80 Years

For eight decades, the Allen family has furnished Vandalia area homes with quality furniture.

It all started in 1932, when Sam and Jeannette Allen launched Allen’s Furniture Store, with a commitment to provide quality products at a fair price. “The Finest in Home Furnishings” has been their theme.
Sam and Jeannette’s two daughters – Lorraine and Rita Mae – grew up around the business. But both went into teaching; Lorraine taught in a country school, and Rita Mae taught kindergarten in Wood River and St. Louis.
With the death of their father in 1950, however, both women put their careers on hold and came home to help their mother with the store.
“The plan was to be here for a year,” said Lorraine, “but then mother got sick. And 62 years later, we’re still here.”
In that time, the business has changed considerably.
“Today, there are so many options to choose from – different styles, fabrics and types of wood,” Lorraine said. Their furniture offerings include couches, chairs, love seats, end tables and coffee tables. Their main brands are La-Z-Boy, Flexsteel and Charles Furniture.
They also carry a full line of bedroom sets, mattresses and accessories, such as sheets, pillows and mattress pads. After a fire damaged the eastern part of their building a few years ago, they made it into the bedding department when it was renovated.
Through all the changes, one constant sets them apart.
“The difference – in a word – is quality,” said Lorraine. “That’s a commitment we’ve maintained for 80 years.”
Added Rita Mae: “We’ve always believed that if you buy quality furniture, it will last longer. And we’ve always taken care of our customers after the sale.”
To back up their commitment to customer service, they offer free delivery, free setup and free removal of old furniture.
With the Allens, it hasn’t just been about making the sale. Relationships have been key.
“We enjoy the people,” Lorraine said. “We’ve made some wonderful friends over the years.”
Located at 330 W. Gallatin St., the business is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The telephone number is 283-0123.