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Love this place and these people. Gary and Mark have always been absolutely lovely guys. Happy retirement!’ – Christy Bryant Parrish
CHESTER – In business since 1985, Chester Furniture is closing its doors forever. Customers are wondering where to buy furniture in the future.
Located directly across from Auto Zone, the store has two owners: Mark Beard and Gary Wright.
A “going out of business” announcement was made on Facebook on Sunday. Customers are invited to purchase the final inventory, “everything must go, no reasonable discount denied.”
When I pulled into the parking lot, furniture was flying out the door. Well, muscle power into truck beds and trailers.
“We have been dealing with this wonderful company for years. They have quality furniture and great customer service. We had 20 people in line before they opened the door this morning,” Laurel Rothenberger of Chester said.
Customers were scattered around the showroom looking for something to sizzle before anyone else saw it. A “Cheers” theme was created… “where everyone knows your name.” And, they are always happy to have you come.
I saw Kimberly Lewis, the owner of the Suit Up Poker League, who I featured in a story years ago. She was quick to share her feelings about the family-owned business closing.
“I’m so sorry. I’ve been buying furniture here for 22 years…kitchen, den, bedroom, living room,” said Louis of Prince George.
After making her sofa for 11 years, Louise was ready for something different. She stopped and found one she liked and bought it.
“Gary’s customer service is great, bar none. You won’t find the same anywhere else,” Lewis said. “He offered custom orders. If he didn’t have what I wanted in the showroom, he would get it from a catalog.”
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Chester Furniture Family
Philip Jarratt of Hopewell went out on his own at the age of 17 and started working at Chester Furniture. He stayed with them for 37 years to experience the family situation.
“We’re like brothers, we grew up together,” Phillip Jarratt said. “I don’t know what to do now.”
Three other employees will be in the same boat, hoping to find jobs that feel like home.
For three years, Ashley Jarratt followed in her father’s footsteps, selling furniture, mattresses and furniture. She returned to lend a hand until Chester Furniture closed for good.
Ashley Jarratt pointed to a portrait of a woman at the check-out counter and said, “My sister, Mary Elizabeth, is named after her. She was the longest-standing ‘woman’ presence here and dominated everyone.”
The late Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Dowell worked at Chester Furniture for 30 years.
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Chester Furniture Facebook Friends
“I am so sad! I miss my sweet friends Mark and Gary. They have been so good to our family and friends for ages,” Shari Smith commented on Rumble. “Thank you for everything, God bless you in everything you do. You will be missed by all.”
“So sorry to hear that. My whole house is from Chester Furniture. I have two leather sofas that are still in good condition…over 25 years old. Rips. No tears. Great condition,” Tammy Jason commented. “I met Gary and Mark 25 years ago while working at a local law office and have never shopped anywhere else.”
“It breaks my heart. My house could be a second showroom for them. I’ve bought a lot over 25 years,” commented Linda Winger. “Always great to work with and fantastic customer service. Have a great retirement!”
“I’m so sad to see this wonderful place close. I’ve made my home here. Two bedrooms, three living rooms,” commented Deborah Crowley Cato. “Philip, Marty and Gary always made you feel welcome as an old friend, making time to sit and talk. You will be missed, but I hope your retirement is just what you deserve.”
Kathryn Frangopoulos commented, “It breaks my heart that this is happening. Over 30 years of buying from myself, my family and myself. “It’s a sad end to a family store.”
“Awe. Love this place and these people. Gary and Mark are always the nicest people,” commented Christy Bryant Parish. “I’m sad to see you go, but I know you’ve worked hard for many years. Happy retirement!”
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“It’s bad … when you go offshore, you can’t go offshore, because you’re working remotely,” Wright said.
Retirement wasn’t the only reason Chester Furniture was closing for good. The decision was made in part because of the pandemic, which has led to higher prices and longer wait times.
“Special orders were taking 10 months to a year, but that’s getting better,” Wright said. “But the prices weren’t.”
Chester Furniture is at 351 E. Hundred Rd. The sale is tomorrow from 10am to 8pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sunday 12pm – 5pm Follow us on Facebook for more info.
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– Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is a trending-topics and food Q&A columnist at Process-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Christian at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow up @KHiggins_PI On Twitter @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.
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