Keeping the family business in the family
By Glenda Sanders
Contributing Writer
Working in the furniture business over the past six decades , Billy Anders has watched the style of home furnishings evolve .
Mass manufacturing of furniture in the 1960s opened the door for homeowners to keep up with the latest trends : from Spanish Mediterranean influences in the ‘ 70s to large focal-point entertainment centers in the 1980s to ultra-frilly floral upholstery in the ‘ 90s to the trend toward motion furniture in the first decade of this century . Even now , the past decade ’ s rustic farmhouse craze shows signs of giving way to a mid-century modern look .
Through all of these changing trends , Anders Furniture Company , a staple in the Meridian
furniture business since 1963 , has tried to keep up with customers ’ tastes .
“ It has always been our goal to give our customers real values on quality furniture and great service ,” said Anders , who at age 86 is still involved daily in the family business .
The Anders family has been in the retail business in Meridian for more than 80 years .
Anders ’ father , M . R . “ Bilbo ” Anders , first opened a café and Texaco service station in a small building that still stands at the fork of 14th Street and Front Street Extension across from Acme Plaza .
In the 1940s , he decided to go into the grocery business and opened a store at 16th Street and 28th Avenue , later moving to a
Billy Anders and son David
Anders Furniture Company
Six decades of styling Meridian homes with ever-evolving furniture trends , tastes
building at 1500 22nd Avenue on what is now the property of Medical Arts Towers .
In those years , that section of 22nd Avenue was mostly residential filled with large old homes and close-knit neighbors . Anders Grocery was a popular stop for groceries and supplies .
As children , Anders and his brother , Wayne Anders , often helped out their father in the store .
“ I have been working in the family business for 77 years ,” Anders laughed . “ I began delivering groceries in the basket on my bicycle when I was 9 years old .”
At one point , his dad bought a refrigerator and stove and put them in the back of the grocery store for personal use . One day , a man came into the store and
38 • MERIDIAN LIFE