Suggestions needed for STX furniture stores

But stateside and ship it here. We've learned the hard way. The "affordable" stuff that's for sale generally does not hold up well. Even with shipping you'll get better quality and a much better price.

Problem is that cheap furntiure here is usually particle (sp?) board. It will swell and crumble during the rainy season. You might look at some second hand stuff, try Uniquities.

Shop at IKEA in Ft Lauderdale...they ship to VICargo, its on island in about a week...really good furniture prices, great hardwood quality and packaged very well to get to the island.
The store in S Florida is really great and fun place to shop.
I would guess that the price is about 75% of what I would have spent on island, but the quality is about 200% better!
The restaurant inside the IKEA store was also really good food and super low price...daily specials are cheap!

We've been very pleased with the service, price and selection at Carlos Furniture. Call Jihad at 778-6566 and tell him Ihab's coach Lisa sent you! 🙂

Thanks to all your suggestions. Very helpful. A few questions/comments:

1. Where are Uniquities and Carlos Furniture?

2. Catpete, what has been your experience with the IKEA furniture's longevity here? We been considering doing just as you suggested, but are concerned how well the furniture will hold up down here given that it's mainly particleboard and does not contain much, if any, true hardwood. We figured with the humidity and sea air, these would expand and warp pretty quickly.

Bernie

I have been pleasantly surprised with a couch/chair set we purchased from Royal Furniture. We shopped all over and were very selective making sure the set was made with good wood and had solid structure (it was also Made In America!). I never expected to find a good set on island that wasn't really expensive. I always try to buy local and was happy we were able to!

We like Best Furniture, in United Plaza Shopping Center (where Plaza Extra is). We try to deal with Ahmad, when possible. (I know he reads this occasionally,..... so apologize if I mis-spelled your name.:-))

He has good quality furniture, but not the uber expensive hand made mahogany or stuff like that.

I love IKEA but have never shipped anything. I just buy small things, when I travel, that I can bring with me.

Carlos is in Peter's Rest right across from Cost-U-Less. Carlos Furniture website

Thanks again to everyone for their suggestions. We've got a lot of places to check out!

Bernie

Based on my experience, you’re not going to save as much as you think by ordering from the states. I ordered a complete bedroom suite and living room furniture from Amazon and had it shipped by VI Cargo. I paid about $500 in freight in the states and another $1,000 shipping it here. Shipping is based on volume and furniture is very bulky – even the stuff that you assemble. I also had to pay to have it picked up from VI Cargo.

I ordered a mattress based on the reviews but my wife hates it. The bed was shipped without hardware and I had to wait another 3 weeks for the parts to put the bed frame together. The furniture is Coaster which is mostly solid wood and made in the far east. But they sell the same furniture here. If I had to do it over again, I would buy local. There’s enough competition on the island to keep a lid on excessive prices. But as other posters have suggested, do buy quality furniture.

I second the opinions recommending Carlos furniture and Best furniture is also good. You can usually get as good a deal or better from them then trying to order stuff stateside and bring it in VI cargo, and if something goes wrong they are on the hook not you. We bought off island and found that it was cheaper to just buy locally in the case of furniture.

Rhere are some cases where going off island for specific types/pieces makes sense so as always shop around!

Sean

You never know. We bought two wicker porch chairs from K Mart 7 years ago. They sit on our front gallery in the sun wind and rain. We've replaced the cushions 3-4 times, but the chairs are still fine.

Because we are leaving the island, you might consider looking in our home! We have high end furniture that we need to sell ASAP, therefore it will be affordably priced. Sample of available furnishings include: LVR (sofa, coffee table, custom mahogany TV cabinet, lamps, etc.), DR set, beautiful bedroom sets, including king and twin mattresses, exquisite office desk with chair and matching file cabinet...If you are interested, please contact me and I will send photos.

Jack, I sent you a PM.

Bernie

Hey Bernie!!!

Carlos is definitely good and they will "deal." And Suniland in Peter's Rest (near Bank of St Croix) is great - Essam will be very helpful to you. Uniquities has unique things - but can be pricy. I can't wait to see your place once you get it done!