Anthropologie Buyer, Globe-Trotter: Keith Johnson of 'Man Shops Globe'

| Print Post This | Like (1) | Comments (0)

MANY PEOPLE PAY A lot of money to jet to exotic locales and browse crafts souks or rifle through flea markets. But Keith Johnson, buyer at large for boho boutique chain Anthropologie, gets to globe-trot and shop for a living. In Sundance Channel's new six-part series, "Man Shops Globe" (premiering Wed., 10 p.m.), those envious of Johnson's job (or just his frequent flyer miles) can trek and browse with him in locales from the South of France to South Africa.

» EXPRESS: How did you get such an awesome job?
» JOHNSON: My partner, Glen Senk [CEO of Urban Outfitters and former president of Anthropologie], had started to assist in one Anthropologie store. There were a lot of props there, but customers were disappointed they couldn't buy them. So, he asked me if I could start shopping for the stores, picking up unexpected pieces.

» EXPRESS: Is it hard to find cool furnishings and crafts?
» JOHNSON: The hardest thing is finding something that'll really surprise me, something that'll delight customers. There has to be a certain level of delight, whether an object is from India or Bali or the U.S. Recently, I found a whole French pharmacy that we turned into a section of a store.

» EXPRESS: What's your favorite place in the world to shop?
» JOHNSON: In Paris, Clignancourt [a flea market]. There's so much there.

» EXPRESS: If I'm at a flea market or thrift store, how do I find gems, not garbage?
» JOHNSON: We're all editors, in that if you love something, you're self-editing. Good things are everywhere; you just have to be open. Be convinced you're going to buy something great.

» EXPRESS: If I want to start collecting antiques and know nothing, how can I be sure I'm not getting ripped off?
» JOHNSON: Before you buy anything, get a little bit of knowledge. Go to museums, look at books and go to the best shops, and then you'll know enough to start buying.

» EXPRESS: What about bargaining?
» JOHNSON: One thing never to say to a dealer is, "Oh, that has a crack." First of all, they know that. Instead, try complimenting them on their merchandise. Negotiation is a matter of respect. And then just say what you are willing to pay, and be willing to walk away.

» EXPRESS: Anthropologie is known for a wild mix of decor — do you think that's how we're nesting today?
» JOHNSON: Yeah, it's interesting how your perception of things can shift so quickly. What's changed about how people decorate is how they use things. They're open to using objects and furniture in an eclectic way, putting something contemporary with something quite old.

» EXPRESS: How do you know when a room is finished, then?
» JOHNSON: There are many beautiful things in the world, but having them all together doesn't make a lovely room. You have to take pieces away sometimes. But it's hard when you love things!

Photo courtesy Sundance Channel