CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A former Bed, Bath and Beyond near Marketview Drive has a new tenant.
Bob’s Discount Furniture officially opened its Champaign location at 63 E. Marketview Drive at 10 a.m. today, following a soft opening last week. The store marks the company’s 212th nationwide location out of 215 total stores across 26 states.
Founded in 1991 by Bob Kaufman, the furniture chain is known for its everyday low pricing model and in-store café featuring free coffee, cookies, candy and ice cream.
Store Manager Mike Clouse said the company’s philosophy centers on simplicity and transparency.
“We don’t have any phony gimmicks. There’s no pressure for sales. We’re helping people with transparency,” Clouse said. “I told my staff, ‘Have fun. Put the ‘fun’ back in furniture.’”
Clouse also highlighted the company’s commitment to community giving. As part of its opening celebration, the store donated $2,500 to C-U at Home and $2,500 to Bottenfield Elementary School, where Principal Kendra Bonam and C-U at Home Executive Director Melissa Courtwright accepted the checks.
Bob’s Chief Operating Officer Ramesh Murthy said the Champaign opening is part of a larger national expansion effort. Six new stores opened across the country today, and the company is working toward a long-term goal of 500 locations.
“Everybody deserves a home they love. It’s their foundation,” Murthy said. “Just because someone is economically disadvantaged, they should be able to afford nice furniture.”
Join Callie Luttman from Mix 94.5 on Saturday for a live broadcast from the new store.
The Marketview location was previously home to Bed, Bath and Beyond before its closure in early 2023 and later served as a temporary Dick’s House of Sport site during mall renovations.
Clouse said customers can expect consistent pricing without seasonal markups or sales tactics. “We always have low prices, so we never have to discount or put things on sale,” he said.
The store also offers a quick delivery guarantee and supports charitable causes through its Bob’s Café Collections for a Cause and outreach programs.
