Do you want furniture that is too flimsy to be used as pro wrestling props, sold to you by shark-eyed salespersons? Then don’t continue reading! Yetzer isn’t for you.
Do you want furniture of such high quality that it may one day be discussed on a twenty-fifth century episode of Antiques Roadshow, sold to you by people who are nice and enjoy seeing you happy? Then it’s time to meet Lynette Wiest.
“My husband Thomas calls me ‘the highest-compensated unpaid employee there is,’” laughed Lynette, whose net worth includes Thomas. “Truth be told, I’m glad to have him handle all the ‘ownership’ aspects of co-ownership. It lets me greet our customers as friends and neighbors, without a thought about commissions.
“Corporate chains require salespeople to push the products du jour – usually whatever their vendors want them to move most, for logistical reasons, and for higher kickbacks. That’s why I love being half of a small-town, mom-and-pop business. It frees us to offer only furniture by the finest manufacturers for sale, and frees me to focus on my favorite thing, which is people.
“A lot of those people try not to be seen the first time they walk through our doors. I get it! We’re Minnesotans. Some of us would tattoo ‘No thank you, I’m just looking’ on our foreheads if it meant avoiding awkward exchanges with salespeople. To them I say come on in! Everything in our showroom is for sale, and can go home with you today.
“Newcomers usually notice that Yetzer Home Store’s prices are higher than at big corporate furniture stores. They notice correctly. But we really don’t stand comparison to those places, which sell particle board schlock to the disposable generation. Our furniture is tasteful, heirloom quality, and, to the greatest extent possible, made in America. To see an example, check out our ‘naked chair’ by Smith Brothers of Berne. You’ll get an X-ray look at the weight, solidity, and Amish craftsmanship that go into each of our custom upholstered sectionals, sofas and armchairs.
“We create a lot of custom pieces for our customers. The design process is completely free, and begins with an invitation to try out our floor models. Don’t pay attention to fabric or style. Just see what feels right. From there, it’s mainly a matter of aesthetics.
“That’s a big matter, of course. It may require us to ask about your personal taste, look at photos of the room you’re furnishing, or visit there ourselves to take measurements and get a feel for its potential, all of which we’re only too happy to do.
“We recently welcomed a new face to Yetzer. It belonged to a nice lady, whose pricey interior designer had sent her on a quest for a Fjords brand recliner. We invited her to test out any of ours. During her visit she struck up a conversation with Wade, who, being one of our best designers and having thirty-nine years of experience, quickly noticed that many of her interior designer’s ideas were … odd, to put it mildly. Placing a sofa so it lies half on hardwood, half on carpet? That might fly in a treehouse, but certainly not in one of our customers’ living rooms.
“After some thought, Wade drafted a brilliant, all-new layout: every stick of furniture, right down to the end tables, plus a new floor to replace the old stained one (it is entirely coincidental that Yetzer also includes a division dedicated to installing carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile and vinyl). As soon as she finished expressing regret for paying a designer thousands to do what Yetzer does for free – and better – the lady accepted Wade’s room design unaltered.
“And it looks marvelous!
“Furniture and flooring are two of Yetzer’s specialties. Beds – which I am obliged to remind you that you spend a large percentage of your life in – are our third. Our Sleep Store provides mattresses by Englander, which are exclusively handcrafted to our customers’ specifications; underbed solutions by W. Silver, whose adjustable frames offer unparalleled comfort, sleep apnea relief, and ease getting into and out of bed; and bed frames by Wesley Allen, whose handmade iron and upholstered designs are timeless, one and all.
“Come and see us if you’re only looking for a few finishing touches. Accessories like lamps, vases, and pillows are solely under my domain now. Let’s share a lengthy conversation about the relative merits of two slightly different candle holders!”
Yetzer’s Home Store, Flooring Store and Sleep Store are all within walking distance of one another in downtown Waconia. Visit Yetzers.com or call (952) 442-4242 to learn more.