Funky & Functional Hosts Grand Opening

Funky & Functional is the name of a new Short North furniture store that recently opened at 685 North High Street. This Saturday, they’re hosting their official Grand Opening party during the November Gallery Hop.

We sat down recently with owner Mark Miller to talk about what can be found in the new shop, and what to expect this weekend.

Q) Can you give us a bit of the background behind the concept of the store?

A) Set the way-back-clock-machine to about 7 years ago. I was a struggling writer with no prospects and no vocation. I fell into selling items on eBay while trying to write the great American novel. I figured the ability to work at any time I wanted to would give me the free time I needed. But over the years I have found that I have less and less time as I continue to expand in the antique field, and what should have been a part time job quickly became full time. Yet, each auction I went to, and each sale I made, gave me a little more knowledge and contacts in the antique and art world and started me on the road that led to this place… where I am now a struggling store owner, but at least I have prospects and a vocation!

Q) What sort of products are you be carrying?

A) The bread and butter of our business will be functional items for the home. No matter how bad the economy gets, people still need to put their underwear in dressers, and tables to eat dinner on. We will also carry unique pieces of furniture, art, and decorator items that you don’t see every day. In addition, we have several dealers who have unique and varied tastes that will show in the stock they carry.

Q) What type of shoppers do you think will most enjoy your new store?

A) Just like our store name, there are two customer bases we will appeal to. The first is our Funky side: If they have an interest in the unique and odd, then they’ll appreciate many of our pieces. The second is our Functional side: Anyone who wants good quality furniture and antiques at a fair price will find hundreds of items to choose from.

Q) Why did you pick the Short North a the place for your business?

A) With an incredible artistic population, beautiful shops, and lets face it… a lot of money living around here, the Short North was my first choice to open an eclectic shop. I have another location out in the country, but my heart is here in the Short North.

Q) You opened a few weeks ago, but the official “Grand Opening” is during the November Gallery Hop on Saturday. Can you tell us a bit about  the Grand Opening event?

A) Our grand opening plans involve having banners, and balloons, and costume clad helpers, and food, and other little surprises, so come check us out!

Funky and Functional is located at 685 North High St. and can be reached at (614) 220-4590.