Costco to launch high-end line of furniture

Sure, we’ve got monthly unemployment figures and a consumer confidence index, but how’s this for an economic indicator: a high-end furniture line launching at Costco. Starting Aug. 17, after picking up a $1.50 hot dog-and-Coke combo and that discount case of hand sanitizer, shoppers at select Southern California Costco stores can peruse bouclé-upholstered sofas, hardwood headboards and hand-crafted dining room tables, some priced at upwards of $4,000.

The Jennifer Adams Home collection will consist of 83 pieces, many to be displayed on a 400-square-foot section of participating Costco stores. As tests go, the furniture will be an interesting one.

The furniture will appear in each store for only 10 days, starting Aug. 17 in Yorba Linda, Aug. 31 in Huntington Beach, Sept. 14 in Carlsbad and Sept. 28 in Torrance.

Though a detailed price list has not yet been released, the upholstered furniture (available in a range of fabrics) and the wood bedroom and dining furniture (kiln-dried alder with a walnut stain and slightly distressed finish) appear to be priced higher than one might typically see at Crate & Barrel. All of the furniture will be manufactured in Southern California, which explains pricing more in line with a furniture boutique than a warehouse store. Orders will be delivered within six weeks, a spokeswoman said.

Plenty of market research has shown Costco shoppers to be quality-seekers focused on good value, not necessarily cheap merchandise. But whether those shoppers plunk down $2,000 and up for a dining table and $1,200-plus for a coordinating chair with nail-head trim may indicate how much the consuming public is willing to fluff the house this fall — traditionally the big home-décor shopping season with holiday entertaining fast approaching.

The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Jennifer Adams Home already sells its line of sheets in Costco stores nationwide. The company said the furniture collection will expand to include pieces such as pet beds and will roll out to Costco stores nationally by year’s end, though Costco — famously light on its public relations and marketing efforts — did not respond to a request for confirmation and comment.

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