With Move to New Location Complete, Schewels Announces Grand Reopening
Celebration to be held May 2 and 3
PAGE COUNTY, Va. — After a major move and a brief closure, the Luray Schewels Home Store is once again open for business.
Previously an anchor tenant in the Food Lion Shopping Center, the retailer now occupies its own building at 2039 U.S. Highway 211 West.
An Unexpected Change
In mid-January of this year, local residents began to notice several small “yard signs” at the shopping center, announcing significant Schewels discounts and plans to move. When you’ve a been major retailer in a small community (and for as far back as anyone can remember), sudden change can raise eyebrows.
The move, according to employees, was initiated by circumstances beyond their control. They soon found themselves relocating a half-mile west — to a building that, throughout the years, has been home to the Sabau car dealership, Hunt and Peck, and Blue Ridge Funeral Services.
Schewels Home purchased the property outright, and the company’s own construction crew diligently remodeled it to suit the store’s mission of providing the best customer experience. Upgrades included overhauling the HVAC system and knocking down walls to make the showroom an open, inviting space.
“We will still be the same Schewels,” longtime credit manager Tammy Good-Ware assured customers in January. “We will still carry quality furniture, appliances and electronics, and customers will still be able to finance with us.”
While a major move in winter — and in the middle of inventory — wasn’t easy, Good-Ware wasn’t at all surprised that they had what it took to get it all done.
“We’ve got a crew of seven, so we’re a small store compared to other crews in our company,” she said. “But there’s not another crew that could get through this in the time frame that we we have, better than the seven of us.”
A Proud Beginning
When Lithuanian immigrant Elias Schewel first arrived in America, he brought with him an exceptional work ethic.
Settling in Lynchburg in 1889, Schewel intended to work as a butcher, teacher or rabbi. However, unable to support a family on meager wages, he began selling pots, picture frames and even small furniture, door-to-door.
The determined entrepreneur made sure to serve all members of the community (regardless of race or religion), and even allowed customers to pay for their purchases over time.
Mr. Schewel’s venture became such an overnight success, he soon expanded his service area to neighboring counties, officially establishing the The Chicago Furniture Bargain House in 1897. The business name was changed to Schewels Furniture Company in 1917. Under the leadership of Elias and his sons, the company eventually became a regional furniture giant.
In 1941, a Luray Schewels store opened at the West Main Street building now occupied by Page One Treasures. Later, the business relocated to 14 West Main Street. In June of 2000, the store moved to the Food Lion Shopping Center, where it has remained for nearly 25 years.
Schewels Home, still headquartered in Lynchburg, is currently owned by Marc, Jack and Matt Schewel. The company boasts 52 locations throughout Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina.
A New Era
Construction at the new Luray address is finally complete, and the store has again opened for business.
“We are excited for everyone to see our new location and what we have to offer,” said store manager, Larry Taylor. “This commitment by the Schewel family certainly shows that they plan to be a part of the Page County business community now and for future generations.”
To officially celebrate the move and extend appreciation to customers, Schewels is hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 10 a.m. The first 50 shoppers will each receive a $50 gift card. Special promotions will be offered, including “swag” bags and a $500 shopping spree giveaway. The celebration will continue through May 3.
Schewels Home, Luray is on Facebook. Store hours and contact information may also be found HERE.