Friday, March 29, 2024

Webster Furniture has new owners in 2022

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BREWSTER –After nearly 73 years in business spanning two generations in the same family, Webster Furniture at 332 E. Main Avenue is under new ownership in 2022.

New owners Rachel Dreyer and Glenn Grovenburg officially assumed ownership of one of the city’s oldest retailers on Jan. 1, ushering in a new era with the same values that have sustained the business since its founding in 1949. That’s why Dreyer and Grovenburg are keeping the name Webster Furniture above the door.

Websters was founded by Dan Webster’s father, Frank, and the store will observe its 73rd birthday on March 12 of this year. It is one of the two oldest businesses owned d and operated by the same family and that successful formula is one the new owners want to continue.

Dreyer said she has already heard from locals concerned about any changes the new owners might be planning. Other than more attention to the e-commerce side of the business “we don’t plan to change a thing,” said Dreyer. “That’s the reason Dan is training us and helping us with the whole transition of everything.”

“Our goal is to keep it pretty much the same and keep that exemplary customer service,” Grovenberg said.

That will include furniture and appliance sales, in-home delivery and setup, repair services,

Dreyer knew that she wanted to own her own furniture store after working for one.

“I worked for a large furniture store in Eastern Washington for awhile and liked it,” Dreyer said.

After spending a spell working in the dental profession Dreyer knew the furniture business was what she wanted to pursue and the search was on. As a rural girl at heart from being raised in the small town of Rosalia Dreyer also knew she wanted to be in Eastern Washington. When she connected with Webster she found a store that is the only one of its kind in town; one with a proven track record and the nearest competition in Omak and Chelan. Dreyer will also be closer to her parents who now live in Spokane.

Webster explained how their store differs from those that depend on foot traffic coming into their buildings.

“The world of owning a small business and doing service outside is that a lot of things we do is in peoples’ homes,” said Webster. “Our radius is 75 miles and there’s a lot ground to cover and a lot of people in between.”

The Covid pandemic has been hard on many businesses since mandates and restrictions have been in place. Business owners have been motivated to look for additional ways to reach their customers.

Dreyer said she intends to update the website and expand the store’s exposure through online platforms like Facebook and Instagram to allow customers to browse through the store’s inventory from the comfort of their homes. Customers can expect to see more of a social media presence as more and more buyers turn to internet sources.

Webster's is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

 

Webster Furniture, Business, Fresh Business, Brewster

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