SAINT JOHN, New Brunswick -- Regional powerhouse Lounsbury Furniture has opened its first ever store here, the fifth in the chain and the first it has opened in many years.
Nancy Bartlett, left, manager of Lounsbury Furniture's new store in Saint John, and Jill Sadler, director of operations of the five-store chain.
The new Lounsbury Furniture store is in Saint John, New Brunswick.
Lounsbury's Saint John store was designed with a residential feel to help consumers envision how the product would look at home.
"We have had our eye on the Saint John market for years and we're thrilled that the right opportunity for a location has opened up," Jill Sadler, director of store operations, said in a statement. "We understand that customers are looking for quality products that are competitively priced with the ability to customize to their own needs. We're eager to find the perfect fit for everyone who walks through our doors."
The new store at 276 Rothesay Ave. features the first La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio in Saint John (and the second in the chain) and carries the 134-year-old retailer's core product assortment, including furniture from suppliers including Palliser, Decor-Rest, Superstyle and Ashley, bedding from Serta and Springwall and major appliances from Whirlpool and Frigidaire.
Sadler said the Saint John store was designed - both inside and out - with a residential feel as part of a concerted effort to help the customer envision what her home could look like.
"The store is easy to navigate with complete room layouts organized by function," she said. "Merchandised with a full line of coordinating tables, rugs, lamps and decorative accessories, this store offers ample choice without being overwhelming to the customer."
In an interview, Sadler said the privately held retailer was ready to add a fifth store. "Our sales are up compared to last year and we're slightly ahead of the market," she said.
Since Sadler came on as director of store operations just over two years ago, Lounsbury has been reasserting itself as a major player in New Brunswick. All five outlets now operate under the Lounsbury banner, including two that were under the Ashley Furniture banner for a number of years.
While the company is definitely looking for growth, Sadler isn't committing herself to a timetable for store number six.
"That's something we'll look at when Saint John is up and running," she said, adding the company isn't looking to break out of New Brunswick just yet. "We're looking for growth but first we'll maximize our growth in New Brunswick."
Lounsbury Furniture is part of the Lounsbury Group, which in addition to the furniture stores operates five automotive dealerships and two heavy duty truck dealerships. The group employs close to 500 people, making it one of the largest employers in the province.
"We are immensely proud to be expanding to Saint John and continuing our commitment to growth in the furniture industry," group President and CEO Larry Nelson said. "We look forward to bringing jobs to the local economy while becoming long-term partners to the community in New Brunswick's largest city."