When it comes to home furnishings, Jerome’s and Ashley Furniture are two of the biggest names in the business. Both offer a wide selection of living room, bedroom, dining room, and home office furniture at affordable prices. But which furniture retailer is right for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Jerome’s and Ashley Furniture to help you decide where to shop for your next furniture purchase. We’ll look at key factors like selection, quality, pricing, and more.
Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment or redecorating your family home, read on to discover the main similarities and differences between these two popular furniture stores.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Jerome’s | Ashley Furniture |
| Family-owned furniture retailer based in San Diego, CA | Leading US furniture manufacturer and retailer based in Wisconsin |
| 70+ showrooms across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Texas | Over 900 showrooms worldwide |
| Focused on mid-century, contemporary, and modern styles | Broad selection of traditional, contemporary, and modern furniture |
| Quality crafted upholstered furniture made in their own local factories | Mass-produced furniture, mostly imported |
| Higher end pricing, though often runs sales/promotions | Budget to moderately priced furniture |
| Strong customer service and satisfaction guarantees | Mixed reviews of sales practices and quality |
Comparing The Selection At Jerome’s And Ashley Furniture
One of the biggest differences between these two furniture giants is the scope of their product selections. Ashley Furniture has nearly 40 times as many locations as Jerome’s, giving them the edge in broad product availability.
Ashley Furniture stores showcase thousands of furniture items across their massive showrooms. You can find everything from basic sleeper sofas and affordable bedroom sets to high-end dining room tables, curio cabinets, and bedroom collections.
Ashley also carries furniture designed specifically for kids, teens, and college students at entry-level price points.
Beyond traditional indoor furniture, Ashley offers a substantial selection of outdoor living furniture. Their patio sets, conversation sets, dining sets, deep seating sofas, and lounge chairs provide stylish ways to relax and entertain outdoors.
Jerome’s selection lands more in the mid-range, lacking the high volume of budget basics and expensive luxury furniture pieces that Ashley carries. Instead, Jerome’s focuses their inventory on high-quality living room seating, bedroom sets, and dining room furniture in contemporary and modern styles.
While not as vast as Ashley, Jerome’s does partner with top brands like Tempur-Pedic, Jonathan Louis, and Synergy to expand selection. You’ll just find more curated collections over the wide assortment at Ashley.
Jerome’s also has a narrower range of kid’s, teen, and outdoor furniture.
Comparing the Quality of Jerome’s and Ashley
More important than selection is the actual quality of materials, construction, and craftsmanship that go into the furniture. This determines how comfortable, supportive, and durable the furniture will be in the years after your purchase.
When it comes to quality, Jerome’s has the advantage. As a mid-tier to upper-end furniture retailer focused on contemporary designs, Jerome’s invests in quality materials like kiln dried hardwoods, spring and coil seating, and top grain leathers and fabrics.
Much of their custom upholstered living room seating is manufactured right in Jerome’s own Southern California factories. Their craftsmen use quality eight-way hand tied springs and high-density foams.
Jerome’s also partners with brands like Tempur-Pedic known for excellent materials and construction.
The majority of Ashley Furniture pieces are mass produced in overseas factories. To meet lower price points, Ashley uses less expensive woods, fabrics, leathers, and foam cushions. Items are shipped to the U.S. for quick assembly, not made by trained craftsmen.
Lower quality materials and construction lead to higher rates of defects, durability issues, and shorter lifespans. Many reviewers complain of furniture breaking shortly after purchase. And getting warranty issues resolved with Ashley Furniture can be a frustrating, difficult process.
For the best quality furniture built to last, Jerome’s is the clear winner over the cheaper Ashley offerings. You get what you pay for when investing in better materials and workmanship.
Styles and Designs Offered by Each Retailer
Beyond quality, the style of furniture you select needs to fit your home’s décor and design aesthetic. Ashley Furniture and Jerome’s appeal to quite different tastes.
The vast majority of Ashley Furniture leans traditional with some contemporary pieces mixed in. Ashley focuses on classic upholstered living room sets, wooden bedroom collections, and formal dining room sets. Deep, rich finishes and ornate details abound.
In contrast, Jerome’s specializes in midcentury modern, contemporary, urban, and retro-inspired designs. Their sleek upholstered sofas, geometric accent chairs, and crisp platform beds appeal to those wanting a trendier, more fashion-forward look.
Jerome’s offers mix-and-match modular components for creating customized living room arrangements. Clean lines, polished metals, and light wood finishes give their collections a distinct modern flair.
So for traditional styles in darker classic woods, Ashley Furniture is a better bet. And if you love midcentury or contemporary looks, the modern selections at Jerome’s are more on-trend.
Pricing and Affordability Comparison
For many shoppers, price plays a significant role in choosing furniture.
Ashley Furniture is the clear winner when it comes to affordability and promotions.
The massive retailer competes largely on price, running almost constant sales.
Ashley uses its enormous buying power to manufacture furnishings at lower costs in Asia.
Those savings get passed on with budget-friendly price tags covering a range from basic sleeper sofas to luxurious bedroom sets. Even high-end pieces seem more affordable due to deep discounts.
The company also runs aggressive financing promotions like no interest for 60 months. Options like 0% APR and deferred interest allow you to upgrade your home without draining your bank account. Just be sure to pay in full before the no interest period ends.
While pricey relative to Ashley, Jerome’s does offer fair and competitive pricing. They discount floor models and overstock pieces while running sales around holidays and long weekends.
Jerome’s has a lowest price guarantee and will match verified competitors’ ads.
You’ll certainly pay more at Jerome’s for higher quality furnishings versus the mass-produced Ashley imports. Yet with smart shopping, Jerome’s can fit many budgets, especially for those wanting trendy modern styles.
Also Read: Differences Between Eucalyptus And Acacia For Outdoor Furniture.
Evaluating the Customer Shopping Experience
Beyond product selection and pricing, your experience working with sales associates can make or break your furniture buying. Here as well, Ashley Furniture and Jerome’s differ significantly.
Jerome’s prides itself on customer service. Their sales associates work on salary, not commission. Without pushy sales tactics, they focus on your needs and style. Jerome’s also offers free in-home design consultations to help select the perfect pieces.
The retailer guarantees your satisfaction. If you change your mind, Jerome’s will pick up returns for free. They also provide unbeatable price guarantees, discounting further if you find a cheaper advertised price within seven days on an identical item.
Reviews of Jerome’s highlight knowledgeable salespeople who take time listening instead of rushing you. Many appreciate their low-pressure approach to help you love your new investment.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Ashley Furniture. The mega retailer is notorious for high pressure and aggressive sales tactics. Commissioned sales associates often push customers to upgrade or add on additional items.
They may try to steer buyers towards more expensive pieces or greater quantities.
Shoppers need to be assertive and firm regarding their budget to resist add-ons. Be leery of special financing promotions designed to increase your spending. Extended 0% interest periods entice bigger purchases carrying future interest charges after the promo ends.
Beyond sales techniques, Ashley Furniture generates frequent complaints regarding poor quality control, difficulties with repairs and replacements, and battles over warranty coverage. Reviews highlight broken furniture and terrible experiences trying to get issues resolved.
For a pleasant shopping experience with helpful service, Jerome’s is the preferable retailer. Ashley’s pushy sales and spotty quality control tend to dissatisfy customers in the long run.
Also Read: Is RC Willey Better Than Ashley Furniture?
Which Offers the Best Value Overall?
When weighing all the factors of selection, quality, style, pricing, and service, which furniture retailer gives you the best bang for your buck?
For budget-minded shoppers prioritizing price above all else, Ashley Furniture edges out Jerome’s.
The mega chain offers rock bottom prices on a huge range of imported furniture.
Frequent sales and creative financing provide affordable options for every budget.
However, Jerome’s defeats Ashley regarding quality, customer service, and long-term value. The mid-tier retailer uses better construction and materials for furniture built to last. Their contemporary styles stay on-trend longer than Ashley’s traditional pieces.
Jerome’s craftsmanship and friendly sales staff enhance the shopping experience.
Those willing to invest more in quality furniture will appreciate Jerome’s. For a better value overall, Jerome’s is our top recommendation. Their durable, comfortable sofas, sectionals, beds, and dining sets deliver lasting performance not found at Ashley.
So choose Jerome’s if you want quality furnishings crafted to provide comfort and style for years to come. Opt for Ashley to furnish an entire home on a very tight budget. Keep reading for more tips on choosing between these leading furniture retailers.
Shopping Guidance for Jerome’s and Ashley Furniture
Tips for Shopping at Jerome’s
- Head to Jerome’s if you appreciate midcentury, contemporary, and modern styles. Their selection won’t disappoint.
- Focus your search on living room seating, bedroom sets, dining sets, and office furniture. Categories like youth furniture are less robust.
- Feel free to take time making your decision. Sales associates work on salary, not pushy commissions.
- Ask about current sales, floor models, or clearance items to score the best deals.
- Consider Jerome’s house branded furniture lines for quality pieces at lower price points.
- Take advantage of free in-home design consultations and measure your space before purchasing.
Tips for Shopping at Ashley Furniture
- Visit an Ashley Furniture HomeStore for the widest selection of furniture, mattresses and home accents.
- Browse on weekdays to avoid crowds. Weekends, especially Sundays, tend to be very busy.
- Try out floor models. Tests beds and sofas for comfort before you buy.
- Clarify warranty terms, service fees, and delivery charges before purchasing.
- Resist sales associate’s pitches to upgrade or add-on additional items if they don’t fit your budget.
- Time purchases right to get the lowest prices. Check for sales and clearance events.
Also Read: Comparison of Ashley And Klaussner Furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ashley Furniture’s biggest competitor is IKEA. IKEA is another large furniture retailer with global brand recognition. Both Ashley Furniture and IKEA offer affordable prices on furniture and home goods thanks to mass manufacturing and importing products.
Some other furniture stores comparable to Ashley Furniture include Bob’s Discount Furniture, Rooms To Go, Raymour & Flanigan, Value City Furniture, and big box stores like Walmart and Amazon. These retailers aim to provide furniture at lower price points by producing products in high volumes overseas.
There have been several lawsuits and complaints against Ashley Furniture over deceptive pricing practices, poor quality products, and inadequate warranty coverage. Specific issues have included failing to honor price match guarantees, defective furniture breaking shortly after purchase, and difficulties getting repairs or replacements handled under warranty.
Ashley Furniture is so popular because of their massive selection of affordably priced furniture. They have well over 900 stores across the globe plus ecommerce sales, making Ashley Furniture one of the largest and most recognized furniture brands. Their huge buying power allows low pricing that appeals to budget-conscious consumers.
Conclusion
When shopping for stylish, comfortable furniture at affordable prices, both Jerome’s and Ashley Furniture have their pros and cons. Key differences come down to quality, selection, pricing, and service.
For affordable pricing on traditional styles with maximum selection, Ashley Furniture delivers. But for higher quality craftsmanship, contemporary designs, and better service, Jerome’s is the winner.
Whichever retailer you choose, protect your investment by closely inspecting items prior to purchase. Review warranty terms and read return policies as well. Take time making your buying decisions to end up with furniture you’ll enjoy for years.
Both Jerome’s and Ashley Furniture can furnish your home within budget. By knowing their strengths and weaknesses, you can determine which best fits your personal home furnishing needs and style.