If you’re shopping for furniture in Columbus, Ohio, the Ashley Furniture HomeStore on Polaris Parkway is a popular destination. Located at 8600 Polaris Parkway, this store offers a wide selection of living room, bedroom, dining, and home office furniture. But before you head over, there are a few things to know to make your trip efficient and budget-friendly. This guide covers the store layout, pricing, delivery policies, and insider tips to help you avoid common pitfalls.
Store Layout and What to Expect
The Polaris Parkway Ashley store is one of the larger locations in the area, spanning about 30,000 square feet. When you walk in, you’ll find the living room section immediately to your left, followed by bedroom sets in the back, and dining furniture on the right. The store is organized by room type, but some clearance and sale items are scattered throughout. Tip: Head to the back right corner for discounted floor models and discontinued items. The store also has a small clearance section near the checkout, but it’s often overlooked. Make sure to ask a sales associate about any unadvertised deals—they sometimes have markdowns not posted on the floor.
Pricing and How to Get the Best Deal
Ashley Furniture is known for its mid-range pricing, but you can often negotiate or find sales. At this specific store, prices are generally consistent with Ashley’s national pricing, but there are occasional local promotions. Practical tip: Check the Ashley Furniture website for online-only deals before you go. Often, the same item is cheaper online, and the store may price-match if you ask. Also, look for “As Is” items—these are typically floor models or customer returns with minor damage. I’ve seen sofas marked down 30-50% just because of a small scratch on the leg. Beware: Some sales associates may push extended warranties or fabric protection plans. These are often overpriced and rarely necessary for standard use. Skip them unless you have pets or young children.
Delivery and Assembly: What You Need to Know
Delivery from the Polaris Parkway store is handled by Ashley’s own team. Standard delivery costs around $99 for most items, but it can vary based on distance and item size. You can also choose in-home delivery with setup for an extra fee. Common mistake: Many customers assume delivery includes removal of old furniture—it does not. You’ll need to dispose of your old items yourself, or pay an additional $25-50 per piece for haul-away. Assembly is not included in the standard delivery; it costs extra. However, you can save money by assembling furniture yourself. Most pieces come with clear instructions and take about 30-60 minutes per item. Pro tip: Schedule delivery for a weekday if possible—weekend slots book up quickly and may have limited availability. Also, inspect the furniture immediately upon delivery. If there’s damage, refuse the delivery and note it on the receipt. After delivery, Ashley has a 48-hour window to report issues; after that, returns become difficult.
Shopping Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Not measuring your space. Before you go, measure your room dimensions, doorways, and hallways. Many customers buy a sofa that looks perfect in the store but doesn’t fit through their apartment door. Mistake #2: Ignoring fabric durability. Ashley offers a range of fabrics from polyester to leather. For high-traffic areas, choose performance fabrics (like Crypton) that resist stains and wear. Avoid light-colored fabrics if you have kids or pets. Mistake #3: Not checking return policy. Ashley’s return policy allows returns within 30 days, but there’s a 15% restocking fee on most items. Clearance and final sale items are non-returnable. So, be sure of your choice before purchasing. Mistake #4: Overlooking assembly difficulty. Some pieces, like sectionals with recliners, require complex assembly. If you’re not handy, consider paying for assembly or buying pre-assembled floor models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Ashley Furniture on Polaris Parkway offer financing?
A: Yes, they offer a store credit card with deferred interest promotions (e.g., 12 months no interest if paid in full). However, interest rates are high if you don’t pay on time. Only use this if you can pay off the balance within the promotional period.
Q: Are there any local competitors nearby?
A: Yes, there’s a Macy’s Furniture Gallery and a Bob’s Discount Furniture within a few miles. It’s worth comparing prices, especially for mattresses and sofas.
Q: Can I order online and pick up at the store?
A: Yes, the Polaris Parkway store offers free in-store pickup for online orders. This is a great option if you want to avoid delivery fees. Just make sure to bring a truck or SUV for larger items.
Q: What is the best time to visit for fewer crowds?
A: Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) are least busy. Saturdays are packed, especially in the afternoon. If you go on a weekend, arrive right at opening (10 AM) to avoid long lines.
Visiting the Ashley Furniture on Polaris Parkway can be a great experience if you go prepared. By understanding the layout, negotiating prices, planning for delivery, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll get quality furniture without the stress. Remember to measure, inspect, and ask about price matching. Happy shopping!