Ambrose Furniture: A Beacon of Success in the Outer Banks

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News Summary

Ambrose Furniture, a family-owned business in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, has thrived in a challenging market, achieving record sales and adapting to changing consumer demands. With locations in Kitty Hawk, Elizabeth City, and Coinjock, the company caters to various customer needs while focusing on quality and community connection. Despite national industry slowdowns, Ambrose Furniture has seen impressive growth, particularly from remote workers and tourists, proving its resilience and commitment to success.

Ambrose Furniture: A Beacon of Success in the Outer Banks

In the charming coastal area of North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Ambrose Furniture is carving out a remarkable story amid a general slowdown in the furniture industry. This family-owned business has proudly braved storms of change, achieving record sales and profits while keeping its community at the heart of its endeavors.

A Legacy of Quality

Founded in 1946 in Elizabeth City, Ambrose Furniture now stands strong after 75 years in business. This third-generation family operation has managed to adapt and flourish even as consumer demand wanes for furniture across the nation. With three unique locations in Kitty Hawk, Elizabeth City, and Coinjock, each store has found a niche that plays to the strengths of its surroundings.

The Lay of the Land

Among the trio, the Kitty Hawk store shines brightly, contributing an impressive 65% of Ambrose’s business. It’s no surprise—this location caters primarily to the tourist market, serving those who flock to the coast for vacations and rentals. In contrast, the Elizabeth City store focuses on residential customers, while Coinjock is the largest in size, although it records the lowest sales volume. Notably, 50% of Coinjock’s inventory is motion furniture, bringing comfort and relaxation to the forefront of living spaces.

Staying Afloat in Changing Tides

Despite the fluctuations in the furniture market, Ambrose Furniture has reported phenomenal growth. The company saw a 21% increase in sales in 2020 compared to 2019 and an incredible 30% boost in 2021 over the previous year. Even with year-to-date sales remaining flat, this is perceived as a positive indicator in an industry that is grappling with challenges.

The surge in sales can be attributed significantly to the influx of remote workers who relocated to this picturesque region during the pandemic. Many of these individuals sought out the services of Ambrose Furniture, contributing to increased foot traffic and sales. Interestingly, customers from the Hampton Roads metropolitan area in Virginia, including Norfolk and Virginia Beach, have also flocked to the store in search of quality furniture.

A Smart Approach to Inventory

What really sets Ambrose Furniture apart is its proactive inventory strategy. Anticipating demand during tumultuous times, the store ramped up its stock levels, thus avoiding the order cancellations that troubled many retailers. Shoppers are getting creative too; some make long drives from as far away as Richmond, Virginia, to find inventory during a nationwide shortage.

Meeting Customers’ Needs

In a market where lead times can stretch up to six months for upholstery, Ambrose provides a reliable shopping experience by focusing on a mix of popular brands instead of high-end luxury items. Although the inventory features well-known names like Kincaid, Lexington, Universal, La-Z-Boy, and Rowe, it adequately caters to the rental market, helping vacation homeowners furnish their spaces beautifully.

More than Just Furniture

Ambrose Furniture does not stop at big-ticket items; lamps, area rugs, and a selection of accessories also play a vital role in their sales numbers. By emphasizing a complete aesthetic for homes and rentals alike, the store has effectively captured a broader customer base.

Staying Classic in a Digital World

In a world increasingly driven by social media, Ambrose Furniture relies on traditional advertising methods such as TV and word-of-mouth to reach their patrons. They feature the adorable Moxie, a Wheaten Terrier, as their store mascot, charming customers through fun, relatable ads.

Looking Ahead

Co-owner Barry Ambrose remains optimistic about the company’s future. With diligent attention to inventory and a deep understanding of customer needs, Ambrose Furniture stands as a beacon of success, proving that dedication and community connection can thrive in any economic climate. Indeed, their story is one of resilience and charm, featuring the beauty of life’s furnishings in the heart of the Outer Banks.

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Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.