A Richland furniture store announced plans to close its doors in July after a final sale of all its current inventory, estimated to be worth $4 million.

Ennis Fine Furniture has been in business at 1895 Fowler St. in Richland since 1981. It opened in 1946 in Boise.

Third-generation owner David Ennis’ retirement prompted the 43-year-old store’s closure. He said he will spend time traveling and golfing.

La-Z-Boy Inc. bought the 21,651-square-foot building for $3.5 million on July 24, according to public property records. It plans to open there in 2025.

Some of Ennis Fine Furniture’s 13 employees are being recruited to work at La-Z-Boy, Ennis said.

La-Z-Boy Inc. manufactures and distributes recliners, as well as operates its own retail stores. The company’s activity in Washington includes the acquisition of a Spokane store in 2022.

Ennis Fine Furniture has two other locations, in Boise and Spokane, which will both remain open. Ennis said they’re run by other family members. Those locations will honor warranties on Ennis’ furniture, he said.

Both Ennis and René Vasquez, the Richland store’s sales manager, have worked at the store for over 40 years. They started out in the business by washing trucks, sweeping the parking lot and doing deliveries and repairs. Later, they both went into sales and became managers.

When Ennis’ father, Richard Ennis, died a few years ago, he took on the role of owner.

“It’s been a great ride, it’s been really fun,” Ennis said of his time at the store. 

Ennis Fine Furniture carries high-end furniture largely from the East Coast, including New York and North Carolina. Some of the furniture is imported. Vasquez described one of the store’s major brands, Stickley furniture, as “very sought-after” and “in its own class.”

Ennis Fine Furniture carries high-end furniture, including the Stickley line. Sales manager René Vasquez, left, sits with owner David Ennis in the store.

| Photo by Rachel Visick

The Ennis legacy 

Inside the store is a maze of different furniture arrangements, dining room scenes opening onto tableaus of dressers, recliners and beds. 

“When the Ennis truck pulls up in the neighborhood, it’s a good thing,” Ennis said with a smile. He said those same Ennis trucks will either be sold or will go to the company’s other locations.

Of Ennis’ legacy, Vasquez said that furniture sold in the ’80s is still in people’s homes today. Ennis Fine Furniture “has been the iconic company in terms of customer service, high-end furniture, pride in being involved in the community,” he said.

Vasquez added that the company has allowed him to participate in the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, serve as a Rotarian for 36 years and volunteer with United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties, and more.

Store closing sale

The store’s entire inventory will be on sale from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 1 and starting at 10 a.m. Aug. 2. Everything must be sold, and prices will be up to 75% off, the sale’s flyer read.

Go to: ennisretirementsale.com.