National furniture chain opens second SC store. Here’s where

When Saul Velasquez was growing up his parents bought a mid-century modern cherry dining table and matching china cabinet called The Enormous Dining Set from Bob’s Discount Furniture.

Enormous it was, yet they had to buy extra chairs for the family of 10.

Velasquez remembers it as a gathering, happy place.

And that’s what he says he wants to offer customers of Bob’s Discount Furniture, which is having a soft opening of its second South Carolina store Monday. A Spartanburg store opened in May.

“It’s not just selling furniture. It’s building a home,” said Velasquez, the general manager of the Greenville store.

It’s located in the former American Freight on Woodruff Road.

Bob’s has more than 200 stores across the country and is adding 20 more this year. They opened 20 last year, too.

Based in Newington, Connecticut (where Velasquez once worked), the company’s slogan is no pressure, no gimmicks, every day low prices.

It was started by Bob Kaufman in 1991 after he broke his leg in a motorcycle accident. His doctor told him a water bed would help him. His doctor also said he’d never walk again. Wrong about that but the water bed was an inspiration. He learned there was a need for a new kind of furniture store.

The company ensures low prices by negotiating contracts and buying in bulk.

“We cater to everybody,” Velasquez said,

Something for every price point.

The no pressure idea is demonstrated by customers being greeted with “welcome to Bob’s. Would you like to look around?”

Oh and there’s a cafe with free ice cream and candy that sometimes gets spilled on the furniture and to which Velasquez says simply, “We can replace that. It shouldn’t impede the shopping experience.”

Bob’s also raises money systemwide each quarter for a charity, matching dollar-for-dollar what customers donate up to $75,000. This quarter it is Family Promise and beginning July 1 Covenant House. Both are organizations that work with people who are homeless.

They also donate $5 from every sale of the $11.99 plush toy, Little Bob, to the USO.

A grand opening is planned for July 3, complete with a balloon artist, swag and the opportunity to have your picture made with Bob’s race car. The company is a primary sponsor for NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin and his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry.

Bob’s will also donate $2,500 a piece to United Ministries and East North Street Academy.

“It’s going to be amazing,” Velasquez said.