Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM) is one of the most recognized names in retail furniture and home furnishings in the United States. Founded in 1937 by Rose Blumkin, a Russian immigrant, the company has grown from a humble furniture store in Omaha, Nebraska, into a retail giant. Offering everything from furniture and appliances to electronics and flooring, Nebraska Furniture Mart stands as a retail powerhouse with a legacy of innovation, customer service, and competitive pricing. Today, NFM operates as part of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., bringing quality products to homes across America.
The Humble Beginnings of NFM
Nebraska Furniture Mart’s origins trace back to Rose Blumkin, known affectionately as “Mrs. B.” She was born in 1893 in a small village near Minsk, Belarus. After immigrating to the United States in the early 20th century, Mrs. B settled in Omaha, Nebraska, where she began selling furniture out of the basement of her husband’s pawn shop in 1937. With just $500 in capital, she founded Nebraska Furniture Mart at a time when many businesses struggled due to the Great Depression.
Mrs. B’s guiding principle was to provide high-quality furniture at rock-bottom prices, undercutting the competition and offering unbeatable deals. Her approach quickly resonated with customers, and soon her store was booming. Mrs. B had a simple but effective business philosophy: “Sell cheap and tell the truth.” This motto, combined with her sharp business acumen and unbeatable work ethic, formed the cornerstone of NFM’s success.
Growth and Expansion: From Omaha to Nationwide Influence
Nebraska Furniture Mart’s growth was rapid. By the 1950s, the store had become one of the largest furniture retailers in the Midwest. Customers from neighboring states traveled to Omaha to take advantage of NFM’s unbeatable prices and enormous selection. Despite facing pushback from competitors, including lawsuits accusing Mrs. B of unfair pricing practices, Nebraska Furniture Mart continued to expand.
One of the most notable moments in NFM’s history came in 1983, when legendary investor Warren Buffett purchased a majority stake in the company, adding it to his portfolio of businesses under Berkshire Hathaway. At the time of the acquisition, Mrs. B was 89 years old, but she continued to play an active role in the company. Buffett, impressed by her tenacity and business sense, bought Nebraska Furniture Mart in what was considered a “handshake deal,” famously paying $60 million for 90% of the company.
With Buffett’s backing, NFM was able to expand even further. The original Omaha store grew into a massive retail complex, and additional locations were opened in Kansas City, Kansas, and The Colony, Texas, near Dallas. Today, NFM operates four large-scale retail locations, including one in Des Moines, Iowa, which offer an impressive array of products beyond just furniture, including appliances, electronics, flooring, and home décor.
The Largest Home Furnishings Store in America
Nebraska Furniture Mart’s Dallas-Fort Worth location in The Colony, Texas, is often touted as the largest home furnishings store in America. Spanning over 560,000 square feet of retail space and more than 1.8 million square feet of warehouse space, the store is a behemoth. It carries more than 100,000 different products and serves as a one-stop destination for everything from mattresses to refrigerators to high-definition TVs. The sheer scale of this location is a testament to NFM’s evolution from a small family business to a nationwide retail juggernaut.
The success of this mega-store highlights the company’s ability to meet customer needs on a large scale, offering convenience, variety, and competitive pricing in one location. Customers can furnish entire homes with products from a single visit, while also enjoying top-tier customer service and the convenience of online shopping combined with in-store pickup or delivery options.
NFM’s Product Offerings: A Comprehensive Selection
Nebraska Furniture Mart is known for its vast product range. Whether customers are looking to furnish a living room, renovate a kitchen, or upgrade their electronics, NFM has something for everyone. Below is an overview of their major product categories:
1. Furniture
At its core, NFM is a furniture store, and it remains one of the largest furniture retailers in the United States. Customers can find everything from budget-friendly sofas and dining sets to luxury leather sectionals and custom furniture. The store also offers a wide range of styles, from modern and contemporary to classic and traditional. With options to suit all tastes and budgets, NFM is a go-to destination for homeowners, apartment dwellers, and everyone in between.
2. Appliances
NFM’s appliance department carries a vast selection of refrigerators, washers and dryers, ovens, and dishwashers from top brands like Whirlpool, Samsung, and LG. Whether customers are looking for high-end smart appliances or affordable, energy-efficient models, NFM offers competitive pricing and knowledgeable staff to help shoppers find the right products for their homes.
3. Electronics
From home theater systems and high-definition TVs to gaming consoles and smart home devices, NFM is also a major player in the electronics market. They carry top brands like Sony, Samsung, and Bose, offering the latest in technology for home entertainment, work, and personal use.
4. Flooring
NFM’s flooring department offers a variety of options, including carpet, hardwood, laminate, and tile. Customers can shop for flooring materials and installation services, making NFM a one-stop shop for home renovation projects.
5. Home Décor and Accessories
In addition to large furnishings and appliances, NFM also carries a wide range of home décor items, including lighting, rugs, artwork, and bedding. This allows customers to complete their home designs with stylish accents that match their furniture and personal aesthetic.
Innovation in Retail: E-commerce and Technology
Nebraska Furniture Mart has embraced the digital age, offering a robust e-commerce platform that allows customers to shop online for thousands of products. The website is easy to navigate, featuring detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and various financing options. Customers can choose to have items delivered or pick them up from their nearest store location.
NFM’s commitment to technological innovation doesn’t end with online shopping. The company uses advanced logistics systems to manage inventory and streamline delivery. With such a massive volume of products to handle, efficient logistics are key to ensuring customer satisfaction, and NFM has invested heavily in this area.
In addition to traditional retail and e-commerce, Nebraska Furniture Mart has also embraced the integration of augmented reality (AR) technology in its shopping experience. Through their website, customers can visualize how certain pieces of furniture will look in their own homes before making a purchase. This use of AR helps customers feel more confident in their choices, leading to higher satisfaction and fewer returns.
Community Involvement and Philanthropy
Nebraska Furniture Mart’s success is not only built on profits but also on giving back to the community. The company has a long history of supporting local charities, schools, and civic organizations. NFM frequently hosts events that benefit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and the United Way. They have also partnered with local food banks, providing essential resources to communities in need.
Through its charitable initiatives, NFM has maintained strong ties with the communities it serves, reinforcing its image as a company that cares about its customers beyond just making sales.
Looking Forward: The Future of Nebraska Furniture Mart
Nebraska Furniture Mart’s future looks bright. The company continues to expand its offerings and improve its customer experience. As e-commerce grows, NFM has positioned itself as a leader in the online furniture and home goods market, offering a seamless shopping experience for customers across the country. With Berkshire Hathaway’s backing and Warren Buffett’s continued support, NFM is likely to remain a key player in the retail industry for years to come.
Nebraska Furniture Mart’s legacy of providing quality products at competitive prices, combined with a strong commitment to customer service and community involvement, ensures that it will continue to be a leader in the furniture and home goods market. From its humble beginnings in Omaha to its status as a nationwide retail giant, NFM’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and success.
