Chauvin family’s created a comfy spot at The Furniture Place

Information session set for today on business recovery grant
January 31, 2007
Nathan Robinson
February 2, 2007
Information session set for today on business recovery grant
January 31, 2007
Nathan Robinson
February 2, 2007

When shopping for furniture to maximize the comfort of one’s home, it is probably just as important to consider the comfort of shopping with a particular retailer. And if that is the case, The Furniture Place, in Houma, is able to provide the comforts most shoppers are looking for.


The Furniture Place, located on West Park Avenue, is locally owned and operated by Sandra Chauvin, her husband Tom Chauvin and their son, Shawn Chauvin, and provides service from a group of locals that say a trusting relationship is the most important thing a business can have with its customers. “It’s important because (us three) are from here,” explained Sandra. “We kind of know a lot of our customers. We were acquaintances with many of them before, and even now with the newer ones. They know if you’re buying from local people, normally it’s a trusting relationship. They don’t need to go to a corporate office some place else”


Chauvin, a retired teacher, said the opportunity to offer that type of relationship was a big reason in the decision to open the store 12 years ago. “We felt like Houma didn’t offer a lot of quality,” she said. “What was available in Houma was not the quality furniture that people were going to New Orleans and other places to buy. We wanted to keep the customers in Houma … so we were able to offer quality brand furniture that we didn’t see in Houma at the time.”

At the time of the store’s opening they carried about 15 different brands, Chauvin said. Today, that number has increased to at least 40 brands, including seven that are exclusive to The Furniture Place. “We have about seven or eight exclusive brands,” said Chauvin, “that nobody else in Terrebonne or Lafourche Parish can carry.”


Included in those brands are Flexsteel, Bassett, Riverside, Hickory Hill and Brookwood.


Chauvin said the store offers almost anything in the line of furniture. “Sofas, loveseats, entertainment centers, office furniture and mattresses. Anything except appliances,” said Chauvin.

The store also offers decorative services. “Our sales associates will come into your home, and help you match colors and arrange furniture,” she explained. “Whatever goes with decorating, things on the walls, et cetera. We will go into your home and help you decorate and arrange.”


Chauvin added that the decorative services are unique to her store.


With the growth that Houma has seen in the past decade, the company has continued to thrive. “It’s hard to describe right now, because of the storms,” she said. “Last year was the storm year, so it’s hard to compare with the figures, but as Houma grows, and as people are building, of course they need furniture. And they’re looking for something that’s quality that they can afford.”

Competitive prices are one of the business’ strongest assets, according to Chauvin. “We’re very competitive as far as price wise,” she explained. “If someone buys it here—just about any of these super brands—rather than New Orleans or elsewhere, they’re going to get a better price, plus they’re going to get better service.”

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The Furniture Place

Owner: Sandra, Tom and Shawn Chauvin

Address: 5709 W. Park Ave.

Phone: (985) 872-6009

Staff: 16 employees

Services: Carries over 40 brands of furniture, seven of which are exclusive to The Furniture Place

Staff Photo by MATT LeBLANC • Tri-Parish Times * The Furniture Store on West Park Avenue in Houma offers almost anything in the line of furniture, according to co-owner/operator Sandra Chauvin. “Sofas, loveseats, entertainment centers, office furniture, and mattresses. Everything except appliances,” she said.