Face it, we all have things that we love and hate about Miltown. But, complaining and focusing on the negative leads nowhere. So, in this new column we will highlight issues (big and small) that we think need to be addressed, discussed and solved. Every "This Sucks" feature will tell you why we think something sucks, offer commentary, opinions, solutions and, of course, give you the chance to weigh in through our exclusive talkback feature.

What sucks: Milwaukee needs more hip furniture shops.

Why it sucks: As a medium-sized market, Milwaukee finds it hard to attract some of the big, cool furniture guys like IKEA, Room & Board, The Container Store, CB2 or others. This doesn't suck in and of itself, but it does leave our shopping scene with voids that we believe can be opportunities for others, including entrepreneurs. If you don't like the offerings at Colder's, Steinhafel's or American, what are your options? We explore this shopping struggle in this debut of OMC's "This Sucks."

Milwaukeeans continue to pine for friendly furniture shops with innovative, affordable furniture, and for a good reason. Rubin's, located in the Third Ward, is one of our few options for funky furnishings, but unfortunately for many, it's either too expensive, too snooty or both.

"We've never found Rubin's to be a very welcoming or friendly environment. I don't ever recall being greeted when we came in and only once did a sales rep ever come up to talk to us," says Robin Barry, a 34-year-old market developer. "In fact, most of the time I felt invisible ... I'm sure we just looked like we didn't have the money to spend."

Barry says she and her husband like the location, the stock and the store layout, but are yet to make a purchase, primarily because of the tepid service and steep prices.

Peter Balistrieri, a public relations account executive, has a similar opinion.

"I love the selection at Rubin's, but their prices are high," he says. "The sales staff only seems to help customers that wave money under their noses and don't seem to want to offer design suggestions or alternatives."

Perhaps lack of competition allows Rubin's to rest on its laurels. With large showrooms like Colder's and American offering the same cookie-cutter styles (though they are getting a bit better), Rubin's -- along with Scan Interiors -- corners the market on unique Milwaukee movables in an aesthetically pleasing environment.

But Michael Dillon feels Milwaukee's fine furniture famine is just one of our city's many shopping foibles.

"I find Milwaukee is way behind the times for shopping in general. I've never understood that but I kind of assume it's that German-Polish hard-earned-cash-saving-it-for-later ethic," says Dillon.

What you can do to make it not suck? Milwaukee's Third Ward recently welcomed Cranston. Give it try. Try places like From Afar, 320 E. Clybourn St. and Malabar House, 633 S. 12th St. Remember, you can have an impact on which stores open in Milwaukee. No one gives you the right to stand on the sidelines, so if there is a furniture store that you'd like to see open in the city or area, contact them and tell them about Milwaukee. Businesses need to hear from their loyal customers. And to keep the existing stores on their toes, demand great service from the everyone including the Rubin's of the world. You deserve the best.

And although the pickings are slim, there are a few funky finds that won't smash the piggy. Check out one of the many thrifties selling vintage or "shabby chic" furniture like the Retro Mart on Howell Avenue, The Tip-Top Atomic Shop on Kinnickinnic Avenue and Marcia's Second Time Around on 27th Street.

"Milwaukee has a lot of older homes that people fix up and often modern/contemporary décor doesn't go," says Barry. "This is where some of the refurbished or more eclectic pieces would be great."

Brady Street Futon offers an affordable selection of furniture, and Milwaukee's Kate O'Keefe had numerous positive experiences there.

"They've got some great designs that don't seem so 'futon-like,'" says O'Keefe.

Dillon says you can even find great deals at Rubin's if you're willing to buy floor models. (And in Rubin's defense, the shop has stayed in business for decades, outliving similar outfits in the downtown area.)

"I have always liked it (Rubin's) for buying floor samples which can be really cheap," he says. "I'd like to see more places like Rubin's and I think based on the way that the Third Ward is booming, it will happen."

And even if we don't get an IKEA, Room & Board or CB2 in the near future, remember they're just a short drive away.