Barry and Pat O’Handley have a keen understanding about the retail sector, and they try to bring that knowledge to their business, Room by Room Furniture.
They also recognize the importance of the employees and customers in having a successful retail business.
The retail business supplies all home furnishings, including fireplaces, bedroom suites, bedding accessories and living room furniture. Nine people are currently employed at the business, which is located at the intersection of Sixth Street and 13th Avenue in downtown Estevan.
Room by Room won a pair of awards through the Readers’ Choice Best of Estevan contest offered by Estevan Mercury Publications, taking home recognitions for the best furniture sales and best fireplace sales.
Barry O’Handley said it’s a good feeling to win through Best of Estevan. When the Mercury last offered the competition back in 2011, Room by Room won in the same categories.
“When you have the people in general voting on it, it makes you feel pretty good, but when it’s all said and done, they obviously feel that we must be a fair and honest retailer to support us the way they have, and we’re very lucky to have the support from the community and the surrounding areas that we do have,” said O’Handley.
He believes the employees are ultimately the biggest reason Room by Room was selected for these awards for the second straight time. They’re non-commissioned, so they’re willing to spend time with customers no matter the size of the purchase.
“They’re just the best people in the industry, as far as I’m concern, with the knowledge of product and the time they will take to serve a customer,” said O’Handley.
The O’Handleys have become very passionate about working in retail. They enjoy working with the public, and there is a sense of satisfaction associated with owning their own business, even if it is a lot of work.
“There’s also the flip side of that of the rewards and the good people you get to meet, and the great staff that you have over the years,” said O’Handley.
The people make the biggest difference, he said. The O’Handleys enjoy working with their staff and the store’s customers.
“It’s the great people that you meet through retail and you probably wouldn’t have that opportunity if you’re not in that retail sector,” said O’Handley. “The people who come through your door every day become your friends, and it’s a great relationship that way.”
The O’Handleys started in retail in 1976 when they opened Barry’s Stereo Village in Estevan. They sold stereos, televisions and other home electronics. Then they managed Econo Furniture and Sound.
In 2004, they decided it was time to run their own business.
Retail has changed a lot due to the growth of online shopping, he said. People are turning more to online shopping that wasn’t there when they first started in business.
“Every time somebody shops on the Internet or on Amazon, they’re taking money out of the retailers pockets that used to support the hospital or Creighton Lodge or ball teams, or any sort or recreation that we normally do,” said O’Handley.
But he reminds the public that when they shop at a local business, they are supporting their community.
“We support baseball and hockey and the community in general.”
It’s important for businesses to support other organizations in the community, too. Room by Room enjoys giving back, he said, and it’s the support from the community that has allowed them to make those donations.
The O’Handleys are always looking for new product lines to add to the business, and they look forward to continuing to serve the public.
