Bob and Fran's is here to stay
"The report of my death was an exaggeration," Mark Twain once said.
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Owners at a downtown Brainerd business know the feeling. Bob and Fran's Factory Direct furniture and appliance store on Laurel Street has been plagued by rumors of its demise. But owners say that is far from the truth, and any reports of the store's closing are false.
"We plan on being here," said owner Julie Franz.
When the store's namesakes Bob and Fran Schuler retired in 2005, the next generation took over the business. Two of the Schulers' daughters and their husbands, Dennise and Vince Kline and Julie and Ted Franz, and Dan Anderson, a young man who has worked at the store since he was in high school, took over the business in 2006.
Bob & Fran's Furniture and Appliance store on Laurel Street in downtown Brainerd has been plagued with rumors about its future. Owners say the store is open for business and has long-term plans to be part of the area business community. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson » Purchase reprints of this photo.
There is no denying that it's been a tough economy on furniture stores, particularly in the fallout of the housing and construction meltdown. Ashley Furniture closed in Baxter in 2008 along with Fifth Avenue Furniture in northeast Brainerd. This spring, Tom Terhaar, owner of Fifth Avenue Furniture, announced he was "calling it quits" and retiring. He said finding a successor was proving difficult. Furniture North's Broyhill Home Furnishings Gallery closed in the East Brainerd Mall in 2007. Smaller used furniture businesses in the area also have closed their doors.
Vince Kline said Bob and Fran's established business is in a strong financial position. They've been assisted during these difficult economic times by having a low overhead. Ownership team members are working six days a week. As is the general response to the recession, they've become more lean and less complacent. The boom years made it possible to rest on laurels. Kline said they've become more creative and started using their display windows more effectively.
The store employs five people full time and has part-time help. Most have been with the business for a number of years, like Scott Hoskins, the delivery manager, who has been with the firm seven years.
Customers are now coming from farther points, such as Staples and Wadena. Kline said shoppers have told them they are now driving to Brainerd because the furniture stores in their communities have closed.
Other customers, including those who are retired, have been shopping recently after feeling more optimistic after the stock market picked up.
Julie Franz and Vince Kline, two of the owners at Bob and Fran's Factory Direct Furniture and Appliance store in downtown Brainerd, talked at the business last week. Brainerd Dispatch/Renee Richardson » Purchase reprints of this photo.
"People are starting to treat themselves," Kline said.
The downtown renovation is expected to be an ongoing benefit in bringing people to Laurel Street. Kline and Franz said business is picking up with first time homebuyers taking advantage of the tax breaks on a home purchase and with remodelers who are sprucing up what they have.
Kline said the recession hit the furniture industry hard nationwide, which has created bargains as manufacturers woo customers to the sales floors. Bob and Fran's is described as having a mid-price range. Kline said their independently owned store benefits from being part of Brand Source group, which enables them to compete with the pricing of big chain stores.
Kline said the next generation, with their family's children now in their 20s and high school and junior high, may be interested in taking over the operation in the future and plans are to be there to allow them the opportunity.
"We plan on being here for many years," he said, noting he keeps telling customers "we are going to be here for a long time."
RENEE RICHARDSON may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.s