Transform Your Space at RE:find
Name: Jon Clark
Title: Design Director, RE:find
Why did you decide to open RE:find in Downtown Allentown?
Four years ago, we decided to be a part of the rapid resurgence in Downtown Allentown. We had a store in Easton at the time and were recruited by City Center to add a second store here. We ended up with a retail store and two pop-up art galleries. Eventually, we closed Easton and focused our attention here. Allentown has a very rich retail history, and we’re very happy to be an original part of the next wave of unique Allentown retailers.
RE:find’s President/Owner is Ron Susser. Jon Clark is the Design Director/Manager. Ron and Jon are partners in life as well as business. They happily live downtown in STRATA Symphony!
How long have you been at your current location?
We have been at our current location, 645 Hamilton St. (at Two City Center), for about a year and a half. We first opened around the corner where NailPlay is now.
What is RE:find’s mission statement?
RE:find’s goal is to provide high-quality, affordable and unique home furnishings, gifts and artwork while offering exceptional customer service.
What makes RE:find different from other furniture stores?
RE:find is a furniture and gift shop, with a strong focus on one-of-a-kind artist-made furnishings and artwork. We have a point of view -- Ron's history with high-end retail (most recently, Tiffany & Co. in New York) and Jon’s more quirky focus through years of working with Home & Planet (a store and art gallery in Bethlehem focusing on high-style, Earth-friendly home furnishings) makes for a unique shopping experience. You'll find products that aren't available anywhere else in the Lehigh Valley. Many of the products we carry require a vetting process by our suppliers -- they liked what they saw and added us to the exclusive group of retailers carrying their products.
Most of our contemporary upholstered furniture is made by a small, family-owned manufacturer in Montreal. Our hand-blown crystal is from Simon Pearce in Vermont. We carry felt handbags made in Los Angeles, porcelain from Middle Kingdom, Chilewich placemats and rugs, and John Derian decoupage, to name just a few of our suppliers. And we specialize in locally made, custom furniture from reclaimed materials. (Our premier furniture maker uses Bethlehem Steel I-Beams and foundry patterns!)
We also support and carry the work of young furniture makers, new designers and artists throughout the region and beyond. We are currently featuring the designs of Indian interior designer Shweta Jajodia. Her designs incorporate architectural artifacts into one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture.
In addition, and this is an important point, we will match any price, online or in another store, on any of the same products we carry in the store. We want you to know that RE:find values your business and we will always strive to provide the best products at competitive prices!
What special services do you offer at your store?
Our furniture is made to order so you have a wide choice of furniture styles and fabric options. In addition, we work with a select group of artisans to make custom pieces. And because we work with a large group of suppliers, we can often find just the thing you are looking for, even if it isn’t currently in stock in the store. In addition, we offer interior design consultations, art curation and bridal registries.
Why is RE:find the best place to get furniture and art for your home, as opposed to ordering online or going to a department store?
First, as mentioned before, if you choose to order online or visit another store, we will match the price of any product we carry in the store with prices found elsewhere.
Nothing wrong with ordering online, but nothing quite beats a brick-and-mortar store when buying furniture or art. You have the opportunity to sit, feel and see what you are buying – there will be no surprises! And being downtown, RE:find is one of those locally owned stores you read about where your dollars have an immediate impact within the community. You support us and other retailers in the community and we help create a community we can all be proud of.
What are the most popular trends you’re seeing this year for home decorating?
Color! Don’t be afraid to use color in your home. A pink sofa may not be your thing, but a pillow, throw or accessory of some kind will add that color pop.
Mix it up! Gone are the days when you bought a “suite” of furniture for your home. Let your home reflect your personality – use Grandma’s dining table but match it with those recycled plastic chairs you can now buy at RE:find.
Art! Whatever your style is, incorporating art into your home (maybe by an artist you know or recently met) will help make your space your own.
What advice would you give to people searching for new furniture or art?
Enjoy the search. Take your time and find the right piece for your home. Let us help!
What’s your favorite part of having your business in Downtown Allentown?
It’s hard to beat the commute! But mostly, it’s being part of a growing and increasingly vibrant downtown. There are things happening here that happen nowhere else in the Valley. We’re not quite there yet, but we’re moving in the right direction, and it’s exciting to be part of the process!
Are there any special discounts being offered at your store right now?
We always offer a Gold Card discount. In addition, during the month of July, we are offering a special, additional, 10% discount to City Center Residential residents for made-to-order upholstered furniture. Just show us your key fob and you get 20% off any custom piece of upholstered furniture!