Today we’d like to introduce you to George Lawes.
Consistently voted ‘Atlanta’s Best’ antique store since 1979, Kudzu has evolved into a full-service furniture store with new furniture, lighting, and special order sofas to complement its traditional mix of antiques and vintage. “We realized there simply weren’t any interesting furniture stores in our area, so we decided to create a unique mix of old and new and it has really taken off!” says owner Kate Lawes. Kate and husband George re-branded their Decatur store as Kudzu Antiques+Modern and infused it with a carefully selected mix of contemporary furniture. “We still have seventy-five of Atlanta’s best vintage dealers, but we are creating a new blend that reflects today’s trends” says George. “Kudzu is no longer just an antique store, but a full-service home store with everything from sofas to gifts. When people walk in they are amazed at the diverse selection!” One walk through Kudzu’s 25,000 sq. ft. will convince you of that. There is still lots of great vintage, enough to satisfy any antique-aholic, but round a corner and you feel like you’re in some hip new furniture boutique. One advantage Kudzu has is its ability to direct import containers of items from around the world, giving it a look, and prices, that no one can match. “We want people to feel that every time they come they’re going to find something different, and to love what we do so much that they’ll bring their family and friends the next time.” Says Kate. “And they do!”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Kudzu’s biggest challenge came 10 years ago with the sale of its previous location in an old seed and feed store. Finding a new location large enough and close enough to its customer base seemed unlikely until we were lucky enough to strike a deal for our county’s old tractor dealership just hundreds of yards away. Today, we operate out of an air-conditioned 25,000 sq. ft. facility that customers love. Our other major challenge has been to let go of what Kudzu used to be, a beloved traditional antique store, and allow it to grow into the contemporary fusion of old and new it is today. It is sometimes difficult for small business owners to allow their business to evolve away from its origins, but we learned it’s crucial to keep up with a changing marketplace. Today we are Kudzu Antiques +Modern and we are certainly not your grandmother’s antique store! We are a contemporary blend of old and new with an ever-changing inventory mix and surprises around every corner.
Kudzu Antiques and Modern – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Kudzu has built a reputation over the past 38 years as one of Atlanta’s most beloved and unusual vintage inspired home stores. We are known for our vast and diverse selection, great pricing, and friendly service. Our many loyal customers always bring out of town friends and family for a visit as one of their ‘must see’ stops in showing off Atlanta. We are proud of our reputation built over many years of honesty, transparency, and professional service.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
We might say the opening of our second store, Kudzu and Company in Sandy Springs. But in truth, we are proudest of our ability to provide a rewarding workplace for our talented and hardworking staff. Over the past years Kudzu has grown from just a few part time employees to a professional staff of over twenty. That is something to be truly proud of.
Contact Info:
- Address: Kudzu Antiques +Modern
2928 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.,
Decatur, Ga 30030 - Website: kudzuantiques.com
- Phone: 4043736498
- Email: info@kudzuantiques.cfom
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kudzuantiques/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kudzuantiques
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kudzu-antique-market-decatur-3
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
