A few of Home Accents Today’s Retail Stars come from more traditional furniture store beginnings. Here’s what makes each one of them special:
Green Front Furniture, Farmville, Va.
Headquartered in Farmville, Va., Green Front Furniture is located on a campus in the city’s historic main street area and features nearly one million square feet of showroom space throughout 13 renovated tobacco warehouses and revitalized department stores. The retailer has two additional locations in Manassas, Va., and Raleigh, N.C.
Established in 1968, founder Richard “Dickie” Cralle and Den Cralle, the current president, said the retailer’s goal is to provide customers with a “massive, yet curated and ever-changing selection” of home décor, rugs and furniture. But the Cralles say Green Front is also about making an impact in the community. Throughout the years, Green Front has partnered with organizations such as the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Richmond and Southside SPCA and the Blanton House in Richmond, Virginia. As the company looks toward the future, it has also implemented a digital inventory and point-of-sale system to improve customer experience and efficiency across all three locations. – Anne Flynn Wear
Homemakers, Des Moines, Iowa
Homemakers, in Des Moines, Iowa, has a long history in furniture retail. Following a family tradition of excellence since the 1940s, Carl and Ina Merschman opened Homemakers in 1974. In 1985, the Merschmans opened their second location in Urbandale, a suburb of Des Moines.
While established, Homemakers has not rested on its laurels. Since its inception, it has continually updated its locations, finding ways to deliver a stellar experience for its customers. The Merschmans have expanded warehouses, added cafes, been forerunners on sustainability efforts — Homemakers was the site of one of Iowa’s largest solar panel installations — and has recently updated its website.
Having celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, Homemakers is expanding once again, breaking ground this year on a new store in Tiffin, Iowa. This expansion will add a 200,000-square-foot home furnishings showroom and create approximately 200 jobs in the region, according to the company. -Diane Falvey
Hunter’s Furniture and Interiors, Foley, Ala.
Hunter’s Furniture, located in Foley, Ala., features home décor and accessories along with living room, dining room, home office and entertainment furniture. Owner Malcolm McLean opened Hunter’s in 2009. He said he only hires staff who offer “friendly, low-pressure assistance in guiding customers through the process of choosing the right furniture”.
The retailer also offers unique accessories to round out the mix and a design center with knowledgeable interior designers to help clients customize their furniture. Hunter’s Furniture is also very involved in the community by sponsoring events such as the Cardinals in the Courtyard Annual Auction and Gala, Hoopalooza and the annual Sunset Supper at the Lighthouse. The company is also a member of the local South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and frequently hosts Business After Hours and other events. – Anne Flynn Wear
