Fort Pierre Development Corporation Honors Bad River Furniture as August Business of the Month!

Bad River Furniture has been in Fort Pierre 22 years. Terry Campbell opened the store on Main Avenue in 2001 as Bad River Surplus which, in the words of his daughter-in-law, Shalee Campbell, “offered a little of everything even groceries.” Campbell later phased out of groceries and expanded his furniture and appliance store.

In 2020 with the COVID crisis looming, the older Campbell decided to retire to his ranching operation West River and offered the store operation to his son and daughter-in-law, Cody & Shalee Campbell. Shalee had previously owned and operated Affections Floral & Wine which she had closed in 2018. Cody had owned and operated River City Fitness; both businesses were in Fort Pierre.

The younger Campbells took the challenge and closed their other businesses, eventually selling that building and became immersed in the furniture business at a very tough time for businesses. However, according to Shalee, “Sales skyrocketed because everyone was home and had nothing else to do but shop. Getting shipments and keeping inventory was difficult and sometimes we were out of items for months.” She continued, “But people were very patient and basically took what they could, what we had in stock.”

When asked what their best-selling item has been Shalee said, “Honestly, our appliances. We were number three last year for GE sales. So we move a lot of appliances: stoves, refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers – those go out the door about as fast as we can get them.”

Bad River Furniture has been selling and delivering furniture to a wide area from the North Dakota border to Valentine, Nebraska and 75 miles either side of the Missouri River. Their delivery truck could be seen coming and going most week days.

In spite of how well they have done, the Campbells will be closing the store September 1st, 2023. They have a big, store-wide clearance sale going on.  Everything is 25% off including appliances and lawn mowers – “it’s a liquidation!” They will still be able to place orders if someone needs something not in the store. They are also still getting trucks in and have a lot of items in the warehouse addition added last year to the store.

“We haven’t decided what we will do if there is remaining merchandise after the 1st.  Perhaps an auction or some private buyers,” concluded Shalee. Even though the doors will be closed September 1st, Campbell will continue to operate the financing office and will be available by phone or email.

The store still has a wide variety of furniture available: dining room sets, sofas, sectionals, riding lawn mowers, appliances, beds and mattresses, smaller items like book shelves, end tables, and decorative items. Come take a look and take advantage of the discounts!