BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Galbraith’s Furniture has always had a reputation of quality furniture and customer service, along with a long tradition in the community, tracing its roots back to 1900.
“My family has had the store since 1963,” said Dave Galbraith. “Word of mouth is our best advertising, just customers referring other people to our store. When they’re happy, they tell other people.”
Seven people work at the store. and they are kept busy with furniture and working on projects such as drapery and design, ongoing projects with windows, some floor projects, and even special projects like the recently completed decoration for the Pinecrest Country Club.
Galbraith says customers are attracted for an average of 40 to 50 miles, but they also attract people from some distance. Deliveries, in addition to the local area, include Pittsburgh at least every other month, Warren, Kane, State College, and even Homer City near Indiana.
Furniture brands include, Flexsteel, Chromcraft, Coast to Coast, Crestview Collection, Hammary, La-z-boy, Legacy, Marshfeild, Mobel, and Peter-Revington.
One big misconception that some people have about Galbraith’s is that when people see the front of the store they have no idea on the amount of stock available.
“It’s a lot bigger than it looks,” said Galbraith. “There’s the storefront, but we have three stories and another building.”
The furniture business is challenging today, and several in the region have announced closings. Galbraith thinks customer service is one of the main factors in the Brookville store’s success.
“Our services is what a lot of people tells (us) attracts them. We go the extra distance for customer services and find what they need and how we can help them out.”
Design Services- They’ll come to your home and customize a room plan to your tastes and lifestyle. Their design consultants will suggest different ways to layout your room and help you avoid costly mistakes. So, whether you are redesigning a room or just trying to freshen things up with new accessories and accents, their design team can assist you.
Special Orders -Although Galbraith’s offer a huge selection for immediate delivery, many unusual furniture items and fabric applications are available by special order. Their designers can help you select the fabric and style that best compliments your home. Dozens of catalogs and hundreds of decorative fabrics featuring the latest colors and patterns help you create your own unique designs by special order. You can also order yardage for “do-it-yourself” projects.
Carpeting and Window Coverings -Galbraith’s take the hassle out of purchasing carpeting or window coverings. All measurements and estimates are free. You can depend on their many years of installation experience and attention to detail.
History
In the early 1900′s, McKnight’s History of Jefferson County described the R and D Furniture Co. (then known as Reitz Furniture Co.) as follows: “They are doing business as the Reitz Furniture Company, and have a commodious store, carrying a large stock of furniture, as well as carpets, rugs, pianos, phonographs, etc.”
“With a well selected line of goods, attractively arranged, and obliging service to all patrons, they have attracted a large custom in and around Brookville, which they have held by the most commendable methods.”
In 1940, Rufus Reitz brought his son, Don Reitz, into the business and the name was changed to R and D Furniture Company (initials standing for Rufus and Don).
Rufus and Don Reitz were also involved in the funeral business for many years, as was Mr. Don Galbraith, who took over both businesses in 1963.
The Galbraith family has been operating the business ever since. The name was changed to Galbraith’s R and D Furniture Co. when Mr. Galbraith, and his son, David Galbraith and his son-in-law, Kenneth King, formed a partnership. Much of the fine furniture sold since 1900 is still in service today. Many quality furniture pieces have been handed down from generation to generation.
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