Ashley Furniture opens in Liberty Lake

LIBERTY LAKE – Ashley Furniture HomeStores opened its newest location this week in Liberty Lake on Country Vista Drive just west of Home Depot.

According to industry trade magazine Furniture Today, Ashley Furniture Industries, based in Arcadia, Wis., is the nation’s No. 1 selling furniture brand.

Regional manager Joe LaCroix told the staff of 20 associates in training last week, “We’re No. 1 not just because we’re the largest manufacturer, have the largest trucking fleet, have the largest showrooms, but because you’re dedicated to having fun while taking care of our customers’ needs.”

Liberty Lake resident Jodi Bailey was there on Monday with her children and her mother Kathy Ambelang and said her shopping experience was really pleasant. “We didn’t get immediately pounced on when we came in and (the Ashley associate) was cordial and helped with questions and kept an eye on us.”

Store manager Nathan Bristlin has experience in the furniture business. “My hometown is Spokane, and I just joined Ashley in January, but I already see a huge competitive advantage we have: one-stop shopping and just an enormous selection to choose from.” He said fresh-baked cookies and coffee are available for customers, and parents will appreciate the “fun zone” for children with movies, a play area and three PlayStation 2s.

Ashley stores are independently owned and operated, and Montana resident owners Jed and Jennifer Hagen and partner Ben Thorud were on hand during the opening week.

. There are 25 employees, and scores of trucks delivered more than 2,500 pieces of furniture and 3,000 pieces of accessories. Bristlin said a grand opening will be announced soon. “I’d just like to extend an invitation to come visit our showroom,” he said. “It will be unlike anything else in Spokane, and we have a wonderful staff that is both personable and passionate about the experience.”

The store is on 3.7 acres and includes a Sleep City mattress shop with a separate entrance.