On Friday, March 31, after more than two decades, Classic Furniture Gallery in Barrhead, put up signs saying they were closing.
Calvin Schultz, owner of Classic Furniture Gallery, said the decision to close was a difficult one, adding the current state of the Alberta economy made it inevitable.
“It is probably something I should have done earlier, but you are always hoping things will turn around,” he said, adding in the last three months he estimates the store has lost $20,000.
Classic Furniture Gallery is a store which sells a wide variety of unique furniture, such as tables, buffets, bookshelves, and cabinets all made from rare woods. The store also features a large selection of clocks, wall décor, fashion jewelry, scarves and purses.
Schultz started his business about 22 years ago taking over his parents furniture store. At the time, the business was more of a traditional furniture store, selling what Schultz describes as mom-and-pop-type items.
“My parents wanted to retire and they asked me if I wanted to take over the business,” he said, adding at first he was a bit reluctant. “At the time I was living in Edmonton and was doing pretty well for myself selling cars so I told them to close it down and if I ever wanted to open a furniture store I would do it on my own.”
However, the longer he thought about it, the more Schultz liked the idea.
Over the years, he gradually transformed the store into what it is today, one that specializes in unique, one-of-a-kind, merchandise. As the years went on, he also opened other stores, one in Westlock and one in Whitecourt.
“For a time I was running both stores for about a year, the one in Barrhead and Whitecourt, but I decided to close the one in Barrhead to concentrate on the one in Whitecourt,” he said.
At first Schultz’s business in Whitecourt was good, but eventually business slowed to a point where he decided, in an effort to save his business, to come back to Barrhead where overhead is lower.
“It was actually Freddy (Freddy Seifeddine of Freddy’s 2 For 1 Pizza) who actually convinced me to come back to Barrhead and give it one last try,” Schultz said. “He told me that I figured out the business and had such great stock it would be a shame to quit now and that I should give it one last try in the spot where it all started.”
Classic Furniture’s current location is where his parents first started their business.
Unfortunately, he said, even with his overhead greatly reduced he still isn’t able to cover his expenses.
“I remember when we would consider a $3,000 to $5,000 a good day and we just took $400 to $500 days for granted. Now I’m happy if I make that in a week,” Schultz said, adding the reason why he believes sales have been so slow is mainly because of the economy.
Since he announced that the store was closing, sales have improved, but not to the point where he would consider staying open.
“Right now I am in control and closing on my terms, but if I stayed open another four to six months that choice probably would be taken away from me,” Schultz said, adding he isn’t sure how long the closeout process will take. “It will all depend on how long it takes to sell my stock.”
As for what happens next, Schultz said he isn’t sure, saying only time will show what the future holds, but added he wants to stay in Barrhead.
“My belief is God put me in this position to be able to do something this cool for 22 years and whatever else is out there for me will be equally cool,” he said.
