Ethan Allen is the type of furniture store where you encounter consultants. A panel of "American Idol" judges (although...nicely dressed ones) will meet you as you walk in. The eyes will quickly look you up and down to vet your level of purchasing power. They probably saw the vehicle you rolled up in as well.
While helpful, our sales woman seemed to be helping us in an "affordable" way. She was also missing the point of what we wanted. Yes, we pulled up in my pickup truck, yes we looked a bit of a mess. We had just finished working in the yard and decided to head out to look for some new bedroom pieces.
The whole experience managed to take a 180 degree turn once our sales woman found out that we had a Temperpedic bed. No kidding? You mean, you can't always judge a book by its cover? Who'd a thought?
As far as the furniture is concerned, Ethan Allen has some excellent pieces. High quality stuff with the abilty to customize just about anything. Sure you'll pay for it, but we all know that we get what we pay for.
Two things would make a trip to Ethan Allen a five-star experience:
1. I want more to look at and touch. The minimal space affords enough room to display each diverse style they carry...but guess what...not that many people are going to buy a denim couch, or insanely ornate, mirrored and metalic pieces.
2. This isn't project runway, and I'm not coming here to be evaluated for a home loan. If I walk in to your store, I can afford your furniture.