For 85 years, Vance Furniture Co. has been an anchor for downtown Henderson. And on Friday morning, the Henderson-Vance Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting to recognize the local business for its long-standing commitment to the community.
With well-wishers and Chamber board members looking on, Craig and Maria Bailey, along with company employees, welcomed the group into the main floor showroom.
“This just doesn’t ‘happen,’” said Vanessa Jones, the Chamber’s director of programs. “It takes hard work and dedication to the community to make it to 85 years,” Jones said in opening remarks.
Bailey’s father, Hayden Bailey, established the business in September 1941.
“We all know what happened in 1941,” Bailey said, referring to the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7 of that year.
After a two-year tour in the Pacific, the elder Bailey came back to Henderson to focus on the business and starting a family.
Another name with a long association to the company co-owner Sam Harper, who as co-owner spent six decades with Vance Furniture Co. Harper died in 2024.
Craig Bailey said he has a rich history with the furniture company. “I’ve been here most of my life,” he said. “It’s been fun, it’s been an experience,” he added.
Chamber Board Chair the Rev. Abidan Shah said the iconic five-story building represents downtown in the best possible way.
“Thanks for all your sacrifices and service,” Shah told Bailey and staff.
With his office literally across the street from Vance Furniture, Vance County Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse said he is glad the county – and downtown – has a business with the staying power of Vance Furniture and said he hopes that it will continue to loom large as revitalization efforts continue.
Downtown Development Director Tracy Madigan said her parents had been loyal customers since they moved here in 1970.
Madigan said she understands now more than ever how important it is to support local businesses, especially when there are so many options available.
“It is amazing that we have a store like this in Henderson,” she said, that serves not just the local community but touts a wide customer base.
After the ribbon-cutting, Bailey said folks come in from all over the area, including Wake Forest, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and recreational areas like Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston.
Customers can roam around showrooms on all five floors and get an extra thrill when they step into that elevator that transports them to each level.
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