Chester — Since 1985, Chester Furniture has closed its doors forever. Patrons are wondering where to buy furniture in the future.
The store directly across from Auto Zone has two owners, Mark Beard and Gary Wright.
On Sunday, a “notice of closure” was made on Facebook. Patrons are invited to purchase the final stock, saying, “Everything must go. No reasonable offer will be rejected.”
As I drove into the parking lot, furniture flew out of the door. Well, muscle power carries it to a truck bed or trailer.
“We have been doing business with this wonderful company for many years. They provide quality furniture and excellent customer service,” said Laurel Rosenberger of Chester. “There were 20 people in line ahead of us before we opened the door this morning.”
Customers scattered around the showroom looking for something before someone else scooped it up. There is
I found Kimberly Lewis, the owner of Suit Up Poker, whom I wrote about years ago. She was quick to share her feelings about the closure of her family-run business.
“I’m so sad. I’ve been buying furniture here for 22 years. Kitchen, study, bedroom, living room,” Prince George’s Louis said.
After 11 years of using the sofa, Lewis was ready to start something else. She stopped by and found something she liked and bought it.
“Gary’s customer service is top notch, you won’t find it anywhere else,” says Lewis. “He offered me a custom piece. If I didn’t have what I was looking for in the showroom, he found it in the catalog.”
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chester furniture family
Hopewell’s Philip Jarratt started working independently at Chester Furniture at the age of 17. He stayed with them for 37 years to experience the atmosphere of his family.
“We are like brothers. We grew up together,” said Philip Jarratt. “Now I don’t know what to do.”
Three other employees are in the same boat and want to find jobs that make them feel at home.
For three years, Ashley Jarratt followed in her father’s footsteps, selling furniture, mattresses and home accessories. She is back to lend her hand until Chester Furniture closes for good.
Ashley Jarratt pointed to a portrait of a woman at the checkout counter.
The late Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Dowl worked for Chester Furniture for 30 years.
Chester Furniture Facebook Friends
Shari Smith Rumble wrote, “I am devastated and will miss my dear friends Mark and Gary. You have been so kind to our family and friends over the years.” “Thank you for everything. May God bless you in all that you do. I miss you.”
“Sorry to hear this. My whole house is from Chester Furniture. I still have two 25+ year old leather recliners. No rips or tears. Great condition,” said Tammy. Jessen commented. “I met Gary and Mark over 25 years ago when I was working at a local law firm and hadn’t shopped anywhere else.”
“I am heartbroken. My house could serve as their second showroom. I have purchased many things from them over 25 years,” commented Linda Winger. I’m here. “Always great to work with and great customer service. Have a great retirement!”
“I’m so sad to see this wonderful place so close. I set my house up from here. Two bedroom, three living room set,” commented Deborah Crawley Catoe. Philip, Marty and Gary have always welcomed you like an old friend and we had time to sit and talk.I will miss you but I hope your retirement is the one you deserve.”
“I am heartbroken that this is happening. I have been buying from both my family and myself for over 30 years,” commented Catherine Frangopoulos. “
“Awe. Love this place and people. Gary and Mark are always the nicest guys,” commented Christy Bryant Parrish. “I’m sad to see them go, but I know they’ve worked hard for years. Congratulations on your retirement!”
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“It’s bad…if you move to the beach and you can’t go to the beach because you work remotely,” Wright said.
The desire to retire wasn’t the only reason Chester Furniture closed permanently. The decision was made in part because the pandemic caused prices and waiting periods to skyrocket.
“Special orders used to take 10 months to a year, but it’s getting better,” says Wright. “But the price is not.”
Chester Furniture is located at 351 E. Hundred Rd. Tomorrow 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12am-5pm. Follow us on Facebook for more information.
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— Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly Columnist is a Trending Topics and Food Q&A Reporter for The Progress-Index. Got news tips for local trends and businesses?Contact and follow her Kristi (her, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com. @KHiggins_PI on Twitter @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.
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