MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – HOWSE, an Arkansas-based home furnishing store, will host a grand opening celebration from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 19, to commemorate the formal opening of their newest store, located at 43 North Geronimo Street in Miramar Beach, in conjunction with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce for their Business After Hours event and the Destin Chamber of Commerce.
HOWSE was originally founded by Jay Howard in Bentonville, Arkansas in 2015. Howard and his wife, Christine, saw a void in the marketplace for an innovative furniture store when shopping to furnish their first home.
From that experience, they opened a furniture business and turned it into 20 successful retail stores before selling their company in 2011.
However, in 2015, after realizing he had a true passion for the business, Howard and many of his original employees created HOWSE, which now has locations in Bentonville, Ark., Little Rock, Ark., and most recently Miramar Beach.
Howard began looking at spaces for the newest location after a discouraging shopping experience while attempting to furnish an investment home on 30A.
“As a customer, the assortment, available inventory, pricing, and customer service at the places we shopped was very frustrating. As an entrepreneur, it spelled opportunity and confirmed my suspicion that more options were needed in the area.” The new location will create 10-15 jobs in Walton County.
The HOWSE product collection is curated of custom upholstery made in the USA, hand-crafted custom tables made in Arkansas, and an assortment of accessories, lighting, and soft goods selected from all over the world.
The prices of their pieces range in order to meet various budgets with the goal of having options for first-time homebuyers and investors while simultaneously offering a selection to completely furnish high-end custom homes.
Additionally, HOWSE recently began creating and manufacturing its own art at its facility in Arkansas. Partnered with Arkansas native artist, Buddy Whitlock, his original works are available for purchase or can be reproduced in any size with custom frame options. HOWSE also plans to partner with local artists along the Emerald Coast in the coming months for both originals and reproduction opportunities.
HOWSE is open Monday-Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday from Noon-5 p.m.
“We like to make shopping for your home exciting and enjoyable,” Howard said.
“You won’t find high-pressure sales tactics at HOWSE. We hire professional designers that are available to assist you with your space both in-store and at your home. We strive to be your home consultants rather than your furniture salesperson.”
The community is invited to the official Grand Opening, ribbon-cutting ceremony and Business After Hours with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and Destin Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, August 19 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
Attendees will receive 20% off along with a complimentary “HOWSE GUEST” membership valued at $100. Enrollment in this program grants you an entire year of 20% off all purchases, expanded design services at no charge, and exclusive delivery and financing offers.
Sponsored in part by Key Realty of the Emerald Coast, guests will also enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Bitterroot, special gifts, and more.
