New Hampshire retailer C.A. Hoitt closing after 133 years

Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, January 17, 2013

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Furniture retailer C.A. Hoitt is closing its doors after 133 years, as its owner and president has chosen to retire.

While the business climate has been challenging, President Brian Longo said the decision was not born out of distress. "We're going out with our heads held high," he said.

The retailer, with a 40,000-square-foot showroom at Valley and Wilson streets, has begun promoting "The Great $2 Million Going Out of Business Sale," bringing in sales specialist Lynch Sales to run the event. Longo said he couldn't estimate how long the sale would run or project sales.

"I'm third generation. I've been active in the business for over 50 years, so it's just my time to retire and pursue other interests," Longo said. He added that the promotion already has created "a huge amount of response from the public."

Like several other independent operators who have recently shut down their furniture stores, Longo said the business has changed in recent years and that business conditions are challenging. But he added that C.A Hoitt has managed to maintain its integrity, holding tight to quality and service values.

Among its key suppliers are Thomasville, Lexington Home Brands, Sherrill, Wesley Hall, Fairfield, Smith Bros. and Therapedic and Natura World in bedding.

Longo said he's hoping to sell the business and has seen some interest, although he wouldn't identify the interested parties.