Jensen-Lewis has expanded its collection, which runs from funky to restrained contemporary. With a full range of well made and moderately priced furniture, this can be "one stop shopping." Couches are in the $1,500 to $3,000 range, and beds run between $1,000 and $2,000.
Readers shopping for furniture, say Jensen-Lewis has "changed a lot," since they dumped the dumb tag line: "most colorful furniture store". They are "very pleased" with "good finds to be had at this store" especialy Della Robbia sofas. Prices are good too, "they've been hitting the "mid-priced modern" price point long before West Elm, CB2, EQ3, Bo Concept, and others have attacked it."
Problems? Customer service. While some have not had problems, others say they have had "the worst service" at the shop, "RUN AWAY" they write from employees who are "rude."
Why does the main page show 12 comments on this topic, but there are only 6 comments here?
Hmmmn.
After shopping for furniture in NYC for close to a year I found very little that would fit in my apartment or my budget. I found Jensen Lewis thru a recommendation. I was very pleased. The staff took their time to lay out a floor plan, showing what did and did not work, they even suggested a greal color pallet. Shopping for a year was an all time low for me. Jensen Lewis summed every thing up for me in two visits. Delivered all my furniture in one week. my apartment looks fantastic I would recommend them to any one.
ONE STOP SHOPPING!
It's really a shame about Jensen Lewis. Good hard-to-find mid-range selection and reasonable prices, but disgusting, rude, deliberately off-putting customer service. Buy if you must, but be prepared for a no-holds-barred passive-aggressive assault if you need to talk to them after-sales.
Found the perfect daybed/couch for our living room --designed by Vladimir Kagan, no less. They feature it a lot in their ads (its from American Leather). It has lovely lines. Jensen Lewis is the only store that can sell it in New York City.
But when the couch came, it had significant quality control problems that should have been addressed. Their customer service was so disgusting to deal with, we just decided to live with a defective couch rather than have anything to do with people who are so rude and nasty, and quite deliberately so. This is not New York shtick. They practice a form of personal assault designed to drive away customers and reduce their service costs. They actually had the gall to say they would not contact the manufacturer because we had posted an inquiry about our problem on gardenweb.com!
It's annoying because I pass them every day on my way to work. We'd certainly have bought several other things from them, but unfortunately it seems to be their policy to actively disgust customers who need any service, and that's no bargain.
My advice is to stay far, far away.
If you haven't been to Jensen-Lewis lately it's changed a lot. It now takes up the entire block, and has very cool new styles from DellaRobbia. The website is updated too, and they dropped the tag line "most colorful furniture store". They have a lot of sofa's especially and I would say the quality and style has gone up a notch or two.
*Caveat emptor! Jensen-Lewis has *terrible* customer service. I believe that they have an "arrangement" with their delivery company where the delivery people will say that the furniture cannot be moved into the apartment without an expert to take it apart. So, while their prices look reasonable at the store, expect to pay an additional $300 for any "problems" that may arise when it comes time for them to bring the furniture into your apartment (re-delivery fee, upholsterer, etc.). I would DISCOURAGE shopping there for any large piece of furniture.
I can't remember the customer service thing, but I've bought 2 nice but inexpensive desks there over the 14 years that I've lived in NY (one that leans against the wall and another that was a big black plank that rested on a filing cabinet and a "workhorse" stand), and I have to say - bad customer service or not - their furniture holds up over time.
Buyer Beware!!!! Jensen-Lewis does not warranty their products and will not refund your money. They are rude and have terrible customer service. I had the worst experience of my life dealing with their inferior product and nasty attitude. RUN AWAY!
is it really that bad? After weeks of disagreement over sofas, my husband and i finally found one we both think is acceptable .. . but at Jensen-Lewis. anybody had a good experience with them recently?
After shopping for close to a year for quality furniture that fit in my small appartment, as well my budget. I found Jensen Lewis. I found the staff to be quite a help. They drew me up a floor plan with in minutes. Showing me what did or did not work. After two visits I placed my order. one week later i receive my delivery. My apartment seems more spacious furnished than it did empty.
Shopping for a year has been a all time low for me. If you are looking for good qulality for a almost affordable pricing, that fits in a NYC apartment give them a gander. Im shore glad i did.
I was initially quite smitten w/ the Jensen-Lewis offerings but after reading multiple accounts of bad customer service and looking @ their price tags, I decided they weren't worth it. MDC International is much much better for service and price. The genre of designs offered is comparable, if not a bit spartan in comparison.
I was thinking about ordering a Della Robbia sofa through them. Now I am not so sure.
Does anyone know of other places where one can order Della Robbia in NYC? When I called Della Robbia, they told me Jensen-Lewis was my best bet.
We've bought things like coffee tables and side tables there over the years, and recently a set of six dining chairs. The staff are oddly brusque, in general, as other people have mentioned. I just ignore the rudeness and keep gently asking questions till I get the answers I need. But we've had no problems with the quality, nor with the delivery of the chairs (I don't remember the delivery of the earlier items - it was years ago). However, because they are cranky and the place is a bit cluttery, I don't browse there very often -- only when I've tried every other store I can think of and still can't find what I want.
The one thing that always comes to mind everytime someone mentions Jensen-Lewis is the bad customer service. Granted, they have decent furniture but I will not spend my money in any store that is rude, dismissive and uninformed. Customer service is a big thing with me so if I get lousy customer service I don't shop there and let others know as well. I think it would behoove the people who own J-L to read these posts. I wonder if they care.
Della Robbia is also sold in Brooklyn at Rico - it's on Atlantic Avenue - website: shoprico.com
um, sorry to go OT, but am I the only one who is confused by these new graphic polls? right now the cost question is rated a sort of quarter full orangish-pink on my monitor...does that mean it's cheap? expensive? the other one is full of green...I assume that to mean that everyone who has answered the question would recommend the store to their friends? or not?
I love this website because it's such a bitch-fest. It's a great forum to bash a store. Although, I wonder if its really that bad. I've noticed rarely do people write anything nice about a store on this website; and why would they. Most people have something to say when they want to complain. But when everything goes right, that's what they expect so they have nothing to say. So for those of you reading the negative entries above read it with some doubt. You will never get the whole story by reading one-sided comments. J&L has been around a long time. You can't be that bad if you've been around and managed to expand to a full block. There is no such thing as "customers are always" right even though most of us seem to think so; and there are also no stores that do not make mistakes.
What sidra writes is fair enough. Complainers are more likely to post. And even though I posted a negative comment, we, as others, found their pre-sale customer service was nice enough.
However, one should pay careful attention when there is a *pattern* that is attested to by more than one unrelated poster.
I posted because I realized it was not a single sociopath I was dealing with, but a pattern that seems to reflect company policy. The policy seems to be to give no post-sales support and to behave in an emotionally abusive fashion in order to discourage customers pursuing satisfaction.
New York is a big town, and furniture is a relatively infrequent purchase. JL has good selection and pricing and offers pre-sales support. With American Leather, they obviously have a strong supplier relationship, since they have the exclusive on our couch.
You cannot prove it, scientifically, but it certainly seems possible, that JL has made a business decision to write off repeat business from the minority of customers who have service issues. After all, it seems as if West Elm has made a similar decision by ignoring quality entirely. There is not a lot of competion in this market niche, and dodgy business practices are harder to punish.
Please remember several of us posters found our experiences not just bad, as in plain NYC screw-you-mac bad, but actually shockingly and impressively anti-social, even by NYC standards.
So the prudent thing to do is to treat JL, conceptually, as a store that does not allow returns, exchanges or any after-sales service --as if they were in Uzbekistan and owned by the local mafia --and then make a rational decision.
You can get American Leather at Foremost Furniture.
I've never had good luck with customer service at JL, so I didn't want to give them my money.
That said, I've had a problem with an AL sleeper that's not resolved yet. fwiw
I shopped my American Leather sofa for 2 months, I went to Formost, there price was 20% higher than Jensen Lewis. Im happy with My purchase.
Della Robbia is also sold at the Modern Furniture Barn in Armonk NY
OH, wrong wrong wrong was I and I admit it. Foremost turned out to be as bad as Jensen-Lewis. I'll write details in a more appropriate spot, but all I will say here is: JL bad, Foremost bad bad bad too. So glad American Leather is now available elsewhere in NYC.
Re the bitchfest: I always write good things when there are good things to say. It's a joy to support good people and places, even if I have to reverse myself later (as in this case.)
I pay much more attention to a post on any website if its author has written more than just the 1 post, and more than just criticism or unabashed praise. A "hit and run" may be accurate, but I still put it in a "possibly true, possibly psycho, possibly works for the company" category till further evidence turns up to support a claim.
if the reviews are so bad, why are 11 of 15 people recommending this place. The site is very confusing.
I *almost* had a negative experience at Jensen-Lewis, and googled "Jensen-Lewis customer service" and came here. of course, I got pretty worried my problem wasn't going to be resolved. But I promised myself that if it was, I'd post a positive comment, so here goes.
A salesperson at Jensen-Lewis gave me misinformation about a fabric, and I ended up getting a sofa upholstered in a fabric with cleaning code "S". I've already had a sofa with cleaning code S before-- it's something to avoid if you have a child, a pet, or if you ever eat or drink in your living room. Basically, the fabric can not come in contact with water or any water-based cleaner. Only non-water-based solvents. Usually these solvents are toxic. Anyway, I walked into the store asking to see only upholsteries that were NOT cleaning code S. I was told that ALL the upholsteries were synthetic and all could therefore be spot-cleaned with soap and water.
Shortly after my sofa was delivered (on time, beautifully upholstered), my cat vomited on it and I went to town cleaning it with soap and water. The vomit was gone but the fabric did not return its normal color after contacting soap and water. I called Jensen-Lewis and after looking up the fabric I'd gotten, was told the fabric was cleaning code S and could NOT be cleaned with soap and water. I was furious for two reasons. First, I was talked into buying a fabric that was the opposite of what I asked for. Second, I was given the wrong instructions for cleaning that fabric, so I ruined it by cleaning according to JL's instructions.
I made my fury known to their customer service person, who said he'd look into it and get back to me the following week. The suspense was killing me, which was when I googled and came here. But much to my surprise, when they got back to me the following week, I was told that I could have my sofa picked up, reupholstered, and redelivered to me at no cost to me. I was blown away, so have kept my promise to post here. But beware the unknowledgable sales staff, and beware cleaning code S.
They have terrible customer service. I ordered a kitchen set with 6 chairs. 1 of them were defective and had to be retured for service. The kitchen table was missing a table top! When it was delievered it was wrapped in cardboard to protect the top, so I did not examine it closely. After removing the cardboard top, there was nothing there but the 4 legs of the table, and then arms holding the 4 legs. Now they want to charge me for a new table top that I never received.
I would like to retract my previous comment. I acted in haste after my initial dialogue with Jensen Lewis regarding my problem. I contacted them again and got in touch with a manager. The manager focused on getting this resolved and to my satisfaction. He has offered to replace the item free of charge.
I am pleased to be able to recommend Jensen Lewis again to others. I am fully satisfied with the furniture I received and the level of service from the management.
My Jensen-Lewis experience has been very mixed. First the good, then the bad.
1. Ordered a BDI entertainment center. The guys brought it, installed it and there have be zero problems with the unit.
2. Bought a bed with drawers underneath, it arrived the same day. The guys from the company that J-L has an arrangement with put the parts together. A couple days later I noticed that one of the drawers did not sit properly on its track. So I called for service.
I'm going to fast-forward through the next 3 MONTHS. The service guys came with one piece and then another. Weeks would pass between visits, until I would call Mike at J-L to find out what was up. He would tell me the part had arrived and that I should call the service company. Why was I the one checking for inventory and calling for service? Isn't that someone else's job? Apparently not at J-L.
After the fourth unsuccessful attempt to fix the bed, I demanded a new bed. Today a new _frame_ arrived. But the delivery/service guy had to leave his partner in the truck for fear of being towed. So I spent an hour helping him put the bed together. Funny, because I don't recall paying an IKEA price for a bed that I was going to have to put together myself.
So, I can confirm that the customer service at J-L is bad. Thank goodness (knock on particleboard) that nothing has gone wrong with the entertainment center. Would I buy from J-L again? Sure, because they still have great prices and a decent selection. But I probably would not buy an oversize item that required any construction.
I just purchased an American Leather sofa and love seat from Jensen-Lewis and I am happy to say that it was a very pleasant experience from start to finish.
My salesperson was especially helpful good sense of design, excellent knowledge of products and samples, and refreshingly honest. He worked with me on my room layout and assisted with the selection of the leather grade and color.
Jensen-Lewis seems to have a good working relationship with American Leather, as the sofa that I selected (Lowy) is exclusively sold by Jensen-Lewis in New York City. The J-L after-sales manager called me, last Saturday, on the day of delivery to insure that everything arrived to my satisfaction.
Not only am I happy with my purchase, but my daughter is happy with the desk and ottomon that she recently purchased from J-L.
I found this site after I placed my order and I was a little concerned after reading a few of the comments. Since everything went extremely well, I wanted to share our experience with you. If you do all your homework, checking out everything that you are responsible for (measuring all passageways, etc.), look for my salesperson (Robert) in his Hawaiian shirts, and ask lots of questions, I think it is possible that you too can be a happy Jensen-Lewis customer. I had been looking for the right sofa for over a year. They have a good selection of contemporary furniture with a number of exclusives. It is definitely worth visiting their store. We are happy that we did.
Thought i'd put my 2 cents in-- I ordered a Della Robia sofa from J-L that I couldn't find elsewhere, and it arrived today. I had no problems throughout the process, in spite of my fears!
They better watch out. They have competition... our of nowhere comes this new store, Natrona on 20th Street between 6th and 7th. Literaly out of nowhere, they opened the store quick just down the block.
I was thinking about buying a sofa from Jensen-Lewis, unsure of the quality I decided to go look at something I could not afford... so I was on my way to ABC, when I was handed a flyer but a hot model on 7th avenue. The card said 10% Off on EVERYTHING, so I had to go. So I walked to 20th Street and was so happy, it made me want to run back and kiss the model even more than I wanted to before. Anyway, they had a much better sofa, very similar in price but 10 times the quality of Jensen-Lewis' product. I bought the sofa day one, day two they called me to arrange delivery, day three I am sitting on my sofa typing this note.
My opinion... Jensen-Lewis has some unfair competition. NATRONA blows them away. I would like to know where this company came from... anyone know?????
They better watch out. They have competition... out of nowhere comes this new store, Natrona on 20th Street between 6th and 7th. Literaly out of nowhere, they opened the store quick just down the block.
I was thinking about buying a sofa from Jensen-Lewis, unsure of the quality I decided to go look at something I could not afford... so I was on my way to ABC, when I was handed a flyer by a hot model on 7th avenue. The card said 10% Off on EVERYTHING, so I had to go. So I walked to 20th Street and was so happy, it made me want to run back and kiss the model even more than I wanted to before.
Anyway, they had a much better sofa, very similar in price but 10 times the quality of Jensen-Lewis' product. I bought the sofa day one, day two they called me to arrange delivery, day three I am sitting on my sofa typing this note.
My opinion... Jensen-Lewis has some unfair competition. NATRONA blows them away. I would like to know where this company came from... anyone know?????
I have a small one bedroom apartment. It's almost a studio. It is really hard on me because i'm used to larger spaces. I thought that eating at a dining table might help me feel less compact, so I bought one from jensenlewis. It was so nice I told my mom and she said she bought a dining table too. I guess it's my fault for not ordering it for her, but she ordered a reclining chair instead. She even tried to eat off it. Now my mom is stuck with an recliner she thinks is a dining table. I used to know alzheimers was bad but I never experienced it first hand. It's really bad. Now she hates me and yells at me with my fathers name. I guess jensen lewis isn't bad but I wish that my mom would think not to get another dining table or recliner or whatever it was she ordered.
Jensen-Lewis is what it is: descent furniture at a reasonable price. They must be doing something right... they have been in business for quite sometime. We are happy to have them as a neighbor. Richie at jensen-lewis does a great job. Check em out at 15th and 7th Ave.
-Natrona
My boyfriend brought me to visit Natrona furniture this weekend. He told on the way, "you HAVE to see this place. it's amazing!" It was. Absolutely fabulous.
I ended up talking to a young gentleman who i thought was a sales person, but turned out to be the owner. He was extremely charming and obviously has excellent sophisticated taste. He is also passionate about what he is doing and clearly not in business just to make a buck.
I bought a great coffee table from Jensen Lewis about two years ago, and I have returned many times since, but haven't seen much that has caught my eye.
However, after visiting Natrona this weekend I wished I had a larger apt (and more money) because i literally wanted to snatch up everything in the store. I grabbed a few business cards and have been handing them out to other designers at my office all morning.
I seriously have to say Natrona Furniture....Fabulous? Please thats is an overstatement to overpriced floor sample furniture. There were some pieces that were different and unique- but I would not go so far as saying fabulous. I personally don't like walking into a furntire store and get attacked by furniture, there needs to be some room to visualize.. but you can't with everything placed one on top of each other. I took my client over there and she was even annoyed with the salesperson telling us over and over it was in stock.. WE GOT IT THE FIRST TIME...Another thing that was a turn off was all the animal hide products - don't go there if you are an animal lover, you'll have a heart attack (as my client almost did) Since everything is "what you see - is what you get"- you basically get the floor model. Any dents, scrathches. scuff marks - buyer beware. I am sorry but there are places in the city that you can get furniture from that may take a few days.. but at least its new (for those prices!!) I really found the salesperson to be friendly but knowledgeable and excited at the least. What I find wierd is that certain customer reviews I have read say the store was a must see- my personal take - if your walking by stop in, but don't waste your time going out of your way. Happy Shopping!!
I made a $2200.00 purchase, have had difficulty with it and have subsequently had to endure the most DISPICABLE TREATMENT as a customer of Jensen-Lewis, NYC. Not from my salesperson, but from the management.
The store manager at NYC location is DISRESPECTFUL, CONTEMPTUOUS, DISMISSIVE and CONDESCENDING!!
I will never make another purchase there and will discourage anyone else I know from ever shopping there. I hope they go out of business.
DO NOT GIVE THEM BUSINESS!!
Wow, I am surprised by the level of vitriol against J-L since I have not really encountered poor service like this. I have browsed them numerous times over the years, and while the staff could be pushy, they were always polite.
Five or six years ago i did buy two bookcases and a coffee table from them, and they were really helpful - explaining how they would all fit in a van or SUV and giving me the number for a car service to handle it so i could save money on delivery.
Last year I bought a lamp from them after seeing it on their site; when i called, they did put me on hold a couple times, but soon told me they had it in stock, and when I showed up a few hours later it had been tested, rewrapped and I was out of there in a few minutes. I think maybe if you get stuff in stock or don't need delivery maybe it is easier?
I retract my 1/13/07 comment. I think that everyone should shop at Jensen-Lewis and that the management is the most gracious, cooperative, attentive and wonderfulk people on the face of the earth.
j-l new store Calagaris (sp?) is nice and shinny, but the quality... does anyone know about the quality? Natrona offers Tonin Casa, does anyone know about either? Tonin's glass was def. thicker and seemed better on the extension tables. help?
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