What’s the scoop on Retail 101? Well, folks often ask me this because I’m a designer/blogger and because I live nearby. Honestly, I can’t provide you with any official data on what Retail 101 is, but I’ve got plenty of firsthand experience with what they sell and what it’s like.
I believe that Retail 101 is a liquidator for retailers, especially Anthropologie. You’ve probably seen similar places all over TikTok or Instagram reels. It’s got two main sections: one for clothes and accessories, and another for furniture and home stuff. Personally, I’ve mostly been in it for the furniture, and there are some things you should know.
Don’t Get Lost
Finding this place is like a mini adventure. In Connecticut, you’ll find Retail 101 in Naugatuck and Beacon Falls. To figure out when they’re open and what they’ve got on offer, you gotta sign up for their email newsletter. Then comes the fun part: finding the actual building. Trust me, it’s like a game of hide and seek. But if you’re lucky like me and have a friend who knows the way, you’re golden.
The Great Indoors
Once you step inside, especially at the Naugatuck spot, it’s a giant warehouse. I usually make a beeline for the furniture section—it’s less overwhelming. But fair warning, if you happen to go on a week when they’re not selling furniture, that whole section might as well be under lockdown.
The Land of Misfit Furniture
If you are the type of furniture buyer that is intrigued by the unknown, then Retail 101 is for you. As I mentioned earlier, Retail 101 is a liquidator and liquidators usually sell discontinued, returned or slightly defective items so there is no regular inventory. Each time I go, the offerings are very different. The first time I went they had a ton of upholstery, arm chairs in great condition and a huge variety of sofas. When I went last week the upholstery options were meager and needed TLC. I will always suggest that if you are going to buy upholstery that you budget in a professional steam clean. Some things just need a quick fix, while others might need a bit more TLC.
This Tambour console is a beauty, I could definitely live with the crack.
Unfortunately, there was no price.
Fool’s Gold?
But hey, there are some sweet deals to be had! They often stock pieces from Anthropologie collections like Tambour, Merriton, Sonali, and Hand Carved, albeit with a few flaws. I once snagged a desk that would’ve cost me an arm and a leg elsewhere, but at Retail 101, it was a bargain—even with a little nick in the corner. And let me tell you, getting it home was an adventure in itself! They also have those enormous mirrors that Anthropologie is well known for and retail for almost $1600, at Retail 101 they average about $480.
So, is it worth the trip?
As I mentioned, it’s pretty hit or miss. Will they have anything that you are looking for? No one knows. But if you like the thrill of the hunt, then yes, go!
There is a lot of damaged furniture. Almost everything has a ding or a scrape, and the prices reflect that as far as they are concerned. They do not discount on-site, so don’t go with the intention to haggle.
Not everything has a price on it. Most of the time, there is a sign nearby with some pricing but not always.
There may be a language barrier. The people that work the floor at Retail 101 are very nice, but not many of them speak English, so I recommend bringing a bilingual friend if you are the type of person that asks a lot of questions when shopping.
Retail 101 is like a quirky adventure. If you’re game, you might just find some hidden treasures and save a bundle. But be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of surprises!
