Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Southwest Plaza in Springfield has a new tenant.

Bob’s Discount Furniture officially its location at 3251 S. Veterans Parkway last Friday. The store marks the company’s 212th nationwide location out of 215 total stores across 26 states.

On the same day, Bob’s also opened a location in Champaign.

Founded in 1991 by Bob Kaufman, the furniture chain is known for its everyday low pricing model and in-store café featuring free coffee, cookies, candy and ice cream.

Champaign Store Manager Mike Clouse said the company’s philosophy centers on simplicity and transparency.

“We don’t have any phony gimmicks. There’s no pressure for sales. We’re helping people with transparency,” Clouse told Chambana Today. “I told my staff, ‘Have fun. Put the ‘fun’ back in furniture.’”

Clouse also highlighted the company’s commitment to community giving.

Photos from the Champaign Bob’s location are below.  The Springfield location is said to look similar.

Bob’s Chief Operating Officer Ramesh Murthy said the openings are part of a larger national expansion effort. Six new stores opened across the country Friday, and the company is working toward a long-term goal of 500 locations.

“Everybody deserves a home they love. It’s their foundation,” Murthy said. “Just because someone is economically disadvantaged, they should be able to afford nice furniture.”

The Champaign Marketview location was previously home to Bed, Bath and Beyond before its closure in early 2023 and later served as a temporary Dick’s House of Sport site during mall renovations.  The Springfield location also was a Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

Clouse said customers can expect consistent pricing without seasonal markups or sales tactics. “We always have low prices, so we never have to discount or put things on sale,” he said.

The store also offers a quick delivery guarantee and supports charitable causes through its Bob’s Café Collections for a Cause and outreach programs.