Avery Lane Fine Consignments, Antiquities & Art Year Featured in Scottsdale Airpark News
EO Arizona member Darlene Richert, owner of Avery Lane, was featured in Scottsdale Airpark News. Avery Lane has established itself as Scottsdale’s consignment leader for high-end designer furniture and unique antiques and original artwork. They are finding clients are coming from as far away as Anthem, Prescott and Chandler.
You can read below to learn more about Darlene and Avery Lane or download (.pdf) Scottsdale Airpark News Avery Lane Article.
Company Overview
- Year company was founded: 2012
- Years in the Scottsdale Airpark: 3
- Employees: Six to eight
- Industry: Retail Home Furnishings
- Annual revenue: Between $1 million and $5 million
Scottsdale Airpark News (SAN): How is business going relative to last year?
Richert: Traffic is robust and steady, and sales are up 15 percent over last year. We are thrilled with the level of repeat business and the support of Scottsdale’s talented design community and the area’s top realtors.
What kinds of plans for growth can you share that might give insight into some of the other things happening in your industry?
Avery Lane has established itself as Scottsdale’s consignment leader for high-end designer furniture and unique antiques and original artwork. We’re finding clients are coming from as far away as Anthem, Prescott and Chandler. While our showroom/warehouse is 10,000 square feet, we find we are physically limited and can only accept about 30 percent of the furniture we are offered. There is a possibility of expanding to a second location, either in the West Valley or Chandler areas. We also are exploring the idea of monthly Paris Flea Market sales and possibly quarterly auctions as fun events for our clients.
Are you planning to do any hiring in the next six months?
We are possibly looking for additional salespeople in the fall.
How do you find it best to recruit new team members in this age of technology?
We prefer to hire via word of mouth. We’ve used our Facebook and e-blasts to personalize our searches.
How optimistic are you about the economy getting better in the next year?
Very optimistic, but the election fever always seems to make people a bit leery. As long as real estate remains strong, we are enthusiastic. Also, a strong Canadian dollar seems to help our business.
What is one thing about your business you believe other businesspeople in the Airpark would be surprised to know?
We consign and sell an amazing amount of original artwork from all over the world, many of which are museum quality. We’ve proudly showcased and sold some very major pieces including a Vicente Viudes, Picasso, Roberto Marquez, Dutch masters, Stan Natchez and Pletka to name a few.
What are some of the challenges faced by your industry and how is your company working to overcome them?
Many of the Avery Lane shoppers are visiting from all over the world, and while here, they fall in love with large pieces of furniture or an exceptional piece of art that needs to be shipped. We have now developed good outsource partnerships to enable us to ship all over the United States. Also, because we have new furnishings arriving two to three times per week and our inventory is constantly changing, we are challenged with providing current information to our clients. We are finding our website, Facebook and Mailchimp e-blasts to be our best marketing tools.
Who is a role model in business whom you look up to?
Prior to opening my own business, I worked in the private golf industry with some of the country’s best developers. They were all visionaries and great entrepreneurs: Lyle Anderson (LAC), Francis Najafi (Pivotal Group) and Don Kent (DMB). They continue to inspire me. I’m also inspired by so many local designers: Mary Meinz, Donna Vallone, Wendy Black Rodgers, Tony Sutton (Est Est) and Deb Malone.
How about a few words of wisdom?
Be true to yourself and your vision. Take time to envision your brand from top to bottom—how you define yourself, the customer service style you present and the aesthetic of your business. And be fierce in holding up those standards. Don’t stray from your brand and what defines your company.
What are your business goals over the next 12 months?
Avery Lane hopes to have continued strong sales and deliver a stellar consignment experience with the possibility of a second location down the road.
