We’ve all been there. We want a fresh look, a new rug for a drab room. So we schlep down to the big box store and flip through giant racks of hanging rugs — the lighting is always bad and the selection is always limited. When we find the one we think will work, we order the size we need and wait six to eight weeks for delivery only to find out it’s completely wrong. Now what?! Well, you either put up with it or you send it back and start all over.

That’s not how things are at Red Barn Mercantile. We’re proud to be the only Dash & Albert partner in Northern Virginia. That means shopping for a new rug doesn’t need to be a hassle. We have every color, style and texture – from cotton-woven stripes to tufted wool patterns – available in 2-by-3 samples in our store.

You’re not only allowed to pull out any rug you want, touch it and compare it with others, but you can take it home for a day or two. Heck, take three or four and look at them in the actual room, in the actual light, where your rug live.

There’s no deposit. No purchase necessary. And it’s much easier to envision how your room will look using an actual rug rather than a tiny swatch.

When you’re ready to order, just bring your sample back and our courteous staff will take your order. If your rug is in stock, it’s usually delivered within a few weeks.

So if your favorite room is looking as drab as a half-melted snow drift, come in today and unroll a little warmth. Dash & Albert rugs are available only in our store, 113 S. Columbus St., Alexandria, Va.

Only two?more shopping days until Christmas! And two more days to put the finishing touches on your tree or add special new holiday mementos to your collection.

Stop by Red Barn Mercantile before 2 p.m. Christmas Eve to get 25% off all Holiday Decorations, including the carved wooden and wool and felt ornaments featured in the Washington Post.

Yes, we’ll be closing early on Christmas Eve, and I know everybody is in a big rush to squeeze in those last-minute purchases, so we’ve marked down all our holiday items on RedBarnMercantile.com too. The discount applies while supplies last, and online purchases of more than $75 will receive free shipping through the end of December.

We’ll be closed Christmas and open during regular business hours through New Years Eve.

It’s been great to see so many of you and to personally wish you happy holidays. Thank you for your support and encouragement and I look forward to serving you in 2009. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the store, let me take this opportunity to wish you all the best this holiday season and good fortune in the New Year.

See you soon,

Amy