Montana, New York Retailers Join Furniture First

July 20, 2017  by Larry Thomas in Business Strategy, Executive Changes, Industry   

Gallatin Valley Furniture was established in 1946 by Don and Veronica DeCosse. In 1972, their son Jim began his career in the furniture store, followed by their son-in-law and daughter, Dennis and Michelle Cattin, in 1975.

The store expanded its showroom from its downtown location and expanded again to 36,000 square feet in 1990 to allow for expansion of the floor covering business. In 2006, the retailer became a fourth-generation business with Brian Cattin, Dennis and Michelle’s middle son, joining the team. Greg Cattin, their youngest son, also joined the business and the brothers are now overseeing a renovation of the store.

Harding’s Attica Furniture and Flooring was established after Gordon Harding sold his grocery store. He decided to refocus his entrepreneurial endeavors in a new retail sector and opened the furniture and flooring business with the help of his wife Sally and his family.

Harding’s entrepreneurial spirit has been passed down to his children, Ted, Mike, and Debbie, who now run the store. Ted’s son Luke has also joined the staff, bringing three generations into the business.

“Just like a family, our members are all distinct from one another, but they share something in their character that helps them work together. That combination of diversity and common interest makes us stronger as a group,” said Andrew Kauffman, CEO of Furniture First.

“We’ve seen time and again when a member has a problem they need to solve, they can turn to their fellow members for advice and recommendations on how to move forward. Gallatin and Harding are great additions to the Furniture First family are we’re excited to get to know them better.”

Furniture First serves full-line independent retailers with sales of more than $2 million. The group represents 472 storefronts in 47 states, collectively generating $2 billion in retail sales.

Furniture First’s Las Vegas showroom, A-810, will display the group’s private label mattress line, Mattress 1^st, at the upcoming Summer Market, along with selections from several of the group’s vendor partners.