AMHERST - Charlie Rhindress is thankful for his community.
While COVID-19 has been hard on many businesses in the Amherst area, shutting many off from customers on the New Brunswick side of the border, Rhindress said Bargain Bennies has survived because of support from customers on this side of the border.
“I’ve been in business for 32 years, but this has probably been the hardest year mentally,” Rhindress said. “Getting inventory has been the biggest issue. People tell us something will be available next week, but it could be next month. It’s making it difficult, but people are still supporting us. They have been very supportive. People are staying home to shop and that’s helping us and other businesses.”
Rhindress said last March and April were tough when everything was locked down, but business picked up during the late spring and into the summer and he enjoyed a steady fall. January has been a little more difficult due to added restrictions amid a surge of COVID-19 infections. However, customers and potential customers are still coming into the store.
The biggest issue continues to be accessing supplies. He often talks to other furniture stores in the province and they are experiencing the same problems.
“We still did well, though,” he said.
While times have been tougher, Rhindress still supports his community as much as he can. He has continued to support Autumn House and the Amherst food bank as well as the community radio station.
It seemed like destiny that Rhindress would be where he’s at now.
After a decade working for Lounsburys and Berry’s, Rhindress was approached by Dick Bristol in the late 1980s about taking over his used furniture business. Bristol was looking to leave the furniture business and Rhindress was convinced to take it over.
“I had some sleepless nights,” he joked. “In 2009 and 2010 it was very tough but thank goodness for the credit union. When someone helps me, I never forget and Edith Doyle went above and beyond for me through those tough times.”
Looking back over the years, Rhindress said Bargain Bennies has been the small family business that has people coming back because of personal service as well as top quality furniture items and competitive prices.
“I think there are three things behind our success. Service is the top; we go the extra mile,” he said. “It’s the little things that make a difference. We try to keep a good supply and we work with our customers if there issues. All that keeps the people coming back.”
Bargain Bennies has always offered free delivery and setup and stands behind everything it sells. It offers all the top lines in furniture and appliances at a competitive price.
He said the commitment to quality and service has continued to attract customers back time and time again and now there is a second generation of loyal customers who prefer the local hometown touch versus that of the larger big-box stores.
For Rhindress and his wife Judy, the future looks to his son Mark and son-in-law Brian Goldrich.
