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| Furniture owner Cyndi McElmurry purchased the company in 1999, when her father, Don Holt (right), retired after opening the business in Cabot in 1987. It is still a family-run business, with her husband, Keith, and their son, Chris (left), shown with his daughter, Caroline. The Furniture Store has 10 employees. |
By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
The Furniture Store in downtown Cabot is celebrating its 30th anniversary with special sales until the end of the year.
Owner Cyndi McElmurry purchased the company in 1999, when her father, Don Holt, retired after opening the business in 1987. It is still a family-run business, with her husband, Keith, and their son, Chris, working at the store with 10 employees.
The store at 111 S. Adams St. has expanded over the years to 20,000 square feet.
“The growth of Cabot and the surrounding areas has changed dramatically in 30 years. We have three generations now purchasing from us,” Cyndi McElmurry said.
Customers travel from Austin, Ward, Beebe, Jacksonville and farther away cities of Conway, Little Rock, Heber Springs and Batesville.
“I believe it’s by having a home-like atmosphere, personable. We’re involved with the community, supporting CabotFest and other events, civic organizations and sponsoring youth sports teams,” she said.
The Furniture Store has long-time employees whom customers have grown accustomed to seeing over the years — Jerri Wedimann, 23 years; Brent Walker, 19 years, and Joan Hill, 13 years.
“Chris is more involved with the younger customers. As a millennial, he is able to keep up with their trends. People change furniture more often,” Cyndi McElmurry said.
In the 1980s, water beds and TV armoire were popular. Now it is accent side drawers and adjustable beds, for a unconventional reason: The beds are not for medical necessities used by senior adults. Many millennials are buying them as a luxury item. The beds have USB ports, night lights and wireless controllers.
Floral prints, early American, Victorian and vinyl were stylish 30 years ago, but today is it rustic and contemporary.
The Furniture Store has a touch-screen kiosk to show customers furniture styles and options, although they still have catalogues to flip through.
The store carries popular furniture brands such as Ashley, Broyhill, Best, Hooker, Mayo, Riverside, Universal and others. In bedding, they have Serta and hometown manufacturer Dreamline.
“For the sale, we bought special purchases, while they last. For the holidays we have dining room and living room groups,” Cyndi McElmurry said.
The Furniture Store is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.