UPDATE: Sylvan Furniture is set to close its doors forever in downtown Lewiston, with a final closing date tentatively scheduled for the end of April 2024. The iconic store, located at 815 Main St., has been a staple in the community since the 1950s, but change is on the horizon as another family-owned furniture store prepares to take over the space.
“We were approached by an interested party that wanted our building,” said Rachel Rinard, who owns Sylvan Furniture with her husband, JJ Rinard. While specific details about the acquiring store remain undisclosed, it is confirmed that renovations will take place, and the new store is expected to open in late summer or early fall.
The Rinards are holding a going-out-of-business sale, with popular items like power sofas and recliners featuring USB ports for charging devices. “Some of the most sought-after pieces include heating and massage features,” Rinard added. New inventory continues to arrive, including unique items such as furniture with “sound emulsion,” designed for individual seating with surround sound capabilities.
Special orders, which account for approximately 80% of their sales volume, will be accepted for another six to eight weeks, allowing customers to fulfill their needs even as the store winds down operations. “We have a lot of people building homes right now,” Rinard noted, emphasizing the continuing demand for furniture.
As the store transitions ownership, the Rinards will maintain an office at the Sylvan warehouse for about one year, ensuring ongoing support for customers and preserving the Sylvan brand’s esteemed reputation. “It’s important to us that we provide excellent service to our loyal customers even after we close,” said Rinard.
The decision to close comes six years after the Rinards acquired Sylvan Furniture from Karen Shaul, a second-generation owner. “It definitely was not something we were looking for,” Rinard reflected on the unexpected opportunity to sell the property.
For many in the community, the closing of Sylvan Furniture marks the end of an era. “I loved Sylvan Furniture,” Rinard shared, recalling her journey from bookkeeper to general manager during her 25 years with the company. “It’s a great environment, great employer, great customers. I was never bored.”
As the going-out-of-business sale unfolds, customers are encouraged to take advantage of significant discounts while they still can. With the store’s rich history and loyal customer base, the transition is sure to evoke a mix of nostalgia and hope for what the future holds in Lewiston.
Stay tuned for updates as the community anticipates the arrival of the new furniture store later this year. For more information on the sale and special orders, visit Sylvan Furniture’s promotional social media pages.
