SOMERS POINT — Big Wally’s Discount Furniture will be selling its last sofa soon.
The owners announced Nov. 20 that they would be retiring and selling the building at 514 New Road.
“After a lifetime in the furniture business, and 33 wonderful years serving this community, my wife and I are announcing our retirement,” Wally Mabe said. “With no ‘Little Wally’ waiting to take over, the time feels right to close this chapter.”
The 72-year-old and his wife, Donna Mabe, said they have enjoyed operating their business for more than three decades and will close for good in February.
Meanwhile, they are selling off all of their inventory at even larger discounts.
“This decision comes with both gratitude and emotion, as we reflect on the many relationships, memories and milestones that have shaped our journey,” they said.
Big Wally is originally from North Carolina and was born and raised in the furniture business. His Somers Point location was established in 1992, selling quality furniture at discounted prices
Many longtime locals will remember the radio ad featuring the following jingle:
Big Wally’s Furniture Store
Big, big discounts, selection and more.
Save big money when you walk through the door
at Big Wally’s Furniture Store.
Big Wally’s Furniture Store
Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms galore.
Carolina Furniture, direct to your door
from Big Wally’s Furniture Store.
Mabe attributes the success of his business to customer satisfaction, noting the majority of his business was repeat customers and customer referrals.
“Furniture has been in my family for generations, beginning with my grandfather in North Carolina and later my father in New Jersey, where I learned the trade as a young boy,” he said.
Mage said spending more than 50 years in the business “has been one of the great privileges of my life.”
“The support from our loyal customers, many of whom feel like family, is something we will always treasure,” he said.
They plan to become “snowbirds,” spending winters in Florida and the rest of the year at their home in Linwood.
– STORY and PHOTO by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
At top, Wally and Donna Mabe in their store, Big Wally’s Discount Furniture, which is having a going out of business sale.
