A furniture store has found a new home in Federal Hill.
Home on the Harbor opened a store at 1414 Key Highway April 3. The 4,400-square-foot space is four times the size of its former store in Mount Washington.
Though the economy has hammered the housing market and sales at some furniture stores, sales at Home on the Harbor have increased 25 percent in the last six months, Owner Karen Graveline says.
Whereas customers were once putting off big purchases, Graveline says she is now seeing stronger sales of sofas, rugs, and lounge chairs. Graveline says her $100,000 investment on the expansion is an "offensive move," that she hopes will help it prepare for an uptick in the economy.
"Now is a good time to get ready for the economy to pick back up," she says.
The move to Federal Hill is a homecoming of sorts. It started out in Federal Hill nearly 8 years ago before packing up for Mount Washington. The waterfront location was the inspiration for the store's name.
Graveline is returning to Baltimore City because it can attract shoppers coming the city for the museums and other waterfront attractions. The spot is also close to Interstate 95, making it a convenient location for shoppers who live in the counties, she says. She also liked the warehouse space with its big windows and good visibility from the harbor.
The store specializes in mid-20th century-style furniture and its brands include Knoll, Gus Modern Blue Dot and Kartell.
"I feel like I know what the customer wants. I'm not really worried," Graveline says. "I'm confident we will succeed here."
Writer: Julekha Dash
Source: Karen Graveline, Home on the Harbor