There are 13 businesses that have been BBB Accredited since 1963.  As the Better Business Bureau celebrates 50 years of serving Southeast Texas in 2013, we will feature one of our charter Accredited Businesses each month in the e-Torch Report.

The story of Howell Furniture began in 1959 when founder W. Thurman Witt opened the doors of Howell Discount Furniture in an old Baptist church on Gulf Street in Beaumont.  Mr. Witt founded his company based on honesty, integrity and high moral standards.  He was always committed to providing quality home furnishings and accessories at the lowest possible prices for his customers.  Mr. Witt’s commitment to customer service is still evident in the company today.

In the 1980’s, Mr. Witt brought the concept of the Gallery style display to the Beaumont area.  With the opening of the Kincaid Solid Wood Gallery, the Thomasville Gallery, the Lazyboy Gallery, and the Broyhill Gallery, he gave Southeast Texas a new, more convenient way to shop for furniture. 

Over the years, he expanded into San Antonio, Texas, and Louisiana.  Currently, there are locations in Beaumont and Nederland, as well as Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

In 2005, the 70,000 square foot showroom on Folsom Road in Beaumont, Texas, was opened; it was moved from the original location on Gulf Street.  In May of 2013, a 30,000 square foot showroom was opened in Nederland, Texas.

Mr. Witt passed his love for the furniture business down to his children and grandchildren.  Howell Furniture is currently a third generation company still locally owned and operated.