Costco Connection - July 2008

against problems that arise with temperature changes and moisture. Look for a uniform sheen across the surface of furniture pieces. If you’re buying painted furniture, make sure it is lead-free.

Planet-friendly packaging. As we become increasingly aware of our responsibility to operate in an environmentally responsible manner, we strongly encourage our suppliers to use earth-friendly packaging, such as using honeycomb corrugate instead of Styrofoam. If you share this conviction, it’s worth asking retail sources about their packaging. If nothing else it sends the message that it factors into your purchasing decisions.

A measure of control. A bonus tip: Measure the areas in your home for which you are buying furniture before you go shopping. This may sound obvious, but many people go furniture shopping without taking these measurements. It’s also a good idea to bring a tape measure with you to the store. It can be very difficult to judge perspective in an unfamiliar setting, especially if you’re in a large building.—Will Fifield

WAREHOUSE ONLY

Discover décor
and more on
costco.com

WHEN IT COMES to products for home decorating or remodeling, Costco offers members lots of options. At the ware-houses* you’ll find indoor and outdoor furniture (available seasonally), bedding and appliances, artwork (available in rotating Special Events; see page 70) and home-improvement services (at Special Order kiosks; see page 46).

In addition, many unique, money-saving items are available on costco.com, which has different merchandise than the warehouses and can stock seasonal items all year round. There are several tabs to explore for home-oriented prod-

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FRANCE FREEMAN

Valerie

Van Valkenburg

Furniture Buyer

IF YOU’RE FOND of the earthy comfort of leather furniture, the Berkline Chandler collection is a great living room combination at an incredible value. Costco has long turned to Berkline, a company founded in 1928, for quality furniture. The power-reclining sofa and love seat are covered in 100 percent Australian cowhide. Many suppliers use leather on the seating areas but cover the back and sides with carefully matched vinyl to lower the price. This collection is covered entirely in leather.

The power-recline feature allows you to adjust the sofa or love seat into that “just right” position. The backs of the sofa and the love seat are removable for easy transport, and they’re both built to fit through standard 32-inch-wide doorways. Both pieces have a protective finish that helps prevent spills from soaking in and resists UV fading. Best of all, Costco offers this heirloom-quality collection at a savings of between 35 to 60 percent compared to national competitors. C