Albany Park Founder Interview
Meet the Couple Who Made the Internet's Comfiest Cloud Sofa
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My love for sofas runs deep. I'm a true believer it's the centrepiece of a home to relax in and even reflect your own personal style. Discovering new brands that offer quality and affordable prices is my bread and butter. One name that has stuck out to me since its launch in 2020 is Albany Park.
If you've yet to see this ever-evolving couch company, then you're in the right place. I was first drawn to its hero product, the Kova Pit Sectional. After chatting with one of its founders and exploring more of its amazing silhouettes, I also fell in love with the brand's mission that's easy to get behind. It's here to offer the minimal choice, solid comfort, affordable prices, and, of course, fast shipping.
We want to make it super easy for people to anchor their homes with a cosy sofa.
Darryl and Jessica Sharpton, the founders of Albany Park, were prepared to take on the notoriously tough furniture industry, knowing e-commerce was the future. As the brand offers three couch silhouettes and lounge chairs in a number of colours and fabrics, there's no doubt that one that will fit your style. My favourite thing: the shipping won't take months. Unlike most traditional furniture retailers, these sofas are all modular and fit in boxes that can be shipped by UPS, and you won't have to wait weeks for surface freight.
All winning qualities in a great brand, right? If you're intrigued, we spoke with cofounder Darryl Sharpton to get all the details on how he successfully built Albany Park. Read on to learn about Darryl's inspiration behind the brand, the role his family has to play in it, and what you can expect next from the brand. Plus, you can even shop our favourite choices ahead, too.
POPSUGAR: What was your inspiration behind starting a furniture business?
Darryl Sharpton: I just kind of stumbled across the opportunity when I was in college to start selling sofas. I was buying brown microfibre couches from wholesale stores, photographing them, and selling them right out of my apartment. I was selling, selling, selling, and I just loved bringing people over, them sitting on the couch and finding them a piece they loved. Then I started playing professional football, but the excitement I got from selling sofas was always in my mind. . . . After I left the NFL, Jessica, my wife, said, "So what are we going to do? What's next?" And we decided to go make sofas because I wanted to make my own designs. We originally started selling our products on Amazon and Wayfair, which was a great way to break into e-commerce. We narrowed in on our three models that, no matter who you are, there's a choice for you. That's the whole premise behind Albany Park: we want to make it super easy for people to anchor their homes with a cosy sofa.
Keep reading to learn more about the founding of Albany Park, the design process, and the family behind these internet-famous sofas.
Kova Pit Sectional
The brand's hero piece is truly a gem. The Kova Pit Sectional ($3,520, originally $4,700) is the perfect family sofa, that has been thoroughly tested by the Sharpton's own kids. It comes in so many silhouettes, and shades, so you can get the right one for your space.
Albany Sofa
If you're into a more classic three-seater look, then you'll adore the Albany Sofa ($1,195, originally $1,395). The blue velvet is my personal favourite, and especially love you can choose between gold or wood legs.
Park Sectional Sofa
The Park Sectional Sofa ($1,995, originally $2,595) is the perfect way to get a big cosy sectional in even a small space. The modular piece would be great in an apartment, and it just looks so stylish.
Park Sofa
The smaller version of the Park Sofa ($1,299, originally $1,595) is great for small spaces, or as a loveseat. The brand's new bouclé fabric is truly a winner, and yes, it's been dog-tested, according to Sharpton.
Albany Armchair
The Albany Armchair ($695, originally $799) comes in several colour choices ranging from fabric to leather and even velvet. Plus, you can customise the legs by choosing between gold and walnut. And of course, you need the matching ottoman, too.
Ẹkáàbọ̀ Park Armchair
If you're into bold prints, then the Ẹkáàbọ̀ Park Armchair ($795, originally $895) is your match. The Ẹkáàbọ̀ collection features a few different patterns, inspired by Shaprton's West African heritage.
