Urban Evolutions is a furniture manufacturer in Appleton, Wisconsin. Some of its products are sold by different high-end catalogue retailers; others are used a fixtures in different high-end stores. The furniture is gorgeous and well-made, in America, using a mix of reclaimed materials and newly fabricated parts.
Those who make the trip to Appleton can buy these items for at least 25% off of the retail price. That can be big bucks, too; a bed that might sell for $1995 in a catalogue will be $1495 at Urban Evolutions.
There are also some prototypes and one-off items, occasionally at deeper discounts.
Another fun part about Urban Evolutions is its great inventory of unique, handcrafted decorative items from local artisans. It was an inspiring mix of one-off goods. The prices were reasonable, as it’s cheaper for an artist to live in Appleton than in Chicago.
Finally, the Urban Evolution store serves as a showroom for the company’s wood flooring and paneling products, which are popular with interior designers for both retail and commercial sites. I really liked the reclaimed gym flooring. It would be so fun to have that in a family room!
Urban Evolutions is open seven days a week, and the management does not negotiate prices. They also do not hold merchandise or provide delivery. If you see something you like, you need to buy it and take it that day! (The exception are beds, which are made to order and take about four weeks to produce.)
Urban Evolutions is worth the trip if a) you are in the market for high-end furniture; b) you really like the style of furniture in the Sundance catalogue or in Anthropologie stores; and c) you have access to a roomy van or SUV for the weekend. Besides, Appleton is a great town, with good restaurants and nearby hiking.
Urban Evolutions
2401 W. College Avenue
Appleton, WI
