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I remember reading in column by Mayer RUs that the staff at Wyeth was notoriously snooty, so it surprises me to hear the staff is very nice.

That whole "by appointment only" thing really irks me, though.

I have been there many times and have to agree that the staff can be VERY snooty. Forget about it if you are just "browsing" !

You can find some of the nicest furniture in the city here but attached are the most expensive price tags as well!

The staff here is the worst! They practically slammed the door in my face as one of the sales people "accidentally" didn't hold it open for me. Beautiful store, but no excuse. Never returning.

Wyeth is horrible. The last time I was there, years ago (and won't return), they had "DO NOT TOUCH" signs on everything, which would surely make Charles Eames and George Nelson roll over in their graves. Their furniture was made to be touched. That's the idea of modern industrial furniture. But's no suprise they don't understand that. They seemed to know very little about what they were selling. And their prices are anywhere from 2 to 10 times what a piece should be worth, even retail. It's no wonder they have so little respect for their customers. Who could respect someone who spends 7 grand for a 700 dollar chair? What their selling is the satsification of spending 7 grand for a chair. I think what's going on is that their customers want to do that, and wouldn't buy the same chair for 10 times less. The place is odious Go to Lobel, got R20th Century, go to ReGeneration, but don't go to Wyeth. The former aren't cheap, either, but they're also not assholes, like the latter.

Terrible....wasn't so bad when located on Franklin Street. The staff is terrible and you have to be kidding me about the "appointment only". The store seems to represent this man's ego more than an appreciation of design. I would not recommend. I would suggest showing up at the flea market at 5am when the dealers are unloading their trucks to avoid Weyth's mark up.

I tried to enter at the same time as 3 other customers. A salesperson told us 'you have to make an appt.' I said 'You have 4 customers here, you're going to turn us away? You've got to be kidding.' He handed us each a card and recommended we call to make an appt.

Good luck with the biz, buddy! Wonder how long you'll last!

i made regular visits to wyeth when it was on franklin st, and was disapointed when they moved and went private. however i made an appt. in the spring and had a positive visit the staff answered my questions and the collection of pieces on display were impressive.i love the way they put groups together.i would reccomend a visit to wyeth to that rock star or anyone who wanted some inspiration.

I soooo want to ring the bell, and when they turn me away saying I need to make an appointment, call them on my cell phone from their front stoop.

But I have seen them exhibiting at some furniture/antiques shows and patrick is right.. their stuff is really amazing.

I guess that's how they get away with it... but it sucks.

I can't STAND this store. Even for lower Manhattan, the snootiness and attitude is off the chart. Get a life!

And while the stuff they have is nice, it's way overpriced (again, even for NYC). They obviously buy stuff at auction and then mark it up by 500 to 800 percent. A great place, in short, for those with too much money and too little sense.

I undertand how many galleries exhibit a cold shoulder in many high-traffic areas of town - they have to be efficient. Being snooty, though, is just unfortunate. If you let someone in, at least be gracious.

I have worked at places that sell art, in beautiful spaces - which means an enormous overhead cost. Most of the sales (almost all) are not from walk-in customers. The 'storefront' is really only the tip of an enormous, concealed iceberg. Most of the business done is despite having this storefront.

One gallery I worked at actually made MORE money by lowering their overhead, moving to an apartment-style gallery and only taking appointments from serious buyers.

I will be honest and say that working with the public at the gallery was my favorite part of the job - and they always came away having learned something and enjoyed the townhouse space. But purchases were rare, and this type of potential client investment is not a luxury many places can afford. I also saw how the daily parade of non-buying visitors jaded my coworkers. They had so many other things that they needed to do, the walk-in traffic was more distraction than anything else. And compared with a $200 possible print sale that almost never happened, working with a major collector to make a sale of $100,000 or so was better business for the gallery and ensured it could survive to the next month.

This experience made me understand these galleries/retail spaces a little more. The dollar is a crucial part of survival. Unfortunately it can eclipse good-will and courtesy. 98 percent of the time my co-workers were correct in their assumptions that walk-ins were not serious or buyers. But I will always remember two instances that proved us all wrong. I once took a family through the gallery; they were just in jeans and looked like they were on their way to the park. After walking around, they bought two considerable pieces for their new Madison Ave. apartment. Another time, after the gallery wqas closed, a face appeared in the window. My coworkers thought I was crazy to even open the door. But the man said he had come from overseas and may not have another chance to visit the gallery. After being shown around he confided that he collected a certain type of art, which we had a considerable amount. That night he bought multiple pieces from us. And when I looked at his business card I realized that I did not know his name, but certainly the beer company of which he was the president.


I always thought that there must be better ways to let walk-ins know that appointments allow the busy staff to prepare and set their schedule. Possibly the gallery workers have to run to the printer or courier an object before or after your appointment. Or maybe a gallery director will demand that a worker drop everything(including a walk-in client) because of a higher priority. It is just sad how this situation makes some people 'snooty' and brings out a bad side to them.

I would play by the rules when visiting a place that asks for an appointment. You most likely will have a much better experience and the staff will appreciate the consideration.

I agree that the mid-century stuff is insanely overpriced. Still...they have beautiful things I've never seen anywhere else. I still think about some french, turn of the century furniture from an architects office that they had, years ago. I love the graphite wall in the back. It sounded like an ordeal creating it, graphite powder everywhere, but someday I'd like to try that. They let us in, without an appointment, and were civil (even friendly) and knowledgable, once. I definitely got the impression that company policy is usually more draconian and haven't been allowed in since.

jeeves--
Interesting perspective. Thanks.

Wyeth is currently NOT in a high-traffic area, but perhaps they should take the "apartment route" to diminish the temptation of thse of us who might waste their time with a tour of their inventory.

Regarding galleries, I've walked in to places, seen something I loved, but had no intent to buy it... on the spot. I've then gone home, and emailed or called for the details and to seal the deal. Had they not allowed walk ins, they would not have made those sales, although the deal was "closed" elsewhere.

But the concept of "sizing people up" based on attire or demeanor, to deem them worthy of attention (especially, when, um, "retail" is about providing customers the opportunity to purchase your wares, no?), is just nauseating, and remarkably silly in a city where anyONE can look like anyTHING...(as your two anecdotes demonstrate.)

When I first moved here, I worked in a tiny store on Madison Avenue (completely behind where Saks Fifth Avenue is) that sold nautical prints, custom picture framing, art supplies and very nice fountain pens. The store went out of business several years ago.

Anyway, I enjoyed helping customers design frames and mats combinations, so I stayed there almost 4 years.

But it drove me crazy that we were required to absolutely stand over every single customer while they shopped, regardless of how they looked. But there was this one girl who very strange, and who was looking at these random remaining tubes of a brand of oil paint that was being discontinued. Even I thought she looked a little shoplifterish at the moment.

That look probably later helped her get the part as the gun-toting Bonnie-and-Clyde type of girl in the movie Pulp Fiction, but it wouldn't have taken a gun to knock me down, once I saw the name on her American Express card.

Patrick,

I agree. You never know who may walk in. That's a risk these places take. I am sure every business has had sales fall through the cracks.

And no one likes to feel excluded. It is sad when a shop sizes people up that they allow to enter. If someone is brought in as a guest, then they should be treated as such.

But I think it is a shop's right to have a blanket policy to ask for an appointment to avoid understaffing or its potential. In one place I worked we had items disappear. Too much traffic on a Saturday and not enough staff. Some of these places are protecting themselves from this potential danger. Anyone can look at anything, but the vendor still reserves the right to protect their wares. I don't take it personal that my local bodega has bullet-proof glass separating me from the gum. Of course, they also don't ask me to make an appointment in order to buy the gum :)

The staffing issue is another good point you raise.

But seeing how the average weight of ANYTHING at Wyeth would require some serious lifting to shoplift, I think we're maybe giving them too much of the benefit of the doubt. :)

And, yes, I definitely agree with a certain need for the safety of the shopkeeper. But if someone is seriously out to do evil at Wyeth, how can a mere phone call in advance prevent it?

As another retail example, I don't mind in the least the "Don't Touch" presentation of Moss... especially since they themselves poke fun at the concept (one year they had "Don't Touch" Moss t-shirts for sale). There, it just seems curatorial, and not pure haughty exclusion. Although I do know their presentation/staff irks some.

Thanks for the dialogue, jeeves!

The issue to me isn't whether or not they're closed to the public (though the reason surely is not safety or shoplifting--the 99.9 percent of stores that aren't closed to the public seemed to have worked out this issue and the issue of adequate staffing just fine--including places with much more expensive stuff than Wyeth's), the issue to me is that they are, simply put, assholes. And, sure, a place is allowed to have whatever markup they want, but they're is so ridiculous, buying from them is an I.Q. I don't think I could respect anyone who bought from them. Ten minutes on the web and I can find pretty much everything in that store--their merch is not, as some have suggested, museum-quality rare--at a fraction of the price. Buying from from them is a sign you have little sense and too much money. Wyeth has made the decision to be this kind of store, and go after this kind of customer. Sure they have nice stuff, but that doesn't mean they have my respect.

As an exercise, next time you're in another similar store, ask the staffers whether they'd ever buy something from Wyeth, and see what the reaction is.

The best shoplifers at places like that look like the best customers. I'm in agreement with rts in that there is no reason to be an asshole to a customer whether they intend to pony up for a piece or not.

Years ago I worked at a high end furniture store. Many of the staff would size up the customers as they walked in the door and refused to work with anyone who didn't look fabulous. I worked with many customers who didn't look that great but because I was nice to them and treated them with respect I got big sales. I was always the top seller at the store and the others would always ask how I did it. "By being nice to EVERYONE, you jerk!"

Hey, even Oprah got the door slammed in her face at the Paris Hermes and the head of U.S. operations for Hermes apologized by saying "they didn't recognize you". OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO - wrong thing to say.

I'll end this by saying that the people at Pascal Boyer Gallery are very nice and have great pieces. And I agree that Lobel is also a nice store with a very nice staff.

Stay away from Wyeth. They are not only extremely arrogant and rude, but they are very unethical on the way they purchase "find" their goods.

They will lie and totally BS uninformed sellers to get what they want.

Anyone that enjoys working with them must be into being treated poorly treated.

The whole place is an ego on steroids.

The first time I walked inside Wyeth was quite an experience. I have been there a number of times since then and every time feels like a new visit. Yes, it very expensive (most things anyway) and they have a strict door policy. But with an appointment it is easy entry into a world conceived by the owner--kind of a 21st century meets Art Deco bachelor pad. There is everything from the classics (Wormley furniture) to the basics (custom made bamboo coffee tables) to the rare (Wegner valet chairs). Its like a museum, but everything is for sale. The shop's main appeal is to the Ralph Lauren crowd and high end interior designers' clients. Sometimes people think its too expensive, other times they completely get it and find a way to adjust their project budget to include that one amazing piece that you will have a hard time finding anywhere else. The owner and staff and prices may be a bit bizarre, but the concept is one of a kind.

A shop is entitled to have whatever policy they desire. I have been to WYETH and I think the staff is totally great! They have been nothing but jovial and attentive.
The fact that they attend each client means they are giving each customer total attention. Thus, the need for appointments. It is a very small staff and they can't possibly wait on twenty people at once. Besides most of the clientele is trade. So you have to know what people are looking for and how to better assist them.
I've worked in retail before and it is not easy. Trying to man the floor while handling administrative tasks can ware on you. So I am sure if they are not constantly smiling and saying "Welcome to WYETH", that it really isn't a big deal!
If you know they are open by appointment and you wish to browse then simply make an appointment! Otherwise, don't bother. The high pricing is suitable for the trade clientele and they obviously are doing well, otherwise they wouldn't be around. I can't believe people would be angry that a store is open by appointment! They have the right to do whatever they feel is in the best interests of their company.
I do think the furniture is top notch and is worth every penny of the "high pricing". yes the flea market is an alternative option, however, the condition will be very rough and the time and costs to make the furniture look great will be astronomical. They have the resources to make everything look good and they have a good eye for great furniture. I am sure that factors in to the price. Besides, this very same furniture is sold at auctions and other high end retail stores and the prices are the within the same range.
I have been to other "cheaper" stores and the quality is not even close. I would rather go to a place where I know i am going to get my money's worth.

Wyeth is not worth the prices it charges for the furniture. You are right, RTS, about the ridiculous mark-ups; the furniture, restored by amateurs, isn't worth quite that much...even if it is Eames, Dunbar, Dansk, or Vodder. Even though this company could not get away with "raping" its clientele (granted most of them are clueless anyway) in any other city besides NYC, don't confuse your overall distaste with the owner's ego and pocketbook with a hatred toward the staff. Often they act not out of personal conviction but rather out of managerial dictates. I once worked as a summer intern for a well-known doctor, and his staff would complain behind his back about the demeanor they were required to have toward the patients. It was outrageous, but in a city like this, image is most things to most people. Just keep in mind that money can't buy class...and Wyeth definitely showcases that dictum, for a truly classy and considerate owner would require civility and understanding on the part of its employess, as well.

As a small cog in the modern furniture business, I have to admit that Wyeth pays top dollar for top notch items. Are they jerks? Sure, but like most workers, their attitude gets dictated from the top down, and boss man John Birch can be difficult to say the least. As far as recomendations for Lobel Modern...oh boy now there's a real jerk.

Was just over there a few days ago to drop something off to John Birch to what I thought was a private address. Turns out it was WYETH. I found it sort of unnerving to have someone following me around the shop 6 feet behind me while I browsed. The deathly silent salesperson practically willed me to the door which was quickly locked behind me. As a seller to institutions like this I will definitely think twice about dealing with such a place as WYETH or as above mentioned stated LOBEL MODERN.

Well, I guess when its all said and done, Weyth (JB) has the prerogative to be a elitist. You don't have to buy into it, and if they vibe you or if you feel uncomfortable about making a appointment, because of the perceived pressure of having to purchase an item in a overpriced salon then don't. He (JB) does however always seem to pay the most whether its the big online auctions or the small pickers that always go to him first, he is a big player in this business, and he has broken more than a few eggs to make his cake. On the up side we all have the freedom to shop with focus and intent or just look with never intending purchase so you have to respect a shop owners policy as they are the ones that have put both their time and their money where their mouth is. I personally don't like going to places like that and its a rarity if I do, unless its for business, but I have that choice and don't force my view or criticize a proprietor for how they conduct themselves.

I too have heard the stories, I visited the Franklin store a few times while visiting New York. Wyeth was one of the first to rediscover Edward Wormley, Danish Pottery, Early Venini and "neutral" interiors. I remember the pieces to be beautifully refinished and reupholstered. I, personally, was awe struck of their showroom and Wyeth pretty much revolutionized interior design.

Wyeth has bought from me and I have noted what they buy and it is usually top quality and the rarest.

I hope to visit very soon, with an appointment at the space on Spring Street.

I read through some of these comments and decided to pay this store a visit for myself. The whole process was a bit bizarre, to be honest. I didn't make an appointment, and I was greeted at the door by a very happy and warm young man. The other employees were working in the back, and all seemed quite lovely. Yet, after walking around and asking questions about the pieces, it became apparent that the actual salesperson, a somewhat older man was very uncomfortable around people and awkward to deal with. The set-up was somewhat unprofessional and haphzard, and there was a bit of confusion about what prices each item "went for." When John Birch, the owner, walked by, the atmosphered changed tangibly. Please, if you want to waste your time and energy, shop there and put up with his immorality. I know this business well, and his mark-ups, even on some pieces that were "unknown," are a bit much. How can he justify such a mark-up and not know anything about the piece? Most of you are correct in saying that the furniture is beautiful, but for your money, there are other places beyond this store from which to purchase a vintage piece. If you can, buy the pieces online, from Ebay, or online auctions, as does Mr. Birch. Then just pay to have it refurbished. Believe me, there are places out there that do this for you, with just the same quality, if you do your homework well. It is possible to bypass all of the ridiculous elitism and frustration at that store. The owner seems a bit awkward and for lack of a better word, simple. As for the salespeople, they are doing their job. Although, some seemed a bit more pretentious than others. Also, if you look hard enough, there are stores throughout the country that rival, if not surpass, this store in SoHo.

WYETH IS SIMPLY THE BEST STORE RUN BY CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONALS. FOR THOSE WHO DON’T AGREE I WOULD PURPORT THAT WE AS A SOCIETY HAVE COME TO EXPECT MEDIOCRE PRODUCTS PUSHED ON US BY UNINFORMED STAFF. THIS STORE IS THE ANTITHESIS. AS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY ARE GREAT. I HAD ONLY PREVIOUSLY BOUGHT A FEW THINGS THERE SOME YEARS AGO AND LATE LAST YEAR I CALLED UP THE MANAGER AND ASKED IF I COULD BRING BY TWO FRIENDS OF MINE WHO ARE QUITE FAMOUS BUT WHO WERE RUNNING LATE AND DESPERATELY WANTED TO SEE THE STORE THAT I RAVED ABOUT. WITHOUT MISSING A BEAT THE MANAGER KEPT THE STORE OPEN AN EXTRA HOUR, WAS COURTEOUS AND INFORMATIVE AT EVERY TURN, AND DIDN’T LIKE MANY OTHER PROPRIETORS, CALL PAPARAZZI, PAGE 6 OR People Magazine.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

RICHARD

Obviously after reading the comments here on this page most of you who have left comments dont know a thing about John Birch. First no man can control the actions of others. Secondly jealousy is all I see here. I live in Oklahoma and I have been dealing with this man for almost 15 years almost every month. This man has either created or help to create the MONSTER industry that modernism has become. He is one of the easiest men to deal with. I have dealt with almost every modernist dealer in the country dating back to 50/50 in 1986 so I DO know the people of this business. He has the most incredible eye in the world. If you are buying any Danish modern or Scandanavian art pottery you can bet your ass he made and created the want and need in that market. If you are interested in solid turned wood objects you can bet he was the first. This list can go on and on. In 15 more years when you catch up he will have long been onto something else. IF THE MASSES have it HE will not touch it with a 10 foot cattle prod. HE IS THE LED ZEPPLIN of modernism. If you want to learn something and not run your un-educated lips then pay attention to this man you will learn so much it is not funny and I dont just mean Modernism. If you want to learn how to conduct business and be at the top of the game then look to this man. He sets the best examples I have seen from any business man. One thing for sure he would never verbalize or put down in writing anything derogatory of any person. Even when I was a newby years ago in OKC he took my calls and treated me as a top pro in NYC from day one. If you are a long time modernist dealer that has actually done business then you know HE is the one we all look up to and admire with respect for how he treats others. He pays so fast with gratitude no matter your level it is scary. NO LIE HERE when I lost my home after 911 and was flat he paypal me 2K told me keep going. When I was so broke without food he sent me more. When I needed gas he sent it. What can I say about a man who fed and clothed my rag tag of a family. If you really understood the jewels he threw before you and if you really understood the decorative arts biz and really knew what made a piece great and how it would impact the design industy 5, 10, 15, 20 years down the road then you might start understanding John and Modernism. Most postings I see on this sight sound like a bunch of insecure children whom I am betting are rival dealers who follow and not lead the industry. You cant have a better friend or do business with any better. His business morals are pure BOY SCOUT on a rail and only one way. The right way. I dont see any other dealer getting so many stones thrown his way. WELL JOHN I GUESS IT IS LONELY AT THE TOP. YOU KEEP FLYING HIGH BUDDY. This man is known around the globe in nothing but good light. ARE YOU? Throw you crappy design mags away. Where were all you middle men- modernism magazines-Modern market in 1996? He was here and we were all doing business with him. When he said OK or gave a price it stood and did not change. Without men like John and a few others and I mean few You would not have these crappy design sites to bitch and moan. There is a reason some of the prices are high or not for sale, YOU CANT PICK UP A MODERNISM OR DESIGN WITHIN REACH magazine and find it. ITS VERY RARE. Most dealers and buyers have jumped on this train way late in hopes to make a quick buck. John makes a buck as well but HE knows why. HERES TO YOU JOHN AND THANKS FOR THE YEARS OF YOUR TIME IN THIS FIELD. To see some thing online call your merchandise funny names makes me mad. They have yet to figure it out. WHAT MAKES AN OBJEKT or WORK OF ART GREAT JOHN? Just keep taking it to the bank Your The Most respected man in the industry. "Keep 'em FLying High"

I agree with Modest Collector.

I visited the store in Tribeca in the 1990's and was awe struck as soon as I passed through the door.

I'm a fairly ardent researcher of 20th century decorative arts and Wyeth did put Edward Wormley and Scandinavian pottery on the map. The neutral interior settings with pieces which were incredibly refinished and upholstered in mowhair were amazing. They were beyond chic.

I also noted many, and I mean many, interior designers copied the "look" with great success. And the "look" is still popular today, check any shelter magazine published. So I'm saying the owner had a profound affect on the way we live is an understatement.

So maybe Mr. Birch learned a lesson and is keeping the "cards close to his chest" this time? Can you blame him? Wyeth, as far as I know, has never done a show, does not have a website or have public access to his inventory. I haven't seen a magazine article written about the store in years.

And I've done business with the Mr. Birch and his staff and they were fantastic.

For those who appreciate it, Wyeth is an icon of style. So for those who appreciate the cutting edge in stylish vintage design, this is the place to go.