How does a local furniture store stay in business for 35 years? “God’s grace, hard work, and loyal customers,” says Geri Watson who owns and operates the store along with husband Dave and three other Watsons. It started long ago with Jack, her father-in-law. He had sold J&L Country Store and built them a new building, leaving him with an empty store he still had a lease on. His partner from J&L was in furniture down in Hartville at the time, so he helped Jack to start one here. I wonder if anyone ever thought such a store would still be around today!
“At Watson’s 87 Furniture, we believe in treating others as we want to be treated. We under promise and over deliver.”~ Geri Watson, CEO/Mgr. of Watson’s 87 Furniture
When you visit Watson’s, located right in the center of Middlefield on West High Street, you will find some top of the line, brand name furniture carefully chosen by them for their appeal to those in this area. Ashley Furniture, Beechbrook, Carolina Furniture, England Furniture, Lancer Furniture, Lane, Pulaski, Symbol Mattress,Vaughan Bassett, and White Dove Mattress are some of what you will find. With help from regional experts, they travel to furniture markets where they spend hours perusing piece after piece. Some markets are 18 stories high with outer buildings as well. Whew! Talk about ‘drop dead’ shopping experiences – I hope they test out those cushy recliners with foot rests along the way! But hard work pays off, and only the styles that are best sellers for this region are eventually chosen to place in their store. And if you don’t find what you like, special orders can be placed to accommodate personal styles, colors, and fabrics from several of their top suppliers.
Services Offered
Watson’s also extends all manufacturer’s warranties which include at least a one year full warranty and most carry limited warranties of 5-7 years on parts. “We tell people ask us even after; if we can find a way to help them we will. And with 35 years experience, often we can,” says Geri. Delivery and removal of furniture is available along with financing offers and FREE 90 day layaway plans to customers. Find more information regarding policies on the FAQ page of their website.
What has been one of the most rewarding parts of owning Watson’s Furniture? Besides a steady pay check – a blessing in today’s economy for sure –
Geri says, “…getting to know our neighbors and friends, as we call our customers, as well as area business people. One of the best parts for me personally, was being able to work my husband’s and my schedules somewhat around our children when they were young. I also enjoy when I can connect people with others who can help them as a result of talking to others and my associations through the business.”
Real people living in the real world make up many of our Geauga County local businesses. That’s another great reason to shop local!
Community
The Watson’s have been involved with many community efforts throughout the years. “We are active in the Middlefield Chamber of Commerce and helped with the beginning Taste of Middlefield. I helped put together a team to start the Middlefield Post and am past editor and current Public Relations with the paper. We have donated gift cards and other items to countless fund raisers over the years.” They often do a promotional holiday season special for donations to area charities, so watch Geauga News for a future article regarding that.
Next time you’re in the neighborhood, stop by for some hot coffee at Watson’s, and chat with Geri. After 35 years of being in the center of town, I’m sure she has some tales to tell to go with the fine furniture she has to sell!
Hours:
Mon,Tues,Wed 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Thur, Fri 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Watson’s 87 Furniture
15520 W High St
Middlefield, Ohio 44062
(440) 632-5966
(888) 236-2050
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