Big Sandy Superstore, Steve Patton win Tupelo Furniture Market awards

Gary Evans -- Furniture Today, February 20, 2012

TUPELO, Miss. — An Ohio retail chain took home the Tupelo Furniture Market's national buyer appreciation award and a Louisiana-based sales representative also won a top award in ceremonies here last week, according to the Northeast Missippi Journal.

The retail award, presented to a dealer who consistently supports the market here, went to Top 100 company Big Sandy Superstore, a 58-year-old furniture retailer with more than 20 stores in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. CEO Robbie Van Hoose Jr. accepted the award.

Headquartered in Franklin Furnace, Ohio, Big Sandy sells furniture, bedding, appliances and electronics. Furniture/Today estimated its 2010 furniture, bedding and accessories sales at $112 million.

Steve Patton, who represents Pine Crafter Furniture, Bernards and Hidgon Furniture, was presented the sales rep award, which recognizes outstanding salespeople who have played an important role in the support and promotion of the Tupelo market.

Patton, who lives in Lafayette, La., has been in the industry for more than 40 years and previous represented Corsicana Bedding for 28 years.