I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and have been attempting to choose a Hancock and Moore sofa there. As there are few examples of Hancock & Moore sofas in bay area stores to view and try out for comfort, I was getting frustrated. My son lives in Durham, North Carolina so I planned to visit him and, while there, drive to Alexandria to visit Duane Collie's The Keeping Room to see a broader selection. When I mentioned my plan to Duane, he suggested that he schedule a Hancock and Moore factory tour in Hickory, NC--about a 3 hour drive from Durham. It was planned for 5/12/11.

Let me tell you, while on that tour I experienced an alternate universe where graciousness reigns supreme! I felt like royalty. Jimmy Moore, the owner, conducted us on the tour of the leather factory. As we passed each person's station, we were warmly greeted by each person--and there were many!

First, we were allowed to go through about 600+ leather samples and take whatever we wished. Then we were asked which of the sofa styles we would like to see and went searching for those. Only current orders are worked on, so you are limited to seeing what is being currently manufactured. However, the popular styles are well represented, as well as many others. We were lucky enough to sit on a 9844 City Sofa--the longer, wider style in which I was interested. I also sat on the Savant, the Kodiak, and several other styles. I was able to see the leather samples on constructed sofas and chairs. The leathers often look lighter and different on the piece, so this was very helpful. I am currently wavering between Document Copper and Portfolio Claret. I have decided I need a protected leather as people eat while sitting on the sofa at my home. Otherwise, I would love the Equestrian Chestnut or Claret which are gorgeous and very appealing--but unprotected. I also discovered that I can add nailhead trim to the City Sofa--a choice I would like to make. They are willing to make all kinds of adjustments to their pieces.

While on the tour we were informed that Duane Collie and friends were riding their motorcycles down from Virginia and would arrive within the hour. We waited a few moments and were able to meet him and thank him personally for having set up such a wonderful tour.

If you are planning a leather purchase, I would definitely encourage you to take this tour so that you might make a more informed choice. As you know these pieces are an investment, so it's worth the time.

Thank you again, Duane, for your wonderful suggestion and arrangement. As soon as I return on the 20th I will make a choice and call you.

Sincerely,
Sharon Graff
Sunnyvale, CA