Under new ownership just over a year ago, Stucky’s Furniture & Appliance in Fort Wayne has made some big changes, but one thing remains the same – a commitment to the best customer service possible.
Those efforts have been rewarded with 16 consecutive years of being voted the “best appliance store in Fort Wayne,” by local newspaper readers.
Since Bill and Polly Shuee, and his brother and sister-in-law Brent and Lori, purchased the family-owned business exactly a year ago, they have done some major remodeling and updating in the store to include a furniture line, new signage, a new name (formerly Stucky Bros.), energy efficient LED lighting, and more.
“This place has longevity and we are just trying to reinvigorate this grand old brand name and give it a fresh, new look,” says Bill Shuee. “We want to be a one-stop-shop for customers who want home furnishings. We take care of our customers the way we would like to be taken care of.”
The store sells to homeowners, contractors and remodelers. Stucky’s is celebrating its 108th anniversary this October and details are being worked out on how to thank the community for their support, he says.
Stucky’s has also expanded the on-staff team of delivery, installation and repair service professionals and have devoted about 15,000 square feet of space in a 40,000-square-foot showroom to furniture, including mattresses and electronics.
Appliances account for the majority of their sales and they offer many mid-line brands as well as premium lines like Sub-Zero and Wolf. For the bargain hunter, there is the “bargain barn” with reduced prices on appliances with dings and dents, but still covered under warranty and eligible for service.
The Shuee brothers are not new to the furniture and appliance business. Since 1987, they’ve managed a Greencastle, Ind. appliance store established in 1970 by their late father, Bob Shuee. They also own a furniture store in Greencastle, a furniture and appliance store in Brazil and an appliance store in Lafayette, Ind.
The brothers have a total of six children, five of whom are already working in the family business.
“We’re hoping the next generations will continue to operate as we have for as long as possible,” Shuee says. ❚