published: Sunday, July 03, 2011

Furniture by Cathy opens up in Lake Placid

By SAMANTHA GHOLAR

sgholar@newssun.com

LAKE PLACID -- Furniture by Cathy is a brand new furniture store located at 361 Interlake Blvd. Owners Cathy and Danny Simmons have been in Highlands County for 33 years. Their first business was Cabinetry by Danny, a very successful and long running cabinetry company.

Furniture by Cathy was initially opened in Sebring and was located inside the Dickey Electrical building.

"We were there for about six months. There wasn't any A.C, in our part of the warehouse," Simmons said.

Simmons was informed by a friend of a friend regarding the current retail space.

"The owner, Jerry Coleman, showed us the building. We looked in the window and we just loved it," said Simmons. The store moved into its current location just two short months ago and opened its doors in late May.

Furniture by Cathy features new and quality used furniture, rugs, lamps and bedding. Simmons and her husband take several shopping trips for new items to feature in their store and are in good with the newest suppliers.

"What we are offering is good price furniture," Simmons said. "We work to keep our overhead low so that we can keep our prices low and reasonable."

The store features a wide selection of items including name brands like Serta and Symbol mattresses and box springs. Simmons feels that the bedding is the key aspect of the store.

Cathy Simmons' dream of owning her very own furniture is finally a reality and though the move from Sebring to Lake Placid made her a little nervous at first, she has come to feel comfortable and welcomed in the new store.

"I was afraid that people would thought we shut down and they would forget about us, but I got a lot of calls asking where the store had gone and just told them where we are now," said Simmons.

Cathy Simmons feels that the store is something that the community will appreciate and value as it grows.

"We aren't here looking to get rich or build some huge empire. This is something that I enjoy and that I'm passionate about. We're going to be here as long as people continue to support us. It has been a challenge, but it's been worth it," she said.

Furniture by Cathy is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The store number is 465-0200 and Simmons plans to hold a grand opening event soon.