Pottery Barn totes all-American style in first Southeast Asian branch

“Classic All-American” best describes home and lifestyle store Pottery Barn. Whether you see it on the pages of a home magazine, on the set of American sitcoms like “Seinfeld” and “Friends” and especially visiting Pottery Barn stores themselves, this chain well represents the star spangled banner lifestyle.
 

The store's first Southeast Asian branch at the Central Square Mall in Bonifacio Global City, is consistent with this theme. Opened last July, Pottery Barn Philippines is franchised by Store Specialist Incorporated (SSI). It is a bi-level space located inside a mall, setting it apart from its American predecessors wherein most stores are independent outdoor structures.

It is, however, as overwhelming as all Pottery Barn outlets are. 
 

“When you enter the store, it is best to go around clock-wise,” advised Anton Huang, president of SSI. He added, “The various lifestyle displays are meant to give customers an idea on what items and color themes look good together. To make it convenient to our customers, all items on the display are usually found on the shelves behind it.”
 

The current collection revolves around two main color themes: warm and cool. One will see living rooms and dining table set ups in hues of orange for warm and blue for cool. 
 

Having been in the furniture industry since 1949, Pottery Barn prides itself with long-standing experience in offering quality products and services to its customers. Their merchandise is said to be made of high grade materials, some of which are manufactured and sourced in the Philippines. 
 

When asked what sets Pottery Barn apart from other furniture stores in the local market, Huang told GMA News Online, “Our true classic American style. This is something different from the modern and minimalist aesthetic currently popular in the Philippines. Unlike most local furniture store, we also have our Design Studio, which is the heart of our store. The Design Studio has specially trained Design Specialists offering complimentary decorating and entertaining advice to customers to help them enjoy the full Pottery Barn experience.”
 

Items are priced competitively and surprisingly, even a bit cheaper than Pottery Barn counterparts abroad, wherein tax and international shipping add up to the cost. Huang also assured the Filipino client of “clearance sales and promotions tailored to what is relevant locally” as something to look forward to.
 

Its sister brand Pottery Barn Kids also occupies an area on the second floor. The collection is brimming with furniture and knickknacks like bags, quirky bath towels, and others designed to delight a child. Kid-friendly activities can also be enjoyed up there: arts and crafts, book clubs and storytelling.
 

Both Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids encourage patrons to sit, feel, and experience their items with care, to better appreciate and help with their purchasing decisions.
 

In 2015, Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids will open its second branch in Estancia Mall, Pasig City. — VC, GMA News