COLUMBIA, S.C. — Whit-Ash Furniture store is closing its doors after 52 years of selling rugs, mattresses and an array of furniture.
The furniture store at 919 Gervais Street in the Vista has been owned by two brothers, Harold Whitney Black and Gerald Black, since the 1970s.
“Its tough. I mean, it really is. But I’ll be 77 in September and I’m tired," co-owner Whitney Black said. "I’m worn out. Brother is only 18 months younger. He’s tired, he’s worn, and it’s time. I mean it’s just time.”
Whitney got into the business by building furniture for his own family and it turned into a full-blown success. The brothers went from selling waterbeds to couches, rugs, beds and lamps.
Whitney remembered when he moved into the Columbia area. “It was the best price we could find in Columbia. Since we bought it, the Vista has been the place to be and still is the place to be,” Black said.
The brothers have served the community from parents to now grandchildren. "I mean, they’re fantastic people, and its been such a pleasure. And I’ve got to meet so many, and I feel like we have sort of a friendship-bond type deal,” he said.
The store will be having a going-out-of-business sale with furniture in stock and on sale. They are also offering financing in the store.
The store motto for the sale is “BUY IT TODAY, TAKE IT HOME TODAY.” The official going-out-of-business sale will start this Thursday, August 15th.