As you step into Seaside Furniture Gallery & Accents, you’ll find beautiful dining room sets, luxurious mattresses and comfortable sofas, but more importantly, you’ll find a staff who truly cares. Owner Julie Almeida says, “Seaside’s motto is ‘We love our customers.’ The relationship we have with our customers is so important, and our personal service and attention to detail are what keep our customers coming back. Sometimes, they stop by with gifts of homemade sweets, and other times, they bring in their family and friends. We are not pushy and want everyone to take their time in our showroom because, believe me, there’s a lot of inventory to see.

 

"In our new main showroom in Little River, there is over 30,000 square feet of inventory to browse, including bedroom, dining room and living room furniture; mattresses; and a huge assortment of lamps, pictures and accessories. In our Coastal Décor, Rugs and More store in North Myrtle Beach, our customers can shop for smaller cash-and-carry furniture, area rugs, lamps, pictures and accessories.

 

 “Surprisingly enough, our selection changes on a daily basis. We are constantly adding and delivering from our showroom floor. Alternatively, we offer hundreds of options for special ordering to fit our customers’ needs. Our sales and design personnel really listen to our customers and will find the right product, whatever the budget or style may be. We want our customers to feel relaxed and enjoy the experience of selecting their furniture and accessories. We make sure they’re treated right from the time they walk in, through the purchase, and all the way to the delivery.”

 

Julie did not always set out to own a furniture gallery. Being a native and graduate of North Myrtle Beach High School, she began her career working in the restaurant and landscaping business. Her brother, Pete Morgan, asked if she wanted to go into business with him and she nervously said yes, which turned out to be a great decision. In 2001, they opened Seaside Home Accents in Calabash, NC. They expanded with more stores in North Carolina and South Carolina, and in 2006, they consolidated to their sole location in North Myrtle Beach.

 

Julie and Pete have seen many design changes through the years. “When we first started in Calabash, we offered wicker and rattan, which was all the rave at the time. With the growing business, we began to offer pretty much everything to complete your home. Although we find our product offering to be somewhat quite coastal, it is the colors that we enjoy the most. We offer all types of unique furniture to build and add colors in every room of the home, but we’re happy to go out of our comfort zone to fulfill any style.”

 

It is easy to see how much Julie cares about her “Seaside family,” which includes her staff, customers and even her sons, who are taking on a role in the business. “The thing that led me to continuing my business throughout the years is I love my Seaside family, as well as all of our clients, new and old. I couldn’t have grown my business without them. The most fulfilling thing about my work is the relationships we have with our customers, staff and manufacturers, along with the fact that my boys are working in the business.” Being a part of the community is very important to Julie, and Seaside Furniture Gallery & Accents takes part in a variety of organizations, one of their favorites being the Home Builders Spring/Fall Home Shows, which they participate in every year.

 

Julie has three adult sons, and two of them work with her in the store. When they can get away, they enjoy outdoor adventurers and spending time in the mountains. Julie also enjoys working in her yard and other home projects. She wants to be remembered for contributing to the success of her friends and staff and being a supportive and loving mom. In addition, she is immensely proud of being a successful woman in a male-dominated industry. She defines success as “being a good role model for my family as well as my staff, and I strive to work as hard, if not harder, than those around me.”

 

Julie would like to extend an invitation to all REALTORS® to stop in to see the wide variety of products offered, as well as get to know her conscientious staff. Seaside Furniture Gallery & Accents is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The main showroom and mattress gallery is located at 10356 Highway 90, Little River, SC 29566.    The Coastal Décor, Rugs and More store is located at 527 Highway 17 in North Myrtle Beach, and for more information, please call 843-280-7632 or visit www.shopseasidefurniture.com.