Marjorie's Furniture has been a staple in the Midwest for decades, known for its wide selection and family-owned feel. But with online reviews ranging from glowing to grumpy, many shoppers wonder: is Marjorie's Furniture actually worth the trip? In this guide, we break down the real quality, pricing, delivery experience, and give you actionable tips to avoid common pitfalls.
What to Expect from Marjorie's Furniture Quality
Marjorie's carries a mix of brands, from budget-friendly Ashley Furniture to higher-end lines like Hooker Furniture and Sherrill. In-store, you'll find mostly mid-range pieces. The upholstery tends to be solid—frames are often hardwood with reinforced corners. However, some lower-priced sofas use particleboard backs, which can sag over time. Always check the product tag: if it says "engineered wood" or "MDF," expect durability similar to IKEA, not heirloom quality. For leather goods, most are top-grain on seating surfaces but split leather on sides and backs. Ask the salesperson for the full material breakdown before buying.
Pricing: Are You Getting a Deal?
Marjorie's regularly runs sales (President's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day) with discounts of 20–40% off. Their everyday prices are about 10–15% higher than online giants like Wayfair, but you get to see and touch the furniture. The real value is in their clearance center—often tucked away in the back. These are floor models, discontinued colors, or slightly damaged items. You can snag a $2,000 sofa for $800 if you're flexible on color. Always negotiate: ask for a better price on floor models or if you buy multiple pieces. They have wiggle room, especially on slower days (Tuesday or Wednesday).
Delivery and Assembly: What to Know
Delivery fees start at $89 for local and go up based on distance. They offer two options: curbside or in-home. In-home includes placement in your room of choice and removal of packaging, but they do not assemble. Assembly costs extra ($49 per item). Many customers complain about delivery windows being 4–6 hours long, so plan your day accordingly. If you're handy, consider renting a U-Haul and picking up yourself—it's free. Also, inspect the furniture immediately upon delivery. Damage is common in transit, and Marjorie's has a 48-hour return window for defects. After that, you're stuck with it.
Common Mistakes Shoppers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake #1: Not measuring doorways. Many customers buy a sectional only to find it won't fit through the front door. Always measure your hallways, door frames, and stairwells. Bring a tape measure to the store and compare with the floor model's dimensions. Mistake #2: Ignoring the return policy. Marjorie's has a strict "no returns on clearance or special orders" policy. If you order a custom fabric, you cannot return it unless it's defective. Always test comfort and color in-store first. Mistake #3: Buying the extended warranty. Their 5-year protection plan costs 10–15% of the item price and covers stains and structural damage. However, the fine print excludes normal wear and tear, and many claims are denied. You're better off using a fabric protector spray yourself.
Real Shopping Tips for First-Timers
Visit the store at least twice: once to browse and once to buy. On your first visit, sit on every sofa for at least 5 minutes. Check the springs by pressing down firmly—if you feel coils, it's likely a lower-end model. Look under the cushions: if the fabric is stapled rather than sewn, it may fray sooner. For dining tables, check if the leaf storage is inside the table (a nice feature) or separate. Finally, ask about financing: Marjorie's offers 12-month no-interest if paid in full, but the APR after that is 26%. Only use it if you can pay off within the promo period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Marjorie's Furniture price match?
A: They do not officially price match, but you can try negotiating at the register. Show a competitor's ad and ask for a discount.
Q: Can I return a sofa if I don't like the color?
A: Only if it's a stock item and you return within 48 hours. Custom orders are final.
Q: How long does delivery take?
A: In-stock items ship within 1–2 weeks. Special orders take 8–12 weeks.
Q: Are the floor models for sale?
A: Yes, and they are often discounted 30–50%. Check the tags for condition notes.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy from Marjorie's Furniture?
Marjorie's is a solid choice for mid-range furniture if you value seeing items in person and want to avoid online shipping headaches. The best buys are clearance floor models and stock items on sale. Skip the extended warranty and special orders unless you're certain. For budget shoppers, compare with IKEA or online retailers; for luxury seekers, look at Design Within Reach. But for the average American family needing a reliable sofa or dining set, Marjorie's delivers decent value—just go in with your eyes open.