Design Spree Kicked off Spring with Today’s Hottest Designers and Restaurants, Donating $1,500 to Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County

April 17, 2012 (Maywood, NJ) – Design Spree (29 West Essex Street, Maywood, NJ), Bergen County’s premium home furnishing store, kicked off spring this past weekend with its Annual Outdoor Event. During the event, Design Spree unveiled over $1 million dollars of outdoor patio furniture.

Throughout the event guests enjoyed BBQ themed samples of food from Muscle Maker Grill in Lodi, NJ, The Brownstone’s infamous sliders, special sauces from Pig of the Month, and a tasty treat from Sweet Indulgences that cleansed everyone’s palate.

Guests also had the chance to watch today’s trendiest interior designers in action! Each designer had one hour to decorate table top vignettes for an outdoor patio setting. The designers featured were Jeffrey Brooks of Jeffrey Brooks Interior Designs in Long Valley, NJ, Uma Stewart of Furbish Home in Millburn, NJ and Ernestine Linn of Euro Design in Closter, NJ.

Danielle Ambrosia of HGTV’s hit TV Show, Dina’s Party was the guest judge. She awarded Uma Stewart of Furbish Home in Millburn, NJ as the winner of the competition. Uma received a $1,000 Design Spree gift certificate for creating a tranquil and zen design.

5% of purchases made that day were donated to the Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County, totaling $1,500. Design Spree is a proud sponsor of the organization, which builds affordable housing for hardworking Bergen County families.

Design Spree will donate 100% of profits from NEST Blue Garden candles to the Maywood Abilities Program (MAP) to help raise autism awareness in April.

MAYWOOD, N.J., March 28, 2012 – Design Spree, a unique new “storehouse” (a high-end, warehouse-style furniture store with two locations in New Jersey) is helping to raise awareness of autism by donating to the Maywood Abilities Program (MAP), a local Maywood School District program that assists children with disabilities, including autism. During April, all profits from the sales of NEST Blue Garden candles will go to the program.

Autism is a complex disorder that affects 1 in every 110 American children and their families, and 1 in 94 children in New Jersey. “April is ‘Autism Awareness Month,’ the perfect time to raise research funds for autism. It is our hope that customers who purchase the NEST Blue Garden candles will light them in support of this great cause,” said Jay Wagnon, President of Design Spree. “We are proud to help build a strong and united voice for those affected.”

The NEST Blue Garden candle was created to support autism causes at a national level. They are scented with a mix of blue hydrangea, hyacinth, and forget-me-nots, blended with fresh green notes and a dew drop accord to create the aroma of a lush floral garden. For every candle sold, Design Spree will donate $8 dollars to MAP.

Design Spree partners with romance writers and local spas to give couples something to celebrate for Valentine’s Day.

MAYWOOD, N.J., January 31, 2012 – Design Spree, a unique new “storehouse” (a high-end, warehouse-style furniture store with two locations in New Jersey) invites couples to forget the bad economy, the political infighting and the hectic schedules this Valentine’s Day.  From February 8^th through the 14^th customers will receive extra, free perks when buying a bedroom set:

• A unique, personalized, romance novelette to share with your significant other penned by best-selling, award-winning author Shirley Hailstock, a member of the New Jersey Romance Writers association.  Customers become characters in these fun love stories that incorporate real life events.
• A luxurious couples massage from The Fountain Spa in Hackensack, NJ or Me Salon in New Hope, PA.
• A bottle of champagne and a box of chocolates, courtesy of Design Spree.

“We know that everyone is feeling a lot of stress lately and sometimes, romance takes a back seat to life’s other priorities.  So, we’d like to bring back a little sizzle this Valentine’s Day and help our customers spice up their relationships,” said Jay Wagnon, president of Design Spree.

“Partnering with professional romance writers is a fun way to personalize the day and give our customers something that’s as unique as their own design style” continued Wagnon.

For those lovers who are looking for advice on writing their own love stories, Design Spree and the New Jersey Romance Writers association suggest “10 Tips For Writing About Your Loved One“:

1. Use specific special events or romantic experiences you’ve shared.
2. Use the five senses: sight, sound, scent, touch and taste.
3. Borrow from the Bard—and other great poets.  Byron, the Brownings, Donne, Shakespeare, Shelley, and Yeats wrote passionate love poems and won’t complain if you quote them.
4. Add lyrics from songs you both like or lines from movies you’ve enjoyed together.
5. Dream up a simile: “your kiss is like a sip of fine champagne.”
6. Express yourself in the language of your special someone’s profession.  A banker? “I’m endorsing my heart over to you.”  A lawyer? “What’s the verdict?  Will you be my Valentine?”  A police officer?  “You’re under arrest for stealing my heart.”
7. Pick one emotional tone and go with it – happy, romantic, funny, serious.
8. How has your valentine changed you for the “better” by knowing her/him? Why are you grateful for that change?
9. If your loved one is also your best friend, let them know you value that friendship as well.
10. Remember: whatever you write will be romantic as long as it comes from the heart!

Design Spree, a unique new “storehouse” (a high-end warehouse-style furniture store with two locations in New Jersey) urges consumers to “Spree…Don’t Stress!” with the Wakile Family of Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey.

The first 200 visitors to each Design Spree storehouse will receive:

• An opportunity to have a family photo taken with the Wakiles and an autographed photo of the Wakile Family
• 10 Tips for avoiding family stress and drama around the holiday table
• 10 great gift ideas that save time and money
• A $50 gift coupon for Design Spree (certain restrictions apply)
• And more!

A limited number of press passes, pre-event interviews with Kathy Wakile and photo opps available. 

December 3, 2011

Maywood:                 11am to 1pm

               Lawrenceville:        3pm to 5pm

See designspree.com for directions

According to the American Psychological Association, one in four people report that they have been alienated from a friend or family member because of stress.  Additionally, money is one of the biggest stressors for 75% of Americans.

The holiday season is, therefore, a time that can cause family stress overload.

Kathy Wakile and her family are known for their old-fashioned family values and avoiding drama among family members.  “We pride ourselves on keeping a level head at all times,” says Kathy.  “I used to teach Sunday school, and I still apply basic philosophies of respect, tolerance, love, and holiday spirit in my day-to-day life.  I teach my kids those values too.”

Jay Wagnon, CEO of Design Spree, has built an organization around teamwork and respect as well.  “Our sales team gets regular training on how to face day-to-day retail challenges with a spirit of respect for our customers and vendors.”

Design Spree is known for its creative approach to merchandising and customer service, the Lawrenceville and Maywood locations give consumers the variety and quality service they’d find in any high-end furniture store-but at 40-60% less than retail.

Holiday treats for the events will be provided by the family-owned DiBruno Bros. company (Lawrenceville) and Fairway Paramus (Maywood).

Maywood Mayor Timothy Eustace and Jacey Raimondo of Habitat for Humanity Join Design Spree to Celebrate the Opening of Maywood “Storehouse”

Design Spree is holding a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of its New Jersey store in Maywood, N.J. on November 2 from 5pm to 7 pm.

The borough of Maywood Mayor, Timothy Eustace will join Design Spree founder, Jay Wagnon, Jacey Raimondo the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County and local dignitaries to cut the ribbon for the Maywood store. Design Spree will also deliver a check to Habitat for Humanity to help build affordable homes for Bergen County residents.

With approximately 14 millions of Americans out of work and with more than 1 million Americans who have lost their homes to foreclosure, Design Spree views the opening of their second store—coined a “storehouse” by founder, Jay Wagnon, as an opportunity to help New Jersey residents get back on their feet. 

Design Spree is bringing its successful Lawrenceville “storehouse” concept to Maywood, New Jersey. In today’s struggling economy, savvy consumers are looking for value. Design Spree provides value on many levels: an upscale warehouse-style facility, exceptional customer service, and a huge collection of luxury furniture at 40-60% off retail prices. Design Spree is also more than a retail outlet; it treats its locations as “retail theaters” where they host a series of community events.

WHERE:  Design Spree of Maywood , 29 West Essex Street, Maywood, NJ 07607

(Rte. 17 to Essex St., Enter from Maywood Ave. behind Duane Reade or see website for map and further directions: www.designspree.com)

Go to the website, www.designspree.com to read more about upcoming events.

Maywood, N.J., On Thursday evening, October 13^th, Design Spree opened the doors of its newest furniture “storehouse” in Maywood, N.J. to hundreds of furniture enthusiasts, designers and fans of the Keno Brothers –  Leslie and Leigh Keno, stars of Antiques Roadshow and Fox’s new Buried Treasure.  The duo was on-site to talk about the inspiration for their signature pieces and also delighted guests by signing pieces from their collection purchased on the evening of the event.  They also demonstrated their innovative new QR code system, which brings the Kenos “live” via video into each buyer’s home.

“We were honored that the Kenos were on hand to kick off the opening of our newest store in Maywood and delighted to introduce the Keno line of furnishings to our customers,” said Design Spree founder and owner, Jay Wagnon. “The Kenos’ share a very similar philosophy to that of Design Spree: providing customers with well-crafted, premium quality merchandise at an amazingly good price.”   

Leslie Keno stated that, “our collection, crafted by Theodore Alexander, is focused on quality, adaptability, functionality and great value and that perfectly complements Design Spree’s eclectic collection of home furnishings.”  “Our goal is to create the heirlooms of tomorrow, and we’re thrilled that Design Spree’s customers will join us on the journey,” said Leigh Keno.   

The 55,000 sq. ft. furniture “storehouse” in Maywood, is Design Spree’s second N.J. store.  Coined a “storehouse” because of its size and creative approach to merchandising and customer service, the Lawrenceville and Maywood locations give consumers the variety and quality service they’d find in any high-end furniture store-but at 40-60% less than retail. The warehouse-style design allows for a larger selection and daily delivery of new and unique items. 

 Founded by entrepreneur Jay Wagnon, there are several components to the Design Spree concept:

• Selection:  Inventory changes continuously· 
• Immediate Gratification: Every piece is sold directly off the floor and can be delivered immediately·      
• Incredible Value:  Prices are 40-60% less than retail and the store offers limited-time specials
• Spectacular Service and a “Welcome Home” philosophy that makes every consumer feel like part of the Design Team “family”

 Please log on to www.designspree.com/  to download photos of the event.

 Design Spree will be hosting other community events at both their Maywood and Lawrenceville stores. Simply go to www.designspree.com to learn more and find directions. Don’t forget to friend us on facebook and to follow us on Twitter.

 Join the Design Spree team for these upcoming events:

 November 2:                 Ribbon Cutting Celebration at the Maywood storehouse

                                            5pm to 7pm

December 3:                 The “No Drama” Holiday Home Sales event with the Wakile Family of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Maywood:                    11am to 1pm

 Lawrenceville:         3pm to 5pm

New retailer offers premium brands at 40-60% less than retail in a 52,000 square-foot “storehouse”

Maywood, NJ (August 18, 2011) – Spending on furniture by Americans has grown a whopping 23% over the past ten years. But now, more than ever, furniture buyers are looking for great value and a great experience. By shopping at Design Spree, which opened its doors on August 29 at 29 West Essex Street in Maywood, New Jersey, consumers – from apartment-dwellers to discerning housewives to lords of mansions — can get more high-end furniture for their dollar and create rooms that are unique to their tastes and lifestyles.

Building on a concept created first in Lawrenceville, NJ, Design Spree plans to expand nationally. Founded by entrepreneur Jay Wagnon, the concept is based on how people like to shop for furniture. “We make the experience fun, easy, low-pressure, and a new discovery with every visit,” said Wagnon. The Design Spree philosophy is based on “pleasant surprises.”

• Selection: Inventory changes continuously, with up to 200 new pieces arriving weekly. The store carries an eclectic mix of styles, high-end brands and one-of-a-kind pieces. “Our loyal fans will even stand and wait for the truck to unload,” says Wagnon. At any one time, the 52,000 square foot storehouse will carry $6 million in inventory.
• Immediate Gratification: Every piece is sold directly off the floor and can be taken home or delivered immediately, without order forms and long wait times.
• Incredible Value: Prices are 40-60% less than retail and the store offers limited-time specials. Because of its no-frills (concrete floor) warehouse-style design and unique way of buying inventory, savings are passed along to consumers year-round.
• Spectacular Service: From a staff that calls customers when a great new piece arrives to on-site designers to convenient daily delivery, Design Spree has removed the stress and aggravation of furniture shopping.
• A “Welcome Home” Philosophy: The Design Spree staff operates as a close team and is trained to make every customer – consumers, decorators, new marrieds, empty nesters, and everyone in-between – feel like part of the Design Spree household. “If someone just wants to wander alone – without a sales associate, we encourage that too,” says Rich Pollock, Vice President, “Our sales philosophy is very low-pressure and consultative. We even encourage customers to compare our prices with competitors’.”
• Monthly Events and Promotions, including online deals: Says Wagnon, “We have always done great in-store events that engage the community. We plan to continue that in Maywood, opening up the store for local events as well as sponsoring our own. Because so many people are living much of their lives online these days, we’ll be continuously running special deals for our Facebook and other social media friends.”

The Keno Brothers (furniture designers and television’s most recognized fine furniture appraisers as well as stars of their own new FOX television series, Buried Treasure) will be making a special appearance on the evening of Thursday, October 13th to introduce their collection, meet with press, designers and customers at Design Spree.

The ribbon-cutting for the new store will take place on October 27th from 5-7pm, but a handful of “sneak preview” events are planned prior to October. Design Spree is managed by Jared Azoff and is expected to employ 26 people. Investment in the new facility is estimated at $1 million.

Media Contact:

Afshaun Naficy, Director of Public Relations

afshaun@theONswitch.com, 914-969-2900