Lekker Home Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary
When Lekker Home moved into its space at 1317 Washington St. ten years ago, most of the area was under construction, there were a few spread out businesses, and the sidewalks weren’t even finished. Maybe not a great sign for a couple of first time small business owners. “It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done,” said Curt Carpenter, who co-owns Lekker Home with his wife, Natalie, about opening up the store back in 2003. “But it was also the most exciting thing of my entire life.” Both of the Carpenters had come from the corporate world, Curt, who worked in financial services in Boston, and Natalie, who worked for Ralph Lauren in New York. Wanting to take their lives in a different direction, and visiting Natalie’s parents in Amsterdam, the two hatched a plan to provide some of the unique European furniture and accessories in Boston that Americans just couldn’t get. “What’s killed a lot of the independent design stores is that they’re selling the same stuff the big boys have available, and it no longer makes them unique,” he said. “We go to trade shows and find the unique brand designs, and that’s what makes us different.” And the store doesn’t just rely on its business in the South End. After importing the products to the U.S., Lekker Home either sells them in-store or online, distributing nationwide. The furniture and accessories for sale in-store and online is what you might expect from a modern European retailer – clean, sharp lines, bright color accents and practical pieces. Carpenter said that going forward, the couple might be looking to expand to a second store in South Boston, but for now, they’re taking care of their two small children, ages 2 and 4 months. “Thank you to those customers who brought us to this point, and we hope you’ll continue on this journey with us,” he said. “It’s not easy for independents, and we’ve got to stick together.” SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Categories: Arrests Tags: 10Year, Anniversary, Celebrates, Home, Lekker
Things to Know in the South End Today, March 20: Lekker Home Celebrates 10 Years
1. Weather: The National Weather Service is predicting a sunny day with a high near 41 degrees. 2. Lekker Home Celebrates 10 years: Holding your own as an independent, locally owned business isn’t easy these days, but the South End’s Lekker Home (1317 Washington St.) has made it a full decade! The store is celebrating with a 10-year Anniversary Event and Sale tonight from 6-9 p.m. Join for celebratory toasts, tastes and treats, and a private sale with special deals, door prizes and gifts. See here for more information. 3. City Councilor at South End Library: Stop by the South End Branch Library (685 Tremont St.) today at 4 p.m. for a special story hour for children. City Councilor At-Large Ayanna Pressley will be reading to children in honor of Women’s History Month. See here for more information. 4. Calling all Entrepreneurs: Pack up your business plan and bring it to the Boston Center for Adult Education (122 Arlington St.) to join business consultant Kim L. Clark and a group of hopeful entrepreneurs for round robin discussions You’ll receive a critique of your business model; smart advice on marketing/PR/social media strategies; insights into sales distribution channels that make sense for you and your customers; and advice on financing options in today’s cruel economy. The workshop starts at 5:30 and will cost you $ 120. See here for more information. 5.Art at OWK: United South End Artists, Inc. and OKW Fine Clothing & Gallery are combining to present the 4th annual Small Works Show at OKW Fine Clothing & Gallery in the South End. The exhibit will feature original paintings, photography and sculpture produced by member artists of United South End Artists, Inc., and will run through April 4. See here for more information. Things you can do every day on South End Patch: Share your news with the rest of the community. Click here to add an announcement. Add your events to our events calendar. Click here to sign up for breaking news updates. Want up-to-the-minute news? Click here to follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Share your thoughts on your community in a blog. Click here to get started. South End Patch