While a lot has changed in Anacortes over the 43 years, one thing has remained constant: the passion Bob Tracy has for the furniture business.
After all, it’s rare these days to have a business owner still waking up early to serve his customers after four decades. But legends like Bob, owner and founder of Tracy’s Furniture, wouldn’t have it any other way.
While working with his sister Teddi in upholstery, Bob was struck by the need for a homegrown furniture store in Anacortes.
He pitched his idea to the bank, and the rest is history: “We walked into the bank with a vision of being the only furniture store in town. The bank guy said, ‘You’re going to be our furniture people’ and we got financed,” Bob recalls.
”I took advice from a guy about opening early and tapping into the traffic from first ferry at 8 a.m. From there, the community has always strongly supported us.”
Key to their success has been quality furniture with virtually endless fabric and color options.
“Our team is committed to helping you find furniture that lasts a lifetime. We have incredible lines built to last like the Stressless of Norway line with 67 leathers and seven wood finishes to choose from,” he says.
“And our Smith Brothers line, started by two brothers in Indiana, features 1,000 fabrics and 100 leathers, plus steel frames, springs that never wear out and it is our number one line.”
In fact, more than half of the store’s sales are special orders.
Whether it’s a certain color on the legs of the chair or a having the throw pillow match the sofa fabric, the Tracy’s team is committed to bringing their customers’ visions to life.
“One of our employees has been here for 35 years, but all of them know their stuff. All of our lines are geared toward endless and amazing choices for the customer,” Bob says. “If someone doesn’t like what they have, they can take anything back in seven days, guaranteed.”
However, Bob knows that having great selection isn’t the only element that makes a great furniture store. It takes a commitment to the communities of the Great Northwest, and a passion as strong and timeless as the furniture he sells.
It’s a philosophy he learned first-hand.
“My sister Teddi had her own upholstery shop in Seattle, where I worked with designers. She had such a great personality and I learned so much from her.”
To learn more, visit Tracy’s Furniture in downtown Anacortes at 1920 Commercial Ave. and online at tracysfurniture.com