Bob's Discount Furniture

Bob's Discount Furniture

Company type	Private
Industry	Furniture retail
Founded	January 1, 1991 (1991-01-01) in Newington, Connecticut, U.S.
Founder	Bob Kaufman, Gene Rosenberg
Headquarters	Manchester , United States
Area served	United States (24 states, mainly Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, West Coast)
Key people	William Barton (CEO), Ted English (executive chairman)
Products	Furniture
Parent	Bain Capital (since 2014)
Website	www.mybobs.com

Bob's Discount Furniture is a U.S.-based furniture retail chain with its main office located in Manchester, Connecticut. Established in 1991 in Newington, Connecticut by founders Bob Kaufman and Gene Rosenberg, it holds the 12th position in sales among American furniture retailers according to the Furniture Today Top 100 rankings. By 2022, the company managed 150 outlets spanning 24 states, concentrating its presence in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and West Coast markets.

History

Following a motorcycle accident in 1976 that injured co-founder Bob Kaufman, he found relief through waterbeds and began selling them during the 1980s by leasing space in 24 stores throughout New England. As demand for waterbeds declined around 1990, Kaufman joined forces with Gene Rosenberg, who owned Wholesale Furniture, to launch Bob's Discount Furniture. Ownership was divided with Rosenberg holding two-thirds and Kaufman one-third. The first store opened in 1991 when Rosenberg converted a bankrupt furniture outlet in Newington, Connecticut into a Bob's Discount Furniture location.

During the 1990s, the company grew by taking over empty retail premises left vacant amid the early 1990s recession in the United States. By 1997, Bob's operated twelve stores within Connecticut and two locations in western Massachusetts. Their expansion during this economically difficult period was largely supported by widespread television advertising campaigns.

In early 2005, investment firm Saunders Karp & Megrue acquired a majority 70% stake in Bob's Discount Furniture, which was later sold to Apax Partners Worldwide. In November 2006, Ted English—previously CEO of TJX Companies—was appointed CEO of Bob's Discount Furniture, succeeding Stan Adelstein who transitioned to chairman. Adelstein retired in April 2013, with English taking over the chairman role. Between 2006 and 2010, the company extended operations into Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, and Virginia.

In the first quarter of 2014, Bain Capital acquired Bob's Discount Furniture; however, significant ownership remained with the existing management team. Two years later, Michael Skirvin advanced from president and COO to CEO, replacing English who continued as executive chairman. Skirvin retired in June 2020; English served as interim CEO until William Barton—formerly associated with California Closets—was named CEO in October 2020.

Advertising

Bob's Discount Furniture maintains a strong presence on television and radio advertising platforms. In 1997 alone, approximately 500 commercials were broadcast weekly throughout Connecticut on both network and cable channels. By 2006, its advertisements were frequently aired during Boston Red Sox and New York Mets games. These commercials often feature company president Bob Kaufman dressed casually alongside employees such as Cathy Poulin, Director of Public Relations. Since 2004, ads have included "Little Bob," a diminutive caricature of Kaufman. The commercials are characterized by their quirky and humorous tone along with memorable slogans highlighting "untouchable value."

The company's marketing approach also incorporates corporate sponsorships with professional sports franchises including the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and LA Galaxy. These alliances serve to boost brand recognition and strengthen market presence across vital geographic areas.

Stores

Bob's Discount Furniture currently operates 189 retail outlets spanning 24 states throughout the United States, with a focus on the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and West Coast areas. After solidifying its foothold in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, the company expanded into the Midwest by acquiring lease agreements from the defunct H.H. Gregg. Its West Coast expansion in 2018 involved taking over locations previously occupied by Sport Chalet and Sports Authority. By mid-2020, Bob's had successfully entered the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Many Bob's stores include on-site cafés providing complimentary beverages and frequently feature "The Outlet," a dedicated section offering discounted items with minor imperfections.

Community involvement

Annually, Bob's Discount Furniture contributes more than $2.75 million to charitable organizations through its Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation and Bob’s Outreach initiatives. These programs support groups such as March of Dimes, Autism Speaks, Special Olympics, Save the Children, and Camp Rising Sun. The company has earned recognition from the American Red Cross for its monetary donations and sponsorship of blood drives, often collaborating with professional football franchises like the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

Following the opening of new stores, the Random Acts of Kindness program allocates funds to local educational institutions and children's initiatives. For over three decades, Bob's has hosted a charity golf tournament benefiting nonprofits including Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Moreover, the Café Collections for a Cause campaign matches in-store donations to support organizations such as Autism Speaks, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, and the Special Olympics.