Bob’s Discount Furniture taps California Closets CEO to run company
As first reported by Chain Store Age, Bob’s Discount Furniture has named Bill Barton as president and CEO.
Barton will succeed Ted English, who has been serving as interim CEO since June 2020, effective Nov. 3, 2020. English will continue in his role as executive chairman and will remain actively involved with the company.
Barton brings more than three decades of experience developing and leading high-growth businesses to his new role at Bob’s Discount Furniture. Most recently, he spent 11 years as CEO of home organization solutions retailer California Closets, a unit of FirstService Brands, which is a subsidiary of FirstService Corp.
During his tenure with California Closets, Barton worked with the leadership team to introduce new products and materials, opening the company’s first two U.S. manufacturing plants, launching its e-commerce platform, and creating collaborations with major lifestyle brands including Marquee Brands and Martha Stewart.
"I am very excited about the opportunity to lead Bob’s Discount Furniture and build on the company’s outstanding reputation for delivering great values in furniture and mattresses every day," said Barton. “The team at Bob’s has built an incredible business and driven a remarkable growth story. I am honored and humbled to join as Bob’s next CEO and to work together with the team to realize Bob’s potential as a leader in omnichannel furniture retail.”
“Bill is an exceptional and customer-centric leader with deep retail and home goods experience. He is the ideal person to work with our talented team to lead Bob’s Discount Furniture through its next phase of growth,” said English. “Our business has experienced tremendous growth since we reopened our stores with a heavy focus on safety for our customers and our associates. We expect this momentum to continue as we head into the holiday season and plan for 2021 and beyond.”
Bob’s Discount Furniture has opened 15 new stores in 2020, including most recently in California, Arizona and Nevada. Based in Manchester, Conn., the retailer operates 135 furniture stores across 21 states.