Washington residents can now shop Real Deals
A new home décor store has moved into the Spokane Valley, opening with unusual business hours and a somewhat out-of-the-way location.
Real Deals is located in a 4,000-square-foot warehouse at a business park just off of East Sullivan Road and open just two days a week.
And that doesn’t seem to be a setback at all, say Tracey and Kimberly Carlson who opened the first Washington franchise of this fast growing national discount retailer in March. In fact, the local owners say their store setting and hours has created an excitement for the shopping experience.
“It kind of creates a more destination shopping,” says Kimberly Carlson, a Rathdrum native whose retail experience includes management with Spokane’s Big R stores. Plus, she adds, “We redesign the store each week.”
The Carlsons typically receive two shipments a week, oftentimes items that come in as a truckload rather than specific things they’ve ordered. Much of their selections are made overseas, but the franchise does have some furnishings made in the United States.
The Georgia-based company has some 53 store locations across the country, including several in Southern Idaho, Oregon and Montana. A second Washington Real Deals is slated to open this month in the Kennewick area.
Real Deals is so named – and widely recognized among loyal fans – for its claim as a discount retailer of home décor and furniture that includes lamps, mirrors, cabinets, signs, oil paintings and seasonal items.
“Our most popular items are the metal stars,” says Kimberly Carlson. “We sell out all the time.”
The Carlsons say a typical Saturday draws between 150 to 200 customers. And the success of their store has them seeking out possible sites for a second location in the Coeur d’Alene area.
“This is one of those opportunities and we weren’t a day too late,” says Tracey Carlson, who also works as a Web designer.
The retail entrepreneurs have scheduled a summer open house during regular hours with in-store specials and refreshments June 26 and 28.