Modernique, the Uptown Plaza home furnishing source by famed interior designer and author, Julia Buckingham, has been named to the 2018 Retail Stars list by Home Accents Today magazine. The list highlights 50 Retail Stars, sponsored by AmericasMart Atlanta, and publishes each year in Home Accents Today’s May issue. Members of the home furnishings and retail industry nominate stores, and then the 2018 winners were selected by a collaborative effort between research analysts and Home Accent Today’s business editor, Thomas Lester. 

The Retail Stars lists recognizes independent brick-and-mortar furniture stores and interior design boutiques that merchandise creatively, have a positive presence in their local communities and stand out from the competition.

“Home Accents Today’s 2018 Retail Stars list showcases some of the best independent home décor and home furnishings retailers in the country,” said Thomas Lester, Home Accents Today’s business editor. “They are rising above the challenges of an ever-changing retail environment and are raising the bar for their innovations in marketing and merchandising strategies, customer service and community contributions. This annual honor recognizes their skills, hard work and dedication, and should serve as a reminder to us all to support local businesses.”

Stores from around the country are considered for this honor, and Modernique was one of only two retailers in Arizona to be named to the 2018 Retail Stars List.

Tucked into the north side of the plaza next to West Elm, Modernique showcases Buckingham’s entire design philosophy: blurring the lines between “modern” and “antique” by mixing and matching different genres and eras, allowing customers to create their own personalized yet still pulled-together look. The boutique features unique furniture, decorative lighting, textiles, wall coverings, and unique accessories and gift items. Plus, Modernique also offers an extensive selection of Buckingham’s own custom-designed furnishings and accessories, which were previously only available to fellow professional interior designers, architects, retailers and the hospitality trade.

“I like to remind people that there are no rules,” Buckingham says. “Your home doesn’t have to look like a mass-market furniture showroom, or a funky vintage store, or a minimalist art gallery. You can pick and choose from all of them.”

Modernique is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 – 5 p.m. For more information, or to shop Modernique online visit www.shopmodernique.com; call 480-349-2408 or follow on social media @shopmodernique.

Home Accents Today is in the 14th year of producing the Retail Stars list. For more information on the list and magazine, visit www.homeaccentstoday.com.