‘We thank you all’: Pugh Furniture closing after more than 100 years in business

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Pugh Furniture in Charleston is one of only a few locally owned furniture stores in the area. However, the doors are now closing at the more than 100-year-old business.

“People have been coming in and I’ve had more hugs and stuff,” owner Beth Pugh said. “And so,… it’s sad, but you know you’ve got to know when the time is right.”

Pugh said Pugh Furniture started out as a wholesale business in 1917 before transitioning to retail in the 1970s.

“We’re one of the very oldest furniture stores at least left, and we’ve always been at this location. So, you know this is my little money pit,” she said. “My husband and I, we’re the third generation. My daughter has been down here for a little bit so there’s some of the fourth. And then, I have grandchildren who are in the ads so that we have five generations bouncing around.”

Pugh said the reason behind the decision to close the store is because she is reaching the age of retirement. She also talked with Eyewitness News about how the store has had to face rising costs in the furniture business in recent years.

“Prices have skyrocketed,” she told Eyewitness News. “Cost of goods is way up. Steel which is in almost every, you got steel in recliners you have steel in mattresses and box springs and stuff. So, it’s hard to compete with that and maintain a price where people feel comfortable to do it.”

Pugh leaves the store’s loyal customers with this message.

“Thanks for your loyalty, for your patronage, for letting us be your second and third generation purchases for children and grandchildren,” Pugh said. “We thank you all.”

Furniture at the store is discounted as they work to get clear out inventory.