Expanding, Growing and Reclining

OLYMPIA FURNITURE COMPANY: Expanding, Growing,

and Reclining by Kathryn Millhorn • Photos by Heather Harris, Elements Photography

The Olympia Furniture Company has been an anchor of the West Side for nearly a decade. During that time, they’ve adapted to changing tastes, décor styles, up-anddown markets, and pandemic-induced shipping nightmares. But through it all, they kept a welcoming attitude, can-do spirit, and delightfully goofy online presence, occasionally involving a giant inflatable gorilla…but only on special occasions.

Owner Eddie Nelson says that business is booming, to the extent they’ve added a large new warehouse in Aberdeen, on a whopping 40 acres. They’re also looking to grow their Harrison Avenue footprint to accommodate an expanded in-stock inventory of whole home furnishings for indoors and out.

“We’ve had a product vacuum for the last three years, but now the floodgates are opened,” Nelson says. “Availability is no longer an issue!” Even for personalized pieces, turnaround time is surprisingly fast. Most vendors can get items to buyers within two or three weeks, customized furniture typically takes between 12 and 14 weeks, and on-site furniture is ready to go home the same day.

“We’ve been known to pick up our stuff from vendors to make turnaround time quicker,” says Nelson, “and can deliver in-state within a few weeks. We also use as

many local and American-made vendors and suppliers as possible and have three trucks for quick response.”

But it’s not just sofas and bedframes at OlyFurnCo. They offer wall art and décor, bookcases and storage shelves, and outdoor furniture year-round, including Traeger Grills. Also popular is their supply of TempurPedic Mattresses and an array of power- and adjustable recliners, chairs, sofas, and loveseats.

After nine years in business, there are plenty of friendly, familiar faces on staff, including some who’ve been part of the team since day one. With a fun, family-like atmosphere behind the scenes, this longevity is no surprise. Who wouldn’t want to play fetch with a silver corgi named Ricky for October’s National Fetch Day? Or make pumpkin spice by blowing up a pumpkin with rubber bands? You can witness all the fun—silly and sticky alike—on their Facebook page 24/7.

Want to join the team? Nelson’s always looking for eager, motivated sales staff. “Come in and see us,” he encourages. “It’s so much better just to meet the person and chat.” You might find yourself greeting a few local celebs, like players from the Seahawks and Mariners, who come for charity drives and to sign the infamous fan wall.

OlyFurnCo regularly supports Toys for Tots and the Thurston County Food Bank with sales, promotions, and by collecting items like teddy bears and warm coats for those in need.

L&I Can Help Employers Develop a Workplace

Safety Program

An Accident Prevention Program (APP) is based on the hazards you have identified in your workplace and the safety methods you’ve chosen to manage those hazards.

Your APP is the foundation of your overall safety and health program and will help you document and organize your safety procedures. All employers are required to create and follow an APP and keep it up to date, but your business may also need other safety programs based on your workplace hazards. For example, if you have hazardous chemicals, you will need a Hazard Communication Program. An effective safety program engages workers and ensures they have received proper training, participate in safety meetings or committees, and share their ideas and concerns to improve workplace safety.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) website offers helpful tools and samples to help business owners create and maintain their APP, as well as information about training requirements by industry. Visit L&I’s website for more information! https://lni.wa.gov/safety-health/preventing-injuries-illnesses/create-a-safety-program/

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