After 110 years of serving the community, Roy Bennett Furniture, a beloved retail fixture in downtown Quincy, will be closing its doors on September 28, 2024. The news of this closure comes as a bittersweet moment for the Bennett family, as Laura Wright, Roy Bennett’s great-great granddaughter, announced that her family has sold the building.
Reflecting on the history of the business, Laura shared the remarkable story of how her great-great grandfather, Robert Leroy “Roy” Bennett, started the furniture store back in 1914. From humble beginnings, Roy’s entrepreneurial journey began with selling furniture door to door, taking orders from a catalog and delivering them later on a cart. Eventually, this led to the opening of a brick-and-mortar store on 311 Maine, the very same building that has housed Roy Bennett Furniture throughout the years.
Roy Bennett was not only a successful businessman, but he was also known for his flamboyant style and his love for high-end furniture factories in Michigan. Following Roy’s footsteps, his son, Robert Franklin “Frank” Bennett, continued to manage the family business for several years before passing it on to Laura’s grandfather, Robert Malcolm “Mac” Bennett.
Mac, a man remembered for his sharp sense of humor, took over the reins of the store and remained deeply attached to it until his passing in 2021. Laura fondly recalls the times she spent with her grandfather at the store, discussing leather and desks while paying bills and reading the newspaper together. Mac’s dedication and love for the business were palpable, creating a special bond that Laura treasures.
Continuing the family tradition, Laura’s mother followed in the footsteps of her ancestors, pursuing a career in interior design and dedicating her efforts to help customers create beautiful living spaces. And now, Laura, the fifth and final generation, has had the unique experience of working alongside her mother and grandfather, while also starting her own business within the store.
As the closing date approaches, Roy Bennett Furniture extends its gratitude to the community for their unwavering support over the years. They have not only been a furniture store but also a place where friendships were formed and memories were made. The legacy of Roy Bennett Furniture will forever be etched in the hearts of those who have walked through its doors.
So, as we bid farewell to this Quincy retail institution, let us celebrate the remarkable journey of the Bennett family and the lasting impact they have had on the community. Roy Bennett Furniture may be closing, but the memories and warmth it brought to countless homes will continue to live on.
FAQ:
1. Why is Roy Bennett Furniture closing?
– Roy Bennett Furniture is closing because the building has been sold by the Bennett family.
2. When will Roy Bennett Furniture close?
– Roy Bennett Furniture will be closing its doors on September 28, 2024.
3. Who started Roy Bennett Furniture?
– Roy Bennett Furniture was started by Robert Leroy “Roy” Bennett in 1914.
4. How did Roy Bennett start the business?
– Roy Bennett began by selling furniture door to door and later opened a brick-and-mortar store.
5. Who managed the business after Roy Bennett?
– Robert Franklin “Frank” Bennett, Roy’s son, managed the business before passing it on to Robert Malcolm “Mac” Bennett.
6. How long was Mac Bennett involved with the store?
– Mac Bennett remained dedicated to the store until his passing in 2021.
7. What career did Laura’s mother pursue?
– Laura’s mother pursued a career in interior design.
8. How many generations of the Bennett family have been involved with the store?
– Laura Bennett is the fifth and final generation to be involved with the store.
9. What is the legacy of Roy Bennett Furniture?
– Roy Bennett Furniture has been a place where friendships were formed and memories were made, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Definitions:
– Brick-and-mortar store: A physical retail location as opposed to an online store.
– Interior design: The art and science of enhancing the interior of a space to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment.
Suggested related link:
Roy Bennett Furniture – Official website of Roy Bennett Furniture. (Please note that this link is a placeholder and may not be valid.)