CHESTER — In business since 1985, Chester Furniture is closing its doors for good. Customers are wondering where they will buy home furniture in the future.
The store located opposite the Auto Zone had two owners: Mark Beard and Gary Wright.
On Sunday, a “departure announcement” was made on Facebook. Customers were asked to purchase the final inventory, “Everything must go. No reasonable offers will be refused.”
As I drove to the parking lot, furniture was flying out the door. Well, transported by muscle power to trucks and trailers.
“We’ve been dealing with this wonderful company for years. They have quality furniture and excellent customer service,” said Laurel Rothenberger of Chester. “Twenty people were in line ahead of us before they opened the door this morning.”
Customers were scattered around the showroom looking for something to grab before someone else did. There was a “Cheers” themed vibe going on… “Where everyone knows your name. And they’re always glad you came.”
I saw Kimberly Lewis, owner of Suit Up Poker, which I featured in a story years ago. She was quick to share her feelings about the family business’s closure.
“I’m extremely sad. I’ve been buying furniture here for 22 years… kitchen, office, bedroom, living room,” said Prince George’s Lewis.
After having her couch for 11 years, Lewis was ready for something different. She stopped, found one she liked, and bought it.
“Gary’s customer service is the best, without exception. You’ll never get the same anywhere else,” said Lewis. “He provided custom orders. If he didn’t have what I was looking for in the showroom, he’d find it in a catalog.”
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Chester Furniture Family
Phillip Jarratt of Hopewell moved on his own when he was 17 and started working at Chester Furniture. He stayed with them for 37 years to experience the family atmosphere.
“We are like brothers. We grew up together,” said Phillip Jarratt. “I don’t know what I’m going to do now.”
Three other employees will be in the same boat in hopes of finding jobs that feel like home.
For three years, Ashley Jarratt followed in her father’s footsteps by selling furniture, mattresses and home accessories. She came back to lend a hand until Chester Furniture closed for good.
Ashley Jarratt pointed to the portrait of a woman at the register and said, “My sister Mary Elizabeth is named after her. She’s been the ‘female’ presence here the longest and has kept everyone in check.”
The late Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Daul worked at Chester Furniture for 30 years.
Chester Furniture Facebook Friends
“I am devastated! I will miss my dear friends Mark and Gary. You have been so good to our family and friends over the years,” commented Shari Smith Rumble. “Thank you for everything, and may God bless you in everything you do. I will miss you.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. My entire house is from Chester Furniture. I still have two leather recliners that are fine… over 25 years old. No rips. No tears. Excellent condition,” commented Tammy Jessen. “I met Gary and Mark over 25 years ago, while I was working at a local law firm and not shopping anywhere else.”
“It breaks my heart. My house could serve as a second showroom for them. I’ve bought both of them for over 25 years,” commented Linda Winger. “Always great to work with and wonderful customer service. Have a great retirement!”
“So sad to see this wonderful place close by. I furnished my house from here. Two bedrooms, three living room sets,” commented Deborah Crawley Catoe. “Phillip, Marty and Gary have always made you feel welcome as an old friend, time to sit down and talk. You will be missed but I hope your retirement is everything you deserve.”
“It breaks my heart that this is happening. More than 30 years buying from you, my parents and me,” commented Katharine Frangopoulos. “Sad ending for a family store.”
“Awe. I love this place and these people. Gary and Mark have always been the nicest guys,” commented Christy Bryant Parrish. “It’s sad to see them go, but I know they worked hard for many years. Happy retirement everyone!”
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“It’s bad… when you move to the beach but you can’t go to the beach because you’re working remotely,” Wright said.
The desire to retire was not the only reason Chester Furniture will close for good. The decision was also made in part due to the pandemic that has caused prices and lead times to skyrocket.
“Special orders were taking anywhere from 10 months to a year, but that’s getting better,” Wright said. “However, prices do not.”
Chester Furniture is located at 351 E. Hundred Rd. The sale is tomorrow from 10am to 8pm, Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5pm For more information, follow them on Facebook.
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— Kristi K. Higgins, also known as a columnist for The Social Butterfly, is the food trending topic and Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Got a news tip about local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, she) at [email protected], follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.
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