Most stores operate with a specific inventory, but one Baton Rouge shop thrives on an ever-changing supply when it comes to the shopping experience.
Nestled in a Perkins Road shopping center, The Foyer offers a little something for all of the customers within its 80-booth business, featuring everything from home interiors to original works of art.
Laura Brignac, the store’s owner, took over the business seven years ago, when it was formerly known as Montage Marketplace. Brignac said the store’s current concept is the same as in the past, but the business is now operating on another level. The store’s merchants set up booths displaying their items, whether they’re original artwork, antiques, furnishings or home interiors.
“The Foyer was an entrance to beautiful interiors, so that was the thought behind the name,” Brignac said. “It’s definitely higher-end, more upscale merchandise.”
The Foyer also houses an antique collection, which Brignac said is composed of four different dealers: French, English and two dealers with an assortment of antiques.
While exploring the store, customers may even stumble across Heather V’s Cafe tucked away among the art. Individuals can take a shopping break to dine on soups, salads and sandwiches without having to leave the store.
Sadler Ward, The Foyer’s marketing and merchant manager, said the store’s concept allows the community to become involved more easily, and with so many merchants participating, customers never know what they may find.
“You’ve got 80 different people with different tastes, so it brings an interesting factor to it,” Ward said. “Somebody’s take on a Louisiana swamp might be different than someone’s who grew up farther north. It just lends itself to different kinds of interiors and art.”
Ward said they’re working on obtaining an eclectic mix of art for the gallery section, which mainly showcases local talent but also includes several artists from outside the state. Customers needn’t worry about not being able to afford these pieces though. There’s a little something for every art fan with prices ranging from as little as $15 to the thousands.
All of the store’s original art — its canvas art, pottery and some jewelry — is tax free because of the store’s location in an art district, Brignac said. A percentage of any of the sales made throughout the store goes back to its respective merchant as well.
With a variety of gift options, Ward said many University students shop there for Mother’s Day, Easter or simply to buy a birthday present for a friend and said they usually don’t hesitate to stop in for a bite to eat at the cafe
“A gift doesn’t have to be a plastic tumbler with a ‘B’ on it,” Brignac said. “It can be this really great 4×4 piece of original art.”
Aside from its sales, The Foyer also hosts open houses and an annual Champagne Stroll, where all merchants and artists are present and is catered by Heather V’s Cafe.
Brignac said many customers are shocked when they discover the store for the first time because the building’s outside doesn’t quite match the inside shopping experience, but those who venture inside find themselves leisurely browsing on a regular basis. Merchants change their stock fairly regularly though, so if customers find a piece they really like, Ward said it’s worth buying when they see it.
Both Brignac and Ward encourage shoppers to visit and see what the store has to offer because they never know what they may find.
“Every day is different,” Brignac said. “If the customer can come in and have a great time and go away with something special that they love, that fills me.”
You can reach Greta Jines on Twitter @TheGretaJines.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Ronni Bourgeois

Shown is one of The Foyer's 80 merchant booths on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 inside the store located on Perkins road.