Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Is Stratford Home Furniture part of Home Hardware?
The answer is yes and no. Home Furniture is a ‘division’ of Home Hardware but each store is independently owned and operated. It is not a franchise but rather a dealer network. As part of the ‘Alliance International’ group, Home Furniture gets to use the huge buying power of Home Hardware and Home Building Centres, and vice versa ;-) Home Furniture has been in business for over 30 years and presently has about 70 stores across Canada.
Note that the three Home locations here in Stratford are NOT owned by the same people. Our two locations, the main Home Furniture store and the Home Furniture Warehouse Outlet, are owned by the Fierling family. The Home Hardware Building Centre is owned separately.
We stopped at Home Hardware and didn’t see any furniture!
We are a completely separate business and have our own locations. Click here for locations.
Can you get me or do you carry this Home Hardware part?
Our main focus is naturally dealing with furniture products. Should you be unable to get what you want through a Home Hardware store, we will try to assist you as much as possible.
I am a US customer and bought a Stratford sofa/chair/loveseat and need some parts/service/warranty work?
Unfortunately, you’ve contacted the wrong company. Click here for a possible solution.
I want to come in and just browse for ideas as I’m not ready to buy anything just yet. Are you going to bother me when I come in?
Enjoy a relaxed, low pressure atmosphere when you visit our stores. Our friendly non-commissioned sales staff are there to welcome you and assist when you need it. We will NOT follow you around, nor constantly be at your side. It is our policy to make sure you are comfortable with your furniture decisions and will support you in taking the time you need.
What’s the difference between the outlet and the main store?
The outlet carries a wide range of products which could be discontinued, scratch-n-dent, floor models or special buys from our vendors (including Home Furniture). A product shown on the outlet floor may be the only one we have or the only one we could ever get! It’s priced for quick sale and ‘as is’ condition. The atmosphere is a warehouse with very little arrangements or changes in lighting.
The focus of the main store is options. We place product that allows us to customize it to what you want. We can’t do it on everything but the vast majority of upholstery and leather products we show, can be custom ordered. Product is in A1 condition and usually we can order more than what is currently on display. Fabric and leather swatches are only available at the main store.
The main store also has floor model clear-outs and special buys. Depending on the product, it may show on the main store or on the outlet, or sometimes even both.
Furniture Questions
I have your catalogue but don’t see anything that suits. Do you have anything else?
Absolutely! The catalogues and flyers merely showcase SOME of the new product. They are not a full complete catalogue by any stretch. We carry and have access to a huge range of products. Many of the products we currently have on our showroom have never been, nor never will be, shown in a Home Furniture catalogue. As an independent store, we bring in a range of products specifically suited to what our customers want. Home Furniture has to buy for a national audience. We don’t have to and we don’t.
Do you do custom orders?
Yes we do! In fact, part of what separates us from everyone else is that we will work WITH you in the selection of fabrics etc to suit your decor and tastes. The vast majority of our products are available in other fabrics, colours, styles or finishes. What’s even better is that we can often do it for approximately the same price as the piece we have on the floor!
Can I borrow swatches to see what it’s like in my home?
Of course. In fact, we usually insist just to make sure that the fabric you think will work, does indeed work in your home. We encourage you to check against various light conditions as well, ie daytime, at night etc.
What is ‘bonded’ leather and why is it so inexpensive?
We refer to this product as ‘bonded leather fabric’, so that you are fully aware of what you are buying. Bonded leather is essentially a fabric which has a leather compound sprayed on to the back of the fabric. This allows the product to be sold as ‘leather’, due to the leather content. Keep in mind though that the surface you actually see and sit on is NOT leather. It is only a compound placed on the back to allow retailers to advertise a really inexpensive ‘leather’ set.
Mattress Questions
What’s the best mattress?
The best mattress is one suited to your needs and budget. No one mattress is the best there is as everybody is different. A $2000 mattress is not necessarily better for you than a $500 one! We encourage you to come in and try out our large selection of mattresses from Sealy, King Koil and Foamco. All are made out of factories here in Ontario and cover a broad range of budgets, comfort levels and materials.
Ideally, you should set aside about 1/2 hour to try out a number of mattresses, so that we can ensure the correct fit and feel the first time.