The story of Bobby’s Furniture reflects a glimpse into the past that many have forgotten.
“Remember when gas was 91 cents per gallon and the postage stamp was 20 cents, the average new car price was $7,900 and the Walkman was introduced? That was 30 years ago this week,” said Allen Jordan, manager of Bobby’s Furniture, located at 218 Raleigh St. in Hamlet.
Oct. 1 marked the 30th anniversary that the furniture company opened its doors in Hamlet.
Thirty years ago, Allen said he had just graduated from RCC with a two-year degree in Business Management. He was expecting to be working with his father at the old Rockingham location of Bobby’s Furniture, but he said his dad had another plan.
“The plan was to have two locations,” Allen said. “One in Rockingham and one in Hamlet. My dad, Bobby Jordan, told me to run (the Hamlet location) for a couple of years and I would eventually come to Rockingham. That’s a day I have never seen.”
The two stocked up the store with new furniture and Allen said every day was a challenge.
“Some days, the only person that came in was the mailman,” he said, “but we knew that we had to crawl before we could walk.”
In 1995, after 31 years of business, Allen said his parents retired and closed the Rockingham location, but Allen has continued to run the Hamlet location throughout the years.
He said that being around his father convinced him that the furniture business was for him.
“My dad was my example on how to treat people,” he said. “I saw him every day develop relationships with people to try to earn their trust. He set the example I needed to follow. With my Mom and Dad’s support, and the support of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we accepted the challenge that lay ahead of us.”
Allen said he has been able to make many friends over the years through the business, and he treasures the customers who have supported him and his father.
“Now we have the opportunity to help their children and grandchildren,” he said. “As we celebrate 30 years in Hamlet and 48 years in business, we would like to personally thank our customers for their support and loyalty. We thank God today for the past and also look forward to the future as we strive every day to do our best in helping customers with all of their future furniture purchases.”
Hamlet Mayor Jeff Smart also praised the Jordans for their decades of success.
“As the Mayor of Hamlet, I would like to congratulate Bobby’s Furniture on 30 years of successful entrepreneurship,” he said. “Small businesses are vital to our economy. Beginning with Mr. and Mrs. Jordan 30 years ago and now with Allen and his family, they continue to invest in our community. I wish them continued success.”
— Staff Writer Mallory Brown can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 18, or by email at mallorybrown@heartlandpublications.com
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