Wednesday, Apr. 6, 2005

A new furniture destination

Fayette Pavilion isn't just for grocery shopping or movie watching any more. Thanks to the elegant new Thomasville showroom, the Pavilion is now Fayette County's destination for fine furniture.

Thomasville has been around for more than 100 years, said Fayetteville store manager Rick Lowery. The first store opened in the Atlanta area two years ago, and the Fayetteville location is the first to open on the south side of the city. The brand is well recognized and the pieces are often passed down through the generations.

"Thomasville represents quality furniture," Lowery said. "They believe in having a unique look and presenting something different to the market. It is the kind of furniture that looks just as good in your grandparents' home as it does in your home."

The newest collection introduced by Thomasville is the Ernest Hemingway Collection. Inspired by the author and his travels, the collection is made up of authentic stylistic influences from Hemingway's favorite places, including Paris, Venice and Havana. The collection includes exotic woods and rich leathers, all used to capture the spirit and adventure of Hemingway.

Another popular Thomasville collection, and store manager Lowery's personal favorite, is the Bogart Collection, inspired by the style and elegance of Hollywood's most romantic era.

"It was a unique era, and the mystic of Bogart was and still is unique," Lowery said of the actor and his time. "Every piece in this collection speaks of elegance." The collection uses rich woods and fabrics fit for Hollywood royalty.

Lowery said customers visiting Thomasville are looking for quality furniture, traditional pieces updated with new themes. Many customers know about Thomasville from their parents or grandparents. Lowery strives to make sure each shopping experience is a pleasant one.

"Our staff are highly trained professionals. We know it might take several visits before you settle on that perfect piece of furniture, and we want people to feel comfortable browsing and taking their time without feeling like we are pressuring them to buy," Lowery explained.

A unique service offered by the Thomasville store is a free in-home consultation. Design specialists are available to visit customers' homes to help with the shopping process. These specialists will take measurements, come up with a floorplan, and listen to the needs and desires of each client, ensuring that the furniture fits the style and structure of the room.

"Thomasville is trying to change the mindset that quality furniture is only available on the north side of Atlanta," Lowery said. "They recognized the need in Fayette County and wanted to give people more options when shopping for furniture."

Thomasville opened in December of 2004 at 230 Pavilion Parkway, near the Tinseltown movie theater. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Collections can be viewed online at www.thomasville-hfg.com. For more information, call 678-817-5115.