photos by: LISA CRATES PHOTOGRAPHY
There’s simply something special about the shopping experience at Carolina Furniture Mart. For new customers who know their reputation for exceptional inventory, it’s the chance to touch and feel a potential new piece of furniture – something you can only appreciate in person.
But, for many local residents, it’s the golden opportunity to visit with the family behind the business – Bud and Pat Boyles, and their sons, David and Stuart Boyles, who are carrying on the tradition of excellence and honesty at this popular Lincolnton, NC destination. As it’s been all through the years, their passion is face-to-face connection with customers.
“Brick and mortar is definitely our roots,” David explains. “Now, we do have an online presence, but people will always want to touch furniture and actually sit on chairs and couches they are interested in purchasing for their home.”
After more than six decades as part of the Lincolnton business landscape, Carolina Furniture Mart has happily served three generations. It’s not unusual for the current team to be greeting the grandchildren of previous customers, and with several staff members who’ve been around for 25 years, the camaraderie and community roots run deep!
“We all love working together,” shares David. “It can be a challenge, but the rewards are worth it.” Both he and Stuart have taught their kids the value of hard work – letting them help out at the store as their school schedules allowed – just as they did when they were young. Stuart’s son already has plans to step into the business, continuing the tradition.
Having grown up on a farm in Lincoln County, Bud launched his dream at the age of 18 and spent 12 years learning the furniture business from Carolina Furniture Mart’s original owner. Pat was a dedicated stay-at-home mom until her children grew up. At the heart of everything they’ve done through the years – both as business owners and members of the close-knit community – has been a passion for helping people, plain and simple!
Today’s bustling showroom boasts 80,000 square feet of relevant, stylish furniture options – plus lighting and unique accessories – and customers are guided to a centrally located kiosk to explore manufacturer websites and discover all available options for patterns and colors of a particular piece they like. You can’t help but notice the large “Made in America” sign in the showroom – near a wall of seemingly endless fabric samples.
Pat doesn’t hesitate when asked what she feels sets the business apart from other options.
“We have a good product at a fair price!” she shares. David and Stuart make sure the inventory of more than 100 lines stays current with contemporary styles, including high-end design accent pieces at bargain prices, while still staying true to the family’s old-fashioned values. It’s a daily goal to educate customers and offer them the best quality pieces within their price range.
What’s different here is an impeccable level of customer service – the friendliest around – a team who stands behind their work, who will be truthful about how long a certain fabric might last your growing family and an incredibly strong faith that guides every decision along the way.
Loyal customers – and friends – Dennis and Penny Moretz describe the Boyles family as people who “stand by their work” and who display how important their faith is to them on a daily basis. Ephraim Killian – who’s also a friend and long-time customer – sums up what is the truest thing around. “This Christian family cares for everybody who walks in their store!”
And, rest assured, if you don’t find exactly the piece you’re looking for in their showroom – they will go above and beyond to help you find it! The Boyles family pours their heart and soul into giving their very best efforts for every customer who calls with a request or stops by the showroom. Their long-time employees are some of their biggest fans – a true reflection of the nurturing and support that has built the work environment at Carolina Furniture Mart.
With a steadfast commitment to each other and the many friends and customers who count on them, the future is bright for this true family business that has stood the test of time. As the next generation continues to offer a diverse choice of products to reflect changing tastes and design styles, the Boyles family bond will never go out of style!
Carolina Furniture Mart is located at 644 N. Aspen Street in Lincolnton, NC. Reach them at 704.735.1422, visit them online at CarolinaFurnitureMart.com and follow them on Instagram @carolinafurnituremart for glimpses of new inventory. Store hours are Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
