Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
The SuperStore Announces Retirement of GM After 34 Years
March 4,
2025 by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Industry 
The SuperStore announces the retirement of Doug Whitaker, who has served as General Manager for 34 years, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, innovation, and community commitment.
Under Whitaker’s leadership, The SuperStore became one of Northern New England’s premier home furniture retailers, known for its unmatched customer service, quality products, and deep community involvement. His vision transformed the business, forging strong partnerships with leading brands such as Simmons Beautyrest, Serta, Liberty, Legacy, A-America, Ashley, England, Mavin, and Palliser. He also built the largest and best-performing La-Z-Boy Comfort Studio in Northern New England, earning multiple Sales Performance Awards.
For decades, Whitaker and his son Tristan were the faces of The SuperStore, creating memorable ad campaigns that helped shape the store’s reputation. Beyond the showroom, he was a pillar of the local community, passionately supporting youth sports, local organizations, and charities, including the American Heart Association.
“Doug has not only been a great leader within the company but also a true advocate for the community,” said Steve Kidder, Owner of The SuperStore. “His dedication and passion for both the business and the people of Chittenden County are unmatched, and he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire us all.”
As Whitaker steps into his well-earned retirement, The SuperStore is pleased to announce Nate Gobeil as its new General Manager. Gobeil, who joined The SuperStore in the summer of 2024, brings 25 years of industry experience, having worked in similar family-owned businesses and most recently serving as National Sales Director for Thos. Moser. His expertise spans store and sales management, customer service, logistics, e-commerce, furniture design, and prototyping. He has spent significant time on shop floors, working directly with builders to craft high-quality furniture.
Originally from Southern Maine, Gobeil is passionate about craftsmanship and community, having partnered and created wooden trophies with major events such as TD Beach to Beacon 10K and the Drive Fore Kids – Celebrity Golf Classic. He also collaborated with Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village to reproduce an original Shaker Chair—a project recognized by The Wall Street Journal and The Boston Globe. Now, he is thrilled to call Vermont home and looks forward to leading The SuperStore into the future.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Nate to the team,” said Kidder. “His extensive background and hands-on experience make him the perfect fit to lead The SuperStore into the future. We are confident that with Nate’s leadership, The SuperStore will continue to thrive and grow.”
The SuperStore extends its deepest gratitude to Doug Whitaker for his decades of leadership and service and warmly welcomes Nate Gobeil as its new General Manager.