Who doesn’t love a good bargain? Sure, finding a shirt on sale for $20 is a good find, but try saving hundreds of dollars on quality furniture that you’ll have for years to come? That’s where you get a true shopper’s high!
Don’t you agree? There’s probably no better feeling than finding a deal on furniture.
Birmingham has a handful of spots to shop for home decor, but today I’m sharing possibly one of Alabama’s best kept furniture store secrets.
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The Summer Classics Outlet in Pelham, AL
The Summer Classics Factory Outlet is a warehouse furniture store located at 111 Hinds Street in Pelham. If you live in the South, you may recognize the Summer Classics brand name. This furniture company started and still continues to operate its headquarters right here in Birmingham. The corporate offices and the main Summer Classics Home retail store are located right on Highway 31.
Q: What’s the difference between “regular retail store” and “The Outlet”?
A: Birmingham is unique in the fact that the company started here, which is why you have the luxury of visiting both The Summer Classics Home retail store on HWY 31 and their Factory Outlet located just down the street. Both retail locations are open to the public 7 days a week. The main retail store is where you can go to purchase new product, get expert design help, grab inspiration, etc. Basically, buy new and customize your products. Not local to Birmingham? Don’t worry, Summer Classics Home has over 12 retail locations.
Q: What is at The Outlet?
A: The home decor and furniture products that are sold at the Summer Classics Factory Outlet typically fall into one of these categories:
- Used on a photoshoot or a floor sample from a Showroom
- Damaged
- Discontinued
- Customer Return
- Prototype / Product Sample
When you visit the Summer Classics Factory Outlet you’ll find an insane amount of furniture and decor all at a discount! There’s an indoor area, warehouse area and outdoor yard full of luxury furniture!
Behind the Brands
Summer Classics outdoor furniture is a premium patio brand that makes outdoor decor that is built to last. Talk to anyone who owns it and they’ll tell you, the investment is well worth it. Many will have their outdoor sets for decades, and even pass down to generations.
Gabby is the indoor line that The Outlet carries and is what the industry calls transitional furniture. Gabby is known to produce a wonderful mix of styles. You’ll find everything from traditional wooden furniture, to more modern furniture featuring clean lines and materials like acrylic.
Some styles you can find and they have multiples of right now: Alexis Chest | Dara Console | Jane Chest | Acrylic Chairs | Chelsea Demilune Chest
How to Shop: The Outlet
Back to getting bargains. A great place to start looking at pieces you love is on gabbyhome.com and summerclassics.com. Prices aren’t listed on the website, so to get an idea of pricing you can go look at places like Wayfair for comps. They set their own pricing but are close to MSRP.
A general rule of thumb: normal Outlet pricing is 60% off MSRP. Meaning, you can find amazing deals here all the time. However, there are four special times a year when these products go on even more SALE. Drumroll….
Southern Source Side Note: I usually go to the outlet once every week to scope out new arrivals. Trucks arrive almost daily, so inventory is always changing!
TENT SALE
Summer Classics Factory Outlet has a huge “tent sale” four times a year. The Outlet is a large facility in Pelham, AL that houses Summer Classics, Gabby, and other brands of home accessories. Insider Hint: the Christmas decor room during the holidays is amazing!
How to Navigate the Tent Sale
Tips:
- Early Bird Gets the Worm, soooo Arrive EARLY!! There will be a line, so be sure to get there before opening, especially if you know what you are on the hunt for
- Do your research! Look at the Summer Classics and Gabby website ahead of time to get an idea of what will be there
- Also, do your homework! If you have a specific area you are looking to fill in your home, be sure to bring measurements
- Do a Drive-by. Come a few days before to see what’s there! If you have time, come check out what will be offered before the sale even starts
- Be ready to buy! There is no waiting game here, if you want it then be ready to make moves because most likely it will not be there the next day.
-Mary Glenn Culp, Summer Classics & Gabby PR
Lastly, when you’re on the hunt, be sure to check the item for a red tag. This means someone has already tagged/bought the item. If it’s not tagged yet and you want it, be sure to find a retail associate to claim it. Take a picture of the item tagged so you can remember what all you’re getting when you’re ready to check out!
The next tent sale is coming up. Official dates will be announced next week, so be sure to get on their mailing list to be in-the-know.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
May the odds be ever in your favor.
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