Business Spotlight: Hometown Furniture features handcrafted items

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Larry and Ann Henry didn't plan to open a furniture store when they moved to Rogersville from Wichita, Kan., in 1994. In fact, the Henrys had just retired, and they were ready to kick back and enjoy small-town life. |ret||ret||tab|

Before long, however, they grew restless and began looking for a hobby that would keep them busy. |ret||ret||tab|

They began buying furniture, antiques and home dcor items at local auctions, which they later resold in a rented booth at a local flea market. |ret||ret||tab|

By 1999, their hobby had taken on a life all its own. The Henrys were renting 27 booths at flea markets throughout the area, and they decided to consolidate their merchandise and open Hometown Furniture Company. |ret||ret||tab|

Originally, Hometown Furniture Company was located just south of Highway 60 near the Rogersville exit. |ret||ret||tab|

The store expanded quickly, however, and within six months the Henrys needed more space. |ret||ret||tab|

Eventually they purchased a small house just north of Highway 60 and built a large addition that doubled their store's floor space and significantly increased their inventory. |ret||ret||tab|

Today, customers who visit Hometown Furniture can find furniture and decorating items for every room in the house. |ret||ret||tab|

These items are available in a wide variety of styles and price ranges. |ret||ret||tab|

Much of the furniture sold at Hometown Furniture Company is made locally. Visitors can find custom-made oak and pine furniture made by members of an Amish family living south of Diggins. |ret||ret||tab|

A Mountain View furniture manufacturer makes much of the weather-resistant wooden outdoor furniture that's sold at the store. |ret||ret||tab|

Several small furniture manufacturers located throughout the Ozarks also make many of the bedroom suites in stock. |ret||ret||tab|

"We try to buy from local craftspeople and furniture manufacturers whenever we can," said Ann Henry. |ret||ret||tab|

"Most of the people who shop here also are hometown folks. That's why we named our store Hometown Furniture Company," she said.|ret||ret||tab|

Most of the furniture sold at Hometown Furniture Company doesn't bear a brand name and is medium to upper-medium in grade. |ret||ret||tab|

However, shoppers can find some high-end items, as well as a few items geared toward those on a budget. |ret||ret||tab|

In fact, most of the framed artwork sold by the store costs less than $40, a competitive price considering most pieces have a double mat, glass and hardwood frame. |ret||ret||tab|

In addition to framed artwork, customers can find a wide variety of decorating accessories and knickknacks ranging from floral arrangements and plants to tiny porcelain sculptures. Some porcelain sculptures, such as the Rosebud Babies and the Angels Collection, are made by local craftspeople. |ret||ret||tab|

Those who like collectibles are certain to be pleased by the selection of curio cabinets they can find at Hometown Furniture Company. |ret||ret||tab|

According to Ann Henry, the store usually stocks 50 curio cabinets made from a variety of different woods with an assortment of finishes.|ret||ret||tab|

Hometown Furniture Company also sells Christmas items year-round. The store's Christmas Shop contains a wide variety of decorating accessories, including unique Santa dolls made by Bonnie Lockhart, a popular artist who lives in Fordland. |ret||ret||tab|

These days, however, most customers prefer to check out the weather-resistant wooden patio and deck furniture on display in the Garden Shop. |ret||ret||tab|

Others go to The Lodge, a section of the store that contains primitive-style furniture and accessories ideally suited for a sunroom or a cabin by the lake. |ret||ret||tab|

As a service to customers, Hometown Furniture Company employs two interior decorators. |ret||ret||tab|

The store also delivers furniture to customers' homes or helps customers make their own delivery arrangements.|ret||ret||tab|

"We've set up different areas within the store now that correspond to each area of the house," Ann Henry said. "In the coming months, we plan to refine the type of items we carry in each area so we can better meet the needs of our customers."[[In-content Ad]]