Normally if a local store is not competitive, there are one of two reasons: 1) The store owner has not adapted to current market conditions. Quite simply, as the profit margins move downward - and they have - they have not revised their business structure to capture sales that would otherwise go to out-of-area dealers. Some store owners insist on adhering to a margin-based price structure and will not adjust. The smart businessman NEVER lets a customer walk out to do business out-of-area. I know a number of store owners who are hard-headed and won't adapt. Its up to you, their local customer, to bring in a price quote and show them that they need to match it or you'll go elsewhere. If enough customers do that, they'll get the message. But if you never tell them, then they don't know. 2) Some furniture makers have a 2-tier price structure. Small stores don't get as large a discount from the maker as larger ones do. Typically its based on dollar-volume sold, or number of pieces put on the floor. So there is a chance that within a certain brand line that you local dealer is paying more for the goods than a larger, out-of-state discounter. This happens to me with Southwood Furniture as an example. My cost basis is 10 % less than the big store in the next county because they do more volume by accident than I do working hard at it. Still they get the volume price and I don't. Nevertheless, I adapt (being a savvy dealer!) and match price or go under them everyday. It results in thin margins, and it does not exactly make me want to invest in a lot of their product for the floor. Personally, I think it a bad policy from the makers as it tends to keep the little guys small regardless of how hard they work for the brand and limits floor exposure for their dealership network. Walk your best price into your local dealer and tell them in no uncertain terms they need to beat it. See what happens! Keep in mind however, that local sales tax is not something that your hometown store cannot waive and should be factored out when price shopping (the flip side of this is that these taxes do come back into your community infrastructure when you buy locally). Duane Collie

Susanintx--- you have me worried now. I am still considering Legacy (depends on the price I get for the H&M I am looking at) so can you tell me which styles you were looking at that had attached cushions? Legacy's website stresses that they use loose cushions for ease of replacement and rotation. The models I looked at were loose, but had some sort of set up at the back of the seat to keep the cushions from shifting, but it did not make replacing the cushions difficult. I can get 2 legacy sofas for about 3200 while I am thinking 2 H&Ms will run at least 5000 (from LexFurniture)-- I could really use that difference on other furniture. BTW--what H&M did you get?

Maples Leather in NC sells Legacy Leather, which I think runs about equal to better in quality than BY. Eight way hand tied, down wrapped cushions, lifetime warranty-- etc. They're made in Canada. I have been shopping, but haven't bought yet. Stores that carry BY and H&M usually carry Legacy if you ask. The website has been touchy lately, since they just redesigned it, but at the Maples site, I think her legacy is listed as Traditional and High Country. At Comfortsource.com, they call it Luxury Leather. Why do they have to be so confusing???? Anyway, Maples High Country Indiana sofa looks similar to the one you liked and it was listed at $1599 there. They retail for around $2500 and up unless you catch a sale. Also, Maples runs free shipping specials periodically. I am waiting to catch a sale so I can order. Good luck. Here is a link that might be useful: Indian sofa-- Legacy

In today’s market place between online merchants and local furniture stores you can find almost anything you are searching for. There is a fine line to finding quality leather furniture at a price most can afford. RH gets tons of attention because of their large marketing budget and many retail locations but as you can see by this thread there are many other alternatives to their styles and leather color selection. 8-way hand tied, solid hardwood frame and premium leather are a must when searching for quality leather furniture. Furniture products made in America are much higher quality and you should expect them to last longer than the same looking products made off shore (China). As you can see in viewing this thread, there are so many other options to the same looking RH designs. Comfort and good quality are the bottom line at a price we can afford. Materials used, country of origin and your leather choice will dictate your price point. Before you buy leather furniture anywhere, take a few minutes and get educated about your purchase. A must read before you buy leather furniture! The Definitive Guide To Buying Leather Furniture