(Atlantic) The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated 20 years in business with Brymons Interiors & Off the Rack on Thursday, October 29th.
Owner Jennifer Miller took the Ambassadors through the business’s 20-year journey, from opening its original store at 700 Park Drive to becoming a familiar part of downtown Atlantic. After 10 years on the east side of town, Jennifer purchased and renovated the building at 412 Chestnut Street, a move she says has been one of the best decisions for the business.
Moving an entire furniture store was no small task. Jennifer recalled recruiting about 10 high school football players, including her son Damon, to help make it happen. The business later expanded into the neighboring building, adding space for its sleep gallery and lift chairs.
Over the years, Brymons has changed with the way people shop. While still a full-line furniture store, the business has placed a greater focus on recliners, lift chairs and mattresses, the categories customers have consistently sought out. The store has also expanded its selection of gifts, home décor and clothing.
There’s much more available than what customers see in the store. Brymons has approximately 7,000 items available through its shoppable website, along with additional furniture options that can be ordered in hundreds of different fabrics and styles.
One of its biggest additions came in 2016 when Jennifer’s daughter, Cambry, started Off the Rack, a resale clothing department inside Brymons. What began as a project for a busy high school student has grown into one of the store’s most popular departments, with approximately 3,500 to 4,000 carefully selected pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories available daily.
Jennifer credits much of the business’s success to her longtime employees. The shortest-tenured member of her core staff has been with Brymons for more than 10 years, while the average employee tenure is 17 years. Together, the team has helped customers with everything from finding the right recliner to completing more than 600 in-home decorating consultations.
Looking back, Jennifer said one of the biggest lessons she’s learned is not to be afraid to try something new. Shopping habits have changed considerably in 20 years, and Brymons has continued to adapt while maintaining the personal service and quality standards that have been part of the business from the beginning.
And for those who have wondered where the name came from, Brymons is a combination of the names of Jennifer’s two children, Cambry and Damon. The business was built from the ground up, with a name that has been part of the family from day one.
Brymons Interiors is located at 412 Chestnut Street in downtown Atlantic. Customers can also shop approximately 7,000 items online at www.brymons.com. Be sure to stop in during the downtown Holiday Open House on November 14th and Small Business Saturday on November 28th.
