Benson Stone Offers Simply Amish Furniture

Benson Stone Offers Simply Amish Furniture

By Janine Pumilia

Many of us fondly remember a standalone Simply Amish store that sold heirloom-quality furniture in Rockford. After it closed, we had to travel for hours to find a Simply Amish showroom. Now the popular brand has returned to Rockford inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11 th St.

“We’re very proud to be the exclusive dealer in northern Illinois for Simply Amish,” says Andy Benson, third-generation owner. “Their nearest showroom outside of ours is north of Madison.”

Superior workmanship and a willingness to customize has made Simply Amish a rock star in its field, says John Otto, Benson Stone’s furniture manager.

“These solid wood, hand-finished pieces are some of the best in the entire furniture industry,” says Otto. “All Amish furniture is not the same. Even among the Amish, the Simply Amish brand is considered top quality.”

Headquartered in Arcola, Ill., Simply Amish was founded in 1979 when two businessmen linked a modern distribution system with a network of Amish craftsmen living on 50 Midwestern farms.

Arts & crafts style is often associated with the Amish, but they also apply their skills to traditional, modern farmhouse, transitional and contemporary furniture styles, explains Otto.

“They can fully customize any piece, not only the style, wood species and stain options, but even the measurements,” says Otto. “Do you want a nightstand that’s 6 inches taller or shorter than standard? That’s no problem for them.”

Turn-around time averages four weeks; some pre-made “quick ship” items are available, too.

Benson Stone’s 80,000-square-foot store offers one-stop shopping and design services for furniture and mattresses; flooring; kitchen and bath cabinetry; granite and quartz countertops; fireplaces; grills; landscaping materials and gifts. It also houses the region’s largest lighting gallery and Hearthrock Café.

Benson Stone Co. opened in 1930 as a stone fabrication shop. In 1999, it purchased and renovated the former Rockford Standard Furniture building.

“We bought this building for $250,000 and enjoy a low overhead,” says Benson. “That allows us to offer very competitive pricing. We sell good, better and best brands to accommodate all budgets. The only thing we don’t sell is cheaply made stuff that nobody should be buying.”

Benson Stone Co. is open Mon. 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn more at Bensonstone.com. ❚