BUSINESS
ISSUE
Life
in
the
Slow
Lane
Schmitt Furniture celebrates longevity and overcoming industry changes
BY MANDY WOLF DETWILER | PHOTOS BY ZACH SCHANSBERG
Mention the name “Schmitt Furniture” and
many folks in Kentuckiana will follow with a quick
“on the furniture corner of State and Main in New
Albany!” It’s one of the best-known taglines in
the region following decades of commercials.
The family-owned business – now under third-
and fourth-generation management – remains
true to its origins dating back to the 1930s, while
bringing in the modern flair desired by today’s
savvy shoppers.
Fourth-generation partner Zack Schmitt and
his father and company president Louis Schimitt,
along with aunt Anne Schmitt, who serves as
treasurer, are on hand daily at the massive New
Albany store.
Schmitt Furniture’s story hails back to 1936,
when founder Charles H. Schmitt and A.M.
Heleringer opened two locations in downtown
New Albany. It was second-generation Charles
Jr. who grew the business exponentially. “The
second generation in successful family businesses
tend to work out in the same way: the second
generation generally grows the business, and
that was the case here,” says Zack, who serves
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