Looking for furniture near Plymouth Meeting, PA? The Ashley Home Store in Plymouth Meeting offers a wide selection of sofas, beds, dining sets, and more. But with so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide will help you navigate the store, choose quality pieces, and avoid common pitfalls—all tailored for local shoppers.
What to Expect at Ashley Home Store Plymouth Meeting
Located at the Plymouth Meeting Mall, this store is one of the largest Ashley locations in the area. You'll find room vignettes that show how furniture looks in a real home. The store carries Ashley's main lines: Signature Design by Ashley, Benchcraft, and Millennium. Expect styles from modern farmhouse to contemporary. The staff is generally helpful but not pushy. Pro tip: visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience.
How to Choose the Right Sofa for Your Living Room
Sofas are the centerpiece of any living room. Here's a step-by-step approach:
1. Measure your space. Bring a tape measure. Note the length, depth, and height of your doorways and room. Ashley's sofas range from 60 to 100 inches wide. Ensure you can get it through your door.
2. Test the cushions. Sit on different sofas for at least 5 minutes. Check if the seat depth fits your legs (20-22 inches is standard). Look for high-resiliency foam wrapped in fiber for durability.
3. Check the frame. Ask if it's hardwood or engineered wood. Hardwood (like oak) lasts longer. Avoid particleboard frames.
4. Consider fabric. For homes with kids or pets, choose performance fabrics like microfiber or Crypton. They resist stains and wear. Leather is easy to clean but can be cold in winter.
Buying a Mattress: What to Look For
Ashley Home Store carries several mattress brands including Serta, Tempur-Pedic, and their own Ashley Sleep line. Here's how to pick:
Firmness: Side sleepers prefer soft to medium (3-5 on a 10-point scale). Back sleepers need medium to firm (5-7). Stomach sleepers need firm (7-9).
Type: Memory foam offers pressure relief but sleeps hot. Innerspring has more bounce and airflow. Hybrid combines both.
Testing: Lie down for 10-15 minutes in your usual sleep position. Bring your own pillow to simulate home conditions.
Return policy: Ashley offers a 120-night comfort guarantee on mattresses. You can exchange within that period if not satisfied, but there's a restocking fee (usually $99). Read the fine print.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping at Ashley
Even savvy shoppers can slip up. Here are pitfalls to steer clear of:
Mistake 1: Not checking clearance section. The store has a clearance corner with floor models or overstock at up to 40% off. Always ask.
Mistake 2: Ignoring delivery fees. Standard delivery costs $79-$149 depending on distance and assembly. In-store pickup is free but you need a truck. Measure your vehicle.
Mistake 3: Buying without warranty. Ashley offers a 1-year warranty on most items. For extended coverage, consider their protection plan (covers stains, rips, and structural damage). It costs 10-15% of the item price.
Mistake 4: Forgetting about financing. Ashley has a store credit card with deferred interest promotions (e.g., 0% APR for 12 months if paid in full). But if you miss a payment, interest accrues from the purchase date. Only use if you can pay on time.
Real Shopping Tips from Local Customers
Based on reviews from Plymouth Meeting shoppers, here's what works:
Tip 1: Sign up for emails. You'll get a 10% off coupon for your first purchase. Also, watch for holiday sales (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday) for the best deals.
Tip 2: Negotiate. Some customers report success in asking for a discount on floor models or open-box items. Be polite but firm.
Tip 3: Bring photos of your room. The sales associates can help match colors and styles. They also have a virtual room designer tool in-store.
Tip 4: Check for price matching. Ashley will match competitors' prices if you show a current ad. This includes other local stores like Raymour & Flanigan or Bob's Discount Furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ashley Home Store Plymouth Meeting open on Sundays?
A: Yes, typically 11 AM to 6 PM. Hours may vary on holidays, so call ahead.
Q: Can I return furniture if I change my mind?
A: Ashley accepts returns within 30 days of delivery for a refund minus a 15% restocking fee. Mattresses have a separate policy.
Q: Do they assemble furniture?
A: Delivery includes basic assembly (e.g., attaching legs). For full assembly, it's an extra fee. You can also do it yourself.
Q: What brands do they carry besides Ashley?
A: They also carry Serta, Tempur-Pedic, and some occasional pieces from other brands. Most furniture is Ashley-owned.
Final Thoughts
Ashley Home Store in Plymouth Meeting PA is a solid choice for furniture shopping if you go prepared. Measure your space, test items thoroughly, and don't skip the clearance section. Avoid impulse buys on financing and always read the warranty. With these tips, you'll furnish your home with confidence and save money in the process.