HISTORY
SIMONET. . .the oldest family owned and operated furniture store in the United States.
Our History of Quality and Service
The roots of Simonet Home Furnishings & Design run deep in the St. Croix Valley. In 1864, Sebastian Simonet, a master cabinetmaker and Swiss immigrant, opened Stillwater’s first furniture store. Today, his descendants, the Simonets and O’Briens, two of Stillwater’s founding families, proudly continue to carry out family business values passed on to them by their founder. The longevity and continuing growth of the business is attributed to the family’s ability to adapt to changing times and always meet their customers’ expectations.
Timeline
1864 - Sebastian Simonet founds Stillwater’s first furniture store. Initially, he makes all the furniture and cabinets he sells from St. Croix Valley hardwoods. Soon, due to increasing demand, he begins to carry furniture from other manufacturers across the country.
1886 - Sebastian dies and his wife, Caroline, runs the business for five years before turning it over to their sons, Ludwig, Felix and Alois.
1904 - Simonet Brothers purchases the property at 301 South Main Street, formerly the site of the Grand Opera House which burned in 1902. They rebuild a two-story structure on its foundation to house a large main floor showroom flanked on three sides by a balcony. Carpet is added to the line of products they sell. When the new store opens, an orchestra is hired and the public is invited to a grand opening dance.
1925 - Simonet Brothers partnership incorporates as Simonet Furniture and Carpet Company when Sebastian’s sons turn the business over to the next generation of Simonets.
1996 - Simonet moves to its current location on Curve Crest Boulevard in Stillwater. The 30,000 square foot store has a 19,000 square foot showroom displaying living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture. Through the years, always paying attention to customer needs, Simonet expanded their inventory to include new manufacturers and styles of quality home furnishings. They also received the "Dealer of the Year Award" from the North Central Home Furnishings Representatives Association.