MANCHESTER, NH – A new tenant is preparing to open up shop this summer at the East Side Plaza, in the space formerly occupied by Fashion Bug.
After 33 years, Country Woods Furniture is moving its showroom from Raymond to Manchester. Owner Stephen Cavanaugh says they are working toward opening in early July.
“We are waiting on permits and approvals right now,” Cavanaugh said Monday, “but we’re targeting early July for our opening.”
The furniture retailer features home furnishings and accessories for bedroom, dining room and living room.
“We have a range of vendors and we look for good value. We don’t do contemporary, but we do feature Colonial, country and transitional-style furniture,” said Cavanaugh, who took over the family-owned business in 2001. In addition to American-made furniture, Country Woods carries Amish and Mennonite vendors, as well as some imported items.
In preparation for the move to East Side Plaza, Cavanaugh says much of the old inventory was moved along. Customers can expect the store to feature fresh merchandise with new categories and vendors, “which should make it a little more exciting, even for us.”
Cavanaugh said the ever-changing world of retail and shopping patterns precipitated the move.
“We wanted to get closer to where our larger customer base is, and the space should be perfect for us,” Cavanaugh said, citing the spacious 9,000-square-foot showroom and surrounding residential neighborhoods, “with easy highway access.” The former home of Country Woods was on Route 27 in Raymond.
When the lease was up for renewal, Cavanaugh saw an opportunity to make a move to benefit the company, as well as the community. They closed that location in April and have been focused on the move ever since.
A help-wanted sign was visible on the door at the East Side Plaza. Cavanaugh says yes, they’re always looking for good sales people – particularly those with furniture sales experience. The positions advertised are for full-time Monday – Sunday, and part-time weekends only.
“It’s a nice space, nicely located in the middle of a great set of neighborhoods, and we think we’re a great addition to the neighborhood,” Cavanaugh said.
He said future customers can follow Country Woods Furniture on Facebook or sign up on the company website (countrywoodsnh.com), to be notified when the new location is open for business.
