Kimbrell's Furniture closing downtown Raleigh location after 70 years

Kimbrell's Furniture has been open at its Fayetteville Street location for more than 70 years, helping families of many generations purchase items for their homes.

Unbeatable prices brought Vernice Stevenson to Kimbrell’s on Monday.

"I wanted a recliner for my husband because his mobility is a little bit off," explained Stevenson.

"I'm just sorry to see it happen, and I'm sure they didn't want this to happen, but things happen," added Stevenson.

The store is still boarded up from riots back in May. Rioters smashed out windows, pulled out furniture and set some some items on fire for two nights in a row.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it's been hard getting customers to visit downtown.

"It's been kind of sketchy. It's been on and off," described Kelvin Manning, who works at The Vault, a vintage clothing store in downtown Raleigh.

He’s aware of the furniture store’s impact in the community.

"It's legendary. It's very popular," said Manning.

He said seeing a local small business close up shop has forced him to re-evaluate how he runs his own business, including appealing to customers online.

"It's easier," he explained. "COVID and all this, people don't want to come out, and most people shop online. Why not? It's something to think about for small business."

Two other Kimbrell’s locations, on New Bern Avenue and Wilmington Street in Raleigh, will remain open.