SHAMOKIN, Pa. — It's the final days of a landmark business in Shamokin.
"It's pretty surreal because I'm not used to it. I've been considering retiring maybe for the last three months," said Sherri Shebelsky, President of Bader's Fine Furniture.
For 133 years, thousands of customers have relied on Bader's Fine Furniture for their home decor.
The store on North Liberty Street has also been Sherri Shebelsky's home away from home for decades.
"La-Z-Boy, Flex Steel, craft master, we sold Cochran furniture until it went out of business. We were known as the store to come to buy good quality furniture," explained Sherri.
Shebelsky says it's the right time to retire. She feels the furniture market has changed, and people are looking for items in bulk rather than the stores that have one-of-a-kind buys.
"They don't want a sofa that's gonna last them 25 years. They are happy with us over that they can throw out in seven years or five years. It just depends on getting customers what they want, and I'm not willing to do that," said Sherri.
In its time, Bader's has sold thousands of dining room sets, recliners, and more to families across Pennsylvania.
"We've had many good customers in the Coal Township and Shamokin area, as well as Danville, Bloomsburg, the surrounding areas. Sunbury Selinsgrove, many people would come to Shamokin and make their trip worthwhile. That was our slogan," said Sherri.
Shelbelsky says she'll miss the business but knows she'll always have all the memories, "People to come in and say hey, my mom and dad have a Flex Steel sofa. They raised us kids on for 20 years and they're still using it that kind of thing."
The store will close following a liquidation sale. Shelbelsky says a final closing date has not yet been set.