James Furniture has been a member of the business community in Pearl River County for more than 40 years.
The store opened at its original location on East Canal Street in 1972. According to owners James and Montez Whitfield, the store moved to its present location on Memorial Boulevard in 1981.
James has worked in the furniture business for more then 60 years, following in the footsteps of his father and his grandfather.
“I started out delivering furniture for my dad,” said James.
James was born in Pearl River County, while Montez has lived here since 1971.
James Furniture has a very prominent reputation in the community, and according to the Whitfields still has customers from when the store began operations at its first location on East Canal Street.
“We appreciate all the loyal customers that have been with us for so many years,” said James.
Perhaps one of the reasons the store has been successful for so many years is the environment it provides not only its customers, but also its employees.
“I’ve worked here for 8 years, they are wonderful people,” said sales employee Bonnie Ernst. “We are like family.”
James Furniture sells everything from sofas, recliners, bedroom sets, dining room sets, television entertainment centers, lamps and mattresses.
The store currently has a sale on La-Z-Boy recliners, said James.
James Furniture is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
The Whitfield’s have been in business for 43 years, and plan to be around for many more.
“We want to be in business for another 43 years,” said Montez.