Suite Arrangements furniture consignment in the West Seattle Junction is relocating in late July to the West Seattle Produce building at 4722 SW Fauntleroy, the two companies announced today. WSP will locate its produce, wines and specialty foods business into the warehouse portion of the building, which has been underutilized. SA will move its fine furnishings business into the primary showroom.

According to the company owners, the plan has been developing and evolving for over six months. "We've been looking for ways to attract more of our market to the East side of Fauntleroy," said Bruce McPhereson of WSP. "And, we've been seeking a high-visibility commercial space with dedicated parking close to the Junction," said Geoff Abdian of SA. "And we're both excited about sharing the same building because we share a primary market for our goods and services."

Many small businesses in the heart of the West Seattle Junction have scrambled to find alternative space before the upcoming demolition of the former Connor Properties space occupying the North half of the 4700 block of California Avenue, which is now owned by Equity Residential, one of the largest residential developers in the country. That area is slated for demolition to begin August 1, in preparation for a new seven-story condominium building with new ground-floor commercial space.

Suite Arrangements is one of the last established retailers in the block to announce plans going forward. According to Abdian, the move reflects the need for small businesses to be creative in the face of so much ongoing commercial development.

"Everyone knows that such development and new facilities command a higher price that only larger businesses - often only established, regional or national chains - can afford," he said. "With all the development planned here in the next several years, the only way West Seattle can retain a good part of its distinctive charm going forward will be for existing small businesses to be more creative and more diligent about providing their distinct offerings, and for local residents to continue patronizing them, as many are committed to doing."

Suite Arrangements also announced a moving sale, with steep discounts on many items in preparation for the move. They plan to begin moving the last several days of the month, and to be in business exclusively at the new location beginning August 1.

For further information, please contact Geoff Abdian at 206-906-9379, or Bruce McPhereson at 206-906-9727.