Western Retailer-Of-The-Year Awarded To Bruce McEachran, Burgans Fine Furniture, Spokane, WA

Furniture World News

The Western Home Furnishings Association (WHFA) has named Bruce McEachran of Burgans Fine Furniture, a Spokane, Wash ington-based home furnishings retailer, as recipient of the 2000 Western Retailer –of –the –Year -Award. This is the highest honor that WHFA can bestow on a member of the 2,500 store association representing retailers from the 10 Western States including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. The award was presented during the special gala presentation on May 9th during the 40th Annual Western Home Furnishings Association Conference and Tradeshow, May 7-9, 2000 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WHFA Western Retailer-of-the-Year Award is given each year to a retailer who is exemplary in merchandising and advertising; has a commitment to support the betterment of the home furnishings industry and industry related activities; as well as service to the community and/or civic organizations. Burgans Fine Furnishings has very deep and diverse roots in the Eastern Washington region. E.S. Burgan began the general merchandise business in Waitsburg, WA in 1871. In the early 1900's he moved the business to the Spokane area where he developed a thriving business. In the early 1920's Bruce's grandfather, W.L. McEachran joined Burgans as Treasurer and with his guidance grew Burgans into a chain of 45 grocery stores throughout Northwest Washington and a thriving mail order business. It is these grocery outlets, gone since the 1950's, which established the name of Burgans in the Northwest. Though now they sell mid-range home furnishings instead of canned goods, the Burgan's trucks continue to deliver to many of the small communities that once hosted their grocery stores. Bruce joined his father, brother, uncle and two cousins as a Burgan's salesman in 1971. Soon after entering into the family business he began his community involvement. Bruce served on the Spokane Retail Credit Association's Board of Directors from 1972-81 and Board of Directors for the Spokane Chamber of Commerce form 1992-95. Bruce also joined the Rotary in 1983 and served on their board from 1985-91 and was Vice President 1989-90. Bruce has been very active in the industry as well. He was on the NHFA-NW Board of Directors from 1988 until they merged with WHFA in 1999, where he continues to serve on the WHFA Board of Directors. Bruce served as President of NHFA-NW from 1993-1996, and as Next Generation ViceChairman 1988 and Chairman 1989. For his efforts, Bruce received the John Q. Kelly Award as the NHFA-NW outstanding retailer for the year 1989. Under Bruce's leadership, Burgans is now a $6-7 million sales per year store with 49 employees that are totally dedicated to serving their customers. With on staff upholsterers and refinishers, an informational website, and a free deliver radius of 150 miles, Burgans is committed to their mission statement: which reads "Our mission is to provide the best service and merchandise value to our customer, while creating an atmosphere which fosters respect and encourages growth for our employees. " When asked, Bruce reflected on the industry and said, "This is a wonderful business we are in. It's constantly changing, and it's continually challenging. It's gratifying and rewarding. When you think you figured it out, you get to think again, and the people in this business are among the best you will find." And upon the announcement that he was this years Retailer-of-the-Year he said, "I thank you for this honor, I truly believe that it should be inscribed with the names of the visionaries: E.S. Burgan Jessie Burgan, W.L. McEachran, Don McEachran, Robert McEachran, and Rich McEachran. For without their guidance, I could not be here today."