By Emily Cook
Aesthetic: Serve and barware is displayed up front so guests see every detail right away for an instant party, and the outdoor furniture section features seating collections that function to extend living space outside. “We really want to bring that entire connection together that our store is all about inspiring friends and family to connect more often at home,” says district manager Eric Stalzer. “Everything in our store is about people interacting and not looking at a TV screen.”
Product spread: Great Gatherings integrates every element for stylish outdoor entertainment, from monogrammed wine corks and iceless wine chillers to fire pits and Tropitone chaise lounge chairs. And for the quintessential indoor game room, shoppers will find footed Pilsner glasses, leather-bound board games and poker, foosball and air hockey tables.
Extra Services: Beyond delivery and installation, staff members will visit prospective customers’ homes to evaluate their space and make product suggestions. “Although nobody per se is an accredited interior designer, we do house calls frequently,” Stalzer says. “Our team knows spatial logic—they’ve been doing this for years.”
Clientele: The store’s focus on intimate evenings with friends and family attracts both young homebuyers and those in their 40s, 50s and 60s. According to Stalzer, Great Gatherings’ clients distinguish the inventory as more investment furniture than disposal furniture and understand the value in buying better quality products.
Wallet Wonders: Outdoor patio table and chair sets range from $2,000-$10,000; decorative pillows from $80-$110; upholstered bar and kitchen stools from $150-$400; and game room collections from $800-$4,000.
Great Gatherings
2920 District Ave.
Fairfax, VA 22031
571-234-8100
(October 2015)
