“When shoppers come here, they can find something they love from our eye.” “We don’t try to be everything to everyone,” says James.

How do they determine products that are the right fit for their shop? They buy what they like. Every year that gets better.” The two designers look for products that will wow their design clients and reflect their style. “Our retail client is different than our design client, so we benefit from having a mixture. “We’re trying to be wise about that,” Allen says, noting that carrying gift items allows the shop to leverage events such as birthdays and anniversaries. While the majority of the Allen & James retail showroom is made up of home furnishings and decor - local art is a huge draw - the duo also showcases giftier items, such as jewelry, in displays as well. “We needed something to sell to the people who were coming in to see us.” A Curated Retail Mix The retail portion of their business evolved from the need to showcase product and capture potential clients’ attention, James adds. “Today we have 15 employees.” And the Allen & James retail shop now encompasses the majority of the house. “Four years ago, we had a card table in one room that we leased in the house,” says James. On their own, however, there was a lot to learn.

Prior to opening Allen & James, the two designers offered design services through another retailer, so retail and interior design weren’t new to either of them. Patti Allen and Stephanie James have taken their design business to new heights with their retail showroom, Allen & James, in High Point. Right on Main St., just a stone’s throw from the center of the home furnishings industry in a 120-year-old house-turned-business, Patti Allen and Stephanie James set up their eponymous design studio and subsequent retail shop four-and-a-half and two years ago, respectively. If you’re ever in downtown High Point, NC - and we know many of you are - you’ll want to make a side trip the next time you’re visiting Market to see how Allen & James’ interior design/retail business has thrived in this community.

Downtime by James Allen