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When a longtime appliance and furniture store in Monticello closed its doors following the shutdown of Sears, it left more than just an empty building — it left a noticeable gap in the community.
For the owner, Glen Beer Sr., that gap was too significant to ignore.
“The main reason that I opened the store in Monticello was because it had been about six months since Sears closed, and Monticello is too large of a community to not have an appliance store,” he said. “It was a big deal.”
This motivation has also been a driving force behind the store’s recent expansion in Lincoln County—not a decision part of a long-term plan, but rather a response to what Beer saw as a clear community need. The building itself, formerly Glenwood Furniture, located at 26170 US-425 in Star City, had served as an appliance store for roughly 30 years, becoming a familiar place for generations of local customers.
“I just couldn’t imagine a store that had been in business that long just shutting its doors. So many people have bought furniture there. It just didn’t make sense…Our motivation is really to try to restore [the store] to what it once was.”
Today, Beer’s Hometown Furniture Depot offers a wide selection of furniture, including bedroom sets, dining room furniture, and a variety of living room options such as sectionals, sofas, and recliners. Mattresses and recliners remain among the most popular items for customers.
“We sell all types of furniture,” he said. “We’ve got a pretty big selection of bedroom furniture and dining rooms, and we’re continuing to expand.”
The business has also recently expanded its offerings through partnerships with major brands, including Ashley Furniture, adding new product lines such as Nectar mattresses and a broader range of home accessories like tables, rugs, and artwork.
One of the key advantages of the newer location is space. With approximately 14,000 square feet, the store is able to maintain a larger inventory and offer immediate delivery on many items — something that wasn’t always possible before.
“That allows us to have a much bigger inventory on hand,” Beer said. “I think that helps a lot.”
Delivery is another area where the business has extended its reach. While based locally, the company has delivered furniture across Arkansas and into neighboring states, including Louisiana.
“We’ll deliver regionally,” he said. “We’ve been as far as Hot Springs and Louisiana.”
Competitive pricing has also been a focus, with the owner noting that buying opportunities allow the store to pass savings on to customers.
“I think our prices are extremely competitive when it comes to our furniture inventory,” he said.
Meanwhile, the original Monticello location remains an important part of the business’s future plans. While space limitations have historically restricted how much furniture could be displayed, that is set to change.
Plans are underway to construct a new warehouse facility next to the Monticello store, which will free up interior space and allow the entire building to be converted into a full showroom.
“That will probably triple the amount of space we have available for furniture,” he said.
The expanded setup will also allow the Monticello location to carry more premium appliance lines, further diversifying its offerings while complementing the larger inventory available at the newer store.
Between both locations, the business currently employs around eight people, with plans to continue growing. A new delivery truck is also being added to increase capacity and improve service.
Despite the growth and expansion, the mission remains rooted in something simple: serving the community.
For the owner, stepping in after the closure wasn’t just about opening a business — it was about preserving something that mattered to Monticello.
“We just couldn’t see it close,” Beer added. “This community deserves a place like this.”
