MACON, Ga. — Union Furniture Company, a family-owned furniture store first opened on Poplar Street in 1912 by founder Simon Becker, announced they're closing the store for good.
The store was opened only four months after the Titanic sank. They were on Poplar Street until 1974, and they moved to the current Third Street location in 1979.
"We bought my great uncle's downtown location Empire Furniture, and moved two doors up the street. We were there for five years," says the current owner, Simon Becker, the grandson of the founder.
The founder's two sons, Buddy and David Becker, kept the business going in 1974. He says he knew he was going to have to close the store at some point about 9 months ago.
"I spent 40 years here. My father and my uncle before me, my grandfather before that. But I don't have anybody following me, so it was going to happen either now or sometime in the relatively in the near future anyway," Becker said.
The furniture store's history has helped families turn their houses into homes. Becker told 13WMAZ it was bittersweet coming to this decision and reflecting on the 112 years it's been in the family.
"It's really a difficult decision. It's very emotional," Becker said.
Becker says the store has sold everything from the couches, coffee tables, and even older types of washers. He says this store has served many generations, and it's the community that has made the store live on.
"We've had many people who have done business with us for 20, 30, 40 years. We've had the grandchildren of people we've done business with, do business with," Becker said.
Becker isn't sure what is next for him, but he knows once inventory is gone and the final paperwork is complete, the Third Street location will be a family landmark.
"So thankful to the community for everything that they've done for us and we've done for them as well. Providing furniture for generations of people in the Macon community," Becker said.
The closing sale will begin next Wednesday, April 24. Becker says they will close once everything is sold.
Union is the second downtown furniture store to close in recent years. Blairs Discount Furniture shut down in 2020 after 45 years on Third Street.