Company Information
Andy Thornton and Sarah Paxton
LaDiff’s been around since 1980 – when futons, flip chairs, and Danish lighting summed up the entire world of ‘contemporary’ furniture - or ‘lifestyle’ as it was known way back then. Since then, in a world where a gallon of gas and a cup of coffee cost about the same, we’ve seen shabby chic, retro modern, cottage transitional, European sleek, and ethnic eclectic all become accepted as contributing elements to 'modern' design. Visit us online at
ladiff.com or email
sales@ladiff.com.
Since the beginning, one thing that has not changed is our desire to know our customers and to make them a real part of the LaDiff family.
LaDiff is a single store location, and we really like it that way. We see, know, and work with our employees every day. We meet our customers during their visits to the store and when we see them around town. We enjoy our city and the life it provides for our family.
For these reasons, it is our vision that LaDifférence be about the whole experience. From the first ‘hello!’ when you walk in the door, until the last ‘thank you’ from your delivery driver, it is our goal and intention to greet you with genuine joy, enthusiasm, and interest. Throughout the store, we use color, music, and a pervasive sense of humor to surround your shopping experience.
Furniture, household accessories and gifts are the commodities we’ve chosen to sell. Fun, energy, and enthusiasm are our ‘throw-ins’. It’s what comes naturally to us and to our employees to treat every customer as a new friend and every point of communication as an opportunity to get to know you better.
Hopefully, while you’re here, you’ll find something irresistible for your home, something you just can’t live without and something that will always remind you of LaDiff.
That, for us, is the LaDiff experience.
Financing Service
LaDifference does offer a private label finance plan. For up to date information regarding eligibility, rates, terms and conditions, please speak with a LaDIff salesperson.
Markets Served
LaDifference offers modern & contemporary home furnishings and accessories, serving Virginia, West Virginia, DC, Maryland, North Carolina and other surrounding regions where our clients may reside.
Inventory
LaDifference maintains a healthy inventory ready to meet our customers’ needs where possible. In stock merchandise must be paid in full at time of purchase, with arrangement for immediate pick-up or delivery.
Special Orders
Estimated lead times for how long it will take an order to arrive AT THE LaDIFFÉRENCE WAREHOUSE are based on manufacturer's recommendations, order requirements & past history. Lead times begin once deposits are received and customer has signed authorization for the order.
Special orders require a minimum non-refundable deposit of 50% at time of order. The balance in full is due and payable at the earlier of: (1) customers’ pickup of merchandise, (2) prior to release of merchandise for delivery or shipment, or (3) within 30 days of notice to customer that merchandise has arrived at LaDIFFÉRENCE (provided that customer has given current contact information and numbers at time of purchase.)
Special order purchases are considered final sale.
Warranty & Protection
All items sold only carry any manufacturer’s warranty that might apply. Warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Please ask for specifics about the products you purchase. Customer is responsible for all costs to return items requiring warranty repair work or replacement. Customer is responsible for maintaining receipts and other documents required to verify purchase for any warranty claims.
Company History
LaDifference began in 1980, created by ambitious Englishman Andrew Thornton. Andrew, who had lived in London, Paris, New York, Rio and California had travelled the world at 25, hitchhiked across the USA no fewer than 8 times and lived in Haiti, where he oversaw the production of handcrafts and baskets for export to the USA.
It was out of these Haitian beginnings that LaDIFF was born. When Andrew left Haiti, he brought with him a container of these Haitian wares to Charlottesville, Virginia and set up shop in a 2,000 square foot space. Modern furniture and lifestyle house wares eventually replaced the baskets and handcrafts of LaDifference, which doubled in size in just 2 years.
Since then LaDifference has come a long way. Now based in Richmond, Virginia, LaDifference has over 50,000 square feet of showroom space in historic downtown Tobacco Row. Having been honored time and time again with awards such as “Distinguished Retailers of the Year” (Retail Merchants Association, 2000), “Best Furniture Showroom” and “best Modern Furniture” (Richmond Magazine, 2008 & 2009), LaDiff is proud to be a supporting member of the Richmond community. 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of LaDifference, which is being celebrated with a range of special promotions & events, by remembering our humble Haitian beginnings and by sending support to assist in rebuilding the homes and communities lost by this year’s tragic earthquake.
Community Service
LaDifference is a proud member of the Richmond community. LaDiff can be seen frequently working with local organizations to house events, fundraise and show support however we are able to. From our holiday promotions offering discounts in exchange for donations to the Central Virginia Food Bank, Richmond’s Alzheimer’s Association and Caritas, to raising over $40,000 for ART 180, the East District Family Resource Center and Katrina Relief, to hosting events for the Easter Seals, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, ROSMY and more… LaDiff is always ready to our part for our community. We are members of the Retail Merchants Association, Sustainable Furnishings Council, and supporters of the 3/50 Project.