Market Square Shop

I also had a wonderful experience here. They’re an upholstery shop, and when I went in to look around, they were more than happy to let me do so in peace, without feeling self-​conscious at all. When I asked about pillows, the man behind the counter graciously explained their pricing and process up front, and let me leave to think about it without pressuring me to buy.
After shopping around for ready-​made pillows at Pottery Barn and World Market, and finding that they were just as expensive, I decided to go back and have my own pillows made. Might as well get bespoke pillows made the way I like them if I’m going to spend the money, right? So I got the one-​of-​a-​kind experience of dealing with a compassionate professional and supporting my local craftsmen, and I got it at the same price as I would have paid at a wholesale shop like World Market, Pottery Barn, or Macy’s.
It was all-​around terrific.

I have dealt with Bruce, the shop owner, for many years. He is set in his ways and usually rightly so. His taste level is unsurpassed, and is always on time and reliable.
His shop carries a lot of traditional fabrics and accessories. I’ve often found a nice selection of candles too.

The Market Square Shop is a classic. It has absolutely beautiful fabrics for curtains, chairs, couches, pillows, chair seats, etc. and highly skilled upholsterers to do the work. Market Square did a wonderful job on my antique loveseat (no mean feat, given its curves) and on curtains for my livingroom and dining room. The shop also carries lovely lamps, silver items, and a range of other decorative pieces, from china to guest towels. It is a go-​to place for decorating (they can also recommend excellent painters) and for that unique gift. The owner, a decorator, is extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

This is kind of in response to Justin. So, you walk into a specialty shop and expect them to have a specific item, and, because they don’t you get bent out of shape? There is a CVS just up the street, I’m sure they carry thread. I’ve used Market Square for upholstering (note spelling) of sofa and two chairs, plus pillows and found them not only professional, but, reasonably priced and timely. Maybe the next time you «find yourself» somewhere, you just should ask for help.

Once again, I found myself in old town and in need of things not purchasable within walking range. This time: yellow thread. I was making a costume and needed some. Lacking a store that sells sewing supplies, I figured a good alt-​option would be an upholstery store. After all, I was only making a costume, so upholstery thread would be okay enough, or so I thought…
I walked into Market Square Shop. The sole employee (I’m not sure if he’s the proprietor) was a well-​dressed senior. After a moment, he warily asked if I needed any help. I explained that I was looking for some thread, which was apparently an offense. In an arrogant and appalled tone that I can best describe as a cross between Vincent Price and Tim Curry, the man explained that this was an APHOLSTRY SHOP and that they don’t sell things like thread. What he said I needed was a «dressmaker’s shop.» Right, because dressmakers are not beneath selling thread. After all, they put their shops next to the apothecaries and candlestick makers. I continued to sin: «But don’t you have any upholstery thread,» I asked? He, now obviously offended, repeated himself and explained that he doesn’t sell thing like «that».
I can understand that such a store might do it’s own work, and thus not sell DIY materials, but he’s got 100 rolls of fabric and related goods on the sales floor. I find it most unlikely that he doesn’t have thread in the back. Even if he doesn’t, he doesn’t have to make me feel like an ass for asking. Upholstery thread at an Upholstery store? How dare I! Unfortunately this man’s attitude is not uncommon within the niche stores on King St. I’m moving soon and the snobby elitist attitudes seemingly held in esteem at places like this will not be missed. I will never be back in this store, and I will most certainly not recommend it to anyone. Common decency precedes shopping for me. If you can’t be nice, you’ll not get my business.