Hickory Furniture Mart

We've heard a lot about furniture manufacturing in NC since moving here a few years ago and made a short trip to Hickory, NC, a few weeks ago. A Google search shows that the furniture mart is by far the largest selection of retailers under one roof and it is impressive.

The greeter at the entry was very helpful and narrowed down the stores that may have our specific dining table design. A general walk-through can be very overwhelming.

The mart has a broad range of styles, designs and quality so it's helpful to have at least a basic understanding about manufacturers and quality. We wish we'd known about the mart several years ago after relocating and furnishing our new home.

Be prepared to walk a lot.
This place is huge and has multiple levels.
They will give you a map when you enter but it won't help a lot.

I was there mainly to see the oak & amish furniture shop.
Everything is way overpriced and everything has a sale tag on it.
So you know even the sale prices is marked up 30 to 40 percent.

We had been furniture shopping in what was one of the largest furniture manufacturing areas in the USA: Hickory, NC. Now-a-days there are still lots of furniture stores, but items come from all over. Driving around, you get a feel for how great Hickory was when it came to furniture manufacturing.

Starting at The Hickory Tree (see review) we hit a couple of more locations and then the big kaboom: the Hickory Furniture Mart. Another review coming on this enormous, four level block-filling edifice containing just about any manufacturer and style of furniture one could imagine.

It blew my mind.

Mind blown, I was also worn out. I needed coffee...strong coffee...NOW!
There happened to be a coffee shop in another level and I was able to medicate myself, along with my wife.

Since these were manufacturer shops, items were mostly displayed so you could see what you would be ordering. Some shops were outlets, so you could take items away. You want variety...this is the place.

Prices, compared to consignment shops and outlets, were very high.

We never saw anything we liked beyond the one we first saw at The Hickory Tree, so we went back there to buy THAT chair.

Although you might be brain dead, starting at the Furniture Mart will ground you on just what is available, styles and variations. Especially as we saw many couples buying bedroom, living room and dining room furniture. They have it all.

If you can take something home on your own, this might be good for you. If you need something delivered- be prepared for it to get to them within a week and then have to wait another 2 months for delivery. It's ridiculous. They also suck at communicating. Just avoid it if you can.

Hard to review this place as I'm guessing we are not the target demographic based on the prices.

First of all this place is basically a massive 4 story mall of nothing but furniture. There seems to be a lot of different vendors or brands inside, each with their own store inside the giant mall.

They had some stuff that looked very high end and was also priced accordingly. Solid wood, very well built stuff. However we also found plenty of average quality stuff made from particle board that looked to be about the equivalent of furniture you find at any of the big name furniture store, however they were still priced like premium hardwood stuff. I remember they had one small accent chair that was close to $4,000! It honestly looked like a chair you find at any big box store for maybe $500.

Unfortunately we could not find a single piece we were willing to fork up the $$$ for for. After coming here we went to other small local furniture stores and actually found a lot of stuff we liked for much more reasonable prices.

So I guess if you want very high end furniture this place might work for you, just be aware that some of the stuff is not as high end as the price may suggest. However if you are not looking to spend a small fortune on one piece of furniture then you are probably better off looking elsewhere.

If you need furniture, this is worth the 3 1/2 hour road trip from Charleston.
This is the Mall of America for furniture and home decor.

Four floors
2 City Blocks Long
Endless ideas for the bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen and all the furnishings in between.

This is an adult playground, but even more intense and fun than IKEA.

From the moment you step and walk through each store which seems to have a theme of their own, you are wisked away to a magical land of ideas.

You will also find the prices are comparable or cheaper than any major manufacturer.

In fact, you get a full catalog when you arrive to help prepare your day and yes, you may need a whole day.

FYI - They are closed on Sunday!!!

I called ahead and spoke with Tracey Trimble. She was friendly and helpful. She set up time for me to spend 2 days with Teresa Thompson, a personal shopper. Teresa knows the products and knows who in each store to go to in order to get the right help. It would have been daunting without her knowledge. Teresa is extremely warm, friendly, and overall, just a wonderful person. I placed my first order in June of 2021, and I felt like Teresa was in it with me every step of the way. She helped when the shipping companies merged (and what a fiasco that was!), she helped when items shipped with damages (all fixed to my satisfaction), and I felt she was truly happy for me when it all finally came together. I can't praise her enough. I have ordered since just because of the wonderful service Teresa provides.

Drove all the way to Hickory today to do some furniture shopping. Everybody was really, nice the place is arranged really well and is very, very clean.
I didn't find a single piece of furniture that I would buy. Most of the furniture is priced extremely high. Not that this had anything to do with my choice, I just didn't find any style of furniture that appealed to me.

I LOVE Hickory Furniture Mart. In fact, going back tomorrow. We move about every two years and I am so glad to have this resource. I highly recommend Hickory Park. BJ is the best. She will assist with fabric, size, etc. when you go, call ahead and ask for a personal shopper. Teresa is the best! Yes, you will walk a lot. That's the point, you have options. Again, long time shopper and fan. Great prices and every store I have bought from has been most accommodating. 5 stars is NOT enough.

If you dig high end well made furniture and accessories at 25-70% off then this is the place for you!!!! Wear your comfy shoes since you're looking at 3-4 hours of walking. They do have a couple bistro type places for beverage/snack break!

Our favorite spot is Simply Home by Lindy's! If you catch a good sale you can expect well made furniture for a fraction of the price. Special order items can take 6-8 weeks or more!

We will be returning ready to buy - this first visit was to just scope it out!