we have. We don’t discriminate against any style or designer. From the most contemporary to the most modern, our eclectic selection suits our Heights-based audience, and ensures we have something for everyone.
Our customer service is second-to-none in this Industry. We love to share our stories with our customers, and help them build new stories of their own. Our team is small, tight-knit, and really enjoy the opportunity to connect with our customers and help however they can.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4900 N. Shepherd Dr., Houston, TX 77018
- Website: www.alabamafurniture.com
- Email: info@alabamafurniture.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabamafurniture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4900N.SHEPHERD/
- Twitter: @Alabama4Home
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alabama-furniture-houston-2
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
