Texas store changes name, adds more U.S.-made goods

Owner will revert to Southside Furniture in Tyler, Longview

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 28, 2010

TYLER, Texas — The owner of Ashley Furniture stores in Tyler and Longview, Texas, is changing the store names back to the original Southside Furniture as the retailer has integrated more American-made product into its line-up.

Local television station KLTV reported on its website that owner Pat Melius converted back to Southside in Tyler and will do the same soon in Longview.

She told the station that she realized that many furniture suppliers had gradually moved to all imported products, adding, "It made us stop and think and (ask) what could we do to help the country?" She said the move will help keep jobs in the United States and should reduce the long shipping delays common lately with imports.

The stores will continue to carry Ashley goods, she said, but also other brands, including some manufactured in Texas.