Photos courtesy of Rosenthal Contemporary Interiors
Rosenthal Contemporary Interiors, located in downtown Minneapolis, weathered the COVID-19 pandemic just fine, says Daniel Ledo, vice president of operations. Perhaps this success was thanks in part to company owner, Rosie Rosenthal. Instead of taking her own salary during the pandemic, “she reinvested her pay right back into the business and made sure the staff was paid,” Ledo says.
During the pandemic, the business was given time to realize a dream it had for quite some time: opening another showroom, but this time, in Minnetonka. “We considered [it] for years and years,” Ledo adds. After a soft opening late May, the second location celebrated its grand opening at the end of July.
With smaller living spaces downtown, adapting to customer’s location is something else the company had to consider. “The downtown location is shifting to smaller living formats to cater to our clients in apartments and condominiums,” says Ledo. “We also have an abundance of samples we can sell off the floor.” At a time when supply-chain issues are causing long wait times, Rosenthal’s downtown showroom allows you to buy furniture off the floor and have it in your home in a couple days.
West of downtown, the new Minnetonka location showcases the company’s latest inventory. “Ninety percent of our inventory [contains] exclusive product to Rosenthals,” Ledo says. “[The showroom] has a really fun vibe as we carry a lot of unique pieces. It’s got a funkier, more fun look.”
The exclusive Rosenthal pieces include local artist Henry Forcelle’s 3D-printed furniture, rugs, and wall coverings. “He creates lively patterns in his artwork, and when you put on 3D glasses, the work can be experienced 3D,” Ledo explains. The company also carries a selection of kinetic sand tables by local company, Sisyphus Industries.
The tables blend kinetic art, technology, and design into meditative Zen-like tables. “The business makes three styles of tables just for Rosenthal,” Ledo says. “At the Minnetonka showroom, we’re shifting to interactive motion pieces, which are our biggest sellers right now.”
