“Buy This, Not That!” Brad Offers Unvarnished Opinions in Plymouth and Customers Love Him For It

Brad, the store manager of FCG Plymouth, had stretched the extension cord as far as it could go without yanking the phone out of the wall. He was trying to get a good look at a side table in the showroom while a customer, keen on buying it, waited on the line.

From the look on his face, it was obvious he didn’t think the table was a smart buy. He knew his store had so many more better options – and he didn’t mince words.

 “I’d rather see you spend your money on something of higher quality,” Brad said to the customer. He went on to suggest a couple of other pieces made of solid wood that would hold up to the wear-and-tear of her busy household.

Our customers trust Brad – and for good reason. A furniture expert with an impeccable sense of style, he often is asked for his opinion and he’s not afraid to give it. He has a large and loyal following among shoppers who are as passionate as he is about style, quality and value.

“I want people to know what they’re buying,” he says. “Most of all, I want them to understand that we are going to work with them and not just sell them furniture. We want to make sure they get the best furniture for their money and create the home of their dreams.”  

Sometimes, overhearing his comments, I do wince a bit at his bluntness but customers seem to love it.

Among other things, Brad has said:

“It’s kind of ugly, don’t you think?”

“It’s a funny color. Will it really work with your other pieces?”

“Well, it isn’t in very good condition. Will that bother you once you get it home?”

Often, shoppers buy the piece anyway, but, in his view, that’s okay as long as they’ve made an informed decision with all the facts. Brad is the kind of guy who takes truth in advertising seriously.

Located in the seaside village of Manomet, FCG’s Plymouth store is popular not only with homeowners but also landlords and owners of second-homes owners who need to furnish seasonal properties at a reasonable price. Quality, color, condition, and aesthetic sometimes aren’t as important as function and price.

“I understand that,” says Brad. He also knows that flimsy furniture that doesn’t last a season is more of a hassle than it’s worth. Landlords may be frugal but they also want happy tenants. So they ask for Brad when they call or come to Plymouth. “People can buy whatever they want,” he says, “but I’d rather see them buy quality. ”

Managing a 12,000-square-foot showroom with a vast inventory, Brad works hard to curate quality, style and craftsmanship. FCG Plymouth is skillfully arranged to highlight many beautiful pieces. Every now and then, a dud slips through the cracks. You can count on Brad, though. He probably won’t let you buy it.