More than four decades ago Gary Puderbaugh opened a furniture store in Picture Rocks that would sell quality furniture at reasonable prices. Thirty-one years later, Puderbaugh sold that company to Jim Colburn.
Colburn carried on Puderbaugh's vision and expanded the dream to 16,000 square feet of quality named merchandise with available room to further expand if the need were to arise.
"Gary's opened in this location in 1974. He had another store in town, but it didn't have the same amount of inventory. He started out as Gary's Aquariums. He had aquariums and guns, televisions and stereos and then he got a few recliners. Shortly after he moved to this location, he went into full time furniture," said Steve Akers, store manager.
Article Photos
According to Akers, some services that set them aside are quality furniture at reasonable prices, quality service, free delivery and outstanding service.
"I think what has made us special and successful over the years is we offer good furniture at a good price and we offer service to follow up with that. The staff that we have would stand on their heads to try to do whatever we can to help with the customers expectations," Akers said.
One of the services they provide is free delivery five days a week for customers up to 50 miles away.
According to Akers, many times when a customer purchases an item from a store, if any issues arise, they will need to contact the merchandise manufacturer.
This is not the case for items purchased through Gary's.
"After they have the furniture, we are still around to answer questions and help customers with any concerns and problems they may have.
"When you buy an item at Lowe's, there is another number you would call for service. Here, we will go above and beyond to help in any way we can" Akers said.
An advantage of the store above local chain competitors is quality service. Answers can easily be answered by associates and when an answer in unknown, they will contact the manufacturers or seek the answers elsewhere, according to Akers.
Another advantage is the quality name brand merchandise they carry.
"We have a Lane gallery, which is the largest reclining company in the United States. We have Sealy mattresses. They are the number one selling mattress.
"So, we have a lot of brand names that they can trust," Akers said.
Even though they carry top names, they do not carry high prices. "When you are in Picture Rocks, price is still king. You have got to have the lower prices and we'll put the low prices up against anyone," Akers said.
According to Akers, many customers who have second homes elsewhere, will buy the furniture at Gary's for the second location.
"We have taken furniture down to the Philadelphia area. They can't find what we have here, down there.
"A lot of people will travel a distance," Akers said.
The furniture store is also involved with the community.
Some community events Colburn has associated the business with are the SPCA, Relay For Life and the Muncy Lawn party, according to Akers.
"If you have never been here and you are looking for furniture, it is really worth the trip," Akers said.
Individuals interested in what Gary's has to offer, may contact the store at 584-4125 or access the Web site www.garysfurniture.com.
Hours of operation are Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri. from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wed. and Sat. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
