Bazensky's, a family-owned furniture store, has moved to Middle River and expanded its product line to attract a broader range of clients.
Last month, the store moved from 1727 E. Joppa Rd. in Parkville to 917 Middle River Rd.
The store that once sold mostly dining room sets, patio furniture, and bar fixtures now also carries sofas, bedroom furniture, and a full line of home furnishings.
As the economy went south,
Bazensky's could no longer afford to specialize in a particular type of furniture, Owner Miriam Bazensky says. That's because customers are now less interested in spending time and money driving around to various stores to furnish their home.
"People don't want to waste gas going from one store to another," Bazensky says.
The home furnishings business has been severely hurt by the downturn in the housing market.
"It's been a challenge to accommodate [customers]. People are asking for severe discounts but I can't stay in business and give the same discounts as the big box stores," Bazensky says.
The store now has a wider range of prices. Sofas start at $429 and barstools cost anywhere from $99 to $600.
"Some people don't want to spend that much money," Bazensky says. "They need to put food on the table � and we want it to be one of our tables."
The company is spending about $100,000 to move to the 11,000-square-foot standalone building and expand its product line.
But the business owner says she believes the investment will pay off.
"It was risky not to move," Bazensky says.
Middle River seemed like a good location because it is convenient to residents in Cecil and Harford Counties, Bazensky says.
Writer: Julekha Dash
Source: Miriam Bazensky, Bazensky's