Ed Ivey made the bittersweet decision to retire from selling furniture after over 40 years in the business.
"It's been a wonderful ride," Ivey said Friday. "It's been a lot of fun. I've met tons and tons of wonderful folks over the years, and so many of them that I will miss."
Ivey owns Ivey Furniture on Browns Bridge Road in Gainesville. It's been operating just under 40 years in that location selling furniture and mattresses. He said his daughter said it best, "If I'm happy, why am I tearing up?"
Ivey has spent nearly every day at the furniture store since he purchased it from a previous employer. His daughter even learned to walk in the building, and Ivey recalled spending many days with the kids in tow in the showroom.
"It's emotional, but it's been a long time and it's time," he said.
Now, a new furniture store will fill the space, Great American Furniture and Mattress.
"The owner of that business I've known for over 40 years, and is really a super nice guy," Ivey said.
Ivey said there will be some transition time as Ivey Furniture liquidates stock. "Once they get everything closed out, we'll close the store temporarily for a little bit of remodeling, they'll reopen and continue to be a furniture store in this location."
Ivey won't be too far away from his former store. He owns the building and is leasing it to the new store.
He said he looks forward to spending time with his family, following personal interests, and going on a cruise when the ships are back in business.
