The Beginning: Grand’s first store

Early Grand storefront

Grand Company History

The year was 1911, and like most of the United States, Virginia was booming with commerce. Roanoke, located in the southwestern portion of the state, was experiencing dramatic growth and quickly earned the nickname of the "Magic City." Amid the hustle and bustle, a new building was erected at the corner of Kirk Avenue and First Street. Its first tenant, the Grand Piano Company, specialized in pianos, other musical instruments and related merchandise. (Some indications are the company opened in 1910 and officially began operations in 1911.) During the 1930's the company added furniture, radios, and phonographs to its assortment.

When purchased in 1945, by the family that currently owns the company, the name was changed to Grand Piano & Furniture Co. In the 1950's, the company began to expand outside of Roanoke to towns and cities up and down the Valley of Virginia. As the piano business was phased out in 1998, the name was changed to Grand Home Furnishings. Furniture, mattresses and outdoor furniture remain the company’s primary product lines.

A familiar trademark of Grand is a frosty cold Coca Cola, in the “little bottles” offered to customers as they enter the store. The tradition began at a Lynchburg store opening in 1953 and quickly spread to all stores. This is Grand's way of saying "Thanks for visiting our store and make yourself at home." Today, Grand greets its customers with over 1,250,000 Coca Colas a year.

Despite significant growth over the past fifty years, Grand still retains its reputation as a local employer whose philosophy is to serve the local customer. Merchandise in each store is geared toward the region it serves and ranges from traditional to contemporary to transitional styling. Grand's large selection and special order program provides customers with almost limitless choices.

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