Temple Slug

I was exploring Westport the other day and happened to stumble into this establishment. The have great selection of really nice futons, the staff was available to answer any of my questions. They were also very knowledgeable in their knowledge of the product they were selling. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a high quality futon to check this place out.

This store is an odd one...on one hand, it's part grubby, patchouli-and-cloves drenched hipster hangout, full of things like snarky greeting cards and subversive fridge magnets made of recycled license plates from import cars whose makes don't exist anymore. On the other hand, it's a peddler of upscale futons (is that possible?) that are custom-made and custom upholstered, the likes of which the grubby hipsters would never be able to afford without selling at least half their bongs. I appear to have awakened one morning to find that I had entered the stage of life where I no longer feel that my dwelling is empty without a futon, so when I go in here, it's usually just to look at the novelty knick knacks...wind-up nuns, libertarian quote books, obscene greeting cards, voo-doo dolls, soapstone incense burners, and whatnot. There's usually something fun to purchase.

A few years back when I was looking into purchasing a futon this was one of the places I visited. Their prices were fair, and the selection was good, but it seems things have changed. I checked their website for pricing, it seemed reasonable but when I went to visit the shop a whole other story became apparent. When I walked into the shop I was immediately rushed with the smell of patchouli, which I wear often but not to this extent. It also stayed put for the rest of the day. When I started to inquire about the futon mattresses he mentioned that the prices has gone up, almost a third than what was on the website, the cheapest one, a mere piece of foam with some cotton batting surrounding it was about the price of a mid grade one. The sales person ended up showing me several mattresses that were out of my price range, including a $600.00 mattress made out of recycled foam, and some up to $900.00 plus. He also told me they could hand make pillows and a cover, which I did not need. They had knick knacks abound, I didn't check the price, needless to say I was in sticker shock. It is a nice store, but over priced.

I came in looking for a gift for the girlfriend that has everything. The Temple Slug has long been known in my mind as a treasure chest for the unique. I was greeted by a man dressed in leather who took me on a comical tour the store's history and historic items. The next thing I knew i was having a spot of tea on a lonely futon who had to come home with me. I miss that about shopping. I had a great time finding the piece of treasure that would impress my worldly old friend. I never felt pressured to buy a thing. It was more like hanging out with old friends as the staff and I traded stories of the city I felt I had made friends. It was a nice day and a successful shopping trip. Also a very needed break from the real world. I paid a fair price for everything I bought there. I think some people forget that quality is quality. What you buy at the Slug lasts. If you want a cheap futon go to Walmart and stand in line.

Great store, like a smaller version of World Market and Pier One. A big plus is that it is locally- and family-owned.I did buy a KD Lounger, and upgraded to a higher-quality futon (the basic one came with the Lounger).As a previous poster said, this is not the same futon store that many of us knew of while in college, but has thankfully entered the 21st century by selling more comfortable futons!

While temple slug has plenty of patchouli, beads and artwork catering to the hippie crowd- they are also the only dealer in the area of Otis futon Mattresses. Their prices are well above other Otis dealers nationwide, and unfortunately, I had a horrible experience ordering a futon. I paid a deposit and was told the futon I'd ordered would be in in about 3-4 weeks. 4 weeks came and when I called to inquire was told that perhaps the futon had gotten hung up in customs. Only problem- Otis futons are manufactured in Buffalo, NY. So, I started to do some online research and called Otis directly to inquire about another dealer in the area- there's not. But, they did mention they hadn't received an order from Temple Slug in the last 4 weeks. They had taken my deposit and never bothered to order the futon!! Otis hooked me up with a dealer in Michigan who promptly shipped my futon, and it will be on my doorstep in less than a week. When I called to demand my deposit back, the salesman hung up on me. My only recourse will be to dispute the charges with my credit card company. As much as I like the artwork in the store, I will NEVER go back. Their business practices are dishonest.