Shop at Retail 101 Furniture Completely Hassle-Free

Hey there! I’ve spent the last five years running a small furniture store, and I know how hard it can be to find good furniture reviews. Shopping for furniture can feel overwhelming with so many stores to choose from.

I recently checked out Retail 101 Furniture, and I want to share my honest thoughts with you. In this review, I’ll tell you exactly what I found – from the store layout to the furniture quality and prices.

I’ll help you understand if this store matches your needs. You’ll learn about their customer service, delivery options, and warranty policies.

Plus, I’ll share some useful tips to help you make smart choices when shopping there.

Let’s take a closer look at what Retail 101 Furniture offers.

An Overview of Real 101

Retail 101 stands as one of Connecticut’s well-known furniture stores, serving local communities through their conveniently placed warehouse in Shelton.

Operating as a discount furniture warehouse, their business model focuses on offering quality furniture at lower prices than traditional retail stores, making home furnishing more available to families in the area.

Their main warehouse in Shelton offers a spacious shopping environment where customers can browse through different furniture collections under one roof.

The store’s layout makes it easy to look through bedroom sets, living room furniture, dining collections, and home office pieces in dedicated sections.

The warehouse setup helps them keep overhead costs down, which lets them pass these savings directly to their customers through better prices.

While their Shelton location serves as their primary hub, I’ve learned that they’re looking at ways to bring their furniture options to more Connecticut communities.

Their success in providing affordable furniture has built them a solid reputation among local shoppers who value quality pieces at reasonable prices.

I believe what sets them apart in the furniture market is their straightforward approach:

• They keep things simple with their warehouse-style setup
• Focus on practical furniture choices,
• Maintain competitive pricing that appeals to budget-conscious shoppers.

Store Hours and Days of Operation

Store Hours at Retail 101 (20 Constitution Blvd S, Shelton, CT 06484)

• Monday – Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 12 – 8 PM
• Friday & Saturday: 10 -8 PM
• Sunday: 10 – 6 PM

Special Notes

• Store opens early on major sale events
• Extended hours during holiday seasons
• Closed on major holidays

Best Times to Visit

• Weekday Mornings: Less crowded, more staff attention
• Early Saturday: Fresh stock, smaller crowds
• Mid-Week Afternoons: Good time for relaxed browsing

Certain Product Categories That Real 101 Have

As someone who’s spent time looking through their collection, I can tell you that Retail 101’s furniture selection covers pretty much everything you’d need for your home.

• In the living room section, I found comfortable sofas ranging from simple two-seaters to large sectionals that could fit the whole family. The TV stands come in various sizes, and their coffee tables include both modern and traditional styles.
• Moving to bedroom furniture, they stock full bedroom sets with queen and king-sized beds. Their mattress selection includes different comfort levels, paired with matching dressers and nightstands.
• The dining room collection offers tables that seat anywhere from 4 to 8 people. I noticed their bar stools come in different heights – perfect for kitchen counters or home bars.
• For those working from home, their office furniture includes sturdy desks and ergonomic chairs. The bookcases range from small units to full wall systems.

Let’s talk about prices – their sofas start at $300, while bedroom sets begin at $800. They offer regular discounts on floor models and overstock items, often marking them down 20-30% below regular prices.

Their brand selection includes well-known names like Free People and Anthropologie for home goods. All furniture is new, though some pieces might be overstocked or be floor models (which means extra savings for you).

What I really like is that despite being a discount store, they maintain good quality standards. I’ve checked their furniture construction personally – solid frames, good upholstery, and proper finishing on wooden pieces.

For accent pieces, you’ll find stylish mirrors, console tables, and decorative items that can add personality to any room. These smaller pieces usually range from $50 to $200.

An Overall Shopping Experience I Have

I recently visited Retail 101’s Shelton warehouse, and I want to share my full shopping experience with you.

1. First Impressions

• • Spacious open floor plan in the warehouse
  • Easy to move around and browse
  • Basic but practical setup for furniture viewing

2. Staff Interaction

• • Helpful but not pushy sales approach
  • Knowledgeable about products
  • Ready to answer questions about materials and options

3. Store Layout

• • Clear, logical arrangement of sections
  • Well-organized flow from living room to bedroom areas
  • Visible price tags and product details
  • Easy access to view furniture from all sides

4. Product Testing

• • Free to try out all furniture pieces
  • Opportunity to check drawer functionality
  • Option to take fabric samples home

5. Purchase Process

• • Clear explanation of delivery options
  • Detailed warranty information is provided
  • Easy-to-understand care instructions
  • Access to delivery tracking system

6. Customer Service

• • Upfront return policy explanation
  • Clear process for handling post-delivery issues
  • Professional problem-solving approach

7. Overall Value

• • No-frills warehouse setting
  • Lower prices due to simple setup
  • Practical and efficient shopping experience

How to Plan Your Visit to Real 101 Furniture

• Before visiting Retail 101 Furniture, take measurements of your rooms and any existing furniture pieces you plan to coordinate with your new purchases. I recommend bringing these measurements along with photos of your space on your phone – this has saved me from making sizing mistakes several times.
• The best time to visit Retail 101 Furniture is during weekday mornings when the store tends to be less busy, which means you’ll get more personalized attention from the sales staff. If you’re planning a weekend visit, try to arrive right when they open to avoid the typical afternoon rush of shoppers.
• Make sure to bring your preferred method of payment, as well as information about your home’s delivery access points – this includes details about stairs, elevators, or any tight corners that might affect furniture delivery. When I bought my sectional, having these details ready-made the delivery planning much smoother.
• I suggest setting aside at least two hours for your visit to properly examine all the furniture options. This gives you enough time to test different pieces, compare prices, and discuss any questions with the staff about materials, warranties, and delivery timelines.
• Don’t forget to check their current promotions before your visit – knowing the ongoing sales can help you make better decisions about timing your purchase. You might want to sign up for their mailing list too, as they often send special offers to subscribers.
• Remember to wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking on concrete warehouse floors. Consider bringing a small notebook to jot down product codes and prices of pieces you like – this helps when you need time to think about your choices at home.
• If you’re buying larger pieces, think about your delivery needs ahead of time. Knowing your schedule and having a flexible delivery window can make the process much easier. The sales team can help coordinate everything once you’re ready to make your purchase.

Best Tips for 1st-Time Shoppers

• Measure your rooms and doorways twice before visiting – it’ll prevent delivery headaches later.
• Bring photos of your existing furniture and room setup on your phone.
• Check online reviews of similar furniture pieces before your visit to compare prices.
• Make a list of “must-have” features for each furniture piece you plan to buy.
• Shop during weekday mornings for the most attentive service.
• Take photos of price tags and item codes of pieces you like.
• Ask about the store’s return policy before making any purchases.
• Request fabric samples if you’re buying upholstered furniture.
• Read the warranty details carefully, especially for big-ticket items.
• Get written confirmation of your delivery date and time.
• Keep all receipts and warranty cards in a safe place.
• Ask about care instructions for each piece you buy.
• Check the store’s seasonal sale schedule to time your purchase correctly.
• Look at floor models – they often come with extra discounts.
• Save your salesperson’s contact information for future questions.
• Request details about assembly services if needed.
• Find out if the store price matches that of other retailers.
• Ask about financing options before making large purchases.
• Check the delivery zone and associated fees for your area.
• Make sure someone will be home during the full delivery window.

Comparison Between Retail 101 with Other Furniture Stores

Aspect	Retail 101	Other Stores
Price Points	Lower overhead costs due to warehouse setup	Higher prices due to showroom expenses and locations
Store Layout	Open warehouse format with practical displays	Styled showrooms with decorative setups
Customer Service	Basic but helpful service without sales pressure	Often, commission-based sales with more aggressive approaches
Selection Range	Focused on practical, everyday furniture pieces	Wider range including luxury and designer items
Delivery Options	Simple delivery system with tracking	More delivery options but often at higher costs
Shopping Environment	No-frills warehouse setting	More polished shopping atmosphere
Payment Plans	Basic financing options	Multiple financing choices and store credit cards
Return Policy	Straightforward return process	Often, more complex return requirements
Stock Availability	Items are typically ready for quick delivery	May require longer wait times for special orders
Display Style	Functional product displays	Staged room settings
Customization Options	Limited customization choices	More options for custom orders

Conclusion

After spending time at Retail 101 Furniture, I can honestly say it’s a solid choice for budget-minded shoppers who want good furniture without the fancy showroom costs.

From my experience, you’ll find everything you need here – don’t expect the glossy, high-end store experience. But that’s exactly why their prices stay reasonable.

If you’re planning to shop here, check out my other helpful guides:

• How to Measure Your Space for New Furniture,
• Budget-Friendly Decorating Ideas for Every Room.

Want to share your own Retail 101 experience? Drop a comment below! I’d love to hear about your furniture shopping journey.

If you find this overview helpful, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more honest store reviews and home decorating tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Online Store or Catalog?

No, Retail 101 does not have any online browsing through their website. You can view their current inventory and check prices by visiting the store.

Do They Offer Warranties on Furniture?

The store provides manufacturer warranties on all furniture pieces. Coverage length varies by item type. Ask for their warranty guide during purchase – it lists protection details for each category.

Do They Offer Delivery or Pickup Services?

They offer both delivery and pickup services. Delivery fees depend on your location and item size. For pickup, bring the proper vehicle and help – staff assists with loading.