“That is why we decided to renovate the store,” said Suzanne Sherman, fourth-generation co-owner with her brother, John McDermott. “It’s a new era for the store, and we’ve decided to update to appeal to a whole new generation of customers.”
Martin Furniture traces its roots back to 1854, when it was founded by Sherman and McDermott’s great-grandfather, Michael Clune. Yet most customers associate the business with their father, longtime owner Marty McDermott. A Cathedral High School graduate and community pillar, the elder McDermott moved the business from Arizona Street in Downtown to its current location at 5240 S. U.S. 31. He also appeared in a number of campy commercials wearing a costume and spouting his famous tag line, “You got that right.”
After his death in 2012 the reign passed to his two younger children, who keep the family’s legacy alive by offering high-quality products and standout customer service.
“We buy a lot of American-made furniture, and we carry all of the major brands,” Sherman said. “Our prices are competitive. Our staff is knowledgeable. We have reasonable delivery rates, and as our customers can attest, we have a wonderful service department.”
In addition to preserving the past. the brother-and-sister team is focused on the future and determined to stay on trend.
To meet that objective they recently hired Greg Garcia Designs to redesign their showroom to engage a new generation. Using coral, celery green and turquoise colors, Greg Garcia incorporated formal and casual furniture, accessories and artwork in each of the store’s three galleries, which will be highlighted in an open house from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
Garcia said he wanted to illustrate lifestyle trends and reflect tradition and comfort. “It’s a completely new look for the store, and I’m excited for everyone to see it.”