FURNITURE STORE EYES EXPANSION

From the Telegraph Herald Business: Furniture Store expanding

For the second time in less than a year, a Dubuque furniture store is expanding its presence in Plaza 20.

Affordable Furniture & Treasures, 2600 Dodge St., will relocate to a larger location within the same shopping plaza in early May.

Owner Gary Higgins said the business, which opened early last year, will move into the space currently occupied by Second Chances, a consignment shop that will close next month.

The new location spans 6,500 square feet, Higgins said. The business currently has a 1,750-square-foot retail space, as well as a warehouse spanning 2,700 square feet.

The move also will allow the business to double its workforce from five to 10 employees.

Plenty of work must be done before the move is made.

"We are totally gutting it," said Higgins. "The walls are coming down, and we're put-ting in brand-new flooring."

Since opening the furniture and antiques store last year, Higgins has been pleasantly surprised by the interest from local customers.

The high demand prompt-ed the company to start utiliz-ing the additional warehouse space, located behind the former Save-a-Lot g rocery store in Plaza 20, last summer.

Once the move is complete, the business will consolidate all of its operations in one structure.

"We're happy to be here," Higgins said. "We feel like it's a thriving place."

Affordable Furniture & Treasures is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Fri-day and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Higgins said those hours likely will be expanded once the move is complete.

The business can be reached at 563-582-5597.