Merchant Monday " Urban Trends Owner: John Meckes

The plunge in the local real estate market has a trickle-down effect on many other businesses in Carson City.

One of them is Urban Trends, an eclectic furniture store that opened eight years ago during the boom years.

"It's been challenging," said owner John Meckes. "But we have been keeping the doors open and we've been able to keep going because we are different, and we concentrate on customer service and serving the people in the area. We like to offer a personal touch."

A year ago, Meckes moved the business from its original location on North Carson Street to Hot Springs Road. The cheaper rent allows him to do more advertising.

"Furniture is more of a destination than a impulse buy," Meckes said. "If they are looking for furniture, as long as you advertise, they will find you no matter where you are."

Meckes said they work hard to make sure Urban Trends is different than all other furniture stores in the area, with an eclectic inventory of home furnishings and accessories.

"We look for things that are different and are of good quality," Meckes said. "I couldn't compete if I had the same stuff as everybody else. So it's a challenge to keep looking for different things that are well priced. We pride ourselves on value so you get the most for your money."

One of the top items they sell is upholstered furniture, because of their ability to order custom colors and fabrics.

"Most of our upholstery lines have 300 to 800 different fabrics for each style to choose from," Meckes said. "We specialize in customizing sofas. You can pick the fabric, the color, make the cushions one fabric and the body another, add a welt to it, just about anything you want."

Interior designer Richard Ludwig also helps the store's customers with their decorating needs.

"He has been a key part of keeping our business afloat," Meckes said.

Urban Trends also offers home staging and makeovers in addition to custom design services.

With a wide range of items at different price points, the store is trying to appeal to people who share the desire to be different.

"We have things in our store that target the younger people, and we have things that target people who want to be more eclectic and affluent," Meckes said. "We try to cater to them all."

While the troubles in the real estate market have affected business, Meckes is hopeful the bad times are coming to an end.

"I believe we are close to a bottom," he said. "I think when the real estate market turns around and people can get loans and can buy and sell their homes, that's when it will start to come up back up."

Meckes moved to Carson City as a kid and graduated from Carson High in 1978. He spent 18 years working in the casino business as Caesar's Tahoe before his brother-in-law got him started in the furniture business.

He jokes about how he now works twice as hard for half the pay, but loves being in business for himself.

"These have been challenging times and we are doing our best to hang in, and we're still cooking."

Contact reporter Kirk Caraway at kcaraway@nevadaappeal.com or (775) 881-1261.

Urban Trends

Owner: John Meckes

385 Hot Springs Road No. 2

775-885-1780

www.urbantrendsfurniture.com