A POTTERY Barn rival has announced its possible closure as owners beg shoppers for help.
Flegel’s furniture store has been a mainstay for nearly 70 years but is facing financial troubles which could force the store to close.
Married couple Arthur and Cleora Flegel began the business in 1954.
It was passed down through three generations of family members in Menlo Park, California.
The store moved locations in 2019 and, shortly after, changed its business strategy.
Instead of selling display furniture, Flegel's began to focus on the expertise of the interior designers within the business.
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However, the Covid pandemic has taken a toll on the furniture store.
Supply chain issues prevented the store from producing custom furniture customers had ordered.
“From the micro to the macro, I couldn't get (supplies),” current owner Brian Flegel told Almanac News.
“I couldn't get a sofa made because nobody had any foam.
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"I couldn't get a recliner made because nobody had any access to the mechanisms for the recliner to work.”
As a result, Flegel may have to shut down the shop.
While no set date has been given, Flegel is hoping to be able to keep the doors open and that the community will rally around the longtime shop.
“Hopefully, it's made some lasting effects on how people are currently living in Menlo Park or Palo Alto or Atherton,” Flegel said.
“Maybe they've just had more dinner parties because their dining table’s perfect for the space, and their chairs are comfortable enough to sit on for long periods of time and have an extra bottle of wine.”
A GoFundMe has been started to support the store and cites "insurmountable debt" as a reason for the possible closure.
The page created by Flegel reads: "I'm more than likely going to have to close this store.
"The glimmer of hope is becoming even more design-driven."
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It adds: "Please help us pay our bills, and our staff some of whom have been with us for several decades and for which we are a lifeline.
"We are going to be starting a Store Closure to prepare - but we hope we can make it through this tumultuous with your help."
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