Cramer's Home Center Opens Oak Harbor Location

Furniture World Magazine

Cramer's Home Center, a Washington State based retail furniture chain, announced today they are purchasing the Oak Harbor Furniture store. The new location will be the fifth store in the highly successful chain, joining locations in Omak, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, and Yakima. The Oak Harbor Furniture Store has been operating for 54 years. Cramer's will assume operations May 1, 2004. Norman Oldenburg started Oak Harbor Furniture in 1950. The current owners, Todd and Paula Oldenburg, purchased the store from Todd's parents in 1974. With Todd and Paula at the helm, Oak Harbor Furniture has grown into the premier furniture destination of the Whidbey Island area. In retirement, they will divide their time between Oak Harbor and Mesquite, Nevada. A retirement celebration will be held at the Oak Harbor Furniture Store on May 8th, from 12 PM - 3 PM. The Oldenburg Family, along with Marty & Michelle Cramer, will be present. The community is welcome to attend. Until the acquisition of Oak Harbor Furniture, Cramer's focus has been on Washington State's East Side. "Some people may be surprised by our expansion into the West Side market," said Marty Cramer, President of Cramer's Home Center. "There were many factors that led us to Oak Harbor Furniture. First, of course, was Oak Harbor Furniture's long and respected standing in the community. We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to carry on the 54 years of excellent service and quality that the Oldenburg family has established. And we are also very proud of our relationship with La-Z-y Boy and Oak Harbor Furniture is a premiere Laz-Z-Boy gallery location." According to David Murley, Cramer's general manager, the Oak Harbor Furniture name will stay with the store. "We will add some Cramer's touches here and there, to maintain consistency in our advertising," explains Murley. "A few of the subtle changes Cramer's will introduce will be in our advertising style and the product mix." Cramer's Home Center is very excited to extend their market to Oak Harbor and to become a member of the Whidbey Island Community. Media Contact: Mary Cramer President of Cramer's Home Center marty@elltel.net +1-509-933-2172