Conran Un-Sale

Last month we reported that Conran was closing it's First Avenue location and moving to the ABC Carpet building, on Broadway. In preparation for the big move, merchandise was supposedly being marked down 75% or more.

With the March 31st closing date quickly approaching we figured we would check-up on the markdowns and hopefully take home a few great pieces of decor. Pink signs in the window loudly yell, "Moving sale, up to 75% off." Smaller black signs discretely add, "Take an additional 15% off already reduced sale merchandise." We couldn't wait to get our hands on affordable modern treasures.



After a quick look around it became very clear that very few items were actually on sale and those marked 75% off were horribly damaged. Patio furniture, not on sale. Most lighting, not on sale. Children's accessories, not on sale. So what was discounted? In a clearance department we found old display accessories reduced, but still not cheap. For example, a small bags of rocks were $5 each, a side table with a top that "would not screw on" was $40, bent and distorted silver wall decals were $2 and lamps that may not even work were $40.

Maybe some people consider this type of markdown to be a good sale but you know better, right? After all, you read Madison Avenue Spy!