Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Marsh and Christy Brant.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Lulu’s Furniture & Decor is a true labor of love which was created in 2007 by Colorado native, Christy Vranesic Brant. Growing up in the furniture business with a father who started the trend as a teenager when he dropped out of school to work for Colorado Bedding and worked his way up to become a top salesman for Spring Air mattresses, furniture was the natural inclination for our family. My sister and her daughter own a store in California, my brother is a representative for several furniture lines, and approximately 35 other family members are involved with the industry in some manner. When Caitlin, my daughter, joined me in 2011, as we moved the store to LoHi, lulu’s really found its voice. She has been a huge contributor to the business and is now my business partner.
We pride ourselves on finding the best looking and most affordable pieces for your home, whether it be a timeless gift, a classic sofa, or that right piece of art. We are dealers for many different vendors and because of our long-standing association with the furniture business, we have established relationships with many different companies that otherwise would not be interested in working with a small business such as ours. Caitlin and I love helping our customers find the right pieces and have enjoyed working with many who have not only become our friends, but with whom we now have gone on to help as they move into new homes, grow their families, and other life changes.
With our recent move to Kent Place, at the corner of University and Hampden, we feel great about our selections and options we are able to offer in our new location with ample parking. Lulu’s offers customers the ability to customize furniture pieces as they are able to choose their fabrics, their pillows, the finishes, even including changing the cushion options. We also are able to sell pieces off the floor occasionally so that if you are in need of something immediately, that may be an option. Our team has the same philosophy and passion as us and are available in the store to offer advice.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road! My mom opened the store in 2007 during the recession and with no help!
One of the biggest challenges we face today is the internet. People love to come in get ideas, shop us and then go online and get it for less. A lot of companies try to implement MAP pricing but they don’t and can’t patrol everyone. It’s frustrating because people don’t understand that the online merchants don’t pay rent and utilities and have a huge overhead like we do.
Retail, in general, is a tough gig and with more and more consumers purchasing everything online, it’s scary.
Please tell us about Lulu’s Furniture & Decor.
We are a furniture & gift boutique first and foremost but interior design is a huge part of our business as well. We say we’re the ultimate hustlers and super unconventional. We’ve sold puppies out of the store in the past, we’re always trying to make our store a cool/rememberable experience for our customers and we’ve been known to sell lots of pieces out of our houses.
We specialize in affordable custom furniture. I think the word ‘custom’ makes people think ‘expensive’ and that’s not the case. We’re dealers for upholstery manufacturers where they build a huge selection of frame styles, they offer 1000+ fabrics, different cushion options, leg colors, etc. Say you like the sit of a sofa on our floor, but you want it as a sectional in a kid /pet-friendly off white fabric with really cool blue accent pillows, no problem!
What sets us apart from other stores is we really put a lot of time, effort, energy and money into finding pieces you don’t see everywhere. We try to buy as much locally, small business, American made products as we can. When you come in our store, you don’t see cookie cutter, we try to showcase an array of styles, materials, and products. Another example that sets us apart from other stores is the fact we let people take things home and try them on approval & you wouldn’t believe how many can’t get over that we’re so trusting! In 12 years, we’ve only been ripped off once.
I would say we’re proud of a lot of things. It’s a personal accomplishment to see how our style has evolved and how we’ve adapted to stay in business this long. We were really honored when 5280 Home said we were one of their favorite stores in Denver!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
This is a tough one! I have so many great memories as we had a wonderful childhood. My brothers and I ALWAYS had to help with projects around the house, i.e., remodels and as much as we complained growing up, I cherish those times today. So it’s not really a single memory, but a compilation of all our trips to Home Depot and the tile shop and the way our dad managed to sting together cuss words in the most eloquent way.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3475 South University Boulevard.
Unit F Englewood, CO 80113 - Website: www.lulusfurniture.com
- Phone: 303.756.2222
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulusdecor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lulusfurnitureanddecor/
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/home/IquY3QL_-EVvEm3ycJufBQ/
Image Credit:
Drew Carlson
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