At Home: Miller’s Crossing – The Laurel of Asheville
Miller’s Crossing isn’t your average furniture or antique store, and its devoted customer base is a testament to that. “I’ve shopped here for years,” says Don Buesy. “Everything here is always different. Every two weeks, it changes out. It’s never the same store.”
The Evolution of Miller’s Crossing
The constant evolution of Miller’s Crossing is a direct result of enthusiasm and effort on the part of owner Bernard Miller, who handpicks every piece that goes into his two stores, located just a few yards from one another in the heart of Asheville’s antique district along Swannanoa River Road. Miller does his research—he knows the history of every item, an impressive feat considering there are thousands. “I know my product,” Miller says. “I know every piece, where it came from.”
From Buyer to Creator
The road to owning Miller’s Crossing has been a long and winding one, but Miller has spent a lifetime developing his taste. He was a buyer at Macy’s before moving over to the manufacturing side, making fabric. “I did that for 10 years, learning from a Japanese man all about how to weave and how it works,” he says. He’s lived in New York City, where he worked with big names like Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and Perry Ellis.
The Ranucci Collaboration
More recently, Miller has expanded from curation into creation. “I got this piece six months ago and I thought it would be a great bar for somebody, but I couldn’t find anybody to make it,” he says. “Then Paul just stopped into my store down here, we hooked up and the Ranucci was born.”
Diverse Inventory and Attitude
Coupled with a vast inventory and careful curation, Miller’s supportive, can-do attitude makes for a pleasant shopping experience. “I have the best customers,” says Miller. “A stranger walks in and they become a friend. I am so fortunate.”
Visit both Miller’s Crossing locations at 172 and 130 Swannanoa River Road, Asheville. For more information, visit Miller’sCrossing.us.
