Bob’s Discount Furniture started more than three decades ago in Connecticut. Since then, the company has eclipsed 200 stores and has expanded throughout the country.
The furniture chain recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest store, located at Newington Plaza Shopping Center at 3174 Berlin Turnpike, in the same city where founders Bob Kaufman and Gene Rosenberg opened their first store in 1991.
“It all started here in Newington on March 31, 1991, down the Berlin Turnpike in the former Nimbus location on Ann Street where I had a 5,000-square-foot waterbed store,” Kaufman said in a statement to the Courant. “It has grown to over 200 stores in 26 states coast to coast thanks to the early support of the people of Newington and the surrounding areas.
“Our talented, dedicated team ensures that we bring true value and honesty to our customers every day, and this has fueled a growth I never could have imagined,” Kaufman said.
Friday’s grand opening marked the relocation of Bob’s Discount Furniture in Newington, which has served guests since the early 1990s when the company was founded. (Courtesy of Bob’s Discount Furniture)
Kaufman continues to be the face of the company and has appeared in its memorable television commercials that end with his standard line, “Come on down.”
“Reaching our 200th store is a proud moment for everyone at Bob’s,” said Bob’s president and CEO Bill Barton. “It reflects decades of hard work, great people and loyal customers who have trusted us to help furnish their homes. It’s also a reminder of how far we’ve come from our very first store in Newington over 30 years ago.”
Barton said that Connecticut has always been home for the discount furniture store.
“This is where the company started, where our first customers came from, and where many of our team members live and work today. The local community helped build Bob’s, and we’re incredibly grateful for that support,” Barton said.
Bob’s Discount Furniture has grown into the 7th largest U.S. furniture chain with 203 stores across 26 states. The company has opened several stores this year including opening their first stores in Vermont and North Carolina.
“Our principles haven’t changed—great value, integrity, transparency, and fun, and always putting people first. Customers know they can walk into any Bob’s and get quality, on-trend furniture at an unbeatable price, without any gimmicks. That straightforward approach to selling quality products, combined with a fantastic team, has been the foundation of our growth,” Barton said. “(Bob Kaufman is) incredibly proud of what the company has accomplished and excited to meet our customers in Newington once again.”
Barton said having the milestone in Newington is a “full-circle moment” for the company and adds more meaning.
During the grand opening, Bob’s donated $25,000 to the Children’s Miracle Network and made two $2,500 donations to two local charities, the Connecticut Humane Society and John Wallace Middle School.
“Since Day 1, Bob’s has been focused on supporting the communities where we live and work. Through our support of military and first responder organizations, national nonprofits and local schools, we see it as our responsibility to make a positive impact on the world around us,” Barton said.
Bob’s Discount Furniture celebrated its newest location in Newington on Friday with a grand opening celebration. This event marked the relocation of Bob’s in Newington, which has served guests since the early 1990s when the company was founded. (Courtesy of Bob’s Discount Furniture)
Bob’s Discount Furniture has additional Connecticut locations in Southington, Newington, Orange, Manchester, Brookfield, Bridgeport, New London, Norwalk and Taftville. Barton said he’s excited about the future of the company.
“We’ll continue to grow thoughtfully, bringing Bob’s to new communities while staying true to the values that got us here. At the same time, we’re investing in our people, our stores, and our customer experience to ensure that as we expand, we get even better,” Barton said.
When asked about tariffs and changes in the economy, Bob’s said the company is watching them closely.
“Like many in our industry, we’re monitoring tariff developments closely,” Barton said. “While global trade dynamics can impact sourcing, Bob’s will always offer the best value in the marketplace and will continue to deliver this value without compromise to our guests at everyday low prices with no phony sales gimmicks. Our products are well stocked and ready for delivery.”
