This recent post by Elle Decor really hit a nerve, in a good way! Having been in this business for 14 years I have often noticed the difference. So, when I happened upon this recent article from this long standing design maven/magazine I was thrilled that someone was taking note AND embracing the different!
They write, "There's a sameness that crept into shopping. Walk into most stores and you'll find the same brands, the same arrangement, the same careful neutrality. Nothing unexpected, nothing that makes yoiu stop and wonder about the person who chose to put these particular things together. But there was a time when shopkeepers were storytellers.
We love hearing...."who does your buying" or "is that vintage display piece in the window for sale" or "I wish my house looked like this"....comments like these, comments that let us know our carefully curated shops are intentionally 299's look. A look that is welcome and refreshing.
Did you know that 15 years ago the business grew from a furniture rehab schtick to what it is today? It began in my 2-car garage where 3 times a year grandma's cast offs were repurposed (by yours truly) into shining vintage treasures and curated in the garage boutique. The name No. 299 came from my house number at the time. Once the business took off and prime downtown locations were acquired it seemed foolish to change the name.
We are so glad our customers embrace our differences and story.
