Menards has gone art

[MnSue]

the art displays have now been added to Menard's.

the cost ranged from the $40 to $170ish, all sizes shapes and styles. Interesting enough a 20 by 40 frames print, with a print guard type surface was $79, and they were on a 20% off sale too. In general, while not necessary my tastes, they are interesting & somewhat creative framed pieces.

Now Menards has had art in their store over the years, but in 2007 they were actively pursuing new vendors. One business associate here, who has a import business with China, was one of the vendor finalist. While he was told that they really wanted his type of displays and artwork that he represented - the other 2 vendors had a guarantee buy back of any pieces NOT SOLD!! Needless to say, one of those vendors received the 33M dollar contract. The display will be changed monthly/bi-monthly to reflect the different sales promotion periods (valentines, 4th, etc.).

Ironically, I learned they are next adding office supplies by the end of February!

One stop shopping continues..........

 

[mayos]

What kind of store is Menard's?

 

[j Paul]

Menard's is a Home Improvement store kind of like Home Depot and Lowes, but with an even more emphasis on soft goods/home decor.

We have one across the parking lot. Their framed art has been on clearance for some time. They even have a half dozen or so profiles in unfinished oak, picture frame moulding. Big Wupp!

 

[mayos]

I assume it's a large chain then? Oh, for the good old days when framing stores sold frames, clothing stores sold clothing, grocery stores sold groceries, etc, etc, etc. I'm really sick of big retailers.

 

[MnSue]

this is NEW art, not the 4 mats plus fake fillets, wildlife/hunters oak frames stuff from a few years ago....

mostly abstract and contemporary art, no glass, thich 1/2 fillet (mini-frames) deco, designed, upscale blk/whites....

 

[AnneL]

Menards is a home improvement chain based out of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They used only be in Wisconsin and Minnesota but they have been expanding into other midwest states in recent years. They have such a big presence in Wisconsin that it has been very hard for the bigger national chains (Lowes and Home Depot) to break in to the market here. Menards has been expanding it's product lines lately. The nearest one to us just doubled it's size and drastically increased some of their departments, like their gardening center. I'll have to look and see if they have added more art there too this weekend. We have some gift cards from Christmas to there and we were going to go look at light fixtures.

(Dang it Sue, now I have their theme song stuck in my head!)