TAFTVILLE, Connecticut – June 21, 2023 – Bob’s Discount Furniture, one of the fastest growing omni-channel furniture retailers in the country, celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their distribution center in Taftville, CT.
The day was marked with a state citation given by Connecticut State Senator Catherine Osten as well as a proclamation from Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom.
Osten read a Connecticut General Assembly Official Citation to the Bob’s Discount Furniture crowd noting, “Your dedication to service and contributions to the Norwich community serve as an inspiration to all.”
Osten also commented “It [Bob’s Discount Furniture] started here, stayed here and provides good jobs for a lot of Norwich and surrounding regions, which we are so pleased for.”
Before issuing an official proclamation on behalf of Norwich, Mayor Nystrom commented, “You help fill the homes of families that need furniture. That’s very important to us…when we come home to have a place to gather with family and friends. You make that possible.”
Although he could not attend the event, the furniture company’s founder Bob Kaufman prepared a statement commemorating the milestone of doing business in the town of Taftville.
Opened in 1998, Kaufman noted of the distribution center, “When we bought that building, my partner Gene gave me the best business advice I’ve ever received, ‘It’s all about your people.’ And as I enter the final phase of my career, I realize how true that is. Thank you all for making it happen every day and providing the service to our customers that have grown us to be the 8th largest furniture store chain in America!”
In a historical look back at the distribution center’s 12-year expansion from 300,000 square feet to 850,000 square feet, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Operations and Innovation, Eric Adelstein commented, “It’s just concrete. It’s the people that make it.”
Originally home to the iconic Thermos Brand, additions were made to the original building in 2002, 2006 and 2007.
Bob’s President and CEO Bill Barton thanked the 200 employees of the distribution center for their service.
“The magic that we bring to life across the country, coast to coast, 24 states, is all because we work together as a family to fulfill our customers’ dreams.”
Executive Vice President, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Ramesh Murthy, spoke of employee dedication noting a motivational phrase he learned from a mentor: “Whatever it takes.”
“The group around this tent absolutely embodies ‘whatever it takes’ to take care of our customers and each other and our community and we can’t be more proud,” said Murthy.
Murthy noted the center’s employees have an average tenure of eight years and one quarter of the staff have tenure of 15 years or more.
A select group of employees with 25 years more of service were recognized with awards during the ceremony.
To celebrate the milestone of doing business in Taftville, Pete Sorrentino, Senior Vice President of Distribution and Transportation, issued three $2,500 donations to Taftville Volunteer Fire Department, The Norwich Police Benevolent Association Post #2 and St. Vincent de Paul Place.
Sorrentino noted, giving back is one of Bob’s core values established by Kaufman more than three decades ago.
Bob’s Discount Furniture has 166 stores in 24 states coast to coast as well as five distribution centers.
About Bob’s Discount Furniture
Founded in 1991, Bob’s Discount Furniture is one of the fastest growing furniture retailers in the country. Keeping true to its founding principle that everyone deserves quality furniture, Bob’s provides unsurpassed value with honesty and integrity. Through all the work that happens behind the scenes, Bob’s engineers this value, offering its discount on a wide variety of stylish, quality furnishings, mattresses, and home accents.
With 166 furniture stores across 24 states, the Manchester, Connecticut-based company has become the 8th-largest U.S. furniture chain. The company also offers a unique and enjoyable shopping experience, featuring cafes in each store with complimentary gourmet coffee, ice cream, cookies, and candy.
Bob’s is committed to supporting local communities through a variety of charitable giving efforts. Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation has anchored the company’s philanthropic work for more than 20 years. Additionally, the Bob’s Outreach program was created as a separate entity to help schools and children-related charities. In total, Bob’s and its Foundation donate more than $2.75 million to charities through these programs each year. For more information on Bob’s charitable programs, visit Bob’s Cares, and follow Bob’s on Twitter @MyBobs, on Facebook, and Instagram.
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