Retailer Rude's gets new partner

Clint Engel -- Furniture Today, January 21, 2013

Nick Hanson, left, and Alfred Rude of Rude’s Home Furnishings in Brookings, S.D., meet with new business partner and family friend David Kneip in the store’s sleep center. Photo courtesy of Brookings Register.BROOKINGS, S.D. - Rude's Home Furnishings here has expanded its ownership beyond the Rude family for the first time in its more than 130-year history.
     Local developer and Realtor David Kneip and his family have purchased the downtown real estate where the 20,000-square-foot store is located and are now partners in Rude's Home Furnishings LLC, which operates the business, said Alfred Rude, fourth-generation owner.
     Other Rude family members involved in the business are Alfred's wife, Deanna Rude, their son Conor Rude and nephew Nick Hanson. Alfred Rude and Hanson will continue as management and marketing consultants for Rude's.
     Conor Rude will continue helping with delivery, service, and electronics merchandising while completing his education.
     Deanna Rude, with the help of her family, will open a 1,500-square-foot Rude's Loft on the Level this spring in the Forester building at 308 6th Street in Brookings, in front of Rude's warehouse, selling antiques, collectibles and other accent and gift items. The shop will replace a Rude's Loft above the showroom that occupies spaces the Kneips will renovate and restore to apartments for lease.
     "David Kneip is like a brother to me," Alfred Rude said. "His family is our family. David was best man at our wedding and he is godfather to Conor. We are proud to have the Kneip family join Rude's to carry on and grow our business."
     He added that the new partnership also allows him more flexibility to enjoy time with his family.
    Opened in 1881 by George Rude, the midpriced South Dakota retailer sells goods from Ashley, Best Home Furnishings, Furniture Traditions, Southern Motion, Serta and other suppliers.
     "The many generations of friends and customers that have enjoyed shopping at Rude's will be excited to see the growth," Alfred Rude said in a statement. "We have dedicated and longtime staff who will continue serving. Watch for exciting things to happen at Rude's Home Furnishings in 2013."